Skype

We use Skype as our main means of communicating with our team members, suppliers and customers. This is mainly because all these people already use the service; it is not because it is the best voice or video application. Last year the service went down for three days so you should have a backup plan. If you don’t have to use Skype consider one of the options below.

Skype calls between computers are free. Calls from a computer to a normal phone or mobile are charged at low rates, for which you have to buy credits. This service is called SkypeOut. You can also buy a Skype phone number (30 Euros/yr) which allows people to call you on your computer. This can be useful as it means you can take phone calls on any computer anywhere in the world. This service is called SkypeIn.

Biggest user base by a long way

Owned by eBay so will continually be improved

Very easy to use

Uses a lot of YOUR computer processing power even when you are not making calls

Call quality poor at busy times

Has had reliability problems

Skype@ Skype.com

Flaphone

Flaphone is one of the most interesting web-based telephones I’ve come across; you can make and receive calls using the service. You will need to sign up but it’s very quick and easy.

Calls can be made straight from the website so, there’s no downloads required. If you prefer though, they do have an AIR application that you can also use from your desktop.

Flaphone allows you to not only make calls to SIP and regular phones but you can also call any Skype user. As an added bonus, you can also make video calls with Flaphone as well as use it as an instant messenger.

You will need Adobe Flash Player version 9 or higher in order to use the service.

Flaphone@ Flaphone.com

Globe7

also has a lot of unique features and is a great tool for those that like online entertainment. This handy tool can be used for more than just making free calls. With Globe 7

you can watch videos, play games, watch live TV, listen to live radio, send SMS messages, upload and share files, and so much more. To get started, you will need to download the program to your computer.

What’s also great about Globe7 is that it’s not only for Windows users, Mac and Linux users can enjoy it as well. Plus, there’s also a mobile version that’s free to download.

Globe7 @ http://www.globe7.com/

FreeRinger

FreeRinger allows you to make free international calls to over 30 countries right from your browser. No need to download and install anything but simply register on the site and follow the calling guide below:

(1) Enter your friend’s phone number (incl. a country code) and press “CALL” button.

(2) Ask your friend to call you back at the number displayed on their phone (you have 10 seconds).

(3) Stay on the line and wait for your friend o dail he number and join you back on the call.

Features:

Make free mobile and landline calls to 30+ countries worldwide.

Make as many calls as you need. No restrictions.

Recipients always asked to dial local numbers (same as calling a place in their neighborhood)

See a list of supported countries here.

Embed FreeRinger on your blog or website and allow your visitors to make free calls.

FreeRinger @ http://www.freeringer.biz/index.shtml

PokeTalk

PokeTalk offers free international calling to over 50+ countries worldwide. No headphones or mic required, all you need is an internet browser and regular or mobile phone line. You can make up to 50 calls per month, with a limit of 10 minutes per call.

Before you can make your first free call go to PokeTalk website and signup. Once you have registered enter your phone number and the number you wish to call. Click on the “Call” button and wait for your phone to ring. When you answer it PokeTalk will connect you with the person you called.

Features:

Free international calling to 55 countries worldwide.

You can call both mobile and regular numbers.

Each call is limited to 10 minutes.

No headphones and mic needed.

PokeTalk @ http://www.poketalk.com/

EvaPhone

EvaPhone is a website where you can make free international phone calls from your PC. The calls can be made to almost any country in the world. Moreover you can make free calls both to landline and mobile phone numbers.

The only thing is that your calls are limited to certain length. The free call duration varies depending on the call destination and line provider. The maximum free call allowance for some countries can go up to 5 minutes per call and 2 calls per day.

When it comes to calling you don’t have to download or install anything, simply dial the country code and the number where you want to call.

Features:

Make free short calls to any landline or mobile worldwide.

Duration of free call depends on location and the line provider.

See free call destination list and the amount of free minutes here.

No sign up or registration needed.

EvaPhone @ http://evaphone.com/