Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has become a popular phone service for businesses and individuals looking to make affordable international calls.
VoIP converts voice calls into data packets that are transmitted over the internet rather than traditional phone lines.
This allows for reduced costs, especially for long-distance and international calls.
In this article, we compare the top VoIP providers for international calling their features, pricing, pros and cons, and why to pick them, we will also be learning how to make international calls with VoIP, and how to choose the best provider.
The Best VoIP Providers for International Calling
1. RingCentral
Overview
RingCentral is one of the leading cloud-based business VoIP and unified communications providers.
They offer easy-to-use solutions for calls, messaging, meetings, and phone systems. RingCentral provides transparent international calling rates to over 100 countries.
Features
- Cloud phone system with easy deployment across locations
- Mobile app allows making calls over WiFi or cellular data from anywhere
- Advanced call routing, call forwarding, and auto-receptionist
- Audio and video conferencing, screen sharing, and team messaging
- AI-powered analytics for call monitoring and improvement
Pricing & Plans
RingCentral has several international calling plans:
- Essentials – $29.99/user/month. Includes 3000 minutes to 10 countries.
- Standard – $34.99/user/month. Includes 3000 minutes to 31 countries.
- Premium – $44.99/user/month. Includes 3000 minutes to 47 countries.
- Unlimited – $59.99/user/month. Unlimited calling to 47 countries.
Overage rates are around 1 cent per minute. Discounted annual and multi-year contracts are available.
Pros
- Excellent global coverage with unlimited plan
- Easy-to-use interface and mobile app
- Strong reliability and call quality
- Lots of advanced features beyond just VoIP
Cons
- Can be more expensive than some competitors
- Premium plans are required for full international coverage
Why Pick RingCentral
RingCentral is ideal for growing businesses that want a full-featured, reliable business phone system with transparent international calling pricing.
The mobile app makes it easy for remote and traveling employees.
2. Ooma
Overview
Ooma is a home and small business VoIP provider known for affordable pricing and excellent call quality.
Although mainly focused on the US, Ooma does provide international calling capabilities.
Features
- Virtual multi-line phone system
- Call forwarding, call transfer, conferencing, voicemail to email
- Mobile app and softphone for BYOD capabilities
- International calling to over 70 countries
- Number porting to transfer existing numbers
Pricing & Plans
Ooma has two main plans:
- Ooma Office – $19.95/month per user. Includes free calling to the US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and 60+ other countries.
- Ooma International – $29.95/month per user. Low per-minute rates to other countries are not included with the Office plan.
Ooma also charges a one-time $199.99 for their VoIP adapter to connect regular phones.
Pros
- Very affordable compared to other providers
- Excellent call quality and reliability
- Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees
- Easy to set up and manage
Cons
- Limited international coverage on the cheapest plan
- Requires purchase of VoIP adapter
- Fewer advanced features like video conferencing
Why Pick Ooma
Ooma is the best pick for smaller teams and offices looking to save money on business phone service. The international coverage is decent for the low monthly pricing.
3. Dialpad
Overview
Dialpad is a business VoIP provider that emphasizes AI-powered features, mobility, and integration with popular business apps.
Dialpad offers competitive international calling plans.
Features
- Cloud business phone system accessible anywhere
- AI bot for voice intelligence and real-time transcription
- Integrates with GSuite, Salesforce, Slack, and Microsoft Office
- Mobile app and 24/7 support
- International calling to 40+ countries
Pricing & Plans
Dialpad has two main plans:
- Pro – $15/user/month. Includes local calling in 18 countries and low per-minute international rates.
- Enterprise – $25/user/month. Includes 6000 minutes to 46 countries.
$10/user/month for an annual contract. International overage rates around 1 cent per minute.
Pros
- AI features like auto-transcription of calls
- Integrates well with many popular business apps
- Unlimited US and Canada calling on all plans
- Remote call center features available
Cons
- More limited international coverage than some competitors
- Can get pricey for heavy international callers
Why Pick Dialpad
Dialpad is the best option for businesses that want cutting-edge AI capabilities and app integrations with their phone system and international calling.
4. 8×8
Overview
8×8 is a leading unified communications as a service (UCaaS) provider that offers business phone systems with video conferencing, team chat, and contact center features.
8×8 provides competitive international calling plans.
Features
- Cloud-based phone system with easy administration
- Drag and drop conference calling, screen sharing, and video meetings
- Team messaging and chat apps with GIFs and emojis
- Integrated contact center and call queue options
- Mobile apps and softphone allow remote calling
- International plans with competitive per-minute rates
Pricing & Plans
8×8 has three core plans:
- X2 – $25/user/month or $20 annual. Up to 10 countries included.
- X4 – $35/user/month or $28 annually. Up to 22 countries included.
- X8 – $55/user/month or $44 annual. Up to 44 countries included.
Overage rates are around 1 cent per minute. Unlimited US and Canada calling comes standard.
Pros
- Bundled phone system, video conferencing, and contact center
- Unlimited US and Canada calling on all plans
- Strong reliability and call quality
- Competitive international rates
Cons
- Requires annual contract for cheapest pricing
- Limited global coverage on cheaper plans
- Expensive compared to some VoIP providers
Why Pick 8×8
8×8 is ideal for larger teams that want a comprehensive hosted phone solution with integrated video conferencing and optional contact center features.
International coverage is decent for an all-in-one system.
5. Vonage
Overview
Vonage is one of the early pioneers in consumer and business VoIP services. They provide affordable pricing across a wide range of international destinations.
Features
- Cloud-based phone system with PBX features
- Drag and drop call handling, transfers, conferencing
- Integrates with CRM platforms and productivity apps
- Mobile app with full calling capabilities
- International plans with rates to over 60 countries
Pricing & Plans
Vonage offers several international calling options:
- Mobile plan – $19.99/month. Free international calling to over 60 countries.
- Professional plan – $29.99/user/month. 1000 minutes to over 60 countries.
- Advanced plan – $39.99/user/month. Unlimited minutes to over 60 countries.
Per-minute overage rates start around 1 cent per minute.
Pros
- Affordable rates for international calling
- No long-term contracts required
- Unlimited international plan available
- Integrates well with many business apps
Cons
- Call quality and reliability vary
- Setup can be more complex than some competitors
- Fewer advanced features beyond calling
Why Pick Vonage
Vonage is the best choice for cost-conscious businesses that want simple and affordable international calling to a wide range of countries.
Call quality and support are not as robust as some alternatives.
6. Grasshopper
Overview
Grasshopper is a popular virtual phone system for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and side hustlers looking for an affordable small business phone service.
They provide international calling capabilities.
Features
- Cloud-based phone system works with desktop and mobile
- Customizable business phone number
- Call forwarding, extensions, auto-attendant, and other features
- Integrates with CRMs and other business apps
- Makes and receives domestic and international calls
Pricing & Plans
Grasshopper offers the following monthly pricing:
- Solo plan – $26/month. Up to 3 extensions.
- Partner plan – $44/month. Up to 5 extensions.
- Small Business plan – $80/month. Up to 8 extensions.
Add on their Global plan for $10/month to make international calls to over 40 countries for just 1 cent/minute.
Pros
- Very simple and easy to set up
- Affordable monthly pricing
- Excellent for freelancers and solopreneurs
- International calling add-on available
Cons
- Limited international coverage
- Few advanced phone system features
- Call quality can be inconsistent
Why Pick Grasshopper
Grasshopper is the best pick for freelancers and entrepreneurs who want a basic, low-cost phone system with the ability to make international calls on the cheap when needed.
7. Intermedia
Overview
Intermedia is a leading business cloud communications provider with a wide range of VoIP phone plans and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) offerings.
Features
- Full-hosted PBX with an easy management portal
- Screen sharing, video conferencing, and secure chat
- Integrates with Office 365, G Suite, Slack, and more
- Mobile app and softphone for remote usage
- International calling plans are available
Pricing & Plans
Intermedia offers several plans that include international calling:
- Pro Plus – $27.99/user/month. Includes up to 1,500 international minutes.
- Select – $37.99/user/month. 3,000 international minutes.
- Advanced – $57.99/user/month. Unlimited international minutes.
International rates are as low as 1 cent per minute depending on the destination.
Pros
- Competitive international calling rates
- Bundled video conferencing and team chat
- Integrates well with many business platforms
- Reliable call quality and global coverage
Cons
- Higher cost than some competitors
- Requires annual contract for cheapest pricing
Why Pick Intermedia
Intermedia is a great option for growing businesses that want a feature-packed hosted VoIP provider with the ability to make unlimited international calls.
Call quality and reliability are excellent.
8. GoTo Connect
Overview
GoTo Connect offers a cloud business phone and contact center system aimed primarily at small to midsize businesses. They provide international calling options.
Features
- Cloud-based business phone system
- Call routing, management, and analytics features
- Contact center software and call queues
- Mobile app and softphone capabilities
- International calling plans are available
Pricing & Plans
GoTo Connect has three international calling plans:
- Support – $29.95/user/month. Includes up to 7 calling destinations.
- Sales – $34.95/user/month. Includes up to 16 calling destinations.
- Contact Center – $45.95/user/month. Includes up to 36 calling destinations.
Per-minute overage rates start around 1 cent. Discounts are available for annual contracts.
Pros
- Bundled contact center software
- Unlimited US and Canada calling
- Reliable customer support
- Easy to manage admin portal
Cons
- Limited global coverage on cheaper plans
- Fewer business integrations than some competitors
- Call quality can be inconsistent
Why Pick GoTo Connect
GoTo Connect is best for smaller businesses that want an integrated phone system with contact center features.
International coverage is a bit limited but overage rates are affordable.
9. Zoom Phone
Overview
Zoom Phone is the VoIP business phone offered by video conferencing leader Zoom. It focuses on cloud call management, mobility, and integration with Zoom’s popular meeting platform.
Features
- Cloud phone system tightly integrated with Zoom Meetings
- Call routing, recording, voicemail, basic call center features
- Mobile app and softphone for remote usage
- International calling rates to over 40 countries
Pricing & Plans
Zoom Phone offers the following plans:
- Pro – $10/month per user. Free calling to 8 countries.
- Business – $15/month per user. Includes 600 international minutes.
- Enterprise – $23/month per user. Unlimited international calling to over 40 countries.
Per-minute overage charges are around 1 cent.
Pros
- Tight integration with Zoom video meetings
- Unlimited international calling with an Enterprise plan
- Call recording and voicemail transcription
- Easy setup and management
Cons
- Limited global coverage on cheaper plans
- Few advanced PBX features beyond the basics
- Call quality and reliability can be inconsistent
Why Pick Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone makes sense for existing Zoom customers who want a business phone system natively integrated with their video meetings.
International coverage is solid on the Enterprise plan.
How to Make International Calls with VoIP?
1. Choose a VoIP Service Provider
The first step is to choose a VoIP service provider. Some popular options include Skype, Vonage, Google Voice, and RingCentral.
Evaluate different providers based on cost, features, reliability, and country coverage. Some key factors to consider:
- Cost per minute for calls to different countries
- Monthly fees or subscription plans
- Call quality and reliability
- Number of countries supported
Opt for a provider that offers affordable rates to countries you call frequently.
2. Get a VoIP Phone Number
Once you’ve chosen a VoIP provider, you’ll need to set up an account and get a VoIP phone number.
This will be your virtual phone number that people can call to reach you. Some providers will give you a local number for free, while others charge a small monthly fee.
The VoIP number will be tied to your VoIP service account. When someone calls your VoIP number, the call gets routed through the internet to your VoIP app or VoIP phone.
3. Set Up VoIP Software or Hardware
To receive VoIP calls, you’ll need to install VoIP software on your desktop/laptop or use a physical VoIP phone.
VoIP software options include Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice app, etc. Physical VoIP phones plug into your router or connect to WiFi to make and receive calls.
If using VoIP software, make sure to configure it fully using your VoIP credentials. For VoIP hardware phones, set it up according to the provider’s instructions.
4. Make International Calls
Once your VoIP account is set up, you can start making international calls to any destination worldwide.
To make a call, you first need to dial the international exit code of your country (011 in the USA, 00 in most countries). Then dial the country code, area code, and phone number.
For example, to call a number in London, you’d dial: 011 + 44 + London area code + Phone number.
Some VoIP services have their dialing patterns to make international calls directly from within their apps or hardware phones.
The call will be routed over the Internet, resulting in significant cost savings compared to traditional long-distance calling. Enjoy making affordable international calls with VoIP!
How to Choose a Provider for International VoIP Calls?
1. Compare Rates to Target Countries
The most important factor is the calling rates offered by providers to your most frequented international destinations.
- Make a list of countries you call regularly.
- Research rates from different providers to those countries at peak and off-peak timings.
- Some providers charge per minute while others have monthly international packages.
- Go for the most cost-effective provider for your usage needs.
2. Call Quality
Ensure the provider offers reliable call quality to your target destinations.
- VoIP call quality can vary based on internet connectivity.
- Check reviews and feedback for call quality to your countries of interest.
- Try making test calls to those countries using the provider’s trial offers.
3. Supported Countries
Verify that the provider enables calling to all the countries you need.
- Some VoIP providers only support selected countries.
- Check their website or contact customer support for the full list of supported nations for calling.
4. Features
Compare features like voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, etc. offered by the providers.
- Choose the provider that offers all the features you need.
- Advanced features like number porting and toll-free numbers may cost extra.
5. Customer Support
Opt for a provider with 24/7 customer support in case you need help troubleshooting call issues.
Following these tips will help you identify the best VoIP provider for making affordable and reliable international calls based on your requirements.
Conclusion
When considering international calling plans, look for providers that offer competitive per-minute rates, unlimited plans, and coverage across a wide range of countries.
Features like call quality, reliability, business integrations, and advanced functionality are also important.
Of the providers compared, RingCentral, Vonage, Intermedia, and 8×8 offer affordable rates to many destinations, with strong call quality and reliability. Grasshopper and Ooma are great for budget solutions.
Leading UCaaS platforms like Dialpad, Intermedia, and 8×8 provide bundled video meetings and team messaging.
Global companies with distributed teams need full-featured solutions like RingCentral or 8×8. Choose the right fit based on calling needs, budget, and desired features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ques 1. How can I lower my VoIP international calling costs?
Ans. Using a VoIP provider’s international calling plan, buying bulk minutes, using mobile apps, and timing calls during off-peak hours can lower VoIP international calling costs.
Ques 2. Can I port my existing phone number to VoIP?
Ans. Yes, most VoIP providers allow you to port your existing phone number onto their service for a small fee.
Ques 3. Are there differences between VoIP providers’ international coverage?
Ans. Yes, compare providers’ international coverage maps as they vary. Some specialize in certain continents or have better low-cost coverage.
Ques 4. Which VoIP provider has the lowest international rates?
Ans. Skype offers some of the lowest rates to many countries starting from around 2 cents per minute through their SkypeOut service.
Q5. What do I need to make VoIP international calls?
Ans. You need a stable, high-speed internet connection, a VoIP service or app from a provider, and VoIP hardware like IP phones, adapters, or smartphone apps.
