How to Make VoIP Calls With an iPhone (Top 5 Apps)

Finding the right Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) app for your iPhone isn’t just about convenience. It’s about embracing the nature of your on-the-go lifestyle and the unique demands of modern business.

Whether you’re strategizing from the boardroom, checking in on a new out-of-state franchise location, or closing deals halfway around the world, a reliable and capable VoIP calling app is a game changer.

VoIP apps offer more than cost savings and streamlined communications — they redefine what it means to be present for your teams, your clients, and your family.

Are you ready to be just a call away for every moment that matters — professionally and personally? 

Follow along as we showcase several of the best VoIP apps for iPhone and find the right one for your business needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Why Do You Need a VoIP App?

Here are four good reasons why you need a VoIP app.

Advanced calling features

Typically, iPhone VoIP apps provide users with handy features that traditional phones skip.

These enhanced features may include video calling, group chat, call recording, voicemail transcriptions, screen sharing, and increased security, making VoIP so much more than a tool. VoIP is a comprehensive communication platform for personal and professional use.

This is especially true in the remote work era that increasingly demands flexible communication solutions.

Separate phone numbers

For small business owners, the ability to have unique phone numbers is often a critical feature. 

This feature allows you to create distinct lines for various departments or employees without the complexity and expense associated with traditional phone lines. Virtual phone numbers enhance your professional image as a business, making you appear world-class even though you might just be starting out. 

They also improve your work–life balance, helping you differentiate between business and personal phone calls.

Low-cost or free phone calls

VoIP is also an excellent option for small businesses looking to reduce their communication costs. 

VoIP apps often provide free calling within their network and extremely low rates for international calls, which is a sharp contrast to the high international costs associated with landlines and mobile phone providers. 

For businesses that communicate regularly with global customers or employees, VoIP apps are the stepping stone to unified communications.

Simplified travels

Business owners who travel frequently will appreciate VoIP’s seamless communication capabilities. 

Whether you’re traveling abroad or to your newest franchise location out of state, VoIP gives you the power to communicate without the constraints of a traditional phone service. 

When traveling abroad, avoid the hassle of dealing with local Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards and international roaming charges. VoIP apps bypass these travel headaches and provide flexibility. Users can enjoy low-cost phone calls and communicate with their team and clients from anywhere in the world as if they were in their own office.

Best VoIP Apps for iPhone

Nextiva

Source: Nextiva/Apple App Store

Key features

• Unified communication platform offering voice, video, and text in one platform.
• Advanced call management features, such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, auto attendant, call handling, and call routing.
• Seamless integration with leading CRM systems for an enhanced customer service experience.
• Professional business phone numbers, including local, toll-free, and vanity numbers.
• Robust mobile app that offers secure, on-the-go communication for the entire team.
• Built-in team messaging capabilities.
• Detailed analytics and reporting tools.
• Seamless compatibility with many systems, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Star rating: 3.8 out of 5 – 3.9K ratings

Nextiva pros

• A comprehensive communication solution.
• High reliability and call quality with 99.99% uptime.
• Excellent 24/7 customer support.
• Comprehensive platform suitable for small or large businesses.
• Monthly or annual pricing plans that suit the needs of various businesses.
• High-definition voice and video quality.

Nextiva cons

• No free plan.
• Primarily meant for businesses, not casual users or solopreneurs.

Groundwire

Source: Groundwire/Apple App Store

Key features

• Manages multiple SIP accounts concurrently.
• Supports advanced call features, such as group calls, call transfer, visual voicemail, and voicemail-to-email capabilities.
• Offers customizable mobile interface.
• Provides high-quality audio with wide codec support.
• Includes advanced push notification, alerting users while the app is not in use.

Star rating: 3.5 out of 5 – 65 ratings

Groundwire pros

• Multiple SIP account support makes it ideal for business use.
• End-to-end encryption offers high security and privacy.
• Personalized user experience.

Groundwire cons

• Fee for users to download and use the app.
• Complex setup and configuration could be frustrating for some users.
• Resource-intensive app, which may affect the performance of a user’s phone.
• Occasional bugs and glitches reported by users.
• Limited customer support due to the smaller size of the provider.

Zoiper Softphone Premium

Source: Zoiper/Apple App Store

Key features

• Compatible with most VoIP providers and PBXs because of SIP and IAX support.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and Windows platforms.

Star rating: 3.6 out of 5 – 127 ratings (Zoiper Premium)

Star rating: 4.4 out of 5 – 1.6K ratings (Zoiper Lite)

Zoiper pros

• Free app version available (with limited feature set).
• Advanced call features, such as call forwarding, auto-answer, call recordings, and voicemail with premium version.
• Smooth and simple setup and configuration.
• Modern and user-friendly interface.

Zoiper cons

• Advanced features require premium (paid) app sign-up.
• Free app version bombards users with ads.
• Common issues include connection failures, and bugs.
• App must be open to receive incoming calls.

Bria Mobile

Source: Bria Mobile/Apple App Store

Key features

• Superior audio and video call quality.
• Presence status to determine when contacts are available and when to send them messages.
• Multiple account integration by combining different VoIP services.
• Enhanced security with encryption for calls and messages.
• Screen sharing for better collaboration within teams.

Star rating: 4.4 out of 5 – 2.3K ratings

Bria pros

• Comprehensive set of features for professionals.
• Reliable performance and connectivity.
• Strong emphasis on enhanced messaging security.
• Compatibility with a wide range of VoIP and SIP servers.

Bria cons

• Subscription model is expensive compared to those of competitors.
• Setup and customization can be complex.
• Configuration can be complicated for new users, especially those unfamiliar with VoIP.

Google Voice

Source: Google Voice/Apple App Store

Key features

• Free domestic calling within the U.S. and free calls to Canada.
• Enhanced call and text features, including voicemail transcription, group texting, call screening, call forwarding, and call blocking.
• Multiplatform support available for Android, iOS devices, and web browsers.
• Seamless integration with Google Contacts.

Google Voice pros

• Free phone number.
• Standard plans with auto-attendant features.
• Seamless integration with Google suite of services and products.
• Free calls to U.S. numbers from anywhere.
• Simple, intuitive, and familiar user interface.
• Affordable rates for international calling.
• Google’s robust infrastructure for reliable service and uptime.

Google Voice cons

• Limited features exist for business users compared to dedicated VoIP apps.
• Calls to toll-free numbers are prohibited.
• Customer service is slow to respond, especially for free users.

TextNow

Source: TextNow/Apple App Store

Key features

• Free unlimited text and calling to U.S. and Canadian phone numbers.
• Ad-supported free service that can be upgraded through a subscription plan.
• Essential features like voicemail and call forwarding.
• Cross-platform availability, including iOS, Android, desktop, and web browsers.
• Group texting and multimedia messaging.
• Elastic Calling to automatically determine the best way to place a call (Wi-Fi, data, or cellular) to ensure the best quality.

Star rating: 4.8 out of 5 – 675.8K ratings

TextNow pros

• Offers a completely free, cost-effective version (with ads).
• Includes free text messaging services.
• Enables user to choose their own phone number.
• Provides unlimited texting and calling plans within North America.
• Has user-friendly interface to make it easy for anyone to use.
• Updates app continuously to deliver new features and improvements regularly.

TextNow cons

• Ads on the free version are intrusive and affect the user experience.
• Limited features compared to other comprehensive VoIP solutions mean it may not be suitable for business users.
• International calling is charged by the minute, which could add up for frequent long-distance users.
• Call quality depends on the Internet connection and server load.
• Customer support options are limited on the free version of the app.

3 Different Ways to Place Calls From an iPhone

How else can you place and receive calls and text messages with an iPhone? Let’s explore how other popular call formats compare to VoIP.

Cellular: standard SIM

We know and love the familiar standard SIM card, but this option isn’t without its drawbacks. Owners appreciate the simplicity and reliability of a physical SIM card, but these SIMs can run into connectivity issues and incur high costs when traveling abroad.

With a standard SIM card, you are tied to a single number from a phone provider. You’ll be juggling personal and professional calls on the same number, and you may find yourself switching between SIMs frequently if your iPhone does not support a dual SIM (physical SIM and eSIM). 

Cellular: eSIM

eSIM technology marks a significant leap forward in mobile communication. An eSIM is a modern option for business owners seeking greater flexibility and security in their iPhone call options. 

Unlike traditional SIM cards, the eSIM is embedded directly in your phone. This eliminates the need for physical chips and enables you to activate and switch between phone numbers, carriers, or plans. This option is well suited for business owners who travel internationally, allowing them to easily switch to local eSIM plans and avoid high roaming charges.

Some limitations of eSIMs involve the requirement for an eSIM-compatible device and, in certain situations, the need to activate eSIM functionality before traveling. It’s also important to note that eSIM transfers may require contacting your provider. If you switch phones frequently, this may not be the most convenient option.

Making a call with your eSIM-connected iPhone is as simple as placing one with a standard SIM. Simply choose the eSIM Line before tapping the call symbol. For more information, follow these instructions.

Source: Apple

Internet: cloud-based VoIP

Then there’s VoIP, the smart choice for businesses of all sizes looking to connect globally without high costs. VoIP service providers like Nextiva offer a suite of useful and reliable features that power business communication: think video conferencing, team messaging, automatic call flows, customer call recording, and increased security, just to name a few.

VoIP relies on a dependable internet connection and is often agile enough to meet the flexible demands of small businesses. Team members no longer feel like they’re chained to their desks and can freely accept calls through their mobile phones, allowing them to easily work remotely or in a quieter area of the office.

To place a VoIP call using Nextiva, first install your chosen VoIP app on your device. Then, link your mobile phone number to the app and sign in with your account details. Once logged in, simply use the app’s keypad to dial the phone number you wish to call.

Curious about how to get a dedicated business phone number? Jake explains it all in the video below.

VoIP Calls Have Never Been Easier

The right platform is the key to maintaining first-class communication and striking that balance between your professional and personal life. With so many options at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to stay connected. 

VoIP fuels much of the innovation in how businesses serve customers and how people interact from their mobile phones. The technology offers users the ultimate blend of convenience, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.

Not all VoIP apps are created equal, though. While free services might be attractive, these options often come with strings attached, such as intrusive ads or privacy concerns due to tracking.

Nextiva’s highly rated iPhone VoIP app has redefined cloud communications by turning your device into a versatile command center for handling calls, conference lines, and much more, no matter where you are. 

For businesses seeking a reliable, feature-rich business phone system, Nextiva’s full-feature platform is a top choice. With eight redundant data centers spread across North America, Nextiva yields an impressive 99.999% uptime, ensuring you’re always responsive to customer needs. 

The best part is its simplicity. Users can use the NextivaONE VoIP app to stay in touch — there are no complicated setups, IT worries, or hassles to think about. You just need your username and password, and you’re ready to take business calls anywhere you go.