Mobile call apps offer numerous advantages over traditional phone systems. Also called virtual numbers, softphones or cloud phones, they’re device-neutral, cost-efficient and flexible and can help everyone from startups to freelancers.

In this guide to mobile calls app, we will explain what they are, state their advantages, list the top apps and help you choose the right one.

What is a mobile calls app?

Mobile call apps use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to make and receive calls and send messages over the internet. You don’t have to buy an additional device or SIM to get started. All you need is to download the mobile calls app from the service provider.

Benefits of using mobile calls app

If you still use a landline or mobile phone as your business phone, these advantages of mobile call apps will convince you that they’re the right tool to transform your business.

1. You can easily get started

There’s no need to buy a new device or SIM and wait for it to get activated. To use a mobile calls app, you only have to download the app, choose your number and select your plan. You can get started in a matter of minutes and share your number with colleagues and customers.

2. You don't need IT experts

Setting up a landline can be challenging for small businesses and freelancers. You’ll have to use the services of IT experts for installation and maintenance. A mobile calls app is easy to download and use. In case of any problem, you can reach out to the service provider’s customer care.

3. You save money

Since they don’t need additional devices, mobile call apps save you money on initial investments. Most virtual numbers also offer considerably cheaper subscription plans when compared to landlines or mobile phones. This is especially true for long-distance and international calls.

4. You get a remote-friendly system

You can use a mobile calls app wherever there is a reliable internet connection. This makes it the ideal business phone for distributed teams. Even if you have employees in another country, now you can unify your marketing and customer service through a single business phone number.

5. You get global accessibility

You need a mobile call app if you want your business to go global. Now you can get a virtual number for the country you’re marketing your goods or services to. Instead of appearing as a non-local firm, you will appear as a local business, which will improve your credibility.

6. You can easily scale

If you need more virtual numbers, you don’t have to get additional lines, devices or hardware. You can simply go to the dashboard and get more numbers whether you work from the same location or from different places. This makes it easy to onboard new hires.

7. You can separate your work and personal lives

One of the biggest benefits of using a mobile calls app is that you don’t have to share your personal number with customers, on marketing collateral, websites or social media channels. This separates your work and personal communication, protects your privacy and gives you a greater work-life balance.

8. You get tools to grow your business

Why settle for just a number when you can get a comprehensive communication system with a mobile call app? The best virtual number apps such as Chalkboard come with enhanced business tools including voicemail, auto-reply, group broadcast, call forwarding, call recording, centralised phonebook, shared inbox and number-sharing to name a few.

Top mobile call apps

Want to get a next-generation phone system for your business? Choose the one that best meets your requirements from these top mobile call apps.

Chalkboard

If you’re a small or independent business owner, freelancer, gig worker or early-stage startup, Chalkboard is the perfect mobile call app for you. It has all the features you want from a modern business phone system while being cost-effective and easy to use.

You get number-sharing and shared inboxes to improve collaboration while message templates and group broadcasts can amplify your marketing. Chalkboard also has voicemail transcription and auto-reply. This mobile calls app has everything a small business needs.

RingCentral

Another mobile call app that you could consider is RingCentral. This virtual number comes with calling, SMS, team messaging and faxing. One of its standout features is video conferencing. Moreover, the app integrates well with other apps for small businesses.

But RingCentral has a complicated interface and could be challenging for those looking for an easy-to-use mobile calls app. It’s also expensive, which can make it unfeasible for small businesses and freelancers.

Grasshopper

As an early entrant in the industry, Grasshopper used to be synonymous with virtual numbers. The app allows you to select from vanity or toll-free numbers. Its features include real-time notifications of missed calls, voicemail transcription (as emails) and call forwarding.

But this mobile calls app is primarily designed for medium and large enterprises, making it both a complex and expensive proposition for small, local businesses.

Google Voice

Why is Google Voice so popular? Mainly because it’s free. But the free plan is only available to users in the US and those numbers registered in the US. An advantage of Google Voice is that it allows number porting, which is part of the free plan. It also has ring groups or hunt groups that allow an incoming call to ring on multiple devices.

While it makes sense for personal use, there may be better options for businesses than Google Voice. The biggest reason is that it has texting limits, which will hinder your text marketing. The service also has non-existent customer support.

How to choose the right mobile calls app

Keep these factors in mind while choosing a mobile calls app:

Budget: Calculate both the subscription charges and additional feature costs, if any.
Focus: Select a mobile calls app that knows the requirements of your sector and not one made for companies with bigger resources.
Features: Look for the features that your business needs and ensure that they’re part of your subscription package.
Free trial: If your mobile calls app has a free trial, you and your team can test its features, customer support and the bandwidth it would require.
Ease of exit: Ideally, what you want is a mobile calls app that allows you to terminate the services without binding you to long contracts.

Get started with Chalkboard

Chalkboard is not only feature-rich and affordable but also easy to get started with.

Download the app
If you want, you can port your current number to Chalkboard in a few simple steps
Choose your new numbers
Invite your team members

Final thought

With their cost-efficiencies and enhanced tools, mobile call apps are redefining communication. If you’re looking for a virtual phone number for business use, choosing the one that meets your requirements is important. And if you’re a small business owner or freelancer, the smart choice is Chalkboard.