At the time when I heard VoIP first, I understood it was some sort of tech lingo that only an IT specialist would pay attention to. That is when it struck me that I have been making use of it all these years without even knowing it.
Every Zoom call? VoIP. Discord chat with friends? VoIP. WhatsApp video call on family abroad? Yep, VoIP.
Now here is what I found out about why it is important, how it really works, and the three applications to make it all ridiculously easy.
Table of Contents
What VoIP Actually Is (Without the Tech Speak)
VoIP is the voice over internet protocol. It simply refers to the use of the internet to make phone calls as opposed to the olden days where they used cumbersome phone lines.
The basic version is as follows: your voice is turned into digital packets (in other words rather than analog sound) which are transmitted using IP networks (Wi-Fi, or your home wireless network) and then reassembled on the other end. That is why you can video call someone on the other end of the world free and yet your parents used to pay the international rates per minute many years ago.
The cool part? It uses your existing data networks and therefore, you are not paying to use different voice circuits or costly phone systems. That’s it. That’s the whole magic trick.
Why VoIP Actually Helps (The Real Benefits)
Following the experience of working and personal assignments using various VoIP setups, the following are the things that actually count:
1.You’ll Save Money (Like, A Lot)
This is enormous to small businesses. The conventional business telephony landline rates can be about 50 dollars per line of the month, whereas VoIP seats might cost less than 20. I have friends that have saved over fifty percent of their phone bill by changing providers.
For international calls? Even better. Certain of the businesses claim that they are reducing international expenses 90 percent. I experimented myself – I called a friend in Japan using WhatsApp (free) as compared to my normal carrier (2.50/minute). Yeah, no contest.
2.Work From Literally Anywhere
This transformed all in distance working. Any device with net access such as laptop, smartphone, tablet can make and receive calls and can remain on work number when she is completely remote.
When I changed jobs last year and I made a move to different cities I did not change my business number. Not a single client call missed. Attempt to do so with a landline.
3.Everything in One Place
Even the finest VoIP systems do not make calls only. It has voice, video conferences, screen sharing, instant messaging and even voicemail-to-email all in a single interface.
No more juggling five apps. I kept on changing between my phone, email and Skype. Now? One app handles it all.
Top 3 VoIP Apps (And How to Actually Use Them)
Okay, this is where we come to the point. These are the three applications which take care of a majority of the applications and all of them are stupid-easy to install.
Zoom – Work Meeting and Video calls.
On top of webinars, team huddles, and meetings with professionals.
How to use it:
- Install the application (mobile or desktop)
- Create an account using your e-mail address (the free version includes 40 minutes of the group meeting)
- Click New Meeting to make a call or Schedule to make a call in future.
- Send the meeting link to individuals – they make a click and they are there.
What I like:The quality works well even with crappy Wi-Fi. To share a screen, the process is unproblematic, and you can record meetings provided that you are on the paid plan.
The catch? The free users are thrown off of the group discussion after 40 minutes. In case of one-on-one calls however, it is unlimited.
Discord – For Gaming and Community Chats
Best on: Gaming, casual parties, joining groups, leisure.
How to use it:
- Register a free account.
- Join a server (that is what Discord calls group/community) or make your own.
- Join voice channels with a single click – no dialing, no links.
- Discord incorporates noise-cancellation AI as well as low-latency voice chat, thus ensuring your team can always understand you clearly even in the middle of a decisive match.
What I like: It just works. You are not calling anybody, you enter a voice room and chatting. On top of which the mobile application is almost as old school as desktop.
The catch? It is community-oriented, meaning that WhatsApp could be easier to use in case you only need one-on-one calls at a time.
WhatsApp – Everyday Calls (International Calls in particular).
Best: Free calls to friends/family and in particular overseas.
How to use it:
- Install the app (it is everywhere iOS and Android and on everyone)
- Verify your phone number
- Tap the phone icon or video at the top of any chat.
- That’s it. Video or voice calls are free anywhere around the world.
What I like: everybody already possesses it. My father and mother have been utilizing it to make calls to people abroad without incurring charges. Even the mobile data has great quality.
The catch? The two require the installation of WhatsApp. And yet, who is honest, who does not have it at this point?
Quick Setup Tips (So It Actually Works Well)
The following has been my experience, the hard way:
Prefer the use of wired internet. Wi-Fi loses to Ethernet when you have to make an important call – I made the switch to a cable when making work calls and the difference was to say the least, amazing.
Check your upload speed. The majority of them consider only download speeds, whereas VoIP requires good upload bandwidth, particularly, with video. Perform a speed test – you would want 1-2 Mbps upload per call.
Activate quality settings in your router. A lot of routers have uncomplicated Quality of Service applications which give precedence to the VoIP. Search in your router settings for the QoS or the traffic priority and set it to other real-time communications.
Real Talk: Is VoIP Worth It?
Yeah, it is. I have not spent on an international call within the last three years. I have my home office, which operates purely on the VoIP basis, no landline, no billed phone, only internet.
It tends to be higher than the phone lines of old (unless your internet is absolutely dreadful), it is less expensive, and you are able to work out of a coffee shop or in your couch without the option of missing calls.
All you need to do is to ensure you have a good internet connection, you select the appropriate application based on your need and you are good to go. Begin with the free applications, have the experience and upgrade only when you are in need of premium features.
That’s VoIP. It is not as easy as it sounds, and it is also much more helpful than it would seem.
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I’m a technology writer with a passion for AI and digital marketing. I create engaging and useful content that bridges the gap between complex technology concepts and digital technologies. My writing makes the process easy and curious. and encourage participation I continue to research innovation and technology. Let’s connect and talk technology! LinkedIn for more insights and collaboration opportunities: