With FireRTC, you can call any cell phone or landline in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico from your computer.
Aside from being a free service, it also integrates with Google Apps, Pushbullet, and Click-to-call. Furthermore, it enables you to record calls and configure Caller IDs.
However, FireRTC is limited to some countries. Not to mention, they don’t allow new users at the moment.
So, in this post, I will show you the best FireRTC alternatives.
10 Best FireRTC Alternatives
1. Skype
With more than 40 million daily active users, Skype is a popular online communication platform. It was launched in 2003 by Skype Communications S.a r.l but acquired in 2011 by Microsoft Corporation, which now owns the platform.
There are two possible ways of calling others from your computer with Skype. You can make Skype to Skype voice calls to other users or make calls to those who don’t use Skype. Like FireRTC, you can call landlines and cell phones, but Skype is not limited to just three countries. You can call anyone across the world on Skype.
Skype to Skype voice calls make online calling very easy. Subtitles are displayed to get precisely what the other person is saying and if they’re speaking a foreign language, it is automatically translated. In fact, the voice translator can translate calls into ten different languages. Furthermore, you can share files (up to 300 MB) during Skype to Skype calls.
To call landlines and mobile phones of people who don’t use Skype, you’ll have to purchase Skype Credits; it is not free like FireRTC. You can go with the pay-as-you-go calling plans or pay for a monthly subscription. The pay-as-you-go plans are best, and there are three calling plans.
An interesting Skype feature is that you don’t have to use your real phone number to make these calls. You can mask it using a Skype Phone Number in any country, although you have to pay for it.
Verdict: The only advantage FireRTC has over Skype is that it’s free. However, Skype’s pay-as-you-go calling plans and subscriptions are affordable, and you can call anyone anywhere.
2. Google Voice
Google needs no introduction; the brand is the most popular on the internet. The company introduced the Voice platform in 2009 as telephone service. Google Voice lets you create phone numbers, make internet voice calls, and make phone calls. Just like other Google services, you’ll need a Google account to use Voice.
If you’re making internet voice calls with Google Voice, you will be charged about 0.2 MB of data per minute. For phone calls, you won’t be charged for calling numbers in the US and Canada for most locations; this is just one location short of FireRTC, which also supports Puerto Rico. For the few locations in the US and Canada that aren’t free, you’re charged just one cent.
If you’re calling outside these two locations, you have to pay for Google Voice calling rates. The calling rates differ depending on the country or region you’re calling. Nevertheless, most landlines and mobile call rates are not up to $0.50 per minute.
You’ll have to ‘Add Money’ to your account to make voice calls. There are Google Voice credit packages of $10, $25, $50, etc., and you can pay via different payment methods.
Unlike FireRTC, Google Voice is not only web-based. You can download its mobile apps for Android and iOS to make phone calls more conveniently. However, you can Voice on your desktop PC via Firefox and Chrome web browsers.
Verdict: Google Voice is an ideal FireRTC alternative because it is limitless. The service lets you call anyone anywhere, and you only get to pay if you’re calling outside the US and Canada.
3. WhatsApp
It might interest you to know that WhatsApp is a noteworthy FireRTC alternative.
Facebook acquired WhatsApp in 2014, and since then, the platform has grown to be the number one messaging app in the world with two billion active users. This is mainly because WhatsApp uses phone numbers.
Unlike FireRTC that supports calls between users as well as calls to landlines and cellphones, WhatsApp only supports internet voice calls between users. However, it’s a worthy alternative because, with two billion active users, there’s a huge possibility that the contact you want to call is using WhatsApp, no matter the country.
To call others on WhatsApp, simply tap the phone icon within your conversation. However, for the call to go through, both the caller and receiver must have an internet connection. WhatsApp doesn’t mention how much data voice calls consume, but from an experiment, a one-minute voice call on WhatsApp using 3G utilizes around 0.70 to 0.80 MB.
Most significantly, WhatsApp features a call tab that serves as a call log. That way, you can view your call history, including dialed calls, missed calls, and received calls. Furthermore, while on a WhatsApp voice call, you can instantly switch to video call.
Mainly, WhatsApp is used on mobile devices; there’s an application for all primary mobile OS. To make WhatsApp voice calls on your computer, you can use WhatsApp web via a browser or download its desktop app for Windows or Mac OS.
To keep things professional, you can register for a WhatsApp Business account instead of a regular account. Both are free to use.
Verdict: WhatsApp and FireRTC are different in some way. However, when it comes to making voice calls from your computer, WhatsApp is very reliable; all you need is data and a strong internet connection.
4. Zoom
Mainly used for video calls, Zoom is an online communication platform launched in 2011 and has about 300 million daily average users. To make phone calls from your computer like FireRTC, the ZoomPhone is what you need. It is a cloud-based phone system that works on mobile and desktop.
Natively, ZoomPhone has almost all the features that you need in a regular mobile phone system. This includes call transfer, call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, call blocking, call hold, conferencing, and more. These place Zoom above FireRTC in terms of calling features.
Zoom also beats FireRTC when it comes to coverage as the platform’s coverage is global; you can call any country you want. Furthermore, with HD voice quality, you get an outstanding calling experience.
However, Zoom is not free like FireRTC. You can either purchase ZoomPhone plans or use it with your existing mobile carrier. The rates for ZoomPhone plans differ by country. There are different rates for landline and mobile and there are toll and toll-free rates. Likewise, ZoomPhone supports voice calls between users too. This won’t require call credits but cellular data instead.
With centralized management, you can conveniently keep track of all your phone call activities. This is more advantageous for enterprises; it gives you the power to manage and monitor everyone’s phone calls in your organization.
Unlike FireRTC that integrates only with Google Calendar, Zoom increases your productivity via integrations. The Zoom platform integrates with several third-party platforms, including Salesforce, Office 365, G-Suite, Slack, Twilio, Azure, etc.
Verdict: The ZoomPhone is an advanced solution for making voice and phone calls from your computer; more advanced than FireRTC.
5. Telegram
Telegram is another top FireRTC alternative. Launched in 2013, the platform is cloud-based, and it is used for instant messaging, video calling, and voice over internet protocol (VoIP). As a FireRTC alternative, the last feature (VoIP) is what you’ll be using. It’s an ideal alternative for those concerned about privacy.
Telegram boasts of a secure, crystal-clear, and AI-powered voice call system. It is very fast such that the developers claim it connects faster than any other application out there. You can initiate a voice call by clicking the phone icon within your conversation, and for the call to connect, your receiver must also have an active internet connection.
As mentioned earlier, telegram takes privacy very seriously. Every call you make is based on the platform’s renowned end-to-end encryption. There’s a unique key exchange mechanism for securing calls; you and the call receiver only have to compare four emojis. As a VoIP service, all calls are established on a P2P connection.
Telegram is cross-platform, so whether you’re calling from your desktop or mobile, you can always access your call logs and details. You can download the Telegram app for voice calling on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It also has mobile apps for Android, iPhone, and iPad.
Just like FireRTC, you don’t have to pay to use Telegram. Voice calls you make are charged from your data. However, Telegram seems to consume relatively high data compared to similar FireRTC alternatives like Skype and WhatsApp.
Verdict: Telegram is a similar FireRTC alternative like WhatsApp that lets you call other co-users over the internet. It may consume data, but it is ideal thanks to its online privacy and security features.
6. Signal
Signal is a cross-platform private messenger. The platform was developed in 2014 but had its stable releases on all major OS in 2020. It was developed for privacy with end-to-end encryption of messages, video calls, and voice calls.
Additionally, Signal works similarly to FireRTC except that your receiver must also install Signal and be online. You can call others on their cell phone using the app while you’re charged from your data.
Making voice calls is simple after you’ve registered your Signal number. From the Signal app, select the compose button, and then enter the phone number you want to call or choose the contact from your list.
You need an internet connection to use Signal for making voice calls. The platform is not limited to specific regions like FireRTC. However, Signal doesn’t work via Google Chrome browser like FireRTC; you must download and install its application.
Meanwhile, you can download the Signal application on Desktop (Windows, Linux, Mac) and mobile (Android, iOS). Aside from voice calling, you can use it as your default SMS app. That way, you can send SMS to your contacts from your number with mobile data, although you’re not charged from your credit.
Conversely, Signal is an open-source platform. Its source code is available on GitHub, so you can probably contribute to its development to make it like FireRTC.
Verdict: Signal enables you to make secure and private voice calls, which are its significant advantage. Although it’s similar to FireRTC, it works only for Signal users, and it is not limited to a few countries.
7. Wire
Wire was developed in 2014 by Wire Swiss. It is one of the best FireRTC alternatives available in terms of security and productivity. Apart from making voice calls, Wire also facilitates instant messaging and file sharing.
Voice calls on Wire are guarded with end-to-end encryption. This encryption is always on, and there isn’t any option for you to manage it. Interestingly, Wire works similarly to Skype, another FireRTC alternative. In fact, the Wire voice solution was built by Skype’s audio engineers.
Wire supports 1-to-1 call and conference calling, which is also supported on FireRTC. However, with Wire, you can call to and from anywhere. For enterprises, Wire can be used as a collaboration suite for keeping track of discussions with co-workers and partners.
FireRTC is web-based only, but Wire is compatible with several platforms. For desktop devices, you can download the Wire app for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
For mobile devices, the Wire app is compatible with Android and iOS. In addition, you can log in and use Wire on the web via web browsers.
Furthermore, the platform is a very transparent one. It works following ISO, CCPA, GDPR, and SOX policies.
While you can use Wire for free, it has premium pricing plans with extra functions for professionals and enterprises.
Check out its premium pricing plans below:
- Wire Pro – $5.83
- Wire Ent – $9.50
Verdict: Like a few other FireRTC alternatives already mentioned, Wire is based on user privacy and security. Aside from that, it’s an ideal FireRTC alternative for enterprises and organizations.
8. Viber
Developed by Rakuten, this is a calling and messaging platform that lets you connect to anyone across the world. Meanwhile, FireRTC allows you to call the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico only.
Viber is more popular for voice calls than messaging and hundreds of millions of people use it.
With Viber, you can make free voice calls to other Viber users or make regular phone calls to any phone number using Viber Out credits. Viber uses the VoIP method like most voice calling platforms, and you can place calls from your contact list, chat window, or calls screen.
Viber is a flexible FireRTC alternative in terms of cost. To call non-Viber users, you can go with a credit plan, calling plans, or subscription plans. The credit plans are pay-as-you-go. Once you pay, your Viber Out balance is credited so you can make calls. The calling plans are monthly, while you can target a particular calling destination.
As a cross-platform communication tool, you can access your Viber contacts and calls on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. This gives it an edge over FireRTC that is only web-based.
Unlike other best FireRTC alternatives, Viber allows transferring calls between devices. For instance, you can be making a call on your computer and transfer it to your mobile phone without ending the connection.
Verdict: You have to purchase credits to call non-Viber users; that’s the only edge FireRTC has over Viber because it is free. For other features, Viber wins.
9. Globfone
Another best FireRTC alternative worthy of our list is Globphone. It is a free phone call and SMS platform that is described as a “state-of-the-art Web application.”
With Globphone, you can call almost any landline or mobile phone without hassles. Unlike FireRTC, you don’t have to create an account or sign up to use Globphone.
For Globphone, all you need is a device with a functional microphone and speaker. Recommended web browsers to use with Globphone include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera. Also, in some cases, you might need exclusive speakers or headphone and microphone devices.
From its official website, select the receiver’s country, enter the phone number, and then call. However, you may have to complete a CAPTCHA before you can call.
While you can call people in multiple countries with Globphone, there is a limit. As a completely free service, Globphone places a limit on the number of times a single IP address can access its services in 24 hours. The limit is accumulated for all Globphone services, most especially calls. So, when you reach this limit, you’ll have to wait for 24 hours.
Thankfully, Globphone works on mobile devices. Some mobile browsers may not be Java-compatible, so I recommend that you use the Globphone mobile app. Other services you can access on Globphone include video chatting, file sharing, and sending text messages.
Verdict: Globphone is free like FireRTC, but not limited to specific locations. Furthermore, the platform is simple to use. The major con of Globphone is that you can only use it for a limited number of times in a day.
10. Microsoft Teams
From Microsoft, we have Teams, a group chat software. This is a renowned platform for conference video calling but still reliable for voice calling thanks to its cloud-based phone system. In fact, its call system is backed by Microsoft 365.
Microsoft Teams supports VoIP based on a public switched telephone network (PSTN). This lets you call other Teams users, although you can call other non-Teams users with Microsoft 365 calling plans.
In essence, FireRTC supports the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, while Microsoft Teams supports international calls to 196 different countries (global coverage). However, you can only call from 18 countries.
Its calling rates are different for local and international calls. MS Teams also allows you to connect and make calls directly from your telecom via Direct Routing. Also, you can port your phone numbers and make Microsoft Teams your default service provider.
You can access Microsoft Teams from the web, desktop, and mobile devices. Supported desktop devices include Windows and Mac, while supported mobile devices include iOS and Android.
Verdict: Microsoft Teams is a very advanced platform compared to FireRTC. If you’re an enterprise or business organization, it’s an ideal FireRTC alternative to consider.
Wrapping Up
As mentioned above, FireRTC’s main benefit is that calls to landlines and cell phones are free. However, its major disadvantage is that the platform’s coverage is limited to only 3 countries. Not to mention, FireRTC is not currently accepting new registrations.
If you’re considering a switch, I have listed the 10 best FireRTC alternatives you can utilize. Nevertheless, I’ll recommend Skype as the best out of the 10. Moreover, Skype offers truly global coverage with affordable calling rates.
