Daily App: Dingaling Isn't Perfect, But Definitely Worth Having

Lots of apps offer free Wi-Fi calling. But Dingaling for Android and for iOS are the only apps we've found that don't make you jump through hoops in exchange for minutes, are not limited to the U.S. and Canada and don't have to be installed at both ends of the conversation. In addition to smartphones, Dingaling works on tablets, iPod touch and other non-smartphones, and can call mobiles or landlines in close to three dozen countries, including Australia, China, India and the U.K.

A two-minute setup process involves downloading the free app and agreeing to let it access phone contacts, logging in with Facebook or a new account and inputting a mobile or landline for a confirmation code. The app immediately lists all contacts on the device. On the iOS version, contacts are presented with a search bar and column of alphabetical section-links on the right-hand side. The Android version lacks both of these conveniences, and the drag button on its scrollbar is too small to grab. So reaching a contact at the bottom of the list requires a manual scroll every time. This would be a deal-killer for but the favorites tab, which is populated by long-pressing a contact. For truly free calls, we're willing to tolerate that plus Dingaling's ads, which are many.

Android-version and ad angst aside, this app is a keeper. We made several test calls over Wi-Fi, and voice quality was always crystal-clear. Parties on the other end said we sounded slightly faint, but increasing the volume solved that. There was no background noise and no perceptible lag beyond the normal for Wi-Fi calls. The app also works over 2G, 3G and 4G, and supports texting, but only to others with the app. Contacts that already have the app are clearly marked in the contact list; others can be invited to download it with one button press.

Dingaling apps were developed by Dingaling Communications, a Canadian telecom with a vision of "Free Worldwide Communication." Based in Saskatchewan, the company said it serves 2.5 billion people in about 200 countries. For those not in "free zones," the company offers reasonable rates. In some circles, a dingaling is someone who's not terribly bright. In others, it's what smart people use to make free calls practically anywhere in the world.

PUBLISHED JAN. 8, 2015