Recent years have seen Android storm to the forefront of the app market for smartphones and tablets and as such there is a plethora of candidates for making cheap calls to Pakistan.

There are a number of providers that not only cheap rates for calling landline or mobile/cell phones back in Pakistan, but some even offer free app-to-app calls (provided both users have the same app service installed).  Outlined below are six of the top providers for calling Pakistan, each of which is available for download in the Google Play store.

Vox Mobile VoIP

New users get 60 minutes of free calls to selected countries which varies over time. Free calls are possible to Vox customers. Users have reported a consistent service over a range of devices with stable call quality. Rates are comparable to normal mobile phone service providers.

Several users have had issues activating the free trial, others have reported issues with the clarity of calls and frequent drop outs or their handset ‘freezing’ while they are making a call. The free call service is only available via internet (VoIP) to other users who also have Vox.

Localphone

The Localphone system is available in over 250 countries and new customers receive a five minute call free of charge.  They have some decent packages available across different locations so it’s worth looking into if and when there are discounted offers for calls to Pakistan.

Localphone tend to advertise their rates without VAT, so they appear cheaper than they actually are. Call quality is average for many users and the customer service and satisfaction ratings are not particularly strong.

Rebtel

Consistently one of the lowest priced calling app, with excellent line quality and an increasing number of subscribers due to its soaring reputation in the market.  An extra plus is the top levels of customer support services that are available, something which is usually difficult with a lot of internet based organisations. 

The old app created some bugs but Rebtel’s speedy development team rolled out a new app that is fully functioning for the Android market and offers a bunch of great features to make international calling easier than ever.

Vonage

Pre-paid plans offer people the chance to save on their standard rates, but do require a longer term commitment.  Connectivity is generally good and the app is well-designed and easy for people to use. As with Rebtel, customer service is a strong point with Vonage.

Call quality is an issue with many users stating that using the service makes them sound like they are on a speaker phone. Other users have reported issues with an inability to log in to their account, incorrect balance reporting and occasionally the app freezing when in use. Lack of volume control is an issue for some users too.

Nimbuzz

Nimbuzz scores well for design and ease of use. The user interface is simple and easy to follow and sending messages and files is relatively easy. Cross platform access on Facebook, MSN, Yahoo and Gtalk make this attractive for users who have contacts using different services.

Many customers have complained that the clarity of the line on a voice call is very poor. There is no facility to make video calls using Nimbuzz at present. Other users have complained that the software does drain their battery very quickly.

VOiP Call

This service is very popular in the Middle East and rates are advertised as being among the cheapest in the market. As with most modern VoIP providers there are no roaming or connection fees and call quality tends to be good.