Free International Calling Apps
If you’re looking to make international calls, no worries—we’ve got your back. These apps are awesome because they let you call at least one country for free, sometimes even more.
Plus, some of them come with chat features, so you can shoot quick messages, share pics, or send videos between calls to keep the conversation going.
Just a heads up, though—even though these apps are free, some plans might sneak in data limits or extra charges if you go over. So, keep an eye out to avoid any surprise fees!
Google Voice
Google Voice is a handy VoIP service that’s pretty much free to use. You can link up to six numbers to your account, and each one will ring before it goes to voicemail. If you enable transcription, you’ll get voicemail transcripts sent straight to your email or as text messages—super convenient. You can access Google Voice through Android and iOS apps, or just hop on your desktop browser.
For folks in the U.S., calling people in the U.S. and Canada is usually free. International calls, though, come with varying rates, and you can check those out on Google Voice’s website. Easy peasy!
WhatsApp is a solid choice for messaging and voice calls on both Android and iOS. It runs on data, so you don’t have to worry about eating up your phone plan’s minutes. You can make free voice and video calls to anyone, anywhere, but just keep an eye on your data usage to avoid any surprises. Oh, and it’s great for group calls too.
Everything on WhatsApp is locked down with end-to-end encryption, so your messages and calls stay private. But here’s the catch—if the person you’re talking to is using an older version of the app, that encryption doesn’t apply. You can also use WhatsApp on your computer with the web or desktop versions, which is super handy. Just remember, it won’t work for calling emergency services like 911 in the U.S.
Facetime
FaceTime is Apple’s go-to app for free voice and video calls, and it works on iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and Macs. You can connect with people worldwide over Wi-Fi or mobile data, though there are a few countries where it’s not available. To get started, you’ll need an Apple ID, and to call someone, you’ll need their phone number or the email linked to their Apple account. Fun fact: if you’re already on a regular phone call, you can switch it to a FaceTime call as long as both of you have accounts.
If you’ve got iOS 15 or later, you can even include Android users in your FaceTime calls by sending them a link. Pretty cool, right?
Skype
Skype’s been a go-to VoIP service since 2003, making it super easy to make free calls, whether they’re national or international. You can use it for voice and video calls, and even host group calls with up to 100 people—all for free, as long as everyone’s on Skype. If you’re calling someone outside the app, there are charges, but Skype’s pretty transparent about the rates, and they offer affordable unlimited monthly plans if you need them.
Just like WhatsApp and similar apps, Skype runs on data, so you can’t use it to call emergency services since it can’t track your exact location. You can access Skype on Android, iOS, your PC or Mac, and even through a web browser, making it super flexible for staying connected.
Viber
Viber is another solid VoIP option for free voice and video calls to other users, and it’s got pretty affordable rates for calling landlines or mobile phones. All you need to sign up is a phone number, which makes it easy for your contacts to find you on the app. It works on both mobile and desktop, so you’re covered no matter what device you’re using.
It might not be as big in the U.S. as WhatsApp or Skype, but Viber’s got a strong following in places like Eastern Europe. Like its competitors, you can send messages, share photos, and swap other media through the app—basically everything you need to stay connected.
Want to make free international calls from your PC? No problem. A lot of VoIP apps, like Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Voice, have web versions you can use on any device with internet access. Just hop online, and you’re good to go.
As for international call costs, it really depends on your phone carrier. T-Mobile, for instance, charges $0.25 per minute, while Verizon tacks on a monthly fee but doesn’t limit your calls. Some plans even throw in unlimited texting, so it’s worth checking out what your carrier offers.