Being able to make a simple phone call is priceless. It enables us to stay in touch with our loved ones, work, school, and healthcare providers, order food, contact emergency services, and much more.
However, what if you don’t have a plan or network connection? Luckily, nowadays, there are many ways to make phone calls through the internet instead of having to rely on network coverage. Modern technology allows us to call anyone in the world by simply having an internet-connected device, a solid internet connection, and the right app. Below, you can learn how to make a free phone call from a computer.
How Does Internet Calling Work?
Instead of the call being transferred through the network, it is transferred through the internet. How? The analog call is converted to digital signals using VoIP and then the data is sent across the internet. The next step depends on the receiver.
When calling a landline or mobile number, your VoIP data includes your public IP address, which is shown as a phone number when it comes to the service’s server. The data is then converted into an analog signal and forwarded along the traditional telephone networks.
As the call passes through circuits that must be kept open during the connection, calling rates do apply.
If you call someone on the same service or a different VoIP service, the recipient’s app or device receives the data and converts it into an analog signal. As such, the call doesn’t get sent through traditional phone networks, however, it does use typical internet infrastructure.
How to Make Free Phone Calls From a Computer?
There are two ways to make a free phone call from a computer – app to phone and app to app.
App to Phone
This way you can make a free call from a computer or another internet-connected device to a real phone number and vice versa. For this to happen, your call needs to be transferred from the internet over to a traditional phone line network. As such, you will need to use the VoIP system.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a system that enables your voice to be captured by your computer and transmitted over the internet network as an Internet Protocol package to the device you are contacting. The recipient’s device then plays the received digital signal. Traditional calls and VoIP calls differ in the type and length of transmission and the kind of devices used. Moreover, VoIP can reach both internet applications and traditional phone lines.
Using the VoIP system requires a conversion from a free internet network to a restricted traditional phone line, therefore, charges will occur.
App to App
This way you can use an appropriate app to make free phone calls between computers, tablets, and phones. For this to work, both the caller and the recipient must have the same calling app installed. This method allows you to contact the app on the receiver’s device, but it doesn’t allow you to call landlines and other phones that don’t have the proper app. The recipient is, however, identified via their phone number. These types of calls are free and unlimited.
Best Free Apps to Make a Phone Call From Your Computer
As we have mentioned before, in order to make a free phone call from a computer, you need a computer (or another internet-connected device), an internet connection, and an appropriate app. Indeed, regardless of whether you want to make an app to phone or an app to app call, having an app that performs this task is vital.
So here they are – the best free apps to make a phone call from your computer:
Google Meet
This is an app to app calling service that works on computers and other mobile devices on both Android and Apple operating systems. You can call an individual or organize massive group calls with up to 100 people. You can call your contacts or start or join a meeting via a code or link. The app has built-in noise-canceling, filters, AR masks, and it enables you to present and share documents and other items. Both the caller and the recipient must have the app.
Google Voice
This app allows app to app calls and app to phone calls, which are free of charge. It enables you to manage your phone numbers, reroute incoming calls to voicemail, screen calls, create custom away messages for certain contacts, make groups, send free SMS messages, have free conference calls, and much more. However, free calls must be to numbers in the U.S. or Canada and they are limited to 3 hours. It works on both Apple and Android computers and mobile devices. However, the app requires an existing phone number to call landlines and other numbers.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular online communication platforms. While it is primarily a texting app, it also enables users to call their WhatsApp friends. To get started, you must install the app and confirm your phone number. Once you do so, you can see which of your contacts are using the app and call them for free, regardless of their location. You can also have group calls with up to 8 people. The app enables you to send photos, videos, contacts, and other information. You can only contact devices that also have WhatsApp, but you cannot contact landlines. The app works on Apple, Android, and Windows devices.
TextNow
This is a mobile app that enables you to call and text. As you are given an actual number to use, you can text any phone. To contact phones that don’t have the app (such as landlines), you must buy or earn credits. It enables you to send photos and other items, customize your voicemail greeting, and more. You can use it on all sorts of Apple, Android, Windows, and Kindle devices.
Textfree
This free application gives you a real phone number, which you can use to make calls and send texts. It supports voicemail and the calling is free for any other user. Texting, on the other hand, works with any phone number, even non-users. On the flip side, numbers expire if they are inactive for a long time and your calling minutes with non-users are limited.
Facebook Messenger
Messenger is Facebook’s texting platform. It can be used to make free calls and send messages from computer to computer, app to app, and app to computer. You can only call your Facebook friends and the ones that also have the app. It doesn’t support real phone number calling. It works well on Android, Apple, and Windows devices.
Snapchat
This is a popular texting and picture-sharing app that also enables you to make free audio and video calls. However, you can only call your Snapchat contacts. Fortunately, it has a massive user base, therefore your friends are likely to be Snapchat users. It enables you to call up to 15 contacts at once and it should work well for Android and Apple users.
Viber
Viber is a communication platform that enables you to make free internet phone calls. You can also send text messages, photos, videos, and more. You can only contact other Viber users on your list of contacts. You can subscribe to the app for a local number in various countries, however, it isn’t free. The app runs smoothly on Windows, Linux, Apple, and Android desktop and mobile devices.
Telegram
Telegram is especially popular due to its claims that it offers fully encrypted calls and messages. It is user-friendly and available wherever you log in. It works on a number of devices, including Android, Apple, Windows, Linux devices, and on the web. However, you can only call another Telegram user and not a real phone number.
Skype
Finally, there is the good old Skype – a communication platform that works on all computers and mobile devices. This app supports free calls to all other Skype users. It supports audio calls, video calls, and texting. It also enables you to call real phone numbers, however, that option is not free of charge. You can also have group calls with up to 100 people. On the flip side, you won’t get a real number for free and calls are limited to 4 hours and 10 hours for group calls.
List of Other Apps or Websites That Enable Free Phone Call From Computer
In addition to the best apps to make free phone calls from a computer, there are also some less-known apps, such as:
- VoipDiscount
- PopTox
- Globfone
- CitrusTel
- Google Duo
- FaceTime
- Zoom
- Windows Call
- OpenPhone
- Dingtone
- Talkatone
- Ringover
- FreeTone
- TextPlus
- iCall
- Whistle
Alternative – Use Your Carrier’s Free Wi-Fi Calling
In addition to all of the convenient apps mentioned above, you can also make a free phone call from a computer using your carrier’s free Wi-Fi calling option.
Many carriers offer Wi-Fi calling that is built into their smartphones. This calling uses your existing phone number and converts your cellular calls into data that is transmitted over a Wi-Fi network instead of the carrier’s network. Once your device gets disconnected from Wi-Fi, this calling switches to your carrier’s cellular network.
To enable Wi-Fi calling on your device, follow these steps:
For iOS 15: Go to Settings, Cellular, and then Wi-Fi Calling.
For Android 12 (Stock): Go to the Phone app, click More (three dots), Settings, Calls, and Wi-Fi Calling.
For Android 11 and 12 (Samsung): Go to the Phone app, click More (three dots), Settings, and Wi-Fi Calling.
There are many carriers that support Wi-Fi calling in the U.S., including:
- AT&T
- Consumer Cellular
- Cricket
- Google Fi
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Mint Mobile
- Spectrum
- Sprint, now a part of T-Mobile
- T-Mobile USA
- TracFone/Straight Talk
- US Cellular
- Verizon Wireless
- Xfinity Mobile
What are the Benefits of Free Phone Calls From a Computer?
Making a free phone call from a computer comes with many benefits, such as:
- It is free of charge (or it can at least be cheaper)
- It enables your computer or tablet to act like a second phone
- If you buy a virtual phone number to just receive business calls on your computer, it helps you separate your work from your private life
- It gives you a wider range of call features, such as automated call forwarding, transcripted voicemails, cross-device notifications, etc.
- It offers more upgrades and better communication integrations
What I Should Look for in an Internet Calling App
If you wish to call a landline or mobile phone number, you need a VoIP service to connect to the physical location. However, these services often charge a rate for each used minute. The rate depends on where you are calling from. Alternatively, they can offer a monthly subscription. Still, most services don’t charge you if you call someone who uses the same service (like Skype to Skype calls).
In case you don’t want to call a landline or mobile phone number, you can choose any app to app option, including Google Meet, Skype, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc. These services also allow you to video chat free of charge.
FAQ
What is VoIP?
VoIP is an abbreviation that stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a system that enables your voice to be transmitted over the internet network as an Internet Protocol package to the device you are contacting.
How to Make and Receive Phone Calls From Your PC?
There are many ways to do so. See them in the sections above.
Which Numbers Can I Call From My Computer?
Depending on the app you use, you can call another device’s app, cell phone numbers, toll-free numbers, and/or landlines.
How to Make a Call With Google Voice on a Computer?
Simply go to voice.google.com, click Calls on the left, choose a name, and click Call.
What Are the Best Apps for Making International Phone Calls?
Many of the ones listed above are great, including WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and Google Voice. However, if you call a mobile or landline number, international rates may apply.
How Can I Get a Free Phone Number Online?
You can get a free phone number with Google Voice, TextNow, TextFree, or FreedomPop. To get a location-independent number, use iNum.
Are Your Calls More Secure With a Landline or Wi-Fi?
As hackers can intercept online calls, Wi-Fi calling is less safe, however, many apps use end-to-end encryption to keep your calls private.
Can I Use CitrusTel to Make Free Calls Online Without Registration?
Yes, this app enables you to make free online calls without registration.
How Do I See My Phone’s Recent Calls on My PC?
Simply open the Phone Link app and select Calls. There, you can see your calls.
How to Update the Keypad During a Call?
Select the dropdown option to see the keypad for your active call.