International phone calls are cheaper and easier to make than ever. While it used to be prohibitively expensive to call someone overseas, and you often had to suffer an unreliable connection, mobile apps and data plans have changed that. In many instances, you can call abroad for free.
These apps offer free international calls to at least one, if not many, countries. Most of them also have chat features so you can stay in touch with quick messages in between calls and share photos and videos. Here are our five favorite apps to make international calls.
Most Secure: WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a messaging and voice call app for Android and iOS that uses data, not your cellular plan. You can make voice and video calls to people all over the world for free, though you need to keep an eye on your data usage each month. The app also supports group calls.
Free voice and video calls.
Group calling available.
End-to-end encryption.
Frequent use could cause data overage.
Encryption only in effect if both parties have the right version of the app.
In 2016, WhatsApp added end-to-end encryption that applies to all messages and calls using the app. However, if you’re chatting with someone who has an older version, none of your communications are encrypted.
There are also web and desktop versions of WhatsApp. You can’t use it to call emergency services such as 911 in the U.S.
Best For Group Calls: Skype
Skype is a VoIP service that’s been around since 2003 and has always been an easy way to make free national and international calls. You can use it for voice and video calls, as well as group calls with up to 10 participants for free when communicating with other Skype users.
Free calls to Skype users.
Can send a video or voice message if the recipient misses your call.
Risk of data overage.
Doesn’t use end-to-end encryption.
Charges apply if you contact someone outside of Skype, but the company is upfront about the rates, and unlimited monthly packages are available.
Like WhatsApp and other services that use data, you can’t use Skype to contact emergency services, since they can’t accurately pinpoint your location. In addition to Android and iOS, you can also make international calls from your PC or Mac computer, web browser, and even Xbox.
Best For Video Calls on iOS: Facetime
FaceTime is a free voice and video call app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. You can call people over Wi-Fi or using mobile data around the world, except for a handful of countries. To set up an account, you need an Apple ID. On an iPhone, FaceTime automatically registers your phone number. On an iPad or iPod touch, you can register an email address.
Free video calls over Wi-Fi.
Communications protected by end-to-end encryption.
Android users can only join calls in progress.
Older devices only support video, not voice, calls.
To contact friends, you need the phone number or email associated with their Apple ID. You can also switch to a FaceTime call during a regular phone call as long as you both have accounts. If you’re running iOS 15 or later, you can also invite Android users to calls already in progress with a special join link.
Best For Calls Between the U.S. and Canada: Google Voice
Google Voice is a VoIP service that’s mostly free. You can forward up to six numbers to your account, but have each one ring before going to voicemail. If you turn on transcription, you can receive emails or text messages with transcripts of your voicemails. In addition to Android and iOS apps, you can also use Google Voice in a desktop browser.
Can forward up to six numbers to your account.
Free voicemail transcription.
Can record incoming calls.
Can only make outgoing calls from the U.S.
Free calls available only between the U.S. and Canada.
Not free to call landlines, only other Google Voice numbers.
If you’re in the U.S., most calls to people in the U.S and Canada are free. Rates for calls to other parts of the world vary. Google lists the pricing by country on the Google Voice website.
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Good VoIP App: Viber
Viber is another VoIP service that offers free voice and video calls to other users, and cheap rates for calls to landlines and mobile phones. All you need to register is a valid phone number, which your contacts can use to find you on the app. Viber has Android and iOS apps, as well as a browser version.
Free calls to other Viber users.
Simple sign-up.
Calls and texts aren’t encrypted.
Uses data.
While Viber isn’t as popular as WhatsApp and Skype are in the U.S., it’s popular in other parts of the world, such as Eastern Europe. Like its competitors, it can also send messages, and you can also share photos and other media through the app.
- How do I make free international calls from a PC?
- Many VoIP apps also have a web version that you can use with any device that can access the internet. Examples include Skype, Viber, and Google Voice.
- How much do international calls cost?
- The price of international calls can depend on your cellular carrier. For example, T-Mobile plans charge $0.25 per minute, while Verizon charges an extra monthly fee with no limits. Other plans may offer unlimited texting.
Many VoIP apps also have a web version that you can use with any device that can access the internet. Examples include Skype, Viber, and Google Voice.
The price of international calls can depend on your cellular carrier. For example, T-Mobile plans charge $0.25 per minute, while Verizon charges an extra monthly fee with no limits. Other plans may offer unlimited texting.
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