How to Make Free Calls Online From Computer?
Sometimes, you just need to flexibility of making free calls online directly from your computer, whether for work or play. But finding a reliable platform online can be troublesome.
You might be confused about how they work or what the 'best' option is.
So today, we're breaking things down and showing you exactly how to make free calls online from a computer with 4 great options to check out!
How Can You Make a Free Call Online on PC?
To make calls online from your computer, you should have the essential hardware— a microphone and a webcam.
The next key requirement is software. There are many free options available. And the software you choose will depend on your specific needs.
Here's a quick overview of some popular options you can try:
- VoIP Platforms: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) platforms give you a reliable second phone number with built-in integrations and features like call forwarding, voicemail, and text support. It's cheaper to call and text overseas than with regular phone companies.
- Video Conferencing Software: Video conferencing software is good for online meetings, working from home, and online classes. It includes features like screen sharing, annotation, custom backgrounds, and file sharing.
- Communication Apps: Think of communication apps like VoIP, but they are usually separate apps that are easier to find. You also get a free phone number and can call and text. Many use a 'freemium' model, letting you earn credits in different ways to make calls and send texts.
- Social Media & Messaging Apps: Calling on social media or messaging apps is easy and free. You can talk to friends on the same app. Just verify your number when you sign up, then it's all free.
Option 1. Google Voice
Best for: Free second numbers with Google integration.
Similar Apps: Grasshopper, OpenPhone, Dialpad, and more
Google Voice is one of the top options in the category. It provides users with their own unique Google Voice number to use the platform.
Main Features:
- Free second phone number for calls and texts.
- Call forwarding and voicemail transcription.
- Mobile (Android & iOS) and web access.
- Automatic spam call blocking.
- Choose which devices ring for calls.
Pros
- Robust integrations with Google Workspace platforms; Gmail, Calendar, Google Meet
- Free calls to U.S. & Canadian numbers
- Provides free U.S. number & works exactly like a normal phone line
Cons:
- Only available in the U.S, Canada, & select Google Workspace user regions
- Known connection issues when using mobile data connectivity
How to Use Google Voice for Calls on PC
- Open Google Voice on a web browser. Sign in to your Google Voice account.
- Click the numbers on the keypad to dial the number you want to call.
- Press the blue 'phone' button at the top of the dialer.
- Alternatively, select one of the suggested contacts under the number field.
- To receive calls using your PC's web browser, click the 'gear' icon. Then enable 'Web' under the My Devices section.
Option 2. Skype
Best for: Group video calls and screen sharing.
Similar Apps: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and more
Skype is a popular communication platform that allows you to make free calls online from your computer. With it, you can enjoy high-quality voice and video calls without any charges, making it a great choice for staying in touch with people around the world.
However, there is a big 'but' here: Skype is closing down and moving to Microsoft Teams in May 2025. You'll still have your chats and features on the free Teams app.
Main Features:
- Screen sharing and call recording.
- Live subtitles for accessibility.
- Group calls with up to 100 people.
- VoIP with credits and unique Skype number.
- Available on mobile, web, and desktop.
Pros
- Robust conferencing features: call recording, screen sharing, live subtitles
- Allows calls to 'real' numbers via a Skype number
- Utilizes industry-standard end-to-end encryption for privacy protection.
Cons:
- Will be 'retired' in May 2025; integration with Microsoft Teams
- Doesn't support as large group calls as other video conferencing software
How to Use Skype for Calls on PC
NOTE: You need to first add contacts or invites on Skype before calling.
- Open the Skype desktop app/web version and sign in.
- Select the 'Chats', 'Call', or 'Contacts' tab.
- Select a chat/contact you want to call.
- Click the 'Start call' button in the top-right corner.
Option 3. TextNow
Best for: Make free and unlimited calls
Similar Apps: Talkatone, Burner, 2ndLine, and more
TextNow is a communication app that lets you make free calls from your PC. It provides a local phone number and supports unlimited calling and texting within the US and Canada. While the free version includes ads, it's a practical choice for those looking for a no-cost calling solution.
Main Features:
- Primarily a mobile platform, but usable on desktop.
- Make unlimited calls and texts to the US and Canada.
- Support call forwarding, unified text inbox, quick replies, and blocking numbers.
- Offer international calling at lower rates (charges apply).
Pros
- Cost-effective; flexible pay-as-you-go model
- Unlimited free texts/calls to U.S. & Canadian numbers
- Affordable option for international calls
Cons:
- Intrusive in-app ads
- Desktop app not as fleshed out as mobile version
How to Use TextNow for Calls on PC
- Open the TextNow desktop app or web version. Log in to your account.
- Once logged in, select the phone/dialer icon.
- Key in the number you want to call in the dialer.
- Click the 'Call' button.
Option 4. WhatsApp
Best for: Make free calls to your friends or family
Similar Apps: Telegram, Messenger, Snapchat, and more
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows free calling on computer. It offers voice and video calls to other users, all you need is an internet connection. The app is known for its security with end-to-end encryption. Available on multiple platforms, it also supports text messages, multimedia sharing, and group chats.
Main Features:
- Completely free to use with no in-app purchases.
- Supports group calls with up to 32 people.
- End-to-end encryption for all messages and calls.
- Built-in scheduling for group calls with shareable links.
NOTE: WhatsApp needs a real phone number. Free VoIP numbers won't work.
Pros
- Supports both voice/video group calls up to 32 people
- Seamless sync between mobile & desktop apps
- Completely free to use
Cons:
- Only allows calls to other WhatsApp users
- Requires a valid & active number for registration
How to Use WhatsApp for Calls on PC
- Open the WhatsApp Desktop app.
- Select or search for a chat, group chat, or contact to call.
- Click the 'Video Call' or 'Call' button in the top-right corner of the chat window.
App Comparison Table
App | Free Usage Limits | Platform Compatibility | Call Features | Unique Features | Limitations |
Google Voice | Free calls to U.S./Canadian numbers; Charges apply for international calls | Android, iOS, Web for macOS/Windows | ● Voice calls ● Texts ● Voicemails | Integration w/ Google Workspace Voicemail transcription | No video calls Limited availability outside of U.S. & Canada |
Skype | Free voice/video calls with Skype users; Charges apply for VoIP calls to landline/phone numbers | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web, Linux | ● Voice/video calls ● Group calls up to 100 participants ● Screen sharing | Microsoft Office tools integration Streamlined, easy-to-use UI Built-in call recording & live subtitling | Phone/landline calls require credits Discontinuing soon (May 2025) |
TextNow | Freemium model; supported by ads Free calls/text to U.S. and Canadian numbers | Windows, macOS (via web), Android, iOS | ● Voice calls ● Texts ● Voicemail | Allows users to earn 'money' for international calls Functions as a 'real' number Burn feature to replace numbers anytime | Mostly limited to U.S. & Canada Inconsitent call quality Ads are intrusive & plentiful |
Completely free | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web | ● Voice calls ● Video calls ● Group calls ● Screen sharing | Automated cloud-sync across devices Widely-used app worldwide Free voice/video calls w/o ads | Requires active phone number Only allows calls between WhatsApp users |
Conclusion
And that is every way you can make free calls online from a computer! We've included a wide variety of options for different use cases, so we recommend selecting the option that best fits your needs. All of the listed options have 'free' versions, so try them out before deciding to go all in!
Start or end a phone call on your PC? Try AirDroid Personal
With AirDroid Personal, you can manage and receive calls remotely, and reply to messages—all from your computer.
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