You can make calls from your computer using free or low-cost apps, your web browser, or built-in calling features—no phone line required
Making a call from your computer works through the internet instead of a traditional phone line. Your computer converts your voice into data, sends it across the internet to the other person's device, and plays their voice back through your speakers. You'll need a microphone (most laptops have one built in), speakers or headphones, and a stable internet connection. The other person doesn't need special software if you're using a browser-based service—they can often join by clicking a link.
The method you choose depends on who you're calling, whether they're across the room or across the world, and whether you want video along with audio. A video call with a family member uses the same basic technology as a voice-only call to a business, but the setup and the apps differ.
Key Takeaways
- Most computers have a built-in microphone and speakers, so you can start making calls when ready using free apps like Skype, Google Meet, or Zoom without buying extra hardware.
- Browser-based calling through Google Meet or Zoom lets you call someone by sending them a link—they don't need to read anything or create an account.
- Calling a regular phone number from your computer requires a paid service like Skype Credits or Google Voice, which charges per minute or offers monthly plans.
- Test your microphone and speakers before your first call by opening your computer's sound settings or running a test call within the app you plan to use.
- A wired headset or external microphone improves call quality if your laptop's built-in microphone picks up background noise.
Using free apps for calls to other computer users
The easiest way to call someone from your computer is through an app both of you already have or can read for free. Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, Discord, and WhatsApp all let you make voice calls over the internet at no cost when both people have the app installed.
To make a call in Skype: open the app, find the person's name in your contacts, and click the phone icon next to their name. The call rings on their device, and they accept it the same way. Google Meet works similarly—you can start a call from your Gmail inbox or from the Meet app itself. Discord is built for group calls and gaming but works fine for one-on-one voice calls too. WhatsApp, which most people use on their phone, also works on computers through WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.
The person you're calling must have the same app and be online, but they don't need to pay anything. These apps work on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, and they sync with your phone so you can switch between devices mid-call.
Calling someone without requiring them to read anything
If the other person doesn't have an app installed or you don't want to coordinate software, use Google Meet or Zoom through your web browser. You create a meeting link, send it to the other person, and they join by clicking the link—no account or read needed on their end.
To start a Google Meet call: go to meet.google.com, click "Create a meeting" or "Start an when ready meeting," and copy the link that appears. Send that link to whoever you want to call. When they click it, they join your meeting and can see and hear you. You can do this from any computer with a web browser and an internet connection.
Zoom works the same way. Go to zoom.us, sign in (or create a free account), start a new meeting, and share the link. The other person clicks the link and joins. Both services let you call one person or a group, and both are free for calls under 40 minutes (Zoom) or unlimited time (Google Meet for one-on-one calls).
Calling regular phone numbers from your computer
If you want to call someone's cell phone or landline from your computer, you need a service that connects to the regular phone network. Skype offers this through Skype Credits or a monthly subscription. Google Voice (available in the United States) lets you make calls to phone numbers for free if you already have a Google account, though international rates vary.
With Skype: read the app, go to the "Calls" section, enter a phone number, and click the call button. You'll be charged per minute or can buy a monthly plan for unlimited calls to certain countries. Rates depend on where you're calling.
With Google Voice: go to voice.google.com, sign in with your Google account, and click the phone icon. Enter the phone number you want to call, and your computer's microphone and speakers handle the call. Google Voice is free for calls within the United States and Canada. International calls cost money, and rates are posted on Google's website before you dial.
Both services work on Windows and Mac. The person you're calling sees either your Skype number or your Google Voice number on their caller ID, not your computer's name.
Setting up your microphone and speakers
Before your first call, test that your computer can hear you and play sound. Most laptops have a built-in microphone (usually near the top of the screen) and speakers, so you may not need to buy anything.
On Windows: open Settings, go to "Sound," scroll to "Input," and look for your microphone listed under "Choose your input device." Click the microphone name and then "Test your microphone" to record a few seconds of your voice and play it back. If you don't hear yourself, the microphone isn't working or isn't selected.
On Mac: open System Preferences, click "Sound," go to the "Input" tab, and select your microphone. Speak into it and watch the input level meter move—if the bars light up, your microphone is working. Then click the "Output" tab and select your speakers.
If your laptop's microphone picks up too much background noise, buy a USB headset (around $20 to $50) and plug it in. Windows and Mac will automatically detect it. Most calling apps also let you choose which microphone and speakers to use in their settings, so you can switch between your laptop's built-in hardware and a headset.
Improving call quality and troubleshooting
Call quality depends on your internet connection speed and stability. A wired internet connection (Ethernet cable plugged into your computer) is more stable than Wi-Fi. If you're on Wi-Fi, move closer to your router or reduce the number of other devices using the network during your call.
If the other person says they can't hear you clearly, check that you've selected the correct microphone in your app's settings. Most calling apps have an audio settings menu where you can choose your input device. Speak directly into the microphone rather than at an angle, and close other programs that might be using your microphone at the same time.
If you hear echoing or feedback, the other person's speakers are too loud or pointed at their microphone. Ask them to turn down their volume or move their microphone away from their speakers. If your internet is slow, video calls will freeze or lag—switch to voice-only calling or close other browser tabs and apps that use the internet.
Choosing between apps based on what you need
Different apps suit different situations. Use the table below to compare the most common options:
| App | Best for | Cost | Calls phone numbers? | Requires other person to read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Meet | One-on-one or group calls; no setup needed | Free | No | No (browser link works) |
| Skype | Calling phone numbers or other Skype users | Free for Skype-to-Skype; paid for phone calls | Yes | Yes (unless using browser) |
| Zoom | Group meetings; screen sharing | Free (40 min limit for 3+ people) | No | No (browser link works) |
| Google Voice | Calling U.S. and Canadian phone numbers | Free (U.S./Canada); paid international | Yes | No |
| Calling contacts you already message | Free | No | Yes | |
| Discord | Gaming or group voice chat | Free | No | Yes |
For a quick call with a family member, Google Meet is the fastest—no account needed on either end. For regular calls to phone numbers, Google Voice (in the U.S.) or Skype are your main options. For work meetings, Zoom and Google Meet are both standard. For staying in touch with friends who already use WhatsApp, use that app on your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a phone number to make calls from my computer?
No. Calls between two computers or through apps like Skype, Google Meet, or WhatsApp don't use phone numbers at all—they use usernames or contact lists. Only if you want to call someone's cell phone or landline do you need a service like Google Voice or Skype that connects to the phone network, and even then your computer doesn't need its own phone number.
What internet speed do I need for computer calls?
Voice calls need very little bandwidth—about 0.5 to 1 megabit per second is enough. Most home internet connections are much faster than that. Video calls need more—around 2.5 to 4 megabits per second for clear video. If your internet is slow, turn off video and use voice-only calling, or close other apps and browser tabs that are using the internet.
Can I call someone on their phone from my computer if they don't have the app?
Yes, if you use Google Voice (U.S. and Canada) or Skype with credits or a paid plan. You dial their phone number from your computer, and it rings on their phone like a normal call. They don't need any app—they just answer their phone. You'll be charged per minute or have a monthly plan depending on which service you use.
What should I do if the other person can't hear me?
First, check that your microphone is plugged in (if it's external) and selected in your app's audio settings. Speak clearly and directly into the microphone. Ask the other person to confirm they have your audio unmuted on their end—sometimes the mute button is straightforward to hit by accident. If they still can't hear you, restart the call or try a different app to rule out a software problem.
Is it safe to make calls from my computer?
Calls through major apps like Google Meet, Skype, and Zoom are encrypted, meaning the conversation is scrambled so others can't listen in. However, make sure you're using the official app or website—read from the app store or the company's official website, not from a random link. Don't share your meeting link with people you don't trust, since anyone with the link can join your call.