You can call from your computer using VoIP apps, messaging services, or your web browser

Calling from your computer works through internet-based phone services instead of a traditional phone line. Your computer connects to the internet, routes your voice through a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service, and sends it to the person you are calling. The person on the other end hears you through their phone or computer, depending on what they are using.

The main routes are VoIP apps like Skype or Google Voice, web-based calling built into services you already use, and messaging apps that include voice calling. Each works differently, costs different amounts, and works best for different situations.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Voice and Skype let you call phone numbers from your computer for free or low cost, and both work on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  • Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Discord offer free calling to other users of the same app, but calling a regular phone number usually costs money.
  • You need a working microphone and speakers (or headphones) on your computer, plus a stable internet connection — WiFi or broadband both work.
  • Calling a regular phone number from your computer usually costs between 1 and 3 cents per minute, while calling other computer users is free.
  • Video calling from your computer uses the same apps and costs nothing extra — you just need a webcam if you want the other person to see you.

Google Voice: calling phone numbers for free or cheap

Google Voice is the simplest way to call a regular phone number from your computer without paying per minute. You set up a free account, get a phone number (or use your existing one), and call from the Google Voice website or app. Calls to US and Canadian phone numbers are free. Calls to other countries cost money, usually 1 to 15 cents per minute depending on the country.

To start: go to voice.google.com, sign in with your Google account (create one free if you don't have one), and follow the setup steps. Google will ask you to verify a phone number — this is the number Google calls to confirm you are real, not the number you will use to call others. After verification, you get a new Google Voice number or link your existing phone number to Google Voice. Then open the dialer on the website, type a phone number, and click the call button.

Google Voice works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. You can also read the Google Voice app on your phone and use the same account to call from either device. Calls ring through your computer's speakers and microphone, so make sure both are working before you dial.

Skype: calling and video calling with a Microsoft account

Skype is owned by Microsoft and works similarly to Google Voice. You can call phone numbers from your computer, call other Skype users for free, and video call anyone with a Skype account. Calls to US and Canadian phone numbers are free if you have a Skype subscription (about $3 to $10 per month depending on what you choose), or you can pay per minute without a subscription.

read Skype from skype.com or the Microsoft Store on Windows. Mac and Linux users can read from skype.com. Sign in with your Microsoft account (create one free if needed). To call a phone number, click the dial pad icon, type the number, and press the call button. To call another Skype user, search for their username and click the call button next to their name.

Skype requires your computer's microphone and speakers to work. If you want video calling, you also need a webcam. Skype works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and you can use the same account on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Messaging apps with built-in calling: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Discord

If the person you want to call uses the same messaging app you do, calling is free and built in. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Discord all let you call other users without paying anything. You do not need a separate account or subscription — if you already use the app, you can call.

WhatsApp works on Windows and Mac through the WhatsApp web version or the desktop app. Open WhatsApp, find the contact you want to call, click the phone icon next to their name, and wait for them to answer. Facebook Messenger is built into Facebook.com — go to your contacts, find the person, and click the phone icon. Discord is a chat app popular with gamers and communities; read it from discord.com, find the person in your server or direct messages, and click the phone icon.

The catch is that both people must have the app installed and be online. If the person you want to call does not use WhatsApp, you cannot reach them through WhatsApp. Some of these apps (like WhatsApp) let you call phone numbers too, but that usually costs money or requires a paid plan.

What you need to call from your computer

Your computer must have a working microphone and speakers or headphones. Most laptops have a built-in microphone and speakers. Desktop computers usually need a separate microphone and speakers, or you can use a headset (microphone and headphones in one device). Test your microphone and speakers before you call — on Windows, go to Settings > Sound and look for "Input" and "Output" devices. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound.

You also need a stable internet connection. WiFi or broadband both work. The connection does not need to be fast — even 1 Mbps upload and read speed is enough for a voice call. Video calling uses more bandwidth, so if your internet is slow, video may freeze or drop.

read and install the app or service you want to use. Most are free to read. Create an account if the service requires one (Google Voice, Skype, WhatsApp, Discord, and Facebook Messenger all have free accounts). Then test a call with a friend before you rely on it for something important.

Calling phone numbers versus calling other computer users

Calling another computer user (someone using the same app or service) is always free. Calling a regular phone number from your computer usually costs money, though the amount is small. Google Voice charges nothing for US and Canadian numbers. Skype charges per minute or through a monthly subscription. WhatsApp and other messaging apps may charge to call phone numbers, depending on your country and the app.

The cost difference matters if you call phone numbers often. If you call the same person every day, a Skype subscription ($3 to $10 per month) might be cheaper than paying per minute. If you call phone numbers rarely, paying per minute is usually cheaper. Check the pricing page for the service you choose — most show the cost per minute for different countries.

International calls cost more than calls within the US. A call to a UK number might cost 5 cents per minute, while a call to India might cost 2 cents per minute. Check before you call someone overseas, or use a messaging app if both of you have it installed.

Video calling from your computer

Video calling uses the same apps as voice calling — Google Meet (part of Google), Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Discord all support video. You do not pay extra for video; it is included in the service. You do need a webcam so the other person can see you. Most laptops have a built-in webcam. Desktop computers usually need a separate USB webcam, which costs $20 to $60.

To start a video call, open the app, find the person you want to call, and click the video icon instead of the phone icon. The other person will get a notification and can accept or decline. If your internet is slow, video may freeze — in that case, switch to voice calling or wait until you have a faster connection.

Troubleshooting: when calling does not work

If the other person cannot hear you, your microphone is not working or is muted. Check that your microphone is plugged in (if it is external), turned on, and not muted in the app. On Windows, go to Settings > Sound > Input and look for your microphone in the list. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound > Input. If your microphone does not appear, restart your computer and try again.

If you cannot hear the other person, your speakers are not working or the volume is too low. Check that your speakers are plugged in, turned on, and not muted. Look for a volume slider in the app itself — sometimes the app volume is separate from your computer's volume. Restart the app and try again.

If the call keeps dropping or sounds choppy, your internet connection is too slow or unstable. Move closer to your WiFi router, restart your router, or switch to a wired connection if your computer has an ethernet port. Close other apps that use the internet (streaming video, downloads, online games) while you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call someone's cell phone from my computer?

Yes. Google Voice and Skype both let you call cell phones from your computer. Calls to US and Canadian cell numbers are free on Google Voice. On Skype, you pay per minute or buy a monthly subscription. Messaging apps like WhatsApp can also call cell phones, but usually charge a fee.

Do I need to pay for a phone number to call from my computer?

No. Google Voice gives you a free phone number. Skype does not give you a number — you call from your Skype username. Messaging apps do not use phone numbers at all. You only pay if you call regular phone numbers frequently, and even then the cost is small (usually 1 to 3 cents per minute).

What happens if my internet goes out during a call?

The call drops when ready. Unlike a traditional phone line, computer calling depends entirely on your internet connection. If you need reliable calling, keep your phone as a backup or use a service with a phone line option.

Can I call internationally from my computer?

Yes, but it costs more. Google Voice and Skype both support international calls. Rates vary by country — calls to Europe usually cost 5 to 10 cents per minute, while calls to Asia or Africa may cost 2 to 15 cents per minute. Check the pricing page before you call. Messaging apps are free if the other person uses the same app.

Do I need a separate phone number to use Google Voice or Skype?

No. Both services work with just an internet connection and a computer. Google Voice gives you a new phone number for free, or you can link your existing phone number to it. Skype does not give you a number — people call you through your Skype username. You do not need a phone plan or a phone company.