You can make calls on your computer using built-in tools or free apps, and you need only an internet connection and a microphone

Most computers come with everything you need to call someone: a microphone, speakers, and internet access. You do not need a phone line or a phone bill. The call goes through the internet instead, which means the person you are calling can be anywhere in the world, and the cost is the same as sending an email — nothing.

The simplest route depends on who you are calling. If you are calling another computer user, you can use a free app like Skype, Google Meet, or Zoom. If you are calling a regular phone number, you will need a service that bridges the gap between internet and phone networks — some are free for a limited number of calls per month, others charge a small fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Computer-to-computer calls are free and require only an internet connection and a microphone; both people need the same app installed.
  • Calling a regular phone number from your computer requires a service like Skype, Google Voice, or Vonage, which may charge per minute or per month.
  • Your computer's built-in microphone and speakers usually work, but a headset with a microphone gives better sound quality and lets you move around.
  • Video calls work the same way as voice calls on most platforms; you straightforward turn the camera on or off depending on what you need.
  • Test your microphone and speakers before your first call by using the settings menu in your app or operating system.

Computer-to-Computer Calls Using Free Apps

The easiest calls are between two computer users. Both people need the same app installed, and both need an internet connection. Once you have the app, you find the other person's name or account, click their name, and press the call button. They see an incoming call notification and can accept or decline.

Skype is one of the oldest and most widely used. You create a free account with an email address, add the other person as a contact, and call them. Skype works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, and also on phones, so you can call someone on their computer or their phone using the same app.

Google Meet is built into Gmail and Google accounts. You open Gmail, click the Meet tab on the left side, and start a call. You can send the other person a link, and they can join without creating an account. Google Meet also works on phones and tablets.

Zoom is designed for group calls but works for one-on-one calls too. You create a free account, start a meeting, and send the link to the other person. The free version limits group calls to 40 minutes, but one-on-one calls can be as long as you want.

Discord is popular for gaming but works for any voice or video call. You create a free account, add the other person as a friend, and click the call icon next to their name. Discord has very good sound quality and uses very little internet bandwidth.

Calling Regular Phone Numbers From Your Computer

If you want to call someone's phone number instead of using an app, you need a service that connects your computer to the phone network. These services vary in cost and how they work.

Google Voice is free in the United States. You create a free Google account, get a free phone number, and can call any U.S. or Canadian phone number from your computer for free. You can also receive calls on that number. The catch is that you need a regular phone number to set up Google Voice in the first place, and it only works in the U.S. and Canada.

Skype also lets you call regular phone numbers. You buy credit by the minute or pay a monthly subscription. Rates vary by country, but calling within the U.S. usually costs a few cents per minute. You can also buy a Skype number so people can call you.

Vonage and MagicJack are services that replace your phone line. You pay a monthly fee (usually $10 to $25), and you get a phone number that works on your computer, phone, or a special device you plug into your internet router. These are better if you make a lot of calls or want a permanent phone number.

WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger let you call phone numbers too, but only if the other person is already in your contacts and has the app. They are better for calling people you know than for calling businesses or strangers.

Setting Up Your Microphone and Speakers

Your computer has a built-in microphone and speakers, usually in the screen or keyboard. For most calls, these work fine. If the sound is muffled, too quiet, or the other person cannot hear you, you can improve it with a headset.

A headset is a pair of headphones with a microphone attached. It costs $20 to $100 depending on quality. The microphone sits closer to your mouth, so the other person hears you more clearly. The headphones let you hear them without the sound coming out of your speakers, which prevents echo and feedback.

Before your first call, test your microphone and speakers. In Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound and scroll down to "Input" and "Output." Click "Test your microphone" and speak a few words. You should see the volume bar move. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound, click the Input tab, and speak while watching the input level bar.

In your calling app, there is usually a settings or preferences menu. Open it and look for "Audio" or "Microphone." You should see a list of microphones and speakers. Select the one you want to use. Most apps let you test the microphone right there by recording a short message and playing it back.

Making Your First Call

The exact steps depend on which app you use, but the basic flow is the same. Open the app, find the person you want to call, and click the call button. A notification appears on their screen. If they accept, the call connects and you can talk.

If they do not accept, the call goes to voicemail or straightforward ends, depending on the app. You can try again later or send them a message asking when they are free.

During the call, you usually see buttons to mute your microphone, turn off your camera (if you are on a video call), and end the call. Mute is useful if you need to cough, talk to someone else in the room, or just listen without speaking. The other person cannot hear you when you are muted, but you can still hear them.

If the call drops or the connection is bad, hang up and try again. Internet calls are sensitive to network speed and stability. If you are on WiFi and the signal is weak, move closer to the router or switch to a wired connection if your computer has an ethernet port.

Video Calls on Your Computer

Video calls work the same way as voice calls, except your camera is on. Your computer has a built-in camera, usually at the top of the screen. When you start a video call, the app asks permission to use the camera. Click "Allow" and the other person will see you.

You can turn the camera off at any time by clicking the camera icon during the call. This is useful if you do not want to be on video but still want to talk, or if you need privacy. The other person will see a black screen or a still image instead of live video.

Good lighting makes a big difference in how you look on video. Sit facing a window or a lamp so light hits your face, not your back. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind you, because the camera will make you look dark and hard to see.

Position your camera at eye level or slightly above. If your camera is below you, it points up at your face, which is not flattering. If it is above you, it points down, which is better. You can raise your laptop or monitor on a stack of books to get the angle right.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the other person cannot hear you, your microphone is muted or not working. Check the app settings to make sure the right microphone is selected. In Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and make sure the app has permission to use it. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone.

If you cannot hear the other person, your speakers are muted or the volume is too low. Check the volume slider in your app and in your operating system. On Windows, click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. On Mac, click the speaker icon in the top right corner.

If the call keeps dropping or the connection is choppy, your internet is too slow or unstable. Close other apps that use the internet, like web browsers or file downloads. If you are on WiFi, try moving closer to the router or switching to a wired connection. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

If the app crashes or will not open, restart your computer. If that does not work, uninstall the app and read it again from the official website or app store. Do not use a third-party read site, because it may have a version with malware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to make calls on my computer?

Computer-to-computer calls are free if both people have the same app and an internet connection. Calling a regular phone number costs money with most services, though Google Voice is free in the U.S. and Canada. Some services charge per minute, others charge a monthly fee.

Can I call someone on their phone from my computer?

Yes, if you use a service like Google Voice, Skype, Vonage, or WhatsApp that connects to the phone network. The person receives the call on their phone as if you called from a regular phone. They do not need to have the app installed or know you are calling from a computer.

What if my computer does not have a microphone or camera?

You can buy a USB microphone or a USB webcam and plug it into your computer. They cost $20 to $60 and work when ready without installing software. A headset with a microphone is usually cheaper and gives better sound quality than separate devices.

Is it safe to make calls on my computer?

Calls on major apps like Skype, Google Meet, and Zoom are encrypted, which means the conversation is scrambled so only you and the other person can hear it. Avoid calling through apps you do not recognize or that ask for unusual permissions. If an app asks to access your files or contacts for no clear reason, do not use it.

Can I record a call I make on my computer?

Most apps have a record button, but the rules about recording vary by state and country. Some places require both people to agree before you record. Check your local laws before recording any call. If the app has a record button, it usually appears during the call as a red circle or a similar icon.