The fastest way to fax from your computer
You can fax a document from your computer using an online fax service, your printer's built-in fax feature, or your phone line if you have a fax modem. The easiest route for most people is an online fax service like eFax, HelloSign, or Fax.plus, which lets you upload a file and send it to any fax number in minutes. If you have a multifunction printer with a scanner and fax capability, you can scan the document and fax it directly from the printer's control panel. A third option is fax software paired with a fax modem, but this requires hardware most home computers no longer have.
The method you choose depends on how often you fax, whether you already own the hardware, and whether you want to pay per fax or subscribe to a monthly plan. Online services work anywhere you have internet and cost nothing to start, though they charge per page or per month once you go beyond the free tier. Printer-based faxing is free if your printer has the feature, but it ties you to that one device. Fax modems are nearly obsolete and require a phone line connected to your computer.
Key Takeaways
- Online fax services like eFax and Fax.plus are the most common choice because they work on any computer with internet and require no hardware investment.
- If your multifunction printer has a fax function, you can scan and fax directly from the printer without using your computer at all.
- Most online services let you send your first fax or first few pages free, then charge per page or per month after that.
- Fax modems and dedicated fax software are outdated and require a phone line, making them impractical for most home users today.
Using an online fax service
Online fax services are the most straightforward option for sending a fax from your computer. You create an account on the service's website, upload your document (usually a PDF, Word file, or image), enter the recipient's fax number, and hit send. The service transmits the fax over the internet to the recipient's fax machine or online fax account. Popular services include eFax, Fax.plus, HelloSign, and RingCentral Fax.
Most services offer a free tier that lets you send one or two faxes per month at no cost. After that, you either pay per page (usually 10 to 25 cents per page) or subscribe to a monthly plan (typically $10 to $30 per month for unlimited sending). Some services also provide a fax number so people can send faxes to you, which you receive as email attachments or through the service's app. Check the pricing page of each service before signing up, because costs and free limits vary widely.
The main drawback of online fax services is that they require an internet connection and a credit card to use beyond the free tier. If you fax only once or twice a year, the per-page option keeps costs low. If you fax regularly, a monthly subscription is usually cheaper than paying per page.
Faxing through your multifunction printer
If you own a multifunction printer—a device that prints, scans, and faxes—you can send a fax without using your computer at all. Place the document face-down on the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder, press the Fax button on the printer's control panel, enter the recipient's fax number using the keypad, and press Send. The printer scans the document and transmits it over the phone line connected to the printer.
This method is free and requires no software or online account. However, it only works if your printer has a fax function and is connected to an active phone line. Many modern printers no longer include fax capability, so check your printer's manual or specifications before assuming it can fax. If your printer does have fax, the phone line must be plugged into the printer's phone jack, not into a separate modem or router.
Printer-based faxing is slower than online services because the printer must dial the number and wait for the recipient's fax machine to answer. If the line is busy or the fax machine is offline, the printer will retry automatically, but this can take several minutes. For occasional faxing, this delay is usually acceptable. For frequent or time-sensitive faxes, an online service is faster.
Using fax modem software
A fax modem is a hardware device that connects to your computer and a phone line, allowing you to send and receive faxes through software on your computer. Fax software like WinFax, eFax Messenger, or Mighty Fax lets you open a document, select Fax as the printer, and send it like a print job. The modem dials the fax number and transmits the document over the phone line.
Fax modems are now uncommon because most computers no longer include them, and external modems are difficult to find and expensive. If you already own a fax modem and have a dedicated phone line available, this method is free to use. However, for new users, buying a modem and fax software is not practical when online services are cheaper and easier to set up. The setup process also requires installing drivers and configuring the modem, which adds time and complexity that online services eliminate.
Preparing your document to fax
Before you send a fax, make sure your document is in a format the fax service or software accepts. Most services accept PDF, Word (.docx), image files (JPG, PNG), and sometimes Excel or PowerPoint files. If your document is a physical paper, scan it to your computer first using a scanner or your phone's camera app, then save it as a PDF or image file.
Check that the document is readable and properly oriented before sending. If you are faxing a multi-page document, make sure all pages are included and in the correct order. Some online services let you preview the fax before sending, which is useful for catching mistakes. Once you are satisfied, enter the recipient's fax number, double-check it for typos, and send.
Choosing between methods
| Method | Cost | Speed | Hardware Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online fax service | Free to start, then $0.10–$0.25 per page or $10–$30/month | 1–2 minutes | None (internet only) |
| Multifunction printer | Free | 5–10 minutes | Printer with fax + phone line |
| Fax modem | Free (if you own the modem) | 5–10 minutes | External fax modem + phone line |
For most people, an online fax service is the best choice because it requires no hardware, works from any computer, and is fast. If you already own a multifunction printer with fax capability and a phone line, use that instead—it is free and you avoid creating another online account. Fax modems are only worth considering if you already own one and have a phone line available.
Think about your faxing frequency when deciding. If you fax fewer than five times per year, an online service's per-page pricing keeps your costs under $2 annually. If you fax more than ten times per month, a monthly subscription ($10 to $30) becomes cheaper than paying per page. Most online services let you switch between pay-per-page and monthly plans, so you can start with one and change later as your needs shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fax from my computer without a phone line?
Yes, if you use an online fax service. Online services send faxes over the internet, so you need only an internet connection and a web browser. Printer-based faxing and fax modems both require a phone line connected to the device.
What file types can I fax?
Most online fax services accept PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and image files (JPG, PNG, TIFF). If your document is on paper, scan it to your computer first or photograph it with your phone and save it as a PDF or image file before uploading.
How long does it take to send a fax?
Online fax services usually send within 1 to 2 minutes. Printer-based faxing and fax modems take 5 to 10 minutes because they must dial the number and wait for the recipient's fax machine to answer. If the line is busy, the device will retry automatically.
Do I need a fax number to receive faxes?
Not if you only send faxes. However, many online fax services offer a fax number so people can send faxes to you, which you receive as email attachments. This feature usually costs extra or is included in a monthly plan.
What if the fax fails to send?
Online services will notify you by email if a fax fails. Common reasons include an incorrect fax number, the recipient's fax machine being offline, or a busy line. Check the number and try again. Printer-based faxing and fax modems will retry automatically several times before giving up.