A free calling app lets you make voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of your phone plan's minutes. Messaging apps are best for calling people who use the same app, while second number apps give you a separate number for calling regular phones. Use Wi-Fi whenever you can, because these calls still use data.
Free calling apps have quietly replaced a lot of ordinary phone calls. Families spread across countries, small business owners who want a separate work number, and anyone with a patchy signal at home all lean on them.
Here are ten free calling apps, listed in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. They fall into two camps, and knowing which camp you need saves a lot of trial and error.
The first camp is messaging apps, where both people install the same app and call each other over the internet. The second is second number apps, which give you a real phone number so you can call people who don't have the app.
Both depend on a data connection, which is where most of the surprises come from, so read the section on data before you rely on one abroad.
Free calling apps at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download. Plenty of free apps carry ads or offer in-app upgrades, and the store labels tell you which, so check them before you install.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dingtone | Second number app | Calls and texts from a second number | Yes |
| Google Voice | Phone number service | A free number for calls and texts | Yes |
| magicApp | Calling and messaging app | Wi-Fi calling from a phone number | Yes |
| Signal | Private messaging app | Encrypted voice and video calls | Yes |
| Talkatone | Second number app | Wi-Fi calls and texts | Yes |
| TalkU | Second number app | Calls and texts from a new number | Yes |
| Text Free | Second number app | A free number for texting and calls | Yes |
| TextMe | Second number app | Second numbers for calls and texts | Yes |
| TextNow | Phone number app | Calls and texts over Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Messaging app | Voice and video calls with contacts | Yes |
Ten free calling apps to try
Dingtone
Best for: People who want a second number for calls and texts without a second SIM.
Google Voice
Best for: People in the US who want one number that works on phone and computer.
magicApp
Best for: Anyone who wants to make calls over Wi-Fi from a dedicated number.
Signal
Best for: People who care most about privacy and want encrypted calls with friends.
Talkatone
Best for: Making calls over Wi-Fi from a tablet or a phone without a plan.
TalkU
Best for: People who want an extra number for selling, dating or one-off projects.
Text Free
Best for: Anyone who mainly texts and wants a free number that also makes calls.
TextMe
Best for: People who want a separate number to keep work and personal calls apart.
TextNow
Best for: People who want a free number they can use for calls on Wi-Fi at home.
Best for: Calling friends and family abroad who already use the same app.
The data detail that decides whether a call stays free
Here's what catches people out. A free calling app doesn't use your plan's minutes, but it does use the internet. Google Voice's own help page says its texts use Wi-Fi, or mobile data from your phone's service plan if you're not connected to Wi-Fi, and that it can send texts at no charge to US, Canadian and Puerto Rican numbers.
That last part matters when you travel. If you're abroad and not on Wi-Fi, your mobile company may bill you for roaming data, even though the app itself is free. So join the hotel or cafe Wi-Fi before you call home, and turn off mobile data if you don't want any surprises.
Messaging app or second number: which do you need?
- Calling family abroad: a messaging app both of you already use is simplest.
- Calling landlines and businesses: you'll need an app that gives you a phone number.
- A work number: a second number app keeps clients off your personal number.
- Privacy: pick an app with encrypted calls and check its settings.
- A tablet with no SIM: a Wi-Fi calling app turns it into a phone.
Setting up a free calling app
- Decide whether you're calling app users or regular phone numbers.
- Install the app from your phone's official app store.
- Verify your account and, if offered, pick a number.
- Test a short call on Wi-Fi to check the sound quality.
- Check the notification settings so you don't miss incoming calls.
Using calling apps for work
Plenty of small businesses now run their customer chats through messaging apps. If you're thinking of doing the same, here's what to look for in a business messaging provider.
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And if some of your customers speak another language, here's whether your messaging app can translate for you and what to use instead.
Do you make calling apps or phone number apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free calling apps
If everyone you call already uses one messaging app, use that and don't overthink it. If you need to ring ordinary phone numbers, or want a separate number for work, a second number app is the better fit.
Whichever you choose, get into the habit of calling on Wi-Fi. It's the difference between a free call and a nasty surprise on your phone bill when you're away.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make free calls without a phone plan?
Yes. On Wi-Fi, calling apps work on phones and tablets without a plan.
Do free calling apps use data?
Yes. Calls go over the internet, so use Wi-Fi to avoid using mobile data.
Can I call a landline with a free app?
Apps that give you a phone number can call landlines. Messaging apps only call other app users.
Are free calling apps safe?
Download them from the official app store and check their privacy settings.
Can I get a second phone number for free?
Yes. Several second number apps give you a free number for calls and texts.
Are calls on free apps encrypted?
Some messaging apps encrypt calls by default. Check each app's help pages.
Will free calling apps work abroad?
Yes on Wi-Fi. On mobile data abroad your phone company may add roaming charges.
Can I use a free calling app on a tablet?
Yes. Many work on tablets over Wi-Fi.
Why is my call quality poor?
A weak Wi-Fi or data signal is the usual cause. Move closer to the router.
Can I keep my free number?
Some apps reclaim numbers that aren't used for a while, so check the app's rules.
Do free calling apps work for emergency calls?
Don't rely on them for emergencies. Use your regular phone line.
Can I video call for free?
Yes. Most messaging apps include free video calls between users.
