📊 Quick Comparison: Free Calling Apps at a Glance
| App | Best For | Call Quality | Data Usage | Works In |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyone (most popular) | ★★★★★ Excellent | ~0.5MB/min voice | Most countries | |
| FaceTime | iPhone/iPad users | ★★★★★ Excellent | ~3MB/min audio | Most countries |
| Google Voice | US-based callers | ★★★★☆ Good | Free to India landlines | US, Canada only |
| Skype | Computer users | ★★★★☆ Good | ~0.5MB/min voice | Worldwide |
💡 Important: What "Free" Really Means
All these apps are completely free for app-to-app calls (WhatsApp to WhatsApp, FaceTime to FaceTime, etc.). However, you need:
- ✓ Internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)
- ✓ Both people must have the same app installed
- ✓ No restrictions in your country (some countries block certain apps)
If you're in a country where these apps are blocked, you'll need a VPN service to access them.
📱 The Best Free Calling Apps (Detailed Reviews)
Why it's our #1 pick: WhatsApp is the gold standard for free calls to India. With over 500 million users in India alone, nearly everyone you know already has it installed. The app offers crystal-clear voice and video calls over WiFi or mobile data.
Pros
- Universally used in India
- Excellent call quality
- Video calling included
- Low data usage
- Group calling (up to 32)
- Works on all devices
Cons
- Blocked in UAE, China
- Requires internet
- Both need WhatsApp
- No landline calling
Data usage: ~0.5MB per minute for voice calls, ~5MB per minute for video calls
Setup time: 2 minutes (just download and verify phone number)
Works in: Most countries worldwide (except UAE, China, Saudi Arabia without VPN)
FaceTime
Why it's great: If both you and your family in India use Apple devices, FaceTime offers unmatched quality and reliability. Built directly into iOS and macOS, there's nothing to download or set up.
Pros
- Best-in-class quality
- Pre-installed on Apple devices
- Extremely reliable
- End-to-end encrypted
- Video and audio calls
- Group FaceTime (up to 32)
Cons
- Apple devices only
- Audio blocked in UAE, Saudi
- Higher data usage
- No landline calling
Data usage: ~3MB per minute for audio calls, ~15MB per minute for video calls
Setup time: Instant (pre-installed, just sign in with Apple ID)
Works in: Most countries (FaceTime audio blocked in UAE, Saudi Arabia)
Google Voice
Why it's unique: Google Voice is the only truly free option that lets you call regular phone numbers in India (landlines and mobiles) – not just app-to-app. Perfect if your family doesn't use apps.
Pros
- FREE to India landlines
- $0.01/min to mobiles
- Call ANY phone number
- Get a US phone number
- Voicemail transcription
- SMS included
Cons
- US/Canada accounts only
- Needs US phone for setup
- Slightly lower quality
- Blocked in China
Data usage: Calls use minutes (cellular) or data (WiFi/data connection)
Setup time: 10-15 minutes (requires US phone number for verification)
Works in: US and Canada only (blocked in China without VPN)
Skype
Why it's reliable: One of the oldest VoIP services, Skype works on virtually any device and is great for longer, computer-based calls. Skype-to-Skype calls are completely free worldwide.
Pros
- Works on all platforms
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls
- Great for desktop calls
- Screen sharing built-in
- Group calls (up to 100)
- Can call landlines (paid)
Cons
- Less popular than WhatsApp
- Clunkier mobile app
- Account required
- Some quality issues
Data usage: ~0.5MB per minute for voice calls, ~4MB per minute for video calls
Setup time: 5 minutes (create Microsoft account if needed)
Works in: Worldwide (occasionally blocked in UAE during peak times)
🎯 Which Free App Should You Choose?
Quick Decision Guide
→ Choose WhatsApp (most popular, everyone has it, best quality)
→ Choose FaceTime (best quality, built-in, zero setup)
→ Choose Google Voice (call any landline/mobile number for free or $0.01/min)
→ Choose Skype (great desktop experience, screen sharing)
→ Get NordVPN first to unblock WhatsApp/FaceTime, then use any free app
→ Get an eSIM plan for affordable data to use these free apps
🚀 How to Set Up Each Free Calling App
Setting Up WhatsApp (2 minutes)
- Download WhatsApp from App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Open the app and accept terms and conditions
- Enter your phone number (it will send a verification code via SMS)
- Enter the verification code
- Set your profile name and picture (optional)
- Done! Start calling contacts who have WhatsApp
Pro tip: To make a call, open a chat with your contact, tap the phone icon (voice call) or video camera icon (video call).
Setting Up FaceTime (Instant)
- FaceTime is pre-installed on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Open Settings → FaceTime
- Sign in with your Apple ID (if not already signed in)
- Toggle "FaceTime" to ON
- Choose which email addresses/phone numbers can reach you
- Done! You can now make FaceTime calls
Pro tip: To call someone, open FaceTime app, tap the + icon, enter their name/number, then tap the audio or video button.
Setting Up Google Voice (10-15 minutes)
- Visit voice.google.com or download the Google Voice app
- Sign in with your Google account
- Choose a Google Voice phone number (US number)
- Link your existing US phone number for verification
- Enter the verification code sent to your phone
- Done! You now have a free US number for calling
Important: You MUST have a US phone number to set up Google Voice. It won't work with international numbers.
Pro tip: Add calling credit ($10 minimum) to call Indian mobile numbers at $0.01/min. Landline calls are free!
Setting Up Skype (5 minutes)
- Download Skype from App Store, Google Play, or skype.com
- Open Skype and click "Create account" or "Sign in"
- Sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one)
- Set up your profile (name, picture, etc.)
- Add contacts by searching for their Skype username or email
- Done! Start making free Skype-to-Skype calls
Pro tip: To call landlines/mobiles in India, you'll need to add Skype Credit (rates: ~$0.02/min). But Skype-to-Skype is always free!
💡 Tips for Better Call Quality
Use WiFi When Possible
WiFi provides more stable connections than cellular data, resulting in clearer calls and fewer drops. Connect to a reliable WiFi network before important calls.
Charge Your Device
Video calls drain battery quickly. Keep your device charged or plugged in during longer calls to prevent unexpected disconnections.
Use Headphones
Headphones or earbuds improve audio quality and reduce echo. They also help with privacy if you're calling from public places.
Close Other Apps
Background apps can slow down your device and affect call quality. Close unnecessary apps before starting your call.
Find a Quiet Spot
Background noise interferes with call quality. Find a quiet location for the best experience, especially for video calls.
Mind the Time Difference
India is 9.5-13.5 hours ahead of US time zones. Use time zone converters to find a good time for both parties.
⚠️ Important: When Free Apps Won't Work
Free calling apps require specific conditions to work properly:
- Internet connection required: All these apps need WiFi or mobile data. No internet = no calls.
- Both users need the same app: You can't call WhatsApp from FaceTime. Both people must have and use the same app.
- Geographic restrictions: Some countries block certain apps:
- UAE: WhatsApp calling, Skype, FaceTime audio blocked
- China: WhatsApp, Google Voice, FaceTime blocked
- Saudi Arabia: WhatsApp calling, Skype restricted
- Can't call landlines: Most free apps (except Google Voice) only work app-to-app. You can't call regular phone numbers.
Solution for restrictions: If you're in a restricted country, you'll need a VPN service like NordVPN to bypass blocks and access these apps.
🌍 Free Apps in Restricted Countries
If you're living or traveling in a country with calling restrictions, you have two options:
Option 1: Use a VPN (Recommended)
A VPN creates a secure tunnel that bypasses restrictions, allowing you to use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and Google Voice from anywhere.
Best VPN for calling: NordVPN (from $3.39/month)
- ✓ Unblocks all calling apps instantly
- ✓ Military-grade encryption for privacy
- ✓ 6,000+ servers in 111 countries
- ✓ Works in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, and more
- ✓ 30-day money-back guarantee
Cost breakdown: $3.39/month for VPN + free calling apps = unlimited free calls to India for less than the cost of a single traditional call!
Get NordVPN →Option 2: Get an eSIM While Traveling
If you're visiting India or traveling through restricted countries, an eSIM gives you a local data connection without restrictions.
Best eSIM for India: Airalo (from $5 for 1GB)
- ✓ Indian data connection works immediately
- ✓ No restrictions on any apps
- ✓ Keep your home SIM active
- ✓ Plans from 1GB to 20GB
- ✓ Instant installation via QR code
Perfect for: Short trips to India (1-30 days) where you need data to use free calling apps.
Get Airalo eSIM →💰 Cost Comparison: Free Apps vs Traditional Calls
| Method | Monthly Cost (30 hours calling) | Setup | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp (Free App) | $0 (just data cost) | 2 minutes | ★★★★★ Excellent |
| FaceTime (Free App) | $0 (just data cost) | Instant | ★★★★★ Excellent |
| Google Voice (Free) | $0 to landlines, $18 to mobiles | 15 minutes | ★★★★☆ Good |
| Skype (Free) | $0 (just data cost) | 5 minutes | ★★★★☆ Good |
| Traditional Phone | $900-3,600 ($0.50-2/min) | Instant | ★★★★☆ Good |
| International Calling Card | $100-300 | Buy card | ★★★☆☆ Fair |
💰 The Savings Are Massive
Traditional calls: At $1/minute, 30 hours of calling per month costs $1,800!
Free apps: 30 hours of calling costs $0 (using home WiFi) or ~$5-10 (mobile data costs).
Annual savings: Up to $21,600 per year by switching to free apps! 🎉
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are these apps really completely free?
Yes! WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype (for Skype-to-Skype calls) are 100% free for voice and video calls. You don't pay anything to use them.
The catch: You need an internet connection (WiFi or mobile data). If you're using mobile data, your carrier may charge for data usage – but the apps themselves cost nothing.
Google Voice is free for landline calls to India and costs just $0.01/minute for mobile calls.
How much data do free calling apps use?
Voice calls:
- WhatsApp: ~0.5MB per minute (30MB per hour)
- Skype: ~0.5MB per minute (30MB per hour)
- FaceTime Audio: ~3MB per minute (180MB per hour)
Video calls:
- WhatsApp: ~5MB per minute (300MB per hour)
- Skype: ~4MB per minute (240MB per hour)
- FaceTime: ~15MB per minute (900MB per hour)
Pro tip: Use WiFi whenever possible to avoid data charges from your carrier. On WiFi, all calls are truly free!
Can I call landlines and mobile numbers with free apps?
Short answer: Only Google Voice lets you call regular phone numbers for free (landlines) or very cheap (mobiles at $0.01/min).
Other apps:
- WhatsApp: App-to-app only (both people need WhatsApp)
- FaceTime: Apple device to Apple device only
- Skype: Free Skype-to-Skype, but you can buy Skype Credit to call landlines/mobiles at ~$0.02/min
Best solution: If your family doesn't use apps, use Google Voice (free to landlines, $0.01/min to mobiles).
Do free calling apps work in UAE, China, and other restricted countries?
Unfortunately, no – not without a VPN. Here's what's blocked where:
- UAE: WhatsApp calling, Skype, FaceTime audio blocked
- China: WhatsApp, Google Voice, FaceTime all blocked
- Saudi Arabia: WhatsApp calling and Skype restricted
- Qatar, Kuwait, Oman: Intermittent VoIP restrictions
The solution: Get a VPN like NordVPN ($3.39/month) to bypass restrictions. The VPN unblocks all these apps instantly, and then your calls are free as usual.
Total cost: $3.39/month for VPN access + unlimited free calling = still far cheaper than traditional calls!
Which free app has the best call quality?
Based on extensive testing, here's our quality ranking:
1. WhatsApp & FaceTime (tied): Excellent quality – clear audio, minimal lag, reliable connections. Both use advanced codecs and handle network fluctuations well.
2. Google Voice & Skype (tied): Good quality – generally clear but may have occasional lag or quality drops during poor connections.
Quality tips:
- Use WiFi instead of cellular data for best quality
- Ensure both parties have strong internet connections
- Close background apps to dedicate bandwidth to your call
- Use headphones to improve audio clarity and reduce echo
Can I make group calls with free apps?
Yes! All these apps support group calling:
- WhatsApp: Up to 32 people (voice or video)
- FaceTime: Up to 32 people (iOS 12.1+ required)
- Skype: Up to 100 people (voice or video)
- Google Voice: No group calling feature
Best for large family calls: Skype supports the most participants, making it ideal for large family gatherings or celebrations where everyone in India wants to join.
Pro tip: For stable group calls, ensure the call organizer has the strongest internet connection, as they often handle more data.
What happens if I don't have WiFi and use mobile data?
Free calling apps will work perfectly on mobile data – the calls remain free from the app's perspective. However, your mobile carrier may charge for data usage.
Data costs by carrier (approximate):
- Unlimited plans: Often include unlimited data at full speed, so calls are effectively free
- Capped plans: Using 30MB/hour for voice calls, you'd use ~900MB for 30 hours/month
- International data: Can be very expensive ($10-15/MB in some countries)
Solution for travelers: If you're traveling to India or other countries, get an eSIM plan with affordable local data rates instead of using expensive international roaming.
Can my family in India use these apps on their phones?
Absolutely! These apps work perfectly in India:
- WhatsApp: Over 500 million users in India – nearly everyone has it
- FaceTime: Works on any iPhone/iPad in India
- Google Voice: Doesn't work in India (US/Canada only), but they can receive your calls
- Skype: Works worldwide, including India
Setup for family: Help your family in India install WhatsApp or Skype on their smartphones. Most modern Android phones and iPhones come with these apps pre-installed or readily available in app stores.
No smartphone? If your family uses basic feature phones without apps, you'll need to use Google Voice (free to landlines) or consider getting them an affordable Android smartphone so they can use free apps.
🎯 Our Final Recommendation
After years of testing and helping thousands of Indian expats stay connected with family, here's our honest recommendation:
🏆 Best Free Calling Solution
Primary app: WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the clear winner for most people. With over 500 million users in India, your family almost certainly already has it installed. The quality is excellent, it's completely free, and it works on all devices.
Backup app: Google Voice (if in US)
Keep Google Voice as your backup for calling family members who don't use smartphones or apps. It's the only way to call regular phone numbers for free (landlines) or extremely cheap ($0.01/min for mobiles).
For iPhone users: FaceTime
If both you and your family use Apple devices, FaceTime offers unmatched quality and reliability with zero setup required.
Living in restricted countries?
Get NordVPN ($3.39/month) to unblock WhatsApp and other apps, then enjoy unlimited free calling for a tiny monthly fee.
🔗 Need More Calling Options?
Looking for other solutions beyond free apps?
- ✈️ Traveling to India? Check out our Best eSIM Plans for India
- 🌍 Living in UAE or China? See our VPN Services Guide
- 📊 Compare all options? Read our 9 Best Ways to Call India
Want to make your free calls even better?
Get a VPN to unblock apps or an eSIM for affordable data while traveling
Get NordVPN → Get Airalo eSIM →