Best International Call Companies in 2026: 8 Companies Compared

WhatsApp is the simplest answer for most international calls between family and friends. Voice and video calls are free over Wi-Fi or mobile data, with end-to-end encryption, and the app works on Android, iOS and desktop. Its huge user base means the person you want to call probably already has it installed. The limit is that both sides need the app. You cannot use WhatsApp alone to call a landline or a mobile number whose owner has no WhatsApp account. For those calls, pair it with a pay-as-you-go service from this list, and use WhatsApp for the calls where both sides are already on it.

Viber covers both kinds of international call. Viber-to-Viber calls are free over the internet, while Viber Out lets you call landlines and mobiles in countries where the other person does not use Viber. That dual role makes it a good single app for mixed calling needs. Rates for Viber Out depend on the destination and network, so check the rate for your country before buying credit. The app also includes messaging, group chats and stickers, which help when a call is not convenient. If your contacts already use Viber, it can replace two apps with one.

Rebtel focuses on affordable calls to mobiles and landlines abroad, with local numbers you can assign to frequent contacts so calling them feels like a local call. The app works on mobile and through the web, and it offers both pay-as-you-go credit and subscription plans for heavy callers. Pricing depends heavily on the destination, so the value case is strongest for countries where Rebtel rates are low. Check the rate for your exact destination and compare it with Yolla and Localphone before topping up, since the cheapest service differs by country.

Google Voice gives eligible US users a free US phone number that works across devices, with free calls to US and Canadian numbers. Voicemail transcription, spam filtering and call forwarding make it useful as a second number for work or travel. It integrates with Google accounts and devices. For international calls beyond the US and Canada, Google Voice charges per-minute rates that vary by destination. It is not the cheapest option for every country, but it is a strong choice for US-based callers who also want a free second number and simple call management.

Yolla is a pay-as-you-go service for calls to mobiles and landlines in more than 190 countries. You top up credit and pay per minute, with no monthly fee for occasional use, and calls between Yolla users are free. That model suits people who call abroad irregularly and do not want a subscription. Rates vary by destination, with some routes costing only a few cents per minute and others costing more. Check the rate for your country on the Yolla site before buying credit, and use Wi-Fi where possible to keep call quality steady. For short, occasional landline calls, Yolla is often cheaper than a carrier international plan.

Localphone has long been a budget choice for international calls, with low per-minute rates on many routes and local access numbers that let you dial a local number to reach an international contact. Pay-as-you-go credit means you only pay for what you use, with no subscription needed for occasional calls. The app and website are more basic than WhatsApp or Viber, and the cheapest route varies by country. That is why it pays to compare Localphone with Yolla and Rebtel for your specific destination rather than assuming one service is cheapest everywhere. For regular calls to one country, check whether a subscription or bundle beats pay-as-you-go.

Telegram offers free voice and video calls between users, with strong group chat and channel features beside calling. It works on mobile, desktop and the web, and it does not require a local SIM for calls once your account is set up. That makes it useful for travellers and for groups spread across countries. As with WhatsApp, both callers need the app, and you cannot call a landline directly from Telegram. Its strength is for communities and families who already chat on Telegram and want calls in the same place. Call quality over Wi-Fi is generally good, though it depends on both sides having a stable connection.

FaceTime is built into every iPhone, iPad and Mac, so Apple users can make free international voice and video calls without installing anything. Calls are encrypted, quality over Wi-Fi is strong, and group FaceTime supports calls with several people at once. For families where everyone uses Apple devices, it is the easiest option in this list. The limit is clear: both callers need an Apple device. Android users cannot join a FaceTime call as a full participant, so mixed-device families should use WhatsApp or Telegram instead. FaceTime also cannot call landlines, so keep a pay-as-you-go service for those calls.