International calling is still one of the most expensive forms of communication for people.
- In the US, average international rates from carriers range between $0.05 and $0.20 per minute for popular destinations.
- In Nigeria or India, calls to North America can run $0.50–$1.00 per minute without packages (FCC, ITU data).Â
- 70% of international communication is now carried over internet-based apps rather than traditional carriers.
As such, free video chat apps like FaceCall have changed the game. They work over Wi-Fi or mobile data, cut out carrier charges, and add face-to-face connection on top. With nearly 4 billion smartphone users globally (most of them on Android), these apps are now the default for international communication.
Here are the 10 best free video chat apps for international calls, tested and ranked for quality, privacy, and global reach.
Let’s get started.
Quick Summary
- In the US, average international calling rates range from $0.05–$0.20 per minute for popular destinations (FCC, ITU).
- In Nigeria or India, calls to North America can cost $0.50–$1.00 per minute without special packages (ITU).
- 70% of international communication is now carried over internet-based apps rather than traditional carriers (ITU).
- There are nearly 4 billion smartphone users globally, most on Android (Statista).
- Android covers ~70% of the global smartphone market (Statista).
- WhatsApp: ~3 billion monthly active users in 2025.
- Signal: ~70 million monthly active users in 2025.
- Telegram: over 900 million monthly active users in 2025.
- Zoom: ~300 million daily meeting participants in 2024.
- Google Meet: ~300 million monthly active users, ~29% global video conferencing market share.
- FaceTime: backed by over 1.4 billion active Apple devices worldwide (Statista).
- Viber: ~260 million monthly active users.
- LINE: ~170 million monthly active users.
- Discord: ~200 million monthly active users.
1. FaceCall
Platform: Android, iOS
Best For: Free, secure international calls without phone numbers
FaceCall is one of the best WhatsApp alternatives. The app is built from the ground up for international video calling.
Unlike older apps, it does not tie accounts to a phone number, which makes it perfect for users who move between SIM cards or travel often.
The app is lightweight and optimized for low-bandwidth conditions, so calls remain stable even in regions with weaker infrastructure. This makes FaceCall one of the most suitable and secure Telegram alternatives, too.
With Android covering nearly 70% of the global smartphone market, FaceCall’s focus on efficiency makes it accessible for users worldwide.
Security is the top priority – meaning all calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, giving peace of mind to people who rely on it for family conversations across borders.
Features
- End-to-end encryption across all calls
- Adaptive video quality for low bandwidth conditions
- No phone number required to register
- Group video calls with up to 20 participants
- Built-in screen sharing
2. WhatsApp
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Desktop
Best For: Ubiquity and global reach
WhatsApp is the default international calling app for billions.
With close to 3 billion monthly active users in 2025, it is the most widely adopted messaging and video calling tool in the world.
Because so many people already use it, finding contacts abroad is rarely an issue. For everyday free international video calls, however, WhatsApp comes pretty close to the likes of FaceCall – because the quality is hard to beat. It’s reliable, works across devices, and lets you connect instantly with people anywhere on the globe.
Features
- End-to-end encrypted video and voice calls
- Group video calls with up to 32 participants
- Cross-platform access on Android, iOS, web, and desktop
- Integration with chat, file sharing, and voice messages
- Billions of international calls handled monthly
3. Signal
Platform: Android, iOS, Desktop
Best For: Privacy-first international calls
Signal is the go-to video calling apps for Android and iOS – esp for people who want international calls without giving up privacy. It is open-source, free from ads, and run by a non-profit.
All calls and messages are end-to-end encrypted, and the app does not store metadata about who you talk to or when.
While its user base is smaller—around 70 million monthly active users in 2025, it has become trusted by journalists, activists, and professionals who need secure communication across borders.
For international calls where privacy is just as important as cost savings, Signal is a top choice.
Features
- End-to-end encrypted video and voice calls
- Group video calls with up to 40 participants
- Disappearing messages and file sharing
- No ads, trackers, or monetization through data
- Open-source with independent audits
Also Read: Best Signal Alternatives
4. Telegram
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Desktop
Best For: Large international groups and communities
Telegram is one of the fastest-growing messaging platforms, with over 900 million monthly active users in 2025.
It’s widely used for communities that span multiple countries because of its strong group management features and cloud-based storage.
One-on-one video calls are end-to-end encrypted, while group calls use Telegram’s standard encryption. The ability to store unlimited media in the cloud means users can share across borders without worrying about storage limits. For families, social groups, or communities that are spread internationally, Telegram offers one of the most flexible free video calling solutions.
Features
- One-on-one video calls with end-to-end encryption
- Group video calls with screen sharing support
- Unlimited cloud storage for media and files
- Works across Android, iOS, desktop, and web
- Popular in international communities and diaspora groups
5. Zoom (Free Plan)
Platform: Android, iOS, Desktop, Web
Best For: Family gatherings and business calls across countries
Zoom became the standard for virtual meetings during the pandemic and continues to dominate professional video conferencing.
On the free plan, users can host group meetings of up to 100 people for 40 minutes at a time, which is also enough for most family or friend catch-ups across borders.
In 2024, Zoom reported 300 million daily meeting participants, showing its scale and reliability worldwide.
For international calls that need bigger group sizes or business-friendly features like breakout rooms and recording, Zoom’s free plan is still one of the most capable options.
Features
- HD video calls with up to 100 participants on the free tier
- 40-minute time limit per meeting on free plan
- Breakout rooms and screen sharing
- Optional end-to-end encryption (must be enabled)
- Widely adopted for both personal and business use
6. Google Meet
Platform: Android, iOS, Web, Desktop
Best For: Users in and outside the Google ecosystem
Google Meet has grown into one of the strongest free options for international calls, especially for Android users already tied into Gmail or Google Calendar.
It has more than 300 million monthly active users and commands around 29% of the global video conferencing market.
What makes it appealing for international calls is the ease of generating meeting links that anyone can join, even without a Google account.
For families and teams spread across different countries, Meet is a reliable free tool that integrates directly into daily workflows.
Features
- Free plan supports up to 100 participants
- Paid plans allow up to 1,000 participants
- 60-minute limit per free call
- Live captions, translations, and AI-powered summaries
- Direct integration with Gmail and Calendar
7. FaceTime (via Browser on Android)
Platform: iOS, macOS, Browser (Android access via links)
Best For: Mixed families with both Apple and Android devices
FaceTime is Apple’s flagship video calling app, known for its smooth performance and high-quality streams.
While Android users cannot install FaceTime natively, Apple now allows them to join calls via browser links. This makes it easier for families split between iPhone and Android users to stay connected.
With over 1.4 billion Apple devices active worldwide (Statista), FaceTime is a major part of the international calling landscape. For free international calls where at least one party uses iOS or macOS, FaceTime remains a strong choice.
Features
- HD video calling with up to 32 participants
- End-to-end encryption across all calls
- Browser access for Android users via link invitations
- Native integration across Apple devices
- No additional costs or subscriptions required
8. Viber
Platform: Android, iOS, Desktop
Best For: Users in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia
Viber has a smaller footprint globally compared to WhatsApp, but in regions like Eastern Europe and the Middle East it is one of the most widely used communication apps.
With around 260 million monthly active users, Viber offers free encrypted video calls, group calls, and messaging.
Its standout feature is Viber Out, which allows low-cost calls to landlines and non-Viber numbers — useful when some contacts don’t use apps. For international Android users with family or friends in Viber-heavy regions, this app is often the default pick.
Features
- End-to-end encrypted video and voice calls
- Group calls with up to 50 participants
- Viber Out for affordable calls to landlines and non-app users
- Stickers, public chats, and communities
- Available on Android, iOS, and desktop
9. LINE
Platform: Android, iOS, Desktop
Best For: Users in Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand
With about 170 million monthly active users, LINE dominates in markets like Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Beyond free international video calls, LINE integrates payments, shopping, games, and a social feed, making it a central app for daily life in those regions.
For Android users with contacts in Asia, LINE is not just an option for video calls but often the primary way to stay connected across borders.
Features
- Group video calls with up to 200 participants
- End-to-end encrypted calls and chats (Letter Sealing protocol)
- Built-in payments and stickers marketplace
- Social feed and entertainment features
- Strong adoption across East and Southeast Asia
10. Discord
Platform: Android, iOS, Desktop, Web
Best For: International communities, groups, and gamers
Discord began as a platform for gamers but has become a mainstream communication app for communities around the world.
With 200 million monthly active users, it combines video calls, persistent voice channels, and group chats.
For international calls, Discord’s advantage is its server-based setup, which allows groups to stay connected asynchronously as well as in real time.
Android users can also join servers, make free group video calls, or drop into always-on voice rooms, making it perfect for long-distance friend groups or communities.
Features
- Free group video calls with screen sharing
- Persistent voice channels for drop-in calls
- Community moderation tools and role assignments
- Works across all major platforms including web
- Popular with both gaming and non-gaming communities
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Group Size | Encryption | Platforms | Best For |
| FaceCall | 20 | End-to-end | Android, iOS | Free, secure international calls |
| 32 | End-to-end (Meta retains metadata) | Android, iOS, Web, Desktop | Ubiquity and reach | |
| Signal | 40 | End-to-end | Android, iOS, Desktop | Privacy-first calls |
| Telegram | Unlimited streams | Partial (E2E in Secret Chats) | Android, iOS, Web, Desktop | Large groups and communities |
| Zoom | 100 free, 1,000 paid | Optional end-to-end | Android, iOS, Desktop, Web | Professional and family gatherings |
| Google Meet | 100–1,000 | End-to-end | Android, iOS, Web, Desktop | Seamless Google integration |
| FaceTime | 32 | End-to-end | iOS, macOS, Browser | Mixed iOS–Android households |
| Viber | 50 | End-to-end | Android, iOS, Desktop | Popular in Eastern Europe & Middle East |
| LINE | 200 | End-to-end (Letter Sealing) | Android, iOS, Desktop | East Asian users |
| Discord | 25+ | TLS (not default E2E) | Android, iOS, Desktop, Web | International communities |
How to Choose the Right Free Video Chat App for International Calls?
When picking an app for free international video calls, consider these factors:
- Reach: If you want the broadest coverage, WhatsApp and Telegram are the most likely to connect you with people abroad.
- Privacy: If privacy is your top concern, Signal and FaceCall stand out as the strongest options.
- Regional Adoption: Apps like FaceCall and Viber dominate in specific countries. If your contacts are in those regions, those are the easiest options.
- Everyday Simplicity: For day-to-day calls across borders, a lightweight and secure app like FaceCall is the most balanced pick.
For users who want a secure, lightweight, and private option that performs well even on low bandwidth, FaceCall leads the pack.
But whichever app you choose, the best one is the one that works reliably for your network of contacts.
And currently, free international video calls are easier than ever with FaceCall.
