How to Call a Phone Number from Your Computer
Call a real phone number from your laptop or PC: options for Windows and Mac, which ones work abroad, and how to call U.S. numbers right in the browser.
- Hold for me · microphone off
- $0.09per minute
- Speaking · microphone on
- $0.39per minute
You can call a phone number from your computer in three ways: link your phone (Windows Phone Link or Mac iPhone Calls), use a calling app with credit, or call straight from the browser. Linking your phone still uses your mobile plan — including roaming when you're abroad. To call U.S. and Canadian numbers without your phone plan, PayCall works in any browser for $0.39/min.
By PayCall · Last reviewed
Your options
| Method | Uses your mobile plan? | Works abroad? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Phone Link | Yes | Only with roaming | Your carrier's rates |
| Mac with iPhone (Continuity) | Yes | Only with roaming | Your carrier's rates |
| Google Voice (web) | No | Yes, for existing U.S. users | Free to U.S./Canada |
| Calling apps with credit | No | Yes | Prepaid or subscription |
| PayCall (browser) | No | Yes | $0.39/min to U.S./Canada |
Call from the browser in four steps
- 1Open pay-call.com in Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox.
- 2Enter the U.S. or Canadian number — 1-800 numbers work too.
- 3Sign in, add credits and allow microphone access.
- 4Click Call. A headset gives the best sound.
Tips for good call quality
- Use headphones to avoid echo.
- Prefer a stable WiFi network; mobile hotspots work too.
- Close video calls or large downloads running in the background.
Frequently asked questions
Can I call a phone number from my computer for free?
Only to other app users (WhatsApp, FaceTime) or with Google Voice inside the U.S./Canada if you already have an account. Calling regular numbers otherwise costs a per-minute rate.
Do I need a microphone?
Yes — a built-in laptop microphone works; a headset sounds better.
Check your number before you call
Check your U.S. or Canadian number first. Sign-in and PayCall Credits come next.
Who do you need to call?
10 digits, including the area code.
- Hold for me · microphone off
- $0.09per minute
- Speaking · microphone on
- $0.39per minute
All prices in USD · billed per second
$10.00 covers 1–2 typical hotline calls · no subscriptionUp to $6 back instantly, whatever the reason
Supported numbers and exclusions
Supported U.S. and Canadian landline, mobile and toll-free numbers, 1-800 lines included: PayCall places the call from the U.S. network. Premium, emergency and special services, collect calls and Canadian area code 867 are excluded.
Try PayCall
Pick the country you want to call. Only destinations marked available can be called.