Free Calls to UK: 5 Best Ways to Call UK for Free (2026)

📅 2025-12-15 ⏱️ 10 min read ✍️ BubblyPhone Team

Make free calls to UK landlines and mobiles. Compare WhatsApp, FaceTime, BubblyPhone ($0.01/min), and other methods to call the United Kingdom cheaply.

Looking for ways to make free calls to the UK? Whether you're calling family in London, business contacts in Manchester, or friends in Edinburgh, there are several methods to call the United Kingdom without paying high international rates. This guide covers the best options for 2026.

Quick Answer:
The cheapest way to call the UK is BubblyPhone at just $0.01/minute to UK landlines and mobiles. For completely free calls, use WhatsApp or FaceTime (both parties need the app). BubblyPhone works in your browser and calls real UK phone numbers.

How to Call UK for Free (or Nearly Free)

There are two types of "free" UK calling: completely free app-to-app calls (both parties need the same app), and ultra-cheap VoIP calls to any UK phone number. Here's a breakdown of both options:

1. BubblyPhone - Cheapest UK Calls ($0.01/min)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 - Best for calling UK phones)

BubblyPhone offers the lowest rates for calling UK phone numbers. At just $0.01 per minute, a 30-minute call to the UK costs only $0.30!

  • Call any UK landline or mobile
  • No app required - works in browser
  • Crystal-clear quality
  • $1 free credit on signup
  • Rates: UK Landlines $0.01/min, UK Mobiles $0.01/min

Call UK for Just $0.01/Minute

Get $1 free credit = 100 minutes to UK. No credit card needed.

Start Calling UK Now →

2. WhatsApp - 100% Free (Both Need App)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

WhatsApp offers free voice and video calls to anyone else with WhatsApp. Very popular in the UK - over 75% of UK adults use it.

  • Pros: 100% free, very popular in UK
  • Cons: Both parties need WhatsApp, can't call landlines

3. FaceTime Audio - Free for Apple Users

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

FaceTime Audio provides crystal-clear free calls between Apple devices. Excellent quality and built into every iPhone.

  • Pros: Free, excellent quality
  • Cons: Apple devices only, can't call regular phones

4. Skype - Free Skype-to-Skype, Paid to Phones

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Skype offers free calls between Skype users and paid calls to UK phones via Skype Credit.

  • Pros: Free Skype-to-Skype
  • Cons: £0.02/min to UK phones, app required

UK rates: Landlines £0.02/min, Mobiles £0.06/min (6x more expensive than BubblyPhone)

5. Facebook Messenger - Free for Facebook Friends

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Call any Facebook friend for free using Messenger. Both parties need the app.

  • Pros: Free
  • Cons: Both need Messenger, privacy concerns

How to Dial UK Numbers

UK country code is +44. Remove the leading 0 from UK numbers when dialing internationally.

UK Dialing Format

  • UK format: 020 7946 0123 (London landline)
  • International: +44 20 7946 0123 (drop the 0)
  • UK mobile: 07700 900123
  • International: +44 7700 900123 (drop the 0)

Popular UK Area Codes

  • London: +44 20
  • Manchester: +44 161
  • Birmingham: +44 121
  • Edinburgh: +44 131
  • Glasgow: +44 141
  • UK Mobiles: +44 7xxx

Best Times to Call UK

From USA to UK: UK is 5-8 hours ahead of US time zones. Best times (US Eastern): 7 AM - 12 PM ET = 12 PM - 5 PM UK

From Australia to UK: UK is 9-11 hours behind Australia. Best times (Sydney): 6 PM - 10 PM AEST = 9 AM - 1 PM UK

Ready to Call UK for Cheap?

Just $0.01/minute to any UK number. Get $1 free credit.

Start Calling UK Free →

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Make international calls from your browser with BubblyPhone. No app needed, instant setup.

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Related Resources

UK Country Code (+44)
Complete guide to UK phone numbers
Call UK from USA
8 best methods
Google Voice UK Alternative
Best alternatives for UK
UK Calling Rates
Current rates