Free Calls UK: 5 Best Ways to Call UK for Free (2026)
Discover how to make free calls to the UK. Compare WhatsApp, FaceTime, and cheap VoIP options like BubblyPhone ($0.01/min). Complete guide with UK area codes and dialing format.
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)
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!
Why Choose BubblyPhone:
- Call any UK landline or mobile
- No app - works in browser
- Crystal-clear quality
- $1 free credit on signup
- Works from any country
UK Calling Rates:
- UK Landlines (+44 1/2): $0.01/min
- UK Mobiles (+44 7): $0.01/min
- London (+44 20): $0.01/min
- Manchester (+44 161): $0.01/min
- Edinburgh (+44 131): $0.01/min
Cost Example: 100 minutes to UK = just $1.00 with BubblyPhone. Same call on AT&T = $35+
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)
WhatsApp offers free voice and video calls to anyone else with WhatsApp. Very popular in the UK - over 75% of UK adults use it.
Best for: Calling friends and family who already use WhatsApp
3. FaceTime Audio - Free for Apple Users
FaceTime Audio provides crystal-clear free calls between Apple devices. Excellent quality and built into every iPhone.
4. Skype - Free Skype-to-Skype, Paid to Phones
Skype offers free calls between Skype users and paid calls to UK phones via Skype Credit.
UK rates: Landlines £0.02/min, Mobiles £0.06/min (6x more expensive than BubblyPhone)
5. Facebook Messenger - Free for Facebook Friends
Call any Facebook friend for free using Messenger. Both parties need the app.
Comparison: Ways to Call UK
| Method | Cost to UK | Call Real Phones? | App Required? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.01/min | Yes | No (browser) | All UK numbers |
| Free | No | Yes | Friends with app | |
| FaceTime | Free | No | Yes (Apple) | iPhone users |
| Skype | £0.02-0.06/min | Yes | Yes | Landlines |
| Carrier | $0.35-3.00/min | Yes | No | Emergencies only |
How to Dial UK Numbers
UK Dialing Format
UK country code is +44. Remove the leading 0 from UK numbers when dialing internationally.
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
(UK afternoon/evening)
From Australia to UK
UK is 9-11 hours behind Australia.
Best times (Sydney):
6 PM - 10 PM AEST = 9 AM - 1 PM UK
(UK morning)
Ready to Call UK for Cheap?
Just $0.01/minute to any UK number. Get $1 free credit.
Start Calling UK Free →