What are the best alternatives to Zoom for personal calls?

Depending on your needs use FaceTime for Apple-only groups, Google Meet or Jitsi for cross-platform browser video, Signal for private voice, and StartACall to call phone numbers directly from your browser.

Can I call a phone number from my browser without installing an app?

Yes. StartACall bridges your browser to the public phone network so you can dial any mobile or landline without asking the recipient to install an app.

Do browser calls require special browsers?

Most modern browsers support WebRTC. Chrome, Safari, and Firefox all work for browser calling. Check for microphone and camera permissions when you join a call.

What are the best Zoom alternatives for personal calls?

The best alternatives depend on what you need. For Apple-only users FaceTime is seamless. For browser-first meetings Google Meet or Jitsi work well. For privacy Signal is strong. If you need to call real phone numbers from a browser StartACall connects your web browser to the PSTN directly.

Can I call a regular phone number without installing an app?

Yes. StartACall lets you dial any phone number from Chrome, Safari, or Firefox without installing software. It bridges the WebRTC web connection to the public phone network so you can reach landlines and mobiles globally.

Which alternative is best for privacy?

Signal provides strong end-to-end encryption for voice calls. If your priority is private text and voice, Signal is a good choice. For browser calls with strong security, look for services with end-to-end encryption and clear privacy practices.

Do I need an account to use browser calling?

It depends on the service. Some tools like Jitsi allow ad-hoc browser calls without an account. StartACall requires a free sign-up to assign virtual numbers and connect browser calls to the PSTN but does not require installing an app.

Personal Calls Guide

Zoom Alternatives for Personal Calls

Looking for simpler, more private, or phone-friendly ways to call friends and family? Compare reliable options and learn how to make one-on-one and small group calls directly from your browser to phones or apps.

Compare Tools

Browser DialerReady

Pick the Right Tool for Personal Calls

Quick comparison to help you decide between app-based, browser-based, and PSTN-capable calling.

FaceTime

Apple-to-Apple video and audio

Excellent audio/video quality
Built into iOS and macOS
Easy group calls

Google Meet

Browser-first video calls

Works in Chrome and other browsers
Good for quick links and group calls
No install for many users

WhatsApp Calling

Mobile-focused voice and video

End-to-end encryption
Wide mobile adoption

Signal

Private encrypted voice calls

Strong privacy and security
Open source client

Jitsi Meet

Open source, browser-based video

No account needed
Runs in-browser
Self-host option

Discord

Casual voice and video for groups

Low-latency voice channels
Great for groups and communities

Why choose browser calling

Browser calling reduces friction. No app installs, instant links, and for StartACall you can dial real phone numbers directly from your browser so friends who only have a regular phone can still be reached.

Best for one-on-one

Use FaceTime or StartACall depending on device and whether the other person has a phone number.

Best for cross-platform

Google Meet or Jitsi work well in the browser on any platform without installs in many cases.

Best Use Cases

Match the tool to the situation for the best experience.

Call a single phone number

If the person only has a mobile or landline, use StartACall to dial them directly from your browser.

No app required for the caller. Works on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.

Quick group video with minimal setup

Use Google Meet or Jitsi when you want to share a meeting link and join from any device in a browser.

Great for family catchups where everyone joins on different platforms.

Private one-on-one voice

Choose Signal for privacy focused voice calls. For convenience and reaching phones, StartACall offers a balance of accessibility and security.

Consider device compatibility and whether the other person can use apps.

Privacy and Security

Privacy expectations differ between services. Pick a tool that matches your needs.

Encrypted Messaging Apps

Signal and WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption for voice and video between app users. These are best when both sides have the app and privacy is the priority.

Note that metadata handling varies by provider.

Browser-based Services

Browser tools like Jitsi and Google Meet can be configured for secure sessions. StartACall uses secure WebRTC connections and industry best practices to protect call media and signaling while enabling calls to real phone networks.

Check each service's privacy policy for details.

Make Real Phone Calls from Your Browser

If your friend or family member is on a regular phone, StartACall connects your browser to their phone number. No app install is required for the caller. Purchase or receive virtual numbers, dial internationally, and get real-time call analytics and AI assistance while you talk.

Call any mobile or landline directly from your browser
Works on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox without installs
Instant setup with a free account
Optional virtual numbers for local presence

Instant Setup

Get up and running in seconds from your browser with a free account.

Global Reach

Call phones in 190+ countries without juggling local apps.

Secure

Encrypted WebRTC and secure signaling protect your calls.

PSTN Bridge

Reach any phone number worldwide directly from your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call someone who only has a phone number?

Yes. With StartACall you can dial any regular phone number from your browser without asking them to install anything.

Do I need to download software to use browser calling?

No. Most browser calling works without downloads. Some services may request permissions for microphone or camera. StartACall works in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox with no app install.

Which option is best for family video calls?

If everyone is on Apple devices FaceTime is great. For mixed devices use Google Meet or Jitsi for browser-based video with simple links.

Is browser calling secure?

Browser calling that uses WebRTC is encrypted. Check a provider's security documentation for details about signaling, media encryption, and data handling.

Ready to call anyone from your browser?

StartACall connects your web browser to phones worldwide. Sign up free and start calling in seconds.