Our Top App Picks
The Best Apps for Seniors to Stay Connected
Free Calls for Seniors
5/1/20263 min read
Staying in touch with family and friends is so much easier when you have the right apps on your phone or tablet. But with thousands of apps out there, it can be hard to know where to start. We've done the hard work for you — here are our favourite apps that are simple to use, completely free, and perfect for keeping you connected.
1. WhatsApp — Best for Everyday Messaging and Calls
WhatsApp is the most widely used communication app in the UK, which means there's a very good chance your family and friends are already on it.
What it does:
Free voice and video calls
Send text messages, photos, and voice notes
Group calls with multiple family members at once
Why seniors love it: It works just like making a normal phone call, but it's free — even when calling someone abroad.
Available on: iPhone and Android Cost: Free
2. FaceTime — Best for Apple Users
If you have an iPhone or iPad, FaceTime is already built in — no downloading required. It's Apple's own video calling app and is known for its excellent picture and sound quality.
What it does:
Free video and audio calls to other Apple users
Group FaceTime calls with up to 32 people
Why seniors love it: There's nothing to set up — just tap a contact's name and press the video button.
Available on: iPhone, iPad, and Mac only Cost: Free
3. Zoom — Best for Group Family Calls
Zoom became a household name and for good reason — it's brilliant for bringing a whole family together on one call, no matter where everyone is in the world.
What it does:
Video calls with large groups
Share your screen to show photos or videos
Free calls up to 40 minutes
Why seniors love it: Perfect for family gatherings, quizzes, or celebrations when everyone is in a different location.
Available on: iPhone, Android, and computer Cost: Free (for calls up to 40 minutes)
4. Google Meet — Best for Android Users
Google Meet is Google's video calling app and comes pre-installed on many Android phones. It's clean, simple, and very reliable.
What it does:
Free video and voice calls
Works in your internet browser too — no app needed on a computer
No time limit on one-to-one calls
Why seniors love it: If you use Gmail or a Google account, you're already set up and ready to go.
Available on: Android, iPhone, and computer Cost: Free
5. Skype — Best for Calling Landlines and Mobiles
Skype has been around for over 20 years and remains one of the most trusted names in video calling. It also lets you call regular phone numbers at very low cost — useful if a family member doesn't have a smartphone.
What it does:
Free video calls between Skype users
Low-cost calls to mobile and landline numbers worldwide
Send instant messages and share files
Why seniors love it: A great option if you need to reach someone who doesn't use smartphones or apps.
Available on: iPhone, Android, and computer Cost: Free (small charge for calling non-Skype numbers)
6. Viber — Best for International Calls
If you have family living abroad, Viber is well worth knowing about. It's free to use between Viber users anywhere in the world, making it ideal for keeping in touch with family overseas.
What it does:
Free calls and messages to other Viber users worldwide
Group chats and calls
Send photos, videos, and voice messages
Why seniors love it: Calling family in another country is completely free — no international phone charges.
Available on: iPhone and Android Cost: Free
Which App Should You Start With?
If you're not sure where to begin, here's a simple guide:
Most of your family uses iPhones? → Start with FaceTime
Your family is a mix of Android and iPhone? → Try WhatsApp
You want to call a big group? → Go with Zoom
Family lives abroad? → Download Viber
A Few Things to Remember
All of these apps are free to download from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
They all work best over Wi-Fi to avoid using your mobile data
You only need one or two — pick the one your family uses and stick with it
Need help setting up any of these apps? Browse our step-by-step guides for simple instructions with no jargon.
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