Calling the UK from the US is often expensive with traditional carriers or outdated phone cards. In 2025, browser-based services like ZenCall make it simple to connect with any UK number for just $0.02 per minute, no apps or SIMs required.
If you have friends, family, or business contacts in the UK, you know that international calling costs can add up quickly. The good news? You don’t have to settle for expensive rates from traditional carriers or be tied to prepaid phone cards.
In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest and most reliable ways to call the UK from the US — with a special focus on browser-based calling services that offer crystal-clear audio starting at just $0.02 per minute.
Traditional phone companies often charge high international rates to cover:
If you’re calling the UK regularly, these charges can stack up fast, especially for long conversations or business meetings.
Most US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) offer international calling add-ons. While convenient, these plans often still charge between $0.10–$1.00 per minute, depending on the destination and your base plan.
International calling cards can be cheap upfront, but they come with hidden fees like connection charges, rounding up per-minute billing, and expiration dates.
Apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime are free between users, but only if both parties have the app and a reliable internet connection. You can’t use them to call regular UK landlines or mobiles without extra steps.
Browser-based calling lets you make calls directly from your laptop or desktop to any UK number — landline or mobile — without installing an app. All you need is an internet connection, a microphone, and a headset.
ZenCall is a browser-based calling platform designed for people who want clear, affordable, and flexible international calling without the hassle of SIM cards or physical phone cards.
Key benefits for calling the UK:
Sign Up for an Account
Create a free ZenCall account and verify your email.
Add Call Credits
Purchase credits securely using a debit/credit card.
Enter the UK Number
Use the full international format: +44 followed by the local number (drop the leading 0).
Click Call
The call connects instantly through your browser.
| Method | Rate to UK Landline | Rate to UK Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon International Plan | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| AT&T International Add-On | $0.23 | $0.23 |
| Skype | $0.023 | $0.023 |
| ZenCall | $0.02 | $0.02 |
Even small per-minute differences save money over time. A one-hour weekly call to the UK could cost $62.40/year with ZenCall compared to $74.88/year with Skype.
Q: Do I need a UK SIM card?
No — ZenCall works entirely over the internet, so you can call any UK number from the US without extra hardware.
Q: Can I receive calls from the UK?
Yes, if you purchase a UK number through ZenCall, contacts can call you as if you were in the UK.
Q: What about time zones?
The UK is usually 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time, so plan calls accordingly to avoid early mornings or late nights.
If you have relatives in London, Manchester, or elsewhere in the UK, you can schedule weekly catch-ups without worrying about running up a huge bill.
US-based companies with UK clients can use ZenCall for affordable, high-quality calls without needing an international office.
Even when traveling outside the US, you can use ZenCall to call UK numbers at the same low rates.
Calling the UK from the US doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By using a browser-based calling platform like ZenCall, you can get rates as low as $0.02/min, avoid hidden fees, and enjoy high-quality audio without extra apps or equipment.
For anyone who calls the UK regularly — whether for family, work, or travel — switching to a modern VoIP solution is a simple way to save money while staying connected.