What app works like Google Voice for calls?

Alternative Apps
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I’m searching for an app similar to Google Voice for managing calls and texts. I need it for seamless communication as Google Voice isn’t available in my location. Any suggestions would be a great help.

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1. TextNow

Homepage Link: TextNow
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Free phone number for texting and calling.
  • Calls to the US and Canada are free.
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface.
  • App works across multiple platforms (Android, iOS, web).

Cons:

  • Ads on the free version can get intrusive.
  • Requires an active Wi-Fi or data connection.
  • Number may get recycled if inactive.

Features:

  • Unlimited free texting and calling in supported regions.
  • Option to upgrade to a premium plan to remove ads.
  • Affordable international call rates.
  • Syncs your messages across devices.

User Reviews: Users appreciate the ease of setup and the variety of features for a free option. Complaints mostly center around ads in the free tier and limited customer support when issues arise.

Verdict: TextNow is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a free service to manage calls and texts. The occasional ad interruptions are the trade-off for a cost-free solution.

2. Skype

Homepage Link: Skype
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Established and reliable communication platform.
  • Supports voice and video calls, and SMS texting.
  • Cross-platform availability: works on desktop, smartphones, and tablets.
  • International numbers available via Skype Number.

Cons:

  • Costs are higher for long-term use if you need a Skype Number.
  • The interface can feel outdated for some users.

Features:

  • Free online voice calls within Skype.
  • Skype credit for calling local and international numbers.
  • Voicemail and call-forwarding functionality.
  • Works without a SIM, making it great for Wi-Fi-only users.

User Reviews: Skype is deeply entrenched in reliability, but users feel it’s less user-focused for text-based communication compared to mobile-friendly rivals.

Verdict: Skype is a great choice if you’re primarily focused on international voice/video calls with the occasional SMS. Its longevity speaks volumes about its reliability overall.

3. Dingtone

Homepage Link: Dingtone
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Provides a free phone number for calls and messages.
  • Very affordable international call rates.
  • High call quality if the connection is strong.
  • Supports group messaging.

Cons:

  • Credits system for added functions can get tedious.
  • Free service is heavily ad-reliant.

Features:

  • Call and text for free to any landline or mobile in many countries.
  • Customizable ringtone and voicemail support.
  • Numbers from multiple regions are available.

User Reviews: Positive buzz about the app’s call clarity and affordability; however, users criticize the constant pressure for in-app purchases or the time-consuming way to earn credits.

Verdict: Excellent for sporadic use or occasional international calls. Be prepared to either pay modest fees or engage heavily with the credit system.

4. Burner

Homepage Link: Burner
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Focuses on privacy and temporary numbers.
  • High security for personal information.
  • Clean and straightforward interface.

Cons:

  • Designed mainly for short-term use.
  • Simpler options are cheaper as long-term solutions.

Features:

  • Disposable phone numbers for texts/calls.
  • Integration with apps like Dropbox, Evernote, and Slack.
  • Option to renew or delete a number anytime.

User Reviews: It’s extremely well-regarded for privacy-conscious users but less appealing for those wanting a primary or permanent number.

Verdict: Best suited for those who need a temporary or secondary number—not quite a Google Voice clone, but great for anonymity.

5. Talkatone

Homepage Link: Talkatone
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Free US/Canada calls and texts.
  • Option to use your Wi-Fi connection instead of cellular data.
  • Reliable and built for regular communications.

Cons:

  • Slightly intrusive ads in the free version.
  • Lower availability of premium international numbers.

Features:

  • Local US phone numbers for free calling and SMS.
  • Affordable plans starting at less than $10/month.
  • Users can retain their number indefinitely with use.

User Reviews: Users praise it for being straightforward and quality-focused. Negatives revolve primarily around the free version’s ads.

Verdict: A robust, convenient solution for users seeking simple, ongoing functionality with US/Canada-based contacts.

6. Sideline

Homepage Link: Sideline
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Professional, business-friendly second number.
  • Crystal clear call quality.
  • Helpful for work-life separation.

Cons:

  • A paid-only platform (no free tiers).
  • Tends toward a business-centric focus.

Features:

  • Automatic voicemail transcription.
  • Multi-user/team numbers for businesses.
  • Customizable voicemail and messaging automation.

User Reviews: Business users love Sideline, but individuals may struggle to justify the recurring subscription costs.

Verdict: Ideal for professionals managing business calls, but unnecessary for casual personal communication.

7. Hushed

Homepage Link: Hushed
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Focused entirely on privacy.
  • Multiple number support.
  • International numbers available.

Cons:

  • Requires subscription for continued use.
  • Limited appeal for casual users.

Features:

  • Temporary and permanent phone numbers.
  • SMS and MMS support, including photos/videos.
  • Custom voicemail options for each number.

User Reviews: Privacy-focused users adore its security-first design, while cost-conscious users may consider it expensive.

Verdict: Perfect if you want total control over your privacy but less optimal for regular communication.

8. TextFree (by Pinger)

Homepage Link: TextFree
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Free number for texting and calling.
  • Clean, modern interface.
  • Unlimited free texting to the US.

Cons:

  • Call functionality is tied to credits (limited free minutes).
  • US-centric with limited global options.

Features:

  • Dedicated phone number provided by the app.
  • Voicemail capabilities included.
  • Works across devices seamlessly.

User Reviews: Praised for its simplicity and texting features; users mainly wish phone call minutes were unlimited in the free tier.

Verdict: A great option for those focused on text communication, but you’ll need to pay for consistent voice use.

9. 2ndLine

Homepage Link: 2ndLine
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Designed as a dedicated second number for US/Canadian users.
  • HD call quality supported.
  • Plentiful features at a low cost.

Cons:

  • Limited international support.
  • Functionality depends heavily on Wi-Fi/data connection.

Features:

  • Works on Android and iOS.
  • Customizable voicemail greetings.
  • Picture messaging (MMS) supported.

User Reviews: Comparable to Google Voice in flexibility. Many users see it as a lightweight alternative that’s cheaper than other premium options.

Verdict: A near-perfect fit for US/Canada-based Google Voice alternatives if you’re not looking for substantial international functionality.

10. Viber

Homepage Link: Viber
Pros & Cons:
Pros:

  • Versatile enough for calls, texts, and group chats.
  • End-to-end encryption for security.
  • Viber Out offers affordable international calling.

Cons:

  • Requires Viber installation to message/call other users.
  • International landline rates can vary significantly.

Features:

  • Free calls and texts between Viber users globally.
  • Ability to purchase local phone numbers in certain regions.
  • Secure messaging with media-sharing capabilities.

User Reviews: Viber’s multi-purpose functionality appeals to both casual and privacy-focused users. A popular choice for regions with poor cellular reception.

Verdict: A global-friendly, media-packed Google Voice alternative, especially if your contacts also use Viber.

Each of these solutions caters to different needs—whether you prioritize cost-saving, privacy, or international calls, you’re bound to find one that suits you best!