Google Voice Alternatives for Calling U.S. Numbers
Google Voice needs a U.S. number to sign up. If you don't have it, here's how to call U.S. numbers and 1-800 lines from abroad — compared honestly.
- Hold for me · microphone off
- $0.09per minute
- Speaking · microphone on
- $0.39per minute
Google Voice is excellent if you already have it: calls to the U.S. and Canada are free, even from abroad. The catch is signing up — personal Google Voice is a U.S. service and needs an existing U.S. phone number to set up. Without one, PayCall lets you call any U.S. or Canadian number, including 1-800 lines, from your browser for $0.39/min.
By PayCall · Last reviewed
Why many people can't use Google Voice
- Sign-up is only offered in the U.S. and requires verifying an existing U.S. phone number.
- Travelers, expats and international customers of U.S. companies often don't have — or no longer have — a U.S. number.
- Google Workspace (business) plans add Voice in more countries, but that's a paid business subscription.
Alternatives compared
| Tool | App needed? | U.S. number or account needed? | Calls U.S. landlines & hotlines? | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayCall | No — runs in the browser | No | Yes, incl. 1-800 toll-free | $0.39/min, prepaid, per second |
| Google Voice | App or voice.google.com | Yes — sign-up requires a U.S. number | Yes | Free to U.S./Canada for existing users |
| Viber Out | Yes (Viber) | No | Yes | Prepaid credit or subscription |
| Rebtel | Yes | No | Yes | Prepaid credit or subscription |
| Zoom Phone | Yes (Zoom) | Business account | Yes | Monthly subscription |
| WhatsApp / FaceTime | Yes | No | No — only other app users | Free |
| Skype Dial Pad | Web or Teams Free | Existing paid user with remaining credit | Check account and destination | Remaining Skype Credit |
Honest recommendation
If Google Voice already works for you, stay with it. If you can't sign up, or only need to reach a U.S. bank, airline or insurer a few times a year, a pay-per-minute browser service is simpler than a new app or subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Google Voice outside the U.S.?
Existing users can usually make calls from abroad over WiFi or data. Creating a new personal account requires a U.S. phone number.
How can I call a U.S. 1-800 number without Google Voice?
Use the company's international number from any phone, or call the 1-800 number from your browser with PayCall for $0.39/min.
Check your number before you call
Check your U.S. or Canadian number first. Sign-in and PayCall Credits come next.
Who do you need to call?
10 digits, including the area code.
- Hold for me · microphone off
- $0.09per minute
- Speaking · microphone on
- $0.39per minute
All prices in USD · billed per second
$10.00 covers 1–2 typical hotline calls · no subscriptionUp to $6 back instantly, whatever the reason
Supported numbers and exclusions
Supported U.S. and Canadian landline, mobile and toll-free numbers, 1-800 lines included: PayCall places the call from the U.S. network. Premium, emergency and special services, collect calls and Canadian area code 867 are excluded.
Try PayCall
Pick the country you want to call. Only destinations marked available can be called.