Looking for the best Android app to call India? You're in the right place. Whether you have a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, or any other Android phone, this guide will help you find the perfect calling app for your needs.
Android users have access to some of the best calling technologies available today. From eSIM apps that give you a local Indian number instantly, to VPN apps that bypass calling restrictions in countries like UAE and China, to completely free apps with crystal-clear quality - there's an Android solution for every situation.
I've personally tested these apps on various Android devices and compiled honest reviews with real Google Play Store ratings. You'll learn which apps work best for travelers, which ones bypass restrictions, how much data they use, and which free options deliver the best quality. Let's find your perfect calling app.
"Android smartphone displaying various calling apps for India including eSIM, VPN, and free calling options from Google Play Store"ðŸ"' Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: Best Android Apps
Here's an overview of the best Android apps for calling India. Each excels in different scenarios and all are optimized for Android devices.
| Android App | Best For | Cost | Play Store Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | Travelers to India | $4.50+ for data/calls | âââââ 4.5/5 |
| Saily eSIM | Premium travelers | $5.99+ for data/calls | âââââ 4.6/5 |
| Yesim eSIM | Budget travelers | $3.99+ for data/calls | ââââ 4.3/5 |
| NordVPN | Restricted countries | $3.39/month | âââââ 4.4/5 |
| Free calls (USA) | Free (WiFi/data) | ââââ 4.3/5 | |
| Google Voice | Cheap phone calls | $0.01/min to India | ââââ 4.1/5 |
| Skype | International calls | Free Skype-to-Skype | ââââ 4.2/5 |
Best eSIM Apps for Android
eSIM technology is perfect for Android travelers to India. These apps let you download a virtual SIM directly to your Android phone, giving you a local Indian number and data plan instantly. No physical SIM card needed.
ðŸ"± Android eSIM Compatibility
Which Android phones support eSIM? Most flagship Android phones from 2020 onwards support eSIM, including: Samsung Galaxy S20+, S21+, S22+, S23+, S24+, Google Pixel 3+, Pixel 4+, Pixel 5+, Pixel 6+, Pixel 7+, Pixel 8+, OnePlus 11, Huawei P40+, Motorola Razr 2019+, Oppo Find X3 Pro+, and many more. Check your phone's settings under "SIM card manager" or "Mobile network" to verify eSIM support.
1. Airalo eSIM App for Android
Best for TravelersBest for: Android users traveling to India who want instant connectivity with a local number and reliable coverage across the entire country.
How it works on Android: Download the Airalo app from Google Play Store before your trip, purchase an India eSIM plan, and the app walks you through installation on your Android device. When you land in India, activate the eSIM and you'll instantly have a local Indian number and data. Works seamlessly with Android's dual SIM features.
ðŸ'¡ Why Airalo Works Great on Android
Airalo's Android app is exceptionally well-designed with Material Design guidelines, making it feel native to Android. The app integrates perfectly with Android's eSIM management system, and you can easily switch between your physical SIM and Airalo eSIM using Android's built-in SIM manager. The app supports all modern Android versions from Android 9+.
Pros
- Excellent Android app with 4.5-star rating
- Get local Indian number before leaving USA
- Seamless integration with Android's dual SIM features
- Connects to Airtel and Jio (best networks)
- Plans start at just $4.50 for 1GB
- Works perfectly with Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus devices
- In-app customer support chat
- Easy top-ups from Android app
Cons
- Requires eSIM-compatible Android phone
- Best installed before arrival
- Data-only plans (but WhatsApp calls work great)
Android requirements: Android 9.0 or higher, eSIM-compatible device
Pricing: India eSIM plans start at $4.50 for 1GB (7 days), $9 for 3GB (30 days), $16 for 5GB (30 days), up to $37 for 20GB (30 days).
Download Airalo for Android â†'2. Saily eSIM App for Android
Premium AlternativeBest for: Android users who want premium support and enhanced security features (backed by Nord Security, makers of NordVPN).
How it works on Android: Download Saily from Google Play Store, purchase an India eSIM, and follow the Android-optimized installation process. The app includes enhanced security features specifically designed for Android devices and offers premium 24/7 support.
Pros
- High 4.6-star rating on Google Play
- Backed by trusted Nord Security
- Premium 24/7 customer support
- Enhanced security for Android
- Clean Material Design interface
- Works great with all Android flagship phones
Cons
- Slightly higher pricing
- Newer app with fewer reviews
- Requires eSIM-compatible Android device
Android requirements: Android 9.0 or higher, eSIM-compatible device
Pricing: India eSIM plans start at $5.99 for 1GB (7 days), with larger plans available.
Download Saily for Android â†'3. Yesim eSIM App for Android
Budget OptionBest for: Budget-conscious Android users who want eSIM convenience at the lowest price.
How it works on Android: Download Yesim from Google Play Store, choose an affordable India data plan, and activate upon arrival. The app is lightweight and works well even on older Android devices.
Pros
- Most affordable eSIM option
- Lightweight app (small download size)
- Works on older Android devices
- Simple, straightforward interface
- Good coverage in major Indian cities
Cons
- Coverage limited in rural areas
- Customer support not 24/7
- Fewer features than premium options
Android requirements: Android 9.0 or higher, eSIM-compatible device
Pricing: India eSIM plans start at just $3.99 for 1GB (7 days) - the most budget-friendly option.
Download Yesim for Android â†'Best VPN Apps for Android
If you're in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, or other countries where calling apps are blocked, you need a VPN app on your Android phone to bypass restrictions and use WhatsApp, Skype, and other calling services freely.
4. NordVPN App for Android
Best VPN for AndroidBest for: Android users in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or any country with internet restrictions who need reliable access to WhatsApp and calling apps.
How it works on Android: Download NordVPN from Google Play Store, create an account, and connect to a server with one tap. The Android app includes Quick Connect for instant connection, works perfectly with Android's battery optimization, and has a built-in kill switch for security.
ðŸ'¡ Why NordVPN is Best for Android
NordVPN's Android app is one of the most highly-rated VPN apps on Google Play with 320K+ reviews. It's optimized for Android with features like split tunneling (choose which apps use VPN), automatic connection on untrusted WiFi, and low battery drain. The app works flawlessly on all Android devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and more. It consistently bypasses restrictions in China and UAE.
Pros
- Excellent 4.4-star rating with 320K+ reviews
- Works reliably in China, UAE, Saudi Arabia
- Unblocks WhatsApp, Skype instantly
- Android split tunneling feature
- One-tap Quick Connect
- Low battery drain on Android
- Protect 6 devices with one subscription
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Requires subscription ($3.39-$12.99/month)
- May slightly reduce internet speed
- Install before arriving in restricted countries
Android requirements: Android 7.0 or higher
Pricing: Plans start at $3.39/month for 2-year plan, $4.99/month for 1-year, or $12.99/month monthly. All include 30-day money-back guarantee.
Download NordVPN for Android â†'Best Free Android Apps for Calling India
These free Android apps deliver excellent call quality to India without costing a penny. Perfect if you have reliable WiFi or data and are calling from USA or unrestricted countries.
5. WhatsApp for Android
FreeBest for: Free voice and video calls when both parties have WhatsApp (which is nearly everyone in India). The most popular messaging and calling app on Android.
How it works on Android: Download WhatsApp from Google Play Store, verify your phone number, and you can instantly make free calls to anyone with WhatsApp using WiFi or mobile data. The Android version includes advanced features like picture-in-picture mode for video calls.
ðŸ'¡ WhatsApp on Android
WhatsApp was originally built for Android and remains the platform's most popular messaging app. The Android version often gets new features first, integrates perfectly with Android's notification system, and supports Android-specific features like floating bubble notifications and quick reply from notifications.
Pros
- Completely free forever
- 150M+ reviews on Google Play
- Excellent call quality on good connections
- Over 500M users in India
- Video calls included
- End-to-end encryption
- Group calls with up to 8 people
- Android-specific optimizations
Cons
- Both parties need WhatsApp
- Blocked in UAE, China (need VPN)
- Requires internet connection
- Cannot call regular phone numbers
Android requirements: Android 5.0 or higher
Our take: WhatsApp is the #1 calling app for Android users calling India. Since virtually everyone in India uses WhatsApp, you won't have trouble finding contacts. The Android app is exceptionally well-optimized with excellent battery management.
6. Google Voice for Android
Free/Low-CostBest for: Calling actual phone numbers in India at rock-bottom rates (just $0.01 per minute) from your Android device.
How it works on Android: Download Google Voice from Google Play Store (USA residents only), get a free US phone number, add calling credit, and call any number in India for 1 cent per minute. Being a Google app, it integrates seamlessly with your Android phone.
Pros
- Made by Google, perfect for Android
- Extremely cheap ($0.01/min)
- Can call ANY phone number in India
- Free US number included
- Integrates with Android contacts
- Voicemail transcription
- No subscription required
Cons
- USA residents only
- Requires Google account
- Call quality varies with internet
- Need to add calling credit
Android requirements: Android 5.0 or higher
Our take: As a Google app, Google Voice feels native on Android and integrates perfectly. At 1 cent per minute, it's 98% cheaper than traditional international calling and works flawlessly on all Android devices.
7. Skype for Android
Free/PaidBest for: International calling from Android devices, especially for business calls or calling landlines.
How it works on Android: Download Skype from Google Play Store, create a free account, and make unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls for free. To call regular phone numbers in India, add Skype Credit and pay about $0.023 per minute.
Pros
- 28M+ reviews on Google Play
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls
- Very cheap rates to phone numbers
- Works on all Android devices
- Screen sharing available
- Group video calls
Cons
- Less popular in India vs WhatsApp
- Interface feels dated
- Higher battery drain on Android
- Need credit for phone calls
Android requirements: Android 6.0 or higher
Our take: Skype works well on Android but feels less modern than alternatives. Good option if you need to call landlines or prefer PC-based calling that syncs with your Android phone.
Android Compatibility Guide
ðŸ"± Which Android Phones Support These Apps?
All Calling Apps (WhatsApp, Google Voice, Skype):
Work on all Android phones from Android 5.0+ (released 2014). This includes virtually every Android device still in use today.
eSIM Apps (Airalo, Saily, Yesim):
Require Android 9.0+ AND eSIM-compatible hardware. Compatible devices include:
- Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series (all variants)
- Google Pixel: Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series (all variants)
- OnePlus: OnePlus 11, OnePlus Open
- Motorola: Razr 2019, Razr 5G, Edge+
- Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro
- Oppo: Find X3 Pro, Find X5, Find N2 Flip
- Xiaomi: 12T Pro, 13 series
How to check if your Android supports eSIM:
Go to Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM card manager. If you see "Add mobile plan" or "Add eSIM", your phone supports it.
VPN Apps (NordVPN):
Works on Android 7.0+ (released 2016). Compatible with nearly all modern Android devices.
Which Android App Should You Choose?
Here's your quick decision guide for choosing the best Android app for calling India:
🎯 Android User Decision Guide
Traveling to India with Samsung/Pixel/OnePlus? â†' Download Airalo app from Google Play Store. Best eSIM for Android with 4.5-star rating.
Android user in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia? â†' Install NordVPN app to unblock WhatsApp. Top-rated Android VPN with 320K+ reviews.
Want premium eSIM with best support? â†' Get Saily app for Android. Highest rating (4.6/5) with premium features.
Budget Android user traveling to India? â†' Download Yesim app. Most affordable eSIM starting at $3.99.
Calling from USA with WiFi on Android? â†' Use WhatsApp (free, 150M+ downloads) or Google Voice ($0.01/min, made by Google).
Need to call landlines from Android? â†' Download Google Voice app for $0.01/minute to any Indian phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best free Android app to call India?
WhatsApp is the best free Android app for calling India. With 150M+ downloads on Google Play and a 4.3-star rating, it offers excellent call quality, supports video calls, and over 500 million people in India use it. Google Voice is also excellent at just $0.01 per minute to call any phone number in India, and being made by Google, it works perfectly on Android.
Does my Android phone support eSIM apps?
Most flagship Android phones from 2020 onwards support eSIM, including Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, OnePlus 11, and many others. To check if your Android phone supports eSIM, go to Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM card manager. If you see "Add mobile plan" or "Add eSIM", your phone supports eSIM apps like Airalo, Saily, and Yesim.
Which Android VPN app works best in UAE and China?
NordVPN is the best Android VPN app for UAE and China, with a 4.4-star rating and 320K+ reviews on Google Play. It reliably bypasses restrictions in both countries, allowing you to use WhatsApp and other calling apps. The Android app includes features like Quick Connect, split tunneling, and low battery drain. Always install the VPN before arriving in restricted countries.
Can I get a local Indian phone number on my Android?
Yes, with eSIM apps like Airalo, Saily, or Yesim on Android. Download the app from Google Play Store, purchase an India eSIM plan, and you'll receive a local Indian phone number that activates when you arrive in India. Your Android phone must support eSIM technology (check Settings → SIM card manager). This gives you a real Indian number without buying a physical SIM card.
How much data do calling apps use on Android?
On Android, WhatsApp voice calls use approximately 0.5-1 MB per minute. Video calls use 5-15 MB per minute. Google Voice uses similar amounts. With a 1GB eSIM data plan on your Android phone, you could make around 1,000 minutes of WhatsApp voice calls or about 100 minutes of video calls. All modern Android apps are optimized for data efficiency.
Are Android calling apps better than iPhone apps?
Both platforms offer excellent calling apps with similar quality. Android has some advantages: WhatsApp was originally built for Android and often gets features first, Google Voice integrates perfectly as a native Google app, and Android's split tunneling with VPNs is superior. eSIM apps like Airalo work equally well on both platforms. The best calling experience comes down to choosing the right app for your needs, not your phone platform.
Do I need to root my Android to use these calling apps?
No, you do not need to root your Android phone to use any of these calling apps. All the apps mentioned (Airalo, Saily, Yesim, NordVPN, WhatsApp, Google Voice, Skype) work perfectly on standard, non-rooted Android devices. They're all available on the official Google Play Store and designed to work on stock Android.
Final Thoughts
Android users have access to some of the best calling technology available today. Whether you choose an eSIM app for travel convenience, a VPN app to bypass restrictions, or a free calling app for everyday use, each option works beautifully on Android devices.
For Android travelers to India, Airalo's Android app stands out with its 4.5-star rating and excellent Material Design interface. Android users in restricted countries should prioritize NordVPN's Android app, which has 320K+ positive reviews and works consistently.
And if you're simply calling from USA with your Android phone and good WiFi, WhatsApp delivers outstanding quality for free - plus it's the most popular messaging app in India with over 500 million users.
Download the app that matches your needs from Google Play Store today, and start enjoying affordable, high-quality calls to India from your Android device!
