Best Google Voice Alternatives for Calling India (2025)
From free WhatsApp to premium eSIM solutions – discover better options than Google Voice for staying connected with India
📖 16 min read · Updated October 25, 2025
Google Voice is a solid option for calling India at $0.01-0.02 per minute, but it has significant limitations. It's only available to US residents, doesn't work outside the USA, can't receive calls from India, and requires you to manually add credit. For many Indian expats and travelers, there are better alternatives.
Whether you're looking for completely free calling, need a solution that works while traveling to India, want to bypass restrictions in countries like UAE or China, or simply want better features than Google Voice offers, this guide has you covered.
In this comprehensive comparison, I'll walk you through the 9 best Google Voice alternatives for calling India in 2025. We'll cover free options like WhatsApp and FaceTime, premium eSIM solutions that give you a real Indian phone number, VPN services for restricted countries, and affordable paid alternatives. By the end, you'll know exactly which solution fits your needs and saves you the most money.
📑 Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
Here's how the best Google Voice alternatives compare for calling India:
| Service | Cost to Call India | Best For | Call Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Daily calls to family/friends | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Airalo eSIM | Local rates (from $4.50) | Travelers needing Indian number | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| FaceTime Audio | Free | iPhone to iPhone calls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| NordVPN + WhatsApp | $3.39/month + free calls | UAE/China residents | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Skype | $0.012-0.023/min | Calling landlines in India | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Saily eSIM | Local rates (from $5.99) | Premium travelers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Telegram | Free | Privacy-conscious users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Yesim eSIM | Local rates (from $3.99) | Budget-conscious travelers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Google Voice | $0.01-0.02/min | USA residents only | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Why Look Beyond Google Voice?
Google Voice is a decent option for calling India, but it has several significant limitations that might make alternatives more attractive:
💡 Google Voice Limitations for India Calling
Geographic Restrictions:
- Only available to US residents with US address
- Doesn't work outside the United States
- Can't be used while traveling to India
Feature Limitations:
- Can't receive calls FROM India (outbound only)
- Requires manual credit top-ups
- Not truly free (1-2 cents per minute)
- Limited to calls from computer/phone apps
- No video calling option
Cost Considerations:
- $0.01-0.02 per minute adds up for long calls
- 60-minute call = $0.60-1.20
- Multiple daily calls = $10-20/month
When Google Voice makes sense: If you're a US resident who occasionally needs to call Indian landlines or people without smartphones, Google Voice is affordable and reliable.
When you need alternatives: If you make frequent calls to India, travel internationally, live outside the USA, or want completely free calling options, the alternatives below will serve you better.
Free Alternatives (Best for Daily Communication)
These completely free options let you call India at zero cost – no per-minute charges, no monthly fees, nothing.
1. WhatsApp
Most PopularBest for: Free voice and video calls to India over WiFi or mobile data – the default choice with 500+ million Indian users.
How it works: WhatsApp is completely free for voice and video calls to anyone in India who has the app (which is basically everyone). Unlike Google Voice which charges per minute, WhatsApp costs absolutely nothing no matter how long you talk. Just connect to WiFi or use mobile data and call away.
💡 Why WhatsApp Beats Google Voice for Most People
While Google Voice charges 1-2 cents per minute, WhatsApp is completely free forever. A 60-minute call costs $0.60-1.20 on Google Voice but $0 on WhatsApp. If you call India daily, that's $18-36 per month saved. Plus, WhatsApp works from anywhere in the world (not just USA), includes video calling, and 500+ million people in India already use it. Unless you specifically need to call landlines, WhatsApp is simply better than Google Voice.
Pros
- Completely free forever (vs Google Voice's per-minute charges)
- Works from anywhere in the world (vs USA-only)
- 500+ million users in India
- Video calling included
- Group calls up to 32 people
- End-to-end encryption
- Works on slow internet connections
Cons
- Can't call landlines (Google Voice can)
- Blocked in UAE, China, Qatar (need VPN)
- Requires internet connection
- Both parties need WhatsApp
Cost comparison: Google Voice: $18-36/month for daily hour-long calls. WhatsApp: $0/month. Annual savings with WhatsApp: $216-432.
2. FaceTime Audio
Best Call QualityBest for: iPhone users calling other iPhone users in India – offers the absolute best audio quality of any free option.
How it works: FaceTime Audio is Apple's built-in calling feature. If both you and your contact in India use iPhones, FaceTime Audio offers superior call quality to both Google Voice and WhatsApp, and it's completely free. No app to download, no setup required – it just works.
Pros
- Completely free (vs Google Voice charges)
- Best audio quality available
- Pre-installed on every iPhone
- Works globally (vs USA-only for Google Voice)
- Video option available
- Minimal data usage
Cons
- Only works iPhone to iPhone
- Can't call Android users or landlines
- Blocked in UAE (need VPN)
- Requires internet connection
Our take: If your family in India uses iPhone, FaceTime Audio is the best free option available – better quality than Google Voice, WhatsApp, or any other service. Zero cost, perfect quality.
3. Telegram
Privacy-FocusedBest for: Privacy-conscious users who want encrypted calls and better features than WhatsApp.
How it works: Telegram offers free voice and video calls with enhanced privacy features. It works similarly to WhatsApp but with better security, cloud-based messaging, and no file size limits.
Pros
- Completely free (vs Google Voice charges)
- Works worldwide (vs USA-only)
- 60+ million users in India
- Better privacy than WhatsApp
- Secret chats with encryption
- Cloud-based (access anywhere)
Cons
- Less popular than WhatsApp in India
- Can't call landlines
- Requires internet connection
Our take: Telegram is excellent if you value privacy and security. It's growing in India but not as ubiquitous as WhatsApp yet. Better features, fewer users.
4. Skype
Good for LandlinesBest for: Calling Indian landlines at rates similar to Google Voice, but with more flexibility and features.
How it works: Skype offers Skype-to-Skype calls for free (like WhatsApp) and paid calls to landlines/mobiles at $0.012-0.023 per minute to India – comparable to Google Voice but with better international availability.
Pros
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls
- Similar rates to Google Voice for landlines
- Works worldwide (not USA-only)
- Can receive calls from India
- Screen sharing for video calls
- Group calls included
Cons
- Not as popular in India as WhatsApp
- Charges for landline calls
- Can be buggy on mobile
- Requires Microsoft account
Cost comparison: Skype to Indian landlines: $0.012-0.023/min. Google Voice: $0.01-0.02/min. Very similar rates, but Skype works globally while Google Voice is USA-only.
Premium Alternatives (For Travelers & Specific Needs)
These paid options offer advantages that Google Voice can't match – like working while traveling to India, bypassing regional restrictions, or getting a real Indian phone number.
5. Airalo eSIM
Best for TravelersBest for: Travelers to India who need a real Indian phone number for calls, SMS, and data – something Google Voice can't provide.
How it works: Airalo gives you a virtual Indian phone number and data plan through eSIM technology. Once activated, you can make calls at local Indian rates (not international rates), receive calls, send SMS, and use data for apps. No physical SIM card needed – perfect for travelers.
💡 Why Airalo Beats Google Voice for Travelers
Google Voice stops working the moment you leave the USA. Airalo works IN India, giving you a real Indian phone number for local calls, SMS for OTPs, and data for WhatsApp – all without international roaming charges. Plans start at just $4.50 for 7 days. For a week-long India trip, Airalo costs less than what you'd spend on Google Voice calls in two days, plus you get the convenience of a local number.
Pros
- Works IN India (Google Voice doesn't)
- Real Indian phone number
- Local call rates (no international charges)
- SMS for OTPs and verification
- Data included for WhatsApp
- No physical SIM needed
- Keep US number active simultaneously
Cons
- Requires iPhone XS or newer
- Not free (but very affordable)
- Best for travelers, not permanent residents
- Phone must be carrier-unlocked
Pricing: India eSIM plans from $4.50 (1GB/7 days) to $26 (10GB/30 days). Much cheaper than international roaming or Google Voice for long India trips.
Get Airalo eSIM for India →6. NordVPN (+ Free Apps)
Best for UAE/ChinaBest for: Expats in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, or other countries where WhatsApp is blocked – lets you use free calling apps that Google Voice can't replace.
How it works: NordVPN isn't a calling service itself – it's a tool that bypasses regional restrictions so you can use WhatsApp, FaceTime, and other free calling apps. If you're in UAE or China where these apps are blocked, NordVPN + WhatsApp gives you unlimited free calls to India, while Google Voice won't work at all.
💡 Why NordVPN Beats Google Voice in Restricted Countries
Google Voice doesn't work outside the USA, leaving you stuck in UAE or China with no calling solution. NordVPN costs $3.39-12.99/month but lets you use WhatsApp for unlimited free calls to India. That's still cheaper than Google Voice would be for daily calls ($18-36/month), plus you get unrestricted internet access. It's not an alternative to Google Voice – it's a solution that makes free alternatives work where Google Voice can't.
Pros
- Bypasses WhatsApp/FaceTime blocks
- Enables unlimited free calls via WhatsApp
- Works in UAE, China, Qatar, etc.
- Premium security and privacy
- 6 devices simultaneously
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Monthly cost required
- Not a calling service itself
- May slow connection slightly
Pricing: $3.39/month (2-year plan) or $12.99/month (monthly). Still cheaper than Google Voice for daily callers, plus enables free WhatsApp calls.
Get NordVPN Now →7. Saily eSIM
Premium Travel OptionBest for: Premium travelers who want reliable eSIM service backed by Nord Security's infrastructure.
How it works: Like Airalo, Saily gives you a real Indian phone number through eSIM, but with the added security and reliability of Nord Security (makers of NordVPN). Premium option for travelers who prioritize quality.
Pros
- Works in India (Google Voice doesn't)
- Backed by Nord Security
- 24/7 customer support
- Local Indian number and rates
- Premium reliability
Cons
- More expensive than Airalo
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone
- Best for travelers only
Pricing: India plans start at $5.99 (1GB/7 days) to $28.99 (10GB/30 days).
Try Saily eSIM →8. Yesim eSIM
Budget Travel OptionBest for: Budget-conscious travelers who want eSIM convenience at the lowest price.
How it works: Yesim offers the most affordable eSIM plans for India travel, giving you a local number and data for less than competitors.
Pros
- Lowest eSIM prices available
- Works in India (Google Voice doesn't)
- Local Indian number
- Plans start at $3.99
- Good for short trips
Cons
- Smaller data allowances
- Limited support hours
- Network quality varies
Pricing: India plans from $3.99 (1GB/7 days) to $22 (10GB/30 days).
Get Yesim Budget Plans →9. Google Voice (For Reference)
USA OnlyBest for: US residents who need to call Indian landlines occasionally and don't mind per-minute charges.
How it works: Google Voice gives you a free US phone number and charges $0.01-0.02 per minute to call India. It's affordable for occasional calls but limited to USA residents only.
Pros
- Very cheap: $0.01-0.02/min
- Can call any phone number in India
- Free US phone number included
- Works on multiple devices
- Voicemail transcription
Cons
- USA residents only
- Not free (charges per minute)
- Doesn't work outside USA
- Can't receive calls from India
- No video calling
Our take: Google Voice is solid for US residents calling Indian landlines, but the alternatives above offer better value for most use cases.
Which Google Voice Alternative Should You Choose?
The best alternative depends on your specific situation:
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Want completely free calls to India? → Use WhatsApp. It's free, works globally (not USA-only like Google Voice), and 500+ million Indians already use it.
Both of you use iPhone? → Use FaceTime Audio for the best call quality available – completely free and superior to Google Voice.
Traveling to India soon? → Get Airalo eSIM for a local Indian number. Google Voice won't work in India, but Airalo gives you local rates and full functionality.
Living in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia? → Get NordVPN to use WhatsApp for unlimited free calls. Google Voice doesn't work outside USA anyway.
Need to call Indian landlines? → Use Google Voice ($0.01-0.02/min) or Skype ($0.012-0.023/min). Both have similar rates.
Want a premium travel eSIM? → Try Saily eSIM backed by Nord Security.
On a tight travel budget? → Yesim eSIM has the lowest prices starting at $3.99.
Care about privacy? → Use Telegram for encrypted calls with better security than WhatsApp or Google Voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Alternative for Your Needs
Google Voice is a decent option for US residents who occasionally need to call Indian landlines at affordable rates. However, for most Indian expats and travelers, there are significantly better alternatives available in 2025.
For the vast majority of people: WhatsApp is simply better than Google Voice. It's completely free (vs per-minute charges), works globally (vs USA-only), includes video calling, and 500+ million people in India already use it. Unless you specifically need to call landlines, WhatsApp will save you hundreds of dollars per year compared to Google Voice.
For travelers to India: Google Voice becomes completely useless the moment you leave the USA. Airalo eSIM gives you a real Indian phone number for local calls, SMS, and data – something Google Voice could never provide. Starting at just $4.50, it's essential for any India trip.
For iPhone users: FaceTime Audio offers better call quality than Google Voice, works globally instead of USA-only, and is completely free. If your family in India uses iPhone, there's no reason to use Google Voice.
For UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia residents: Google Voice doesn't work outside the USA anyway. NordVPN bypasses regional restrictions so you can use WhatsApp for unlimited free calls – better than Google Voice in every way for your situation.
When Google Voice still makes sense: If you're a US resident who needs to call Indian landlines or people without smartphones, and you don't travel internationally, Google Voice remains a solid, affordable choice at 1-2 cents per minute.
The key takeaway? Google Voice is fine for its specific niche (USA-based landline calling), but don't assume it's your only or best option. The alternatives above offer better value, more features, and greater flexibility for most India calling scenarios. Choose the solution that fits your needs, and you'll likely save hundreds of dollars per year while getting better service.
