Google Voice Free Calls: What Is Free and What Costs Money

Google Voice makes free calls to the US and Canada from a US account. International calls cost per minute, and Voice numbers are VoIP, which some apps refuse.

What is free

Calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data use data. On mobile data, that counts toward your plan.

Who can get it

Personal Google Voice is available in the US, and you need a US phone number to set it up. Google Workspace offers Voice for businesses in more countries, as a paid service.

Ways to call

• The Google Voice app on Android or iPhone.
• voice.google.com in a web browser.
• Through your phone's dialer, if you link Voice to your mobile number.

Google Voice and verification codes

Google Voice numbers are VoIP. Many apps look up the line type before sending a code and refuse VoIP numbers, so a Voice number may not work for WhatsApp, some payment apps or other services. See Google Voice alternatives.

Keep your Voice number

Google may reclaim a Voice number that is not used for a long time. Make or receive a call or send a text now and then to keep it active.

Calling abroad more cheaply

For calls to other countries, internet calling apps between users of the same app are usually free over Wi-Fi. See free international calls with WhatsApp.

Google Voice vs calling apps

Google Voice gives you a real US phone number that people can call from any phone, which messaging apps do not. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram call other users of the same app for free worldwide, but they cannot ring a normal landline unless you pay. If most of your calls are to US numbers, Voice is a good free option; for calls to friends abroad, a messaging app usually costs less.

FAQ

Are Google Voice calls free?

Calls to the US and Canada are free. International calls cost money.

Can I use Google Voice outside the US?

Personal Voice needs a US setup. Business Voice is available in more countries.

Does Google Voice work for verification codes?

Sometimes. Many apps refuse VoIP numbers like Google Voice.

Related: Google Voice alternatives · free texting apps and codes · check if a number is VoIP.