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3.4/5
Average Rating
50%
Recommended
Talkatone, founded in 2010, was acquired by Ooma in May of 2014 and is headquarted in California. Talkatone is a free App that you can download for both Android and iOS devices. It uses your smart device data connection, either WiFi or cellular data, to allow unlimited free calling and texting to any USA and Canada phone number. It originally piggy backed on Google Voice but that changed in 2013 when Google stopped access, at which point Talkatone redesigned their App.
Talkatone is a free App that you can download onto your Android or iOS devices (smartphones, tablets, iPad, iPod etc.) that utilizes your WiFi or data connection to make/receive free unlimited calls and texts to/from USA and Canada phone numbers. Talkatone-to-Talkatone calls and texts anywhere in the world, including picture messaging, are always free. Inbound calls are always free, regardless of where the caller is calling from.
Many free calling Apps like Skype, Facebook Messenger, and Google Hangouts only allow user to user connections for free. Talkatone states that you can call or text any USA or Canada phone number for free, regardless of whether they have the Talkatone App or not.
After you download the App you get the choice to select a free phone number to use with this service. This makes it a very good option as a second line or a phone line you use for online forms or similar situations where you don't want to expose your personal number you have had for years. They even reference their burner number feature where you can change your phone number at any time. The App keeps your call/text history even when you change your number. The first time you burn your number (change it) it is free, after that it is $0.99 each time.
Be aware that in-App advertisements are used to help fund this service. If ads drive you crazy then you can opt out of the ad model by paying a $1.99 per month fee for their Premium service.
You cannot port your cell number to Talkatone but if you have a Google Voice number it is possible to port that over. Google do charge you a small fee to unlock your number, currently $3.
If your account is inactive for more than 30 days (i.e. no calls or texts in that timeframe) your account will either be debited 20 credits or your number will be deactivated if you have less than 20 credits. You can always start a new account and get a new number if this happens or you can fund your account with some credits. All credits are handled through iTunes or Google Play stores. You can buy credits in batches of 60 for $0.99.
International calling is available at low competitive rates. As an example calling the UK ranges from $0.01 to $0.28 per minute, depending on the number, and calling India would be $0.015 per minute. An International subscription plan is another option for $12.99 per month which includes up to 1,000 outbound calling minutes (equating to $0.013/minute). There are some calling limitations in this subscription plan with regard to certain area codes in some countries not being included. Use our International rates comparison tool to find lowest rates to any country.
Talkatone Plus is a premium plan available for an additional $3.99 per month. This plan includes keeping your number active during periods of inactivity, the ability to call forward to any USA or Canadian number, and the ability to listen to your voicemails in the highest audio quality available.
The Talkatone App currently has an average rating of 4.7 stars from 42.8k ratings on iTunes and 4.1 stars from 153.1k ratings in Google Play store with 10 million + installs.
For support you can access their knowledgebase on their website for frequently asked questions and answers. You can also fill in a form on their webiste to contact them with your inquiry or you can email support directly. There is no phone support.
There is no 911 dialing service with Talkatone. However, you can use your native smartphone cell service to call 911 if needed.
If your account is inactive for 30 days your phone number can be deactivated.
If using the free plan be aware that there are in-app advertisements. You can opt out by paying $1.99 per month for the Premium plan.
User reviews in Google Play store and iTunes are a mixed bag with some complaints about audio quality and stability of the App.
There is no customer service to call, as you would expect for a free service.
Any prepaid credits you purchase will expire thirty (30) days from your most recent date of use (i.e. from your last call or text message).
Talkatone has created a very compelling App solution for making and receiving free calls and texts to USA and Canadian numbers. They have embraced it being a great option as a second line, protecting your main number, with their burn feature allowing you to change your Talkatone number at anytime.
Free is always tough to beat and it makes for a great second line option. If you want customer service and accountability for reliability and stability then this may not be the best solution for your main number.
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