Choosing an international calling app isn’t just about who offers the cheapest per-minute rate — it’s about which one fits how and why you make those calls.
Some users need consistency while traveling. Others want to keep their U.S. number active from abroad. Some just want to check in with family overseas every few weeks without worrying about credit cards or app downloads. So which app, Mytello, Rebtel, or Google Voice, actually makes sense for your situation in 2025?
Let’s break it down.
What Kind of Caller Are You?
Before comparing features, you need to figure out your real needs:
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Occasional international caller → You want simplicity without a subscription
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Frequent landline/mobile caller abroad → You need clear audio and cost control
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Remote worker or expat → You care about number retention and desktop access
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Budget-conscious user → You want transparency with no hidden charges
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Non-tech-savvy recipient → They need to answer without apps or internet
Each app in this comparison, Mytello, Rebtel, and Google Voice performs differently depending on your profile.
Call Quality & Connectivity: Which One Delivers More Consistently?
✅ Mytello
Mytello uses local dial-in numbers that route your international calls through high-quality telecom lines, not Wi-Fi or unstable VoIP, resulting in stronger audio clarity and lower latency, especially when you’re on basic mobile networks or in areas with weak data.
The person receiving your call doesn’t need an internet connection or the app installed. It’s just like a regular phone call, even if they’re on a landline.
Behind the scenes, more than 220 countries are supported, with automated local number detection and call bridging. If you’re traveling or using a local SIM, Mytello automatically finds the correct access number for you. It’s designed to work smoothly, regardless of the device.
You also get real-time credit tracking, and the app itself (if you use it) offers one-tap calling to filtered international numbers.
✅ Rebtel
Rebtel does something similar — it routes calls through local access numbers — but you’ll need to use their mobile app to initiate that. Depending on your country, Rebtel also toggles between data and GSM for cost-efficiency. That flexibility is nice, but it can create inconsistency if your network conditions shift during the call.
Users who keep a strong mobile signal or Wi-Fi connection will benefit most from Rebtel’s hybrid model, but the experience can vary by region and carrier.
✅ Google Voice
Google Voice is high-quality over Wi-Fi or mobile data, but it doesn’t offer local bridge dialing like Mytello or Rebtel. This makes it less reliable if you’re traveling internationally without a strong internet connection.
It performs best if you’re in the U.S., with a stable data plan and already part of the Google ecosystem. For users abroad, setup can be a challenge unless you’ve configured a U.S. billing address and IP location.
Cost Breakdown: What Are You Actually Paying?
A breakdown of pricing would be incomplete without factoring in how pricing works — not just rate-per-minute, but whether you need subscriptions, bundles, or app installs.
| Feature | Mytello | Rebtel | Google Voice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account required | Yes | Yes | Yes (Google account) |
| Free calls available | No (Pay-as-you-go only, but free trial call included) | Yes (with Rebtel-to-Rebtel) | Yes (within U.S. & Canada) |
| Landline calling | Yes (Works without internet) | Yes (via dial-in or app) | Yes (but only with internet) |
| App install required | No (usable via phone dialer or web) | Yes | Yes |
| Subscription options | No | Yes (Unlimited calling plans) | No |
| Transparent pricing | Yes — see rates by country | Mixed (some hidden fees and plan limitations) | Yes — at voice.google.com |
Additional Mytello cost facts: Rates start as low as $0.01/min for countries like Poland, $0.13/min to Nigeria, and around $0.79/min to Cuba. There are no hidden fees, no expiration on credits, and no contracts, you top up and call.
Caller ID, Number Porting & Reachability: Who Sees Your Number?
1- Mytello
Your actual mobile number is shown to the recipient when calling, even when the call is routed through a local dial-in access line. This is essential for calling banks, for two-factor authentication, or to make sure someone picks up when they see a familiar number.
Caller ID works across most countries Mytello supports, and the feature is enabled by default. There’s no complex configuration.
2- Rebtel
Rebtel may show a generic access number unless you go into the settings and configure it to use your mobile number. Even then, this feature’s reliability depends on your country and carrier. In some regions, it may not work at all, a known limitation in their help center.
3- Google Voice
If you’re calling from within the U.S. using Wi-Fi, your Google Voice number will show, not your original carrier number. This is useful for people who fully switch to Google Voice. But if you’re traveling internationally or calling from outside a supported region, it may fail to connect or mask your ID entirely. Many users report this as a deal-breaker abroad.
Device Flexibility & Interface Simplicity
1- Mytello
You don’t need to install an app to use Mytello. You can simply dial a local access number from your regular phone (mobile or landline) and connect to any international number. This is especially useful for:
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Seniors or non-tech-savvy relatives
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Users with older phones or basic SIMs
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Landline users at home or in rural areas
That said, if you prefer a digital experience, the free app for iOS and Android is clean, minimal, and focuses purely on calling — no ads, no clutter. Plus, your call history and credit balance are always visible. See how it works.
2- Rebtel
The app is required, but it’s straightforward once you’re set up. Rebtel lets you save contacts, track balances, and toggle between Wi-Fi and GSM. There’s also an “Always on” option for frequently dialed numbers, but it may confuse new users unfamiliar with hybrid routing.
3- Google Voice
Google Voice integrates seamlessly if you already use Gmail, Android, or Chrome. You can text, call, and check voicemail in your browser or on mobile, but only if you’re in a supported country.
For U.S.-based users, it’s a smart, native experience. For travelers or international users, functionality often breaks without workaround setups.
Recap So Far
| If You Need… | Best App |
|---|---|
| Call without internet or app install | Mytello |
| Cheap or unlimited calls abroad | Rebtel |
| Desktop-friendly calling in U.S. | Google Voice |
| Real caller ID on international calls | Mytello or Google Voice |
| Pay-as-you-go transparency | Mytello |
Which App Works Best for Different Callers?
Sometimes, features on paper don’t translate to user satisfaction. Let’s map each platform to real user scenarios so you can choose based on how you actually communicate.
✈️ For International Travelers: Mytello Leads in Flexibility
If you’re frequently moving between countries, relying on airport Wi-Fi or inconsistent hotel signals, internet-based apps like Google Voice or Rebtel (on Wi-Fi mode) can be unreliable. Mytello’s no-app, no-data approach means you can use any local SIM — even from a kiosk in Nairobi or Bogotá — and dial into their local access number to reach abroad.
Why it works:
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Doesn’t rely on VoIP or mobile data
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Local dial-in numbers in 40+ countries
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Works from any device: keypad phones, smartphones, landlines
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Real caller ID shows up on the recipient’s phone
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No contract, no expiration, no hidden charges
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Works in over 220+ countries, making it one of the most globally flexible options
Many expats and digital nomads switching from Skype have gravitated toward Mytello’s model, especially with Skype shutting down its credits and Skype-In features.
👩💼 For Business Use or Hybrid Remote Workers: Google Voice Wins (in the U.S.)
For professionals who need seamless communication with U.S.-based clients, contractors, or customers — Google Voice works best if you operate primarily within the U.S. It integrates into Gmail, Calendar, and even CRMs like HubSpot or Copper. You can call, text, and receive voicemail transcriptions from your browser.
Ideal for:
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Freelancers, solopreneurs, virtual assistants
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Customer service teams needing SMS + call logs
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Users who want a second number without another phone
However, limitations arise outside the U.S. — Google Voice isn’t officially supported internationally, and users report issues with SMS delivery, account verification codes, or VoIP-blocked networks abroad.
👪 For Personal Calls to Family: Rebtel Makes It Easy (if Set Up)
Rebtel’s hybrid model (local dial-in numbers + app flexibility) is great for recurring calls to relatives who don’t use smartphones or messaging apps. For example, if you’re calling your grandmother’s landline in Lagos or your dad’s flip phone in the Philippines, Rebtel provides reliable voice connectivity at a predictable cost.
You can even assign “magic numbers” — local phone numbers that always connect to specific international contacts. Just save it and dial as usual.
Bonus: Rebtel allows unlimited international calling plans to many destinations for a monthly fee. This is ideal if you make daily or weekly calls to just 1–3 countries.
1. Best for Occasional International Callers
You don’t want a subscription. You just want to call when needed and pay as you go.
Mytello is the clear winner here. You only pay when you place a call, and:
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Credits never expire
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There’s no subscription, no base fee, and no hidden charges
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Works even from landline or keypad phones
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Free trial call is included after signup
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You can explore the full per-country rate list
Rebtel also supports pay-per-minute calls, but many users report being nudged toward subscription plans or encountering unexpected deductions.
Google Voice is limited in this category, especially if you’re not based in the U.S. or don’t want to navigate VPNs and U.S. billing setups.
2. Best for Long-Distance Relationships or Elderly Parents
You’re calling someone regularly — often a landline — and they aren’t app-savvy.
Mytello is built for this. Because it connects over traditional phone networks (not internet), the person receiving your call doesn’t need a smartphone, app, or even a Wi-Fi connection.
Whether they’re in a rural town or just prefer answering a landline, your call gets through — reliably.
You call a local number from your country, and the system bridges your call abroad. Transparent, predictable, and stress-free.
Rebtel works similarly but requires app setup. And if the recipient doesn’t have the app, audio quality can vary based on your device or signal strength.
Google Voice falls short here — it requires a stable internet connection on both ends, making it less suitable for landline-heavy situations.
3. Best for Travelers and Digital Nomads
You’re always on the move. You change SIMs or countries often, and you need a calling system that’s just as adaptable.
Mytello detects your country automatically and assigns a local dial-in number. That way, your calls stay cheap and reliable no matter where you are or what SIM you’re using.
You can:
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Use Mytello from any mobile, smartphone, or landline
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Avoid installing apps if you don’t want to
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Keep real-time credit control in your account
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Call without relying on Wi-Fi
Rebtel also offers local number flexibility and SIM-switching support. But users sometimes find the experience confusing if they don’t choose the right call method (VoIP vs. GSM) in the app.
Google Voice typically breaks outside the U.S. unless you’ve fully pre-configured your setup with a VPN and U.S. billing profile. It’s not a dependable option for active travelers.
4. Best for Users Who Want Full Integration (Texts + Voicemail + Desktop)
You want a system that works like a full phone service — browser, inbox, texting, voicemails, the works.
Google Voice wins this one — as long as you’re in the U.S.
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Voicemail transcription
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Texting
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Browser calling
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Number forwarding
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CRM & workspace integrations
Mytello and Rebtel don’t try to do all that. Their focus is cheap, stable international voice calling — no SMS, no voicemail, no call forwarding.
If your core use case is actual conversations — and not maintaining full communication threads — they do that job more reliably.
5. Trust, Support, and Reliability
1- Mytello
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Founded in 2016 by telecom experts
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Transparent rate structure and clear user dashboard
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No hidden fees, no upsells
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24/7 customer support
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Free trial call after signup
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Credit never expires
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4.7+ average app rating across stores
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App available for both iOS and Android
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Works without the app if needed
2- Rebtel
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Long-standing global user base
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Offers both pay-as-you-go and subscription plans
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Mixed user reviews on customer support and plan clarity
3- Google Voice
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Stable inside the U.S.
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Support is limited to forums and self-service
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No live help available if anything breaks
Why People Switch in 2025
From community discussions and user reviews, here’s why people move away from each platform:
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Google Voice: Incompatible with international travel, breaks under foreign IPs, unreliable for verification texts
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Rebtel: Unclear billing, inconsistent app experience, call drops on VoIP
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Mytello: Some users miss SMS/video chat, but those who prioritize voice quality and transparency stick around
Lesser-Known Details That Actually Matter
1. SMS Support
| App | SMS Capable | 2FA Code Support |
|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | ✅ | Sometimes |
| Rebtel | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mytello | ❌ (voice only) | ❌ |
2. Desktop Access
| App | Desktop Calling | Web Dashboard |
|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | ✅ Browser-based | ✅ |
| Mytello | ❌ (voice only) | ✅ (account) |
| Rebtel | ❌ | ❌ |
3. Number Porting
| App | Porting Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | ✅ (U.S. only) | U.S. numbers only |
| Rebtel | ❌ | Not supported |
| Mytello | ❌ | Not a number provider |
Final Verdict: Which App Wins in 2025?
| Best For… | App |
|---|---|
| Simplicity, no app required | Mytello |
| Recurring calls to international numbers | Rebtel |
| Full-featured second number (U.S. only) | Google Voice |
| No-internet calling from basic phones | Mytello |
| Browser-based work and desktop use | Google Voice |
| Subscription-free and transparent pricing | Mytello |
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Each app wins in its category.
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Mytello stands out for reliability, simplicity, and transparent calling worldwide
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Rebtel works for frequent country-specific callers or family connection plans
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Google Voice is ideal for U.S.-based professionals needing VoIP integration
👉 Try a free test call and explore how Mytello works.
