Google Voice alternative: a real mobile number in 181 countries

Google Voice is a phone service from Google; according to Google's help pages, the no-charge personal plan is only available in the US and requires a phone number to forward calls. If you are outside the US, or need a number in another country, SMS Hallo rents real mobile numbers in 181 countries with no SIM card or local address.

What Google Voice is

Google Voice gives you a phone number for calls, texts and voicemail through an app and the web. Google's help center describes Basic Google Voice as a no-charge plan for personal, consumer use that is only available in the US and requires a phone number to forward calls.

During setup, Google asks you to make sure your phone can get texts, because it sends a code to verify it. Google also states that when you call from the US, almost all calls to the US and Canada are free.

For businesses, Google offers Voice as part of Google Workspace, with paid plans. Google's Workspace page says its individual Starter plan is available in the US and its business plans are available in 14 countries.

How SMS Hallo differs

SMS Hallo rents real mobile phone numbers (non-VoIP, in each country's local mobile format) in 181 countries. Every number includes unlimited incoming SMS, unlimited incoming calls, 500 outgoing SMS and 1,000 outgoing calling minutes per month; allowances reset every 30 days.

You do not need an existing phone number or a US location to rent one. Sign-up needs only an email and password: no SIM card, no ID documents and no local address. Prices start from $1.80 per month on the 12-month plan ($21.60 billed yearly), the same in every country, with no setup fees. You pay in USDT or USDC on Tron, BNB Chain, Polygon, Base or Solana.

Numbers are private: while you rent a number, only you see its messages, and inboxes are never published. You keep a number by renewing for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months at a time or by turning on auto-renew. After expiry a number may be given to someone else, so renew numbers linked to important accounts.

Guarantees

Every rental comes with three guarantees: a 7-day free replacement (swap for another number in the same country, up to 3 times), a 100% refund if the number does not work with the app you rented it for (request within 7 days), and a 7-day money-back guarantee if no call or SMS has been made or received on the number.

Who each is best for

Google Voice is a good fit if you live in the US, already have a phone number, and want a free number with voicemail transcription and a close link to your Google account. Businesses already on Google Workspace may prefer its business plans.

SMS Hallo fits people who are outside the US, need a number in a specific country, or want a real mobile number for app verification without linking an existing phone number.

How to get started with SMS Hallo

1. Create an SMS Hallo account with your email and a password.

2. Choose the country you need, pick a number and choose a 1-, 3-, 6- or 12-month plan. Prices for shorter plans are shown when you choose a number.

3. Pay in USDT or USDC, either from a prepaid wallet (minimum top-up $5) or directly for the number. The payment window shows the exact amount, the address or QR code and a 10-minute countdown; send the exact amount on the same network.

4. Enter the number in the app you want to verify and read the code in your SMS Hallo inbox, where codes are detected and can be copied with one tap.

5. For accounts you plan to keep, turn on auto-renew so the number stays yours.

	SMS Hallo	Google Voice
Where you can sign up	Anywhere; numbers in 181 countries	Personal plan: US only
Number type	Real mobile numbers (non-VoIP)	—
Needs an existing phone number	No	Yes, to forward calls and verify by text
Price	From $1.80/month on the 12-month plan	Basic personal plan: no charge
Included usage	Unlimited incoming; 500 SMS and 1,000 minutes out per month	Most calls to US and Canada free when calling from the US
Sign-up	Email and password; no SIM, ID or address	Google account
Guarantees	7-day replacement, works-or-refund, 7-day money-back	—

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Google Voice outside the US?

Google's help center says Basic personal Google Voice is only available in the US. Google Workspace business plans are listed as available in 14 countries.

Do I need a phone number to get Google Voice?

Yes. Google says the personal plan requires a phone number to forward calls, and setup sends a text code to your phone.

Do I need a phone number to use SMS Hallo?

No. Sign-up needs only an email and a password. There is no SIM card, ID document or local address requirement.

Is SMS Hallo free like Google Voice Basic?

No. SMS Hallo is a paid rental from $1.80 per month on the 12-month plan, and it includes a 7-day money-back guarantee if the number has not been used.

Can I get a US number from SMS Hallo?

Yes, the United States is one of the 181 countries. The price is the same in every country.

Sources

Competitor facts verified on 2026-09-30.

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