Talkatone

What Talkatone is

Talkatone is a mobile calling and messaging app for Android and iOS. It lets users call and text over WiFi or cellular data without using cell minutes. Users can choose a free U.S. phone number and change it while retaining their call and message history. The free plan includes unlimited texts to U.S. numbers and free calls and texts to most U.S. numbers, including landlines. Messages can include pictures and GIFs, with a built-in GIF library and photo editor. International calls can be paid for with credits or a monthly subscription that includes 1,000 minutes to select countries. Talkatone says users traveling can call and text U.S. numbers over WiFi without roaming charges. Its Terms of Use say the service is intended for use only in the United States and Canada, and that available phone numbers are U.S. or Canadian. Talkatone is part of Ooma, Inc. and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Its privacy policy says it collects information including email addresses, in-app messages and files, voice calls and user-added contact information to provide service functionality. The company says it uses technical and organizational measures to protect account information but cannot guarantee its security. Support is available through a knowledge base, support form or email.

Who it suits

Talkatone suits people who want a U.S. number and calling or texting over WiFi or cellular data without using cell minutes. It may also suit travelers who need to contact U.S. numbers over WiFi, and people making international calls to select countries through a paid option.

Limits

The free plan covers unlimited texts to U.S. numbers and free calls and texts to most U.S. numbers. The paid Talkatone Calling Subscription costs $12.99 a month and includes 1,000 minutes of calls to select countries.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.talkatone.com/.
2. Install the Android or iOS app.
3. Choose a free U.S. phone number.
4. Use WiFi or cellular data to call and text.
5. For international calling, use credits or subscribe for 1,000 minutes to select countries.

Verdict

Choose Talkatone if you want free calling and texting to most U.S. numbers through an Android or iOS app, without using cell minutes. Look elsewhere if you need a phone number outside the U.S. or Canada, or if your international calling needs do not fit its credits or select-country subscription.