Google Voice has long been a go-to for international calls, but in 2025, browser-based platforms like ZenCall often deliver lower rates and simpler pricing. Here’s how the two stack up for Mexico, India, the UK, and Colombia.
For years, Google Voice has been a convenient option for international calling, particularly for people already invested in the Google ecosystem. But convenience doesn't always equal savings, and familiarity doesn't necessarily mean you're getting the best deal. In 2025, new browser-based calling apps like ZenCall offer cheaper rates, no hidden fees, and simpler billing that makes international calling more affordable and transparent.
So which option really saves you more money? Let’s break down the features, pricing, and real-world costs to help you make an informed decision about which service best fits your international calling needs.
Both Google Voice and ZenCall aim to make international calling more affordable than traditional carriers, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Google Voice leverages its integration with the broader Google ecosystem, while ZenCall focuses specifically on providing the lowest possible rates with maximum transparency.
Google Voice has been around since 2009 and has built a reputation as a reliable, affordable option for international calling, particularly for people already using Google services. Its longstanding history gives it credibility, but let’s dive deeper into its features.
Google Voice is popular because it connects directly to your Google account and integrates seamlessly with Gmail and Android devices. This integration means calls can be made directly from the Gmail interface, voicemail transcriptions appear in your inbox, and call history syncs with your Google contacts, enriching your overall experience. For more on Google Voice’s international capabilities, see our guide on can I use Google Voice internationally?.
However, rates vary significantly by country and line type, making it more challenging to budget for international calls.
This variable pricing creates uncertainty and complexity. You need to know whether you're calling a landline or mobile before making a call to estimate costs accurately. For a deeper understanding of international calling rates, check out international calling rates explained.
While rates are competitive for some destinations, there are several significant drawbacks. Accounts can be suspended surprisingly frequently if unusual call patterns are detected, leaving you without calling access at critical moments—something that can be quite alarming during urgent situations. Google Voice also isn't ideal for businesses needing multiple user accounts, and it's primarily designed for US users, limiting its appeal for broader international use.
ZenCall was built from the ground up for one specific purpose: cheap, transparent international calls from your browser without the complexity or ecosystem lock-in of services like Google Voice. The focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness is a game-changer for many users.
ZenCall offers flat rates regardless of whether you are calling landlines or mobiles:
This flat-rate structure eliminates the complexity of checking whether a number is mobile or landline before calling, allowing you to make calls without worrying about unexpected charges. For details on how ZenCall stands out for free calls to Mexico, read this article.
No SIM cards, no downloads required—just open your browser and call. This browser-based approach works on any device with a modern browser, eliminating compatibility issues and providing automatic updates without user action required.
ZenCall's pricing is completely transparent with no hidden fees or billing surprises. Use ZenCall's rate calculator to verify exact costs before making any call. Billing is by the second, not rounded to full minutes, and credits never expire, adding to the service's appeal.
Let’s examine how costs compare for calling mobile numbers:
| Country | Google Voice (mobile) | ZenCall (all lines) | Monthly Savings (100 min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $0.07/min | $0.02/min | $5.00 |
| India | $0.01/min | $0.02/min | -$1.00 |
| UK | $0.03/min | $0.02/min | $1.00 |
| Colombia | $0.04/min | $0.02/min | $2.00 |
For Mexico mobile calls, ZenCall saves you $5 per 100 minutes—that's 71% cheaper. For UK mobile calls, ZenCall saves $1 per 100 minutes—33% cheaper. Over a year, these differences compound significantly, reinforcing why understanding pricing is essential.
The right choice ultimately depends on your specific calling patterns and priorities:
The differences become even more pronounced for business users. Google Voice for Business costs $10-30/user/month before any calling minutes, making it expensive for teams that need effective communication.
In contrast, ZenCall offers advantages for business use with pay-as-you-go credits that can be shared across team members without per-user fees. Save frequently called business contacts with ZenCall's contacts feature to streamline repeat calling, minimizing barriers to effective business communication.
Google Voice provides Google with detailed calling metadata that contributes to comprehensive user profiles, which may not be ideal for privacy-conscious users. ZenCall doesn’t integrate with a broader ecosystem tracking your activities, making it a more privacy-friendly option for sensitive communications.
Consider Maria, who runs a small import business and makes regular calls to suppliers:
With Google Voice, she pays $29.00/month or $348/year. With ZenCall, her total cost drops to $10.00/month or $120/year.
Annual savings with ZenCall: $228. This situation illustrates just how impactful choosing the right service can be, especially for users with high call volumes.
Both services have their place, but they serve different needs. Google Voice works best for occasional callers deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, while ZenCall works best for consistent, affordable calls to Mexico, UK, Colombia, and other countries where mobile rates matter.
ZenCall's browser-based approach represents the future of international calling, offering simplicity without sacrificing affordability. For most users making regular international calls—especially to mobile numbers—ZenCall provides better value, simpler pricing, and more flexibility than Google Voice.
👉 Start making cheap international calls today with ZenCall at flat $0.02/minute rates. Explore how to choose a browser-based calling app that suits your needs today!