7 of the best robocall blocking apps and tools for avoiding phone spam
If there's one thing people with iPhones and Android phones can agree on, it's this: Robocalls suck.
Personally speaking, robots call me more than my own mother does. A very concerned "Cynthia Arnold" gets in touch every week or so "in reference to your federal student loan," claiming she needs to discuss "repayment options with some new changes that have taken effect." (I don't have any federal student loans.) And then there's "Rich," a huffy gentleman who says he's calling me back regarding "the information that we spoke about, about bringing in $10,000 or more every 10 to 14 days." I wonder if I should introduce him to that down-and-out Nigerian prince in my inbox. Read more...
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BEST FREE APP
Hiya: Caller ID & Spam BlockerAn easy-to-use app with all the features you'd expect from a premium robocall blocking service, minus the fees.
- Price: Free for basic service; $2.99/month or $14.99/year for Hiya Premium
- App Store rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Google Play Store rating: 4.4/5 stars
BEST PAID APP
Nomorobo Robocall BlockingA low-cost premium robocall blocking app that's effective, flexible, and fast, stopping scammers in their tracks after a single ring.
- Price: $1.99/month; free for VoIP landlines
- App Store rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Google Play Store rating: 2.1/5 stars
BEST FOR GETTING REVENGE ON SCAMMERS
RoboKiller: Spam Call BlockerIf nothing else, you should install this clever robocall blocker for the sheer entertainment value.
- Price: $2.99/month or $24.99/year for Android devices; $3.99/month or $29.99/year for iOS
- App Store rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Google Play Store rating: 3.6/5 stars
BEST FOR BUSINESSES
YouMail Voicemail and Spam BlockYouMail's Professional plan is an excellent phone service for businesses that we recommend even if you don't have a problem with robocalls.
- Price: Basic service is free; $5.99/month for YouMail Plus and $10.99/month for YouMail Professional
- App Store rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Google Play Store rating: 4.3/5 stars
BEST BLOCKER FOR LANDLINES
Call Control HomeThis itsy-bitsy device identifies and protects your landline from robocallers and telemarketers with the help of a companion smartphone app.
- Price: $159.99 for call blocker device; smartphone app is free
- App Store rating (app): 4.5/5 stars
- Google Play Store rating (app): 4.4/5 stars
BEST FOR NUMBER LOOKUPS
TruecallerThis premium app is the next best thing to downloading a whole phone book on your smartphone.
- App Store rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Google Play Store rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Price: Basic service is free; $2.99/month or $26.99/year for Truecaller Premium and $249/year for Truecaller Premium Gold
BEST FOR UNMASKING CALLS
TrapCall: Reveal No Caller IDYou know how Mystery Inc. forced villians to identify themselves at the end of every "Scooby-Doo" episode? TrapCall is the smartphone app version of that for spam, scam, and anonymous callers.
- Price: $5.99/month or $59.40/year for Basic subscription; $9.99/month or $95.40/year for Premium subscription; and $24.99/month or $239.40/year for Ultimate subscription
- App Store rating: 4.3/5 stars
- Google Play Store rating: 3.7/5 stars