Which Virtual Number Is Right for You Rakam vs Google Voice?
Comparing Rakam and Google Voice on coverage, verification compatibility, pricing, and reliability. See which virtual number service fits your needs.
Google Voice is one of the most well-known free virtual-number services, and for US-based users it is often the first option that appears in search results. But if you are in the Middle East or Pakistan, or specifically need a number for WhatsApp or PayPal verification, Google Voice is not always the fit it looks like on paper.
Here is an honest, side-by-side look at how Rakam and Google Voice compare.
Quick Overview
Google Voice is a service from Google that gives eligible US-based users a phone number for calls, texts, and voicemail tied to their Google account. Rakam is a paid virtual-number service built to give users in the Middle East and Pakistan access to dedicated US and UK numbers for verification use cases.
The two services are not built for exactly the same audience, which is the first thing to understand before comparing features.
Availability and Coverage
Google Voice setup generally requires a US-based number for verification, creating a barrier for many people signing up outside the US. If you are based in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Pakistan, Egypt, or elsewhere in the region, setup may be difficult before you even get to using it.
Rakam is designed for users in these regions who need a US or UK number without already having a US SIM.
WhatsApp, PayPal, and App Verification
WhatsApp has become increasingly aggressive about detecting and rejecting VoIP numbers, and a number that worked for verification previously may not work today. PayPal verification has similar friction with some free VoIP services because PayPal screens for patterns associated with mass account creation.
Rakam numbers are provided with these verification flows in mind. However, WhatsApp, PayPal, and other platforms control their own acceptance rules, so no provider can guarantee approval.
Pricing
Google Voice can be free for eligible personal users, which is a genuine advantage if it works for your use case and you meet its setup requirements.
Rakam is a paid service starting at $3.99 per month. The trade-off is straightforward: you are paying for access outside the US and a dedicated number intended for verification use.
Setup and Ease of Use
Google Voice Setup
Google Voice requires a Google account and may require an eligible US number for initial verification, which is a real obstacle if you do not have one.
Rakam Setup
Rakam is designed for users who do not already have a US number, so setup does not depend on existing US phone access.
Reliability and Number Longevity
Google Voice numbers can be stable once set up, but they remain subject to Google's account and inactivity policies.
Rakam provides a dedicated number for as long as your subscription remains active.
Support
Google Voice primarily offers general help documentation for consumer users. Rakam offers direct support for verification and account issues, which is useful when a code does not arrive.
Rakam vs Google Voice Comparison
| Feature | Google Voice | Rakam |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free for eligible personal users | From $3.99/month |
| Existing US number may be required | Yes | No |
| Designed for MENA/Pakistan access | No | Yes |
| Verification focus | General communication service | Verification-focused use cases |
| Number longevity | Subject to Google policies | Dedicated while subscription is active |
| Direct verification support | Limited | Yes |
| Best for | Eligible US-based users | MENA/Pakistan users needing a US or UK number |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Google Voice If
You are based in the US, meet its eligibility and setup requirements, and mainly need a free secondary number for calls and general texting.
Choose Rakam If
You are in the Middle East or Pakistan, do not have a US number already, and need a dedicated US or UK number for verification and ongoing account access.
The Bottom Line
Google Voice and Rakam serve different starting points. If you already have US phone access and need a free secondary number, Google Voice may be reasonable. If you need a US or UK number from the Middle East or Pakistan without that setup barrier, Rakam is built for that gap.
Want a number built for your region and verification needs? Join the Rakam waitlist to get started.