The 10 Best Spam Call Blocker Apps of 2023

What Is the Best App for Blocking Spam Calls?

If you feel like you’re receiving more spam calls than ever before, you’re not alone. Americans are bombarded by billions of spam calls every month, making them the top consumer complaint received by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) [*].

Unfortunately, phone scammers are only getting more sophisticated, which is why millions of Americans now use spam call blocking tools on their phones.

Whether you’re tired of telemarketers or want to get rid of robocalls and block annoying spam texts, these tools can help protect your phone — and your identity. 

But which one is best for you? 

In this guide, we’ll cover the best spam call blockers — including built-in features on your Android or iOS phone, as well as specialized tools offered by your phone carrier and third-party companies.

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Option 1: Use Your Phone’s Built-in Spam-Blocking Tools

Both Android and iOS devices provide users with built-in spam-blocking tools. These aren’t as sophisticated or practical as many of the purpose-built options available from mobile app stores, but they can still dramatically reduce the number of unwanted phone calls you receive.

How to silence unknown callers on iOS: 

Apple provides iPhones with built-in features for blocking phone calls from unknown callers. 

This feature forwards any phone call coming from an unknown number directly to voicemail. Your phone will only ring when people listed as contacts try to call you — which means you could miss important phone calls from non-contacts (such as appointment reminders or deliveries).

• Go to Settings, and tap on Phone.
• Scroll down, and tap on Silence unknown callers.

How to block spam calls on Android:

Android phones include a built-in spam filter that prevents telemarketers and robocallers from disturbing you. You can also set your phone to warn you when receiving calls from suspected spam numbers.

• Open the Phone app in Android.
• Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner.
• Enter Settings, and then Caller ID & Spam.
• Toggle on Filter spam calls.

Setting your phone’s built-in spam blocker will help filter some spam calls, but it won’t catch them all. Many telemarketers, scammers, and robocallers use sophisticated tools to make their calls appear genuine. To block these calls, you’ll need a more advanced spam-blocking system.

The 10 Best Spam Call Blockers in 2023

1. Aura’s Call Assistant
2. Truecaller
3. Hiya
4. Nomorobo
5. YouMail
6. RoboKiller
7. T-Mobile Scam Shield
8. AT&T Call Protect
9. Verizon Call Filter
10. Google Call Screening

Unfortunately, spam and scam calls are only part of a much larger problem. If you’re getting targeted by spam calls, you could be at risk of further scams, identity theft, or fraud. That’s why many of the services we’re reviewing offer additional security features to help keep you and your family safe. 

1. Aura: AI-powered Call Assistant and digital security tools

Aura is an award-winning all-in-one security solution that protects people from scams, fraud, and identity theft. Along with credit and bank account monitoring and identity theft protection, Aura provides an AI-powered Call Assistant that screens and blocks unwanted calls and texts. 

While Aura is a relatively new product, it has already earned #1 rankings from Money.com, Forbes, Tech Radar, USNews.com, and more. 

Aura’s key spam-blocking features:

• Blocks spam calls and phone scams. Aura checks all incoming calls against constantly-updated spam lists to block known spammers and protect you from phone scams. 
• Screens unknown callers by using artificial intelligence. Aura’s AI-powered capabilities allow it to answer and screen unknown callers on your behalf to ensure that only legitimate calls come through. 
• Scans incoming texts for scam messages and dangerous links. Aura can scan incoming text messages and automatically block those that contain malicious links or signs of being spam text messages.
• Protects your devices against hacking. All Aura plans also include powerful digital security tools, including antivirus software, a military-grade virtual private network (VPN), Safe Browsing tools to block dangerous websites, a password manager, and more.
• 24/7 U.S.-based customer support. White Glove Fraud Resolution Specialists are available to help Aura subscribers recover from cybercrime at all times of day or night.

Aura plans and pricing:

Aura offers a number of different plans based on your needs and how many people you want to protect. Here are Aura’s plans and pricing as of September 2023 that include the AI-powered Call Assistant feature:

• Aura Scam Protection (Call Assistant + Dark Web Monitoring + Digital Security): $7/month → Sign up here.
• Aura Family Plan (All features + Call Assistant + $1 million insurance per adult. Family Plan protects up to five adults and unlimited children): $20/month using this special discount link.

Note: You can also add Aura’s AI-powered Call Assistant to an individual or couple plan for an additional $5/month.

The bottom line: 

Aura blocks spam calls and provides a wide range of digital security and identity theft protection services to customers who want to safeguard their data online. It’s an excellent and cost-effective, all-in-one solution for anyone who wants complete protection. 

2. Truecaller

Truecaller is one of the most recognizable brands for blocking spam calls on Android and iOS. Since 2009, the Swedish company has become a household name, with millions of active customers around the globe.

Yet Truecaller’s history and reputation don’t automatically mean it’s the best spam-blocking app around.

Truecaller’s key spam-blocking features:

• Real-time caller identification. Truecaller looks up incoming calls to match phone numbers with caller ID data in real-time. It brings up notifications that tell you the caller’s name and location, and may even show a photo.
• Automatic call blocking. You can use Truecaller to block telemarketers, spammers, and unwanted callers automatically. The app will detect whether incoming calls are trustworthy before letting your phone ring.
• Smart in-app messaging. TrueCaller lets you send and receive SMS messages directly from the app. This allows it to proactively filter spam messages and block phishing texts. However, it can be a jarring experience for some users to not use their phone’s messaging app.‍
• Free to download and use. Truecaller’s basic functionality is available for free, supported by ads. There is an ad-free premium app available, as well.

Truecaller plans and pricing:

Truecaller offers a range of plans depending on which features you want. Beware that the company’s free tier is supported by in-app advertising. 

Here are Truecaller’s plans and pricing as of September 2023: 

• Truecaller free (basic caller ID + spam blocking with in-app ads): Free or $9.99/year for ad-free
• Truecaller Premium Connect (advanced spam blocking): $29.90/year
• Truecaller Premium Assistant (includes AI-powered call assistant): $49.99/year

The bottom line: 

Truecaller is an excellent choice for anyone who wants simple and free protection against automated spam calls — and is willing to deal with ads and using a different messaging app. It will reliably block robocallers and smishing scams; but even its premium tier service won’t protect you from sophisticated threats.

3. Hiya

Hiya is based in Seattle, Washington, and has helped people block spam phone calls since 2016. The app has a slightly different method for blocking phone calls than many others: it uses your device’s location to avoid blocking local businesses that may call you.

While this feature means you’re less likely to accidentally block important calls from your bank and other institutions, it may also expose you to spam calls coming from your local area code (or scammers spoofing a local phone number).

Hiya’s key spam-blocking features:

• Location-based spam blocking. Hiya automatically blocks calls coming from unknown numbers based in faraway places.
• Works in 196 countries. The company has invested in its international capabilities, making it a good choice for travelers and residents abroad.
• Can block debt collectors. Hiya is one of the few spam blockers that blocks debt collection agencies from contacting you.‍
• Detects fraud and spam. Hiya includes some features for flagging suspicious numbers and preventing scammers from contacting you.

Hiya plans and pricing:

Hiya mostly offers white-labeled technology to phone manufacturers and cell phone providers. However, you can use the Hiya app for free or by paying for a premium account through the Apple App store or Google Play store.

Here are Hiya’s plans and pricing as of September 2023:

• Basic plan: free
• Premium plan: $3.99/month or $24.99/year

The bottom line:

Hiya is an interesting choice for people who want to block incoming long-distance calls. It can block non-local numbers from reaching you even while you’re traveling abroad. However, it isn’t always accurate and doesn’t offer full-featured protection against scams and phishing. 

Recent user reviews have complained about the app randomly crashing or blocking all incoming calls with no easy fix [*]. 

4. Nomorobo

Nomorobo has provided spam-blocking services to customers for more than 10 years. It works on both smartphones and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) landlines, and offers premium services to iPhone and Android users with T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T plans.

More than two million people have downloaded Nomorobo, and the company offers a 14-day free trial to new users. Its VoIP spam-blocking service is completely free for anyone to use.

Nomorobo’s key spam-blocking features:

• Offers free protection for VoIP landlines. Nomorobo offers free spam protection for VoIP landlines commonly used by businesses. 
• Ad-free user experience keeps user information private. Nomorobo doesn’t collect user data or serve ads to users through its app.
• Nomorobo Max lets customers add up to three additional phone numbers. Premium subscribers can add friends and family members to their plans.‍
• Large database of robocallers and telemarketers. Nomorobo claims to have the world’s largest database of robocallers.

Nomorobo plans and pricing:

Nomorobo is free for VoiP landlines and offers multiple paid plans depending on the level of protection you’re after. 

Here are Nomorobo’s plans and pricing as of September 2023:

• Mobile basic (robocaller blocking + SMS protection): $19.99/year
• Nomorobo Max (advanced spam protection): $49.99/year

The bottom line:

Nomorobo is a low-cost, ad-free option for blocking robocallers and telemarketers, but it doesn’t include any additional protections against advanced scams. This makes it marginally better than some other providers on this list, but not a top pick.

5. YouMail

YouMail has a unique approach to blocking spam calls. Instead of simply filtering and deleting them, it can also forward incoming calls to voicemail and transcribe them into texts. Then, YouMail sends the text to you as an email.

This allows YouMail users to avoid filtering calls that may be important while also reducing the amount of time it takes to verify those calls.

YouMail’s key spam-blocking features:

• Blocks known spam numbers. YouMail’s Smart Blocker prevents known robocallers and spam bots from calling your phone.
• Transcribes voicemails from unknown contacts into text. Review messages from people who are not in your contacts by quickly skimming through the transcription.
• Free plan offers 20 transcriptions per month. YouMail’s basic plan offers its core spam-blocking feature to users for free.‍
• Premium plan members can add additional phone numbers. YouMail offers a variety of premium plans, from its personal Plus plan to a comprehensive Small Business plan that supports unlimited transcriptions.

YouMail plans and pricing:

Similar to other products, YouMail offers an ad-supported free basic plan tier that blocks known spam callers — as well as multiple premium plans to choose from, depending on what level of protection you’re after. Here are YouMail’s plans and pricing as of September 2023:

• Personal plus (no ads + advanced spam protection): $7.99/month
• Premium Essentials (premium phone service): $14.99/month
• Premium Complete (up to five new phone numbers): $24.99/month
• Premium Ultimate (up to 15 new phone numbers): $34.99/month

The bottom line:

YouMail’s unique approach to screening spam calls is worth trying out. Not everyone will find the voicemail-to-text transcription service useful, but everyone can afford to test the completely free basic plan. If you’re looking for advanced protection against phone scams, though, you’ll need to use an additional app on top of YouMail.

6. Robokiller

Robokiller is a spam call-blocking app that offers digital privacy to customers. It uses a predictive algorithm to identify and label incoming telemarketing calls. It also answers calls with a bot specially designed to keep telemarketers busy for as long as possible.

Robokiller’s key spam-blocking features:

• Predictive spam call blocking. Robokiller uses predictive call-blocking technology to detect potential spammers and block them.
• Answer bots waste telemarketer’s time. Robokiller answers spam calls with a bot designed to waste spammers’ time and prevent them from making other calls. However, this can also signal to spammers that your phone number is active, meaning you’ll receive even more spam calls. 
• Call recording forensics to block robocalls. Robokiller records audio fingerprints of pre-recorded spam calls and blocks all subsequent calls that share the same signature.‍
• Spam text blocking. Robokiller can block phishing texts and SMS spam, preventing marketers and scammers from sending you messages.

Robokiller plans and pricing:

Robokiller is available on both Apple and Android devices with a seven-day free trial. After that, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan at $4.99/month or $39.99/year.

The bottom line:

RoboKiller’s answer bot is its most outstanding feature, but that’s not enough to make this the best spam-blocking app on the market. While the answer bot offers guaranteed entertainment value, there are better, more secure options for protecting your phone from spam calls and telemarketers.

7. T-Mobile Scam Shield

T-Mobile lets customers add Scam Shield to their phone subscriptions in order to reduce the number of scam phone calls they receive. The free app adds a “scam likely” tag to any incoming call that meets its criteria.

Scam Shield’s key spam-blocking features:

• Offered by a major phone carrier. T-Mobile customers have instant access to Scam Shield and don’t have to sign up for additional services in order to use it.
• Designed to stop phone scams. Scam Shield focuses on protecting you from scams that can lead to fraud and identity theft.
• Enhanced Caller ID access. Works for incoming calls from people who aren’t on your contacts list.‍
• Proactive spam blocking. Blocks spam callers before your phone rings, and prevents them from calling you again in the future.

T-Mobile Scam Shield plans and pricing:

Scam Shield is a free app that any T-Mobile customer can add to their phone. However, for advanced features such as managing your block list, sending callers to voicemail, and reverse phone number lookups, you’ll need to sign up for a premium plan at $4/month per phone line.

The bottom line:

T-Mobile Scam Shield is a built-in service provided to all T-Mobile subscribers. If you have a T-Mobile phone, you should at least try the free version of this app. However, be aware that it won’t offer the digital protections that you would get from paid third-party apps.

8. AT&T ActiveArmor

AT&T subscribers can sign up for ActiveArmor to stop robocalls and prevent being bothered by scammers. This service includes spam blocking, unknown caller blocking, and lets you create a personal blacklist.

Its call blocking system identifies unwanted or potentially harmful calls as a “Spam Risk.”

Call Protect’s key spam-blocking features:

• Spam-blocking feature labels and silences incoming spam calls. AT&T can reliably detect spam calls and label them accordingly.
• Can automatically block unknown callers and fraudsters. This setting is separate from the general spam-blocking feature, giving users fine-tuned control. 
• Integrates with AT&T’s digital security tools. AT&T offers a range of security measures designed to work together and integrate with one another.‍
• Custom call controls and reverse number lookup are available to premium subscribers. You can sign up for additional services with an in-app purchase.

AT&T ActiveArmor plans and pricing:

Similar to T-Mobile’s Scam Shield, AT&T ActiveArmor includes a free tier with basic spam call blocking. For advanced features, such as identifying unknown callers, identity monitoring, and Safe Browsing, you’ll need to upgrade to ActiveArmor Advanced for $3.99/month per phone line.

The bottom line:

AT&T designed its spam-blocking tools to go with its more comprehensive security features. Its basic functionality is good enough, but unlocking its advanced features requires paying for a premium service that may not compare well against some competitors.

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9. Verizon Call Filter Plus

Verizon automatically enrolls customers in its free spam and robocall prevention app, Call Filter [*]. If you are a Verizon customer with an Android device, you probably already have Call Filter activated. The company plans to extend this service to iOS users, as well.

The company also offers a Call Filter Plus service that includes additional features. This review will cover the premium features included in that subscription.

Call Filter Plus’s key spam-blocking features:

• Automatically identifies unknown numbers. Verizon automatically detects incoming spam calls and warns users before blocking these calls.
• Personal spam and block lists. Call Filter Plus users can keep their own personal spam and block lists, and update them whenever they receive unwanted calls.
• Automatic risk meter for incoming calls. Verizon provides a visual risk meter that makes it easy to understand how risky every incoming scam call may be. ‍
• Spam Lookup services provide additional detail. You can find out more about the people trying to call you through Verizon’s Spam Lookup feature.

Verizon Call Filter Plus plans and pricing:

Verizon’s basic Call Filter app is free for all Android phone users. For Call Filter Plus features, including  a spam risk meter, Spam Lookup, personal block list, and more, you’ll need to pay $3.99 per month per phone line.

The bottom line: 

Verizon’s Call Filter Plus might be useful for existing Verizon customers who want to create their own curated spam and block lists. Otherwise, there are better, more secure options available that provide comprehensive protection against phone scams.

10. Google Call Screening

Google Pixel owners have access to a feature that automatically screens incoming calls. Google first announced this feature in 2018 and now offers it on all Pixel devices. It works without Wi-Fi or mobile data connection and provides multiple options for handling spam calls.

Call Screening’s key spam-blocking features:

• Automatic real-time call transcriptions. Google acts like a real-time phone receptionist, asking incoming callers to explain their calls while showing you their responses via text.
• Phone transcripts are saved locally. You don’t have to worry about private transcripts being hosted online.
• Uses automation to beat robocallers. Robocallers are easy to identify because they don’t respond to Google’s call screening questions.‍
• Includes additional caller ID and spam protection features. Google can also mark incoming calls as spam and block unsolicited calls.

The bottom line:

Google Call Screening is a useful free spam-blocking app for Google Pixel owners, but it won’t provide comprehensive protection on its own. You should enable it if you have a Pixel phone, but don’t rely on it entirely. Combine it with an all-in-one digital protection service that stops advanced scams and fraud.

How To Reduce the Amount of Spam Calls You Receive

Phone scammers are constantly looking for new ways to bypass spam-blocking apps. Their business models only work when they reach the largest audience possible, and they can invest significant resources in overcoming simple filters and restrictions.

If you’ve signed up for a spam-blocking service but still receive unwanted phone calls, you may need to take additional action. 

Here are some steps you can take to keep spammers from disturbing you:

• Remove your phone number from data broker lists. If data brokers have your phone number, they will sell that information to advertisers and scammers until you remove it. Aura’s data broker removal service can help you keep your phone number private by automatically monitoring data broker lists for your personal information and sending removal requests to brokers on your behalf. 
• Clean up your social media profiles. Spammers can use automated tools to find public information on social media. Make sure your phone number isn’t posted anywhere online.
• Scan the Dark Web for your personal information. If your information was included in a data breach, advertisers and scammers may be able to use it to contact you. Use a Dark Web scanner to find out if your phone number is accessible.
• Never answer or say “yes” to strangers or robocallers. Automated spam systems don’t know if they are calling valid numbers or not. If you respond in any way, you confirm that your number belongs to a real person. Fraudsters may also record your voice saying “yes” and use it to access sensitive accounts or information. 
• Add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry. Report unwanted calls, and add your number to the National Do Not Call list at DoNotCall.gov. This won’t stop all organizations from contacting you, but it will stop some.
• Report spam callers to the FCC. After you’ve added your number to the National Do Not Call list for 31 days, you can report unwanted calls directly to the FCC.
• The nuclear option: Change your phone number. If nothing else works, you can ask your mobile service provider to change your phone number. You will have to update the details you have on file with your bank and other institutions. You will also need to change any multi or two-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA) services that use your old number to verify your identity. Beware that getting a new phone number won’t stop spammers — as they use auto-dialer technology to target almost every active phone number. 

📚 Related: How To Identify a Scammer On The Phone →

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed Over the Phone

Phone scams remain a persistent and growing issue for millions of people. While built-in spam-blocking services can prevent the majority of these calls from coming through, scammers will still find new ways to use your phone number against you.

If you give a scammer any personal information, it puts you and your family at risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and hacking. Even responding to a phone spam message is enough to make you a target.

Here’s what to do if you’ve responded to a spam phone call message or given a scammer sensitive information:

• Secure your online accounts. Scammers may try to use your information to access your bank account, email inbox, or financial accounts. If you’ve given up personal details, passwords, or login codes to a phone scammer, you should immediately update your passwords and enable MFA or 2FA on all of your accounts.
• Freeze your credit. If scammers have access to your Social Security number (SSN), they may be able to impersonate you to take out loans. You can prevent identity theft by freezing your credit with all three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — so that no one (including you) can take out credit in your name.
• Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Use ReportFraud.ftc.gov to report your issue to the FTC. It will provide you with resources for recovering your identity and protecting yourself from further damage.
• Report the fraud to any impacted companies. If fraudsters impersonated a well-known company or bank, you should report the issue to that organization’s fraud department. You will first need to prove to them that you already contacted the FTC. 
• Sign up for identity theft protection services. You may need to continuously monitor your credit file and look for signs of suspicious activity. Consider using an all-in-one security solution like Aura to protect yourself from identity theft.

Spam phone calls and text messages are often just the first steps toward more sophisticated fraud. Aura provides comprehensive protection against unwanted phone calls while also keeping your digital identity safe. 

Rely on Aura to remove your name from data broker lists, screen incoming calls by using its AI-powered Call Assistant, and help you recover from fraud if and whenever it happens.

Keep your phone free of spam and scams. Try Aura free for 14 days.