Which dialer is best for Android with call recording?
Call recording apps have grown in popularity on Android devices over the years. People record calls for various reasons – to save important conversations, document verbal agreements or interviews, provide customer support, and more. However, call recording does involve legal considerations around consent and privacy.
This article provides an overview of the best Android apps in 2023 that allow users to record incoming and outgoing phone calls. We evaluate ease of use, features, reliability, and cost to recommend the top options. Whether you need occasional call recording or plan to document all calls, one of these apps can likely suit your needs.
Before recording any call, understand the laws in your country and state. In many US states, informing all parties that a call is being recorded constitutes legal consent. However, regulations vary significantly across regions, and some locations require that all parties expressly agree to have the call recorded.
Native Phone Apps
Many Android phones include built-in call recording features in their native phone apps. For example, Samsung phones have native call recording abilities that let users record calls easily with the press of a button (https://www.reddit.com/r/PickAnAndroidForMe/comments/wa4set/phones_with_inbuilt_native_phone_call_recording/).
Google Pixel phones currently do not offer built-in call recording functionality in their native Phone app. However, companies like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus and others often include call recording in their native dialer apps (https://www.quora.com/Which-cell-phone-brands-have-call-recording).
The benefits of using a phone’s native dialer for call recording include:
- Simple to access and use
- Easy one-touch recording
- Ability to store call recordings in device storage or cloud
- High likelihood of good call quality and reliability
However, there are some limitations, including:
- Limited control over call recording features
- Call recording notification may not work properly in all jurisdictions
- Call recording may be disabled in certain countries and local laws may vary
So checking your local call recording laws is important if planning to use a phone’s built-in recorder.
Google Voice
Google Voice is a free voice over IP service offered by Google. It provides a phone number and call forwarding features which allow users to receive calls on their mobile phones or landlines.
One of the key benefits of Google Voice is that it has a built-in call recording option. When enabled, Google Voice automatically records all incoming and outgoing calls. These recordings are stored online and can be accessed via the Google Voice app or online account (https://support.google.com/voice/answer/10063441?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop).
Google Voice is well integrated with Android devices. In order to use Google Voice call recording on Android, you simply need to enable the setting in the app. The recordings will then be saved online and accessible via the web or mobile app.
Some of the pros of using Google Voice on Android include:
- Free built-in call recording feature
- Seamless integration with Android
- Call transcripts available online
Some cons are:
- Call quality can be inconsistent (https://www.reddit.com/r/VOIP/comments/10o5xt6/what_makes_google_voice_audio_quality_so_awful/)
- Not integrated with Android dialer natively
Overall, Google Voice provides a convenient call recording solution for Android users looking for basic functionality. However the inconsistent call quality may be an issue for some.
Cube Call Recorder ACR
Cube Call Recorder ACR is the most popular paid call recording app, with over 50 million downloads on the Google Play store. The app features high-quality call recording in MP3, auto deletion of older recordings, a cloud backup option for audio calls, conference/multi-way call recording, and a variety of other advanced call recording settings.
Cube ACR records phone calls and VoIP calls using built-in, accessibility and recording notifications. It is one of the most featured-packed call recording apps with cloud storage integration. Users praise Cube ACR in reviews for its automatic background recording, integration with services like Google Drive, shareable recordings, and customizable settings.
Boldbeast Recorder
Boldbeast Recorder is a widely popular VoIP and call recording app for Android. It has been billed as one of the top free call recorders for Android phones, with over 100 million downloads. The free version includes call recording and other key features like:
- Recording for cell calls, VoIP calls, etc.
- Loud and clear audio
- Unlimited recordings
- Automatic cleanup of old recordings
However, the free Boldbeast Recorder does have some limitations. For example, it will insert ads, lacks cloud storage integration, and has reduced audio quality compared to the paid version. According to user reviews, the free Boldbeast Recorder app earns around 4 out of 5 stars.
Call Recorder Automatic
Call Recorder Automatic is one of the top Android apps for call recording according to GeeksforGeeks.com [1]. It offers automatic recording when speech is detected during a call. This app can also toggle recording on and off with the touch of a button.
Key features offered by Call Recorder Automatic include:
- Automatic recording with speech detection
- Encrypted recordings for privacy protection
- Cloud storage for backup
- Supports Android 6.0 and higher
A downside of Call Recorder Automatic is that it is only available on Android, so iOS users will have to look elsewhere. Additionally, TechRadar cautions that free call recorder apps may have ads or privacy issues, so users should research before downloading [2].
Comparison of Features
When comparing features of call recorder apps, a few key areas stand out:
- Call quality – Apps like Cube Call Recorder ACR use high quality codecs to ensure clear audio during calls. Google Voice does not offer the same call clarity.
- Integrations – mSpy offers deep integration with the phone’s native dialer for seamless call recording. Apps like Easy Voice Recorder require manual engagement each time.
- Storage – Some recorders like Boldbeast have expandable cloud storage options. Others like Truecaller rely solely on limited device storage.
Recording quality is important for accurate documentation. mSpy provides excellent call quality according to testing done by Software Testing Help. Integrations matter for efficient workflows. Automatic Call Recorder ties directly into the native phone which removes extra steps. And sufficient storage ensures recordings are not lost. Boldbeast Recorder gave high marks for expandable storage per TechRadar’s analysis.
Ease of Use
When choosing a call recorder app, it’s important to consider how easy it is to setup and use. The best apps will have intuitive interfaces that allow you to start recording with just a few taps. They should also offer clear tutorials and user guides to help you get started.
Google Voice is extremely easy to setup. You simply need to install the app and sign in with your Google account. There’s no complicated setup process. To record calls, you just need to tap a button before dialing or answering a call. Google provides straightforward instructions on their support site.
Cube Call Recorder ACR also makes it simple to get started recording calls. After downloading the app, you grant permissions and can instantly begin capturing your conversations. Cube ACR provides a thorough user guide to help you customize settings and use all of the app’s features.
While Boldbeast Recorder and Call Recorder Automatic offer call recording capabilities, some users report frustration with complicated interfaces. Their lack of tutorials and documentation can make these apps more difficult to use effectively.
Recommendations
Based on the features and capabilities of the top Android call recording apps, here are the best options to consider:
Best Overall Paid Call Recorder: Cube Call Recorder ACR
Cube Call Recorder ACR is widely considered one of the best paid call recorder apps for Android. It offers automatic call recording, high quality recordings, and a user-friendly interface. Key features include:
- Records all phone calls automatically
- Option for manual call recording
- HD audio quality
- Easy to use with intuitive interface
- Cloud storage support
The biggest downside is the price – it costs $4.99 on the Play Store. However, for a premium call recording experience on Android, Cube ACR is worth considering.
Best Free Call Recorder: Boldbeast Recorder
For a free option, Boldbeast Recorder has excellent capabilities. It provides automatic and manual recording modes, optional cloud storage, and a straightforward interface. Pros include:
- Free with no ads or add-ons
- Clear recordings in high quality
- Easy one-tap recording
- Supports many formats like MP3, WAV
The only downside to Boldbeast is the lack of cloud storage by default. You have to upgrade to the paid version for cloud syncing. But overall it’s a great free call recorder.
Other Good Options
Some other call recorders like Automatic Call Recorder and Google Voice have useful features, but may lack the ease of use or recording quality of the top picks. They can serve as good secondary options though.
Conclusion
In summary, the best Android call recorder app depends on your specific needs and preferences. Google Voice provides free call recording through your Google account, but limits recordings to incoming calls only. Apps like Cube Call Recorder ACR and Boldbeast Recorder offer more customizable options and the ability to record both incoming and outgoing calls, but may require Root access for full functionality. Before choosing a call recording app, be sure to check the laws regarding call recording consent in your area.
For most Android users looking for a full-featured call recorder with an easy-to-use interface, Cube ACR is a great choice. It provides options for auto, manual, and selective recording, encryption, cloud storage support, and more – all without the need for Root. Boldbeast Recorder is also a top option for its wide device support, call merge ability, and additional features like one-touch recording from the notification drawer. Either Cube Call Recorder or Boldbeast Recorder are recommended as the best overall call recording apps for most Android users.
Disclaimer: Laws regarding telephone call recording consent vary by country, state, and circumstance. Be sure to research and comply with all applicable laws before recording any phone calls.