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Best Call Blocking Apps for Stopping Telemarketer Calls

Tired of robocalls? Americans received over 55 billion robocalls in 2022, disrupting daily life and causing frustration. Thankfully, call blocking apps can help you take back control of your phone. These tools use AI, community-driven databases, and customizable settings to block spam calls and protect your privacy.

Here are the top 6 call blocking apps to consider:

  • Truecaller: Community-driven spam detection with Smart SMS organization.
  • YouMail: Advanced call blocking paired with custom voicemail features.
  • RoboKiller: AI-driven spam blocking with unique Answer Bot technology.
  • Call Control: Flexible, user-focused blocking using shared spam databases.
  • Hiya: Real-time spam detection and SMS filtering.
  • ReportTelemarketer.com: A legal service to hold telemarketers accountable.

Quick Comparison Table

App Free Version Features Premium Features (Cost) Unique Feature
Truecaller Basic spam blocking, SMS filter Advanced detection ($29.99/yr) Call Reason feature for incoming calls
YouMail Basic blocking, visual voicemail Custom greetings ($29.99/yr) Plays "disconnected" message to spammers
RoboKiller Spam call blocking Answer Bots ($29.99/yr) AI-driven audio fingerprinting
Call Control Community spam database Advanced blocking ($29.99/yr) Flexible modes for blocking calls
Hiya Basic spam detection Enhanced SMS filter ($3.99/mo) Customizable area code blocking
ReportTelemarketer.com Legal action support (Free) N/A Helps recover money from violations

These apps, combined with carrier tools and the National Do Not Call Registry, can significantly reduce spam calls. Read on to find the best fit for your needs.

Best Call Blocking Apps: iPhone & Android

What to Look for in a Call Blocking App

When you’re picking a call blocking app to stop telemarketers, a few key features can make all the difference in keeping unwanted calls off your phone.

Automatic Spam Detection and Authentication is the backbone of any effective app. Using advanced AI, these tools analyze call behavior to separate spam from real calls. This reduces the chances of blocking important calls by mistake. For example, RoboKiller uses audio fingerprinting technology to identify spam with impressive accuracy [4].

Community-Driven Protection adds an extra layer of defense through shared data. Apps like Truecaller rely on their massive user base – 425 million people – to update spam lists daily, showing just how powerful collective efforts can be [5].

Customizable Blocking Options let you take control. The best apps allow you to set filters for specific patterns, block hidden or international numbers, and create personal blacklists tailored to your needs.

User Control and Accessibility make these apps practical and easy to use. Apps like Call Control let you adjust settings and even contribute to shared blacklists [3]. Many apps offer free versions for basic protection, but premium upgrades, like those from Hiya, unlock more advanced features for stronger security [3].

The best apps combine these features with easy-to-navigate interfaces, making it simple to manage your call protection. With these tools in mind, let’s dive into the top apps that can help you block telemarketers effectively.

1. Truecaller

Truecaller

Truecaller has become a go-to app for call blocking, trusted by over 425 million users worldwide. Its strength lies in a massive, ever-evolving spam-detection database, which is updated daily thanks to its user community.

Key Blocking Features
Truecaller uses a community-driven system to keep spam lists current, giving you the ability to block calls based on country codes or specific numbers. This tailored approach ensures you can stop both well-known spammers and hidden numbers from reaching you [2].

Smart SMS Organization
Truecaller’s Smart SMS feature organizes your messages into categories like Promotions, Transactions, and Spam. This keeps your inbox clean and makes it easier to find what matters most [1].

Feature Free Version Premium Version
SMS Filtering
Extended Spammer List
Block 140+ Numbers
Advanced Detection

Standout Features
The Call Reason feature lets callers provide a reason for their call before you answer. This helps ensure you don’t miss important calls while still screening out spam [6].

Privacy Controls
Truecaller gives users control over their data, allowing you to adjust privacy settings and block third-party data sharing. You can also enable auto-blocking to stop known spammers automatically [2].

Truecaller’s community-driven approach makes it highly effective, but alternatives like YouMail offer other features worth exploring.

2. YouMail

YouMail

YouMail shields users from unwanted calls using a patented system and a massive database of over one million spam numbers. Its smart technology identifies and blocks suspicious calls automatically, offering strong protection against telemarketers [7].

Smart Call Protection
YouMail’s system combines its extensive spam number database with patented detection technology to block telemarketers effectively. When a spam number is flagged by one user, the information is shared across the app’s community, ensuring others are protected too [8].

Advanced Voicemail Tools
YouMail isn’t just about blocking calls – it also enhances voicemail functionality. It offers cloud-based visual voicemail and lets users create custom greetings for different callers. These features improve call management and even discourage telemarketers by making your number seem unreachable. For example, it can play a message that mimics a disconnected number, deterring persistent spam callers [7].

Feature Free Version Premium Version
Basic Call Blocking
Visual Voicemail
Custom Greetings Limited Unlimited

Custom Blocking Options
The app gives you the ability to block specific numbers, such as repeat offenders like debt collectors [8].

While YouMail stands out for its voicemail management and professional features, apps like RoboKiller adopt a more aggressive strategy for tackling spam calls.

3. RoboKiller

RoboKiller

RoboKiller uses AI-driven technology and a massive database of 1.4 billion analyzed calls to aggressively block spam calls and scams. This system works in real-time to stop telemarketers and known threats instantly [9].

Smart Call Screening
The app’s audio fingerprinting technology evaluates incoming calls on the spot, identifying spam callers – even those who frequently switch numbers. Combined with its constantly updated database, RoboKiller offers strong protection against evolving threats [5].

Answer Bot Technology
What sets RoboKiller apart is its Answer Bot feature. Instead of just blocking calls, it uses automated bots to interact with telemarketers, wasting their time and discouraging them from calling again.

Feature Description Availability
Audio Fingerprinting AI-based call analysis All plans
Answer Bots Automated telemarketer response Premium only
SMS Protection Filters spam text messages Premium only
Custom Block List Block specific numbers manually All plans

SMS Spam Filtering
RoboKiller also tackles spam text messages, addressing the growing problem of SMS-based marketing [5].

Personalized Settings
The app allows users to fine-tune their spam protection. You can block specific area codes, create custom block lists, whitelist trusted numbers, and adjust spam filtering levels to match your needs.

Premium plans start at $4.99 per month or $29.99 annually. While it’s slightly more expensive than some competitors, its advanced features make it a strong choice for users seeking thorough spam protection.

Though RoboKiller is highly effective, apps like Call Control may appeal to those who prefer community-driven call management for added flexibility.

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4. Call Control

Call Control

Call Control takes a community-focused approach to block spam calls effectively. Its standout feature, CommunityIQ, uses data shared by users to keep a constantly updated database of spam numbers. This makes it a strong tool against ever-changing telemarketing tactics [3].

Flexible Blocking Options
The app provides several blocking modes, including disconnecting calls, routing them to voicemail, or silencing them. This flexibility helps users manage unwanted calls in a way that suits their preferences.

Personalized Call Blocking
Users can create their own blacklists and whitelists, ensuring that trusted contacts can always reach them. This customization adds an extra layer of control over call filtering [3].

Feature Free Version Premium Version
Community Database Limited Full Access
Custom Block Lists Basic Advanced
Blocking Modes 1 Mode All 3 Modes
Platform Support Android/iOS Android/iOS
Subscription Cost $0 $29.99/year

Real-Time Updates
As users report spam numbers, the shared database updates continuously. This ensures the app stays effective against new and evolving telemarketing strategies [3].

User Feedback
Call Control is highly rated, with a 4.5 score on Google Play and 4.7 on the App Store. A 7-day free trial lets users explore premium features without commitment [3].

With its easy-to-use interface and community-powered protection, Call Control is a strong option for those looking for simple yet effective spam call blocking. While it shines in ease of use and collaborative features, those seeking advanced spam detection might find Hiya more suited to their needs.

5. Hiya

Hiya

Hiya offers a reliable solution for identifying and blocking spam calls in real time, thanks to its actively maintained community database. By combining user reports with proprietary algorithms, Hiya ensures effective protection against unwanted calls.

Spam Detection That Adapts
Hiya uses user-reported data alongside its algorithms to stay ahead of evolving spam tactics. This dynamic approach provides strong defense against nuisance calls.

Protection for Text Messages
Hiya goes beyond call blocking by including SMS filtering. This feature helps users tackle spam in their text messages as well.

Feature Basic Version Premium Version
Spam Call Detection Limited Enhanced
SMS Filtering Basic Advanced
Custom Block Lists Yes Yes + Advanced Rules
Real-time Updates Delayed Instant
Caller ID Info Basic Detailed
Monthly Cost Free $3.99

Community-Powered Updates
Hiya combines its algorithmic tools with input from its user community. This dual-layer approach keeps its database current and effective against new spam tactics.

Improving Accuracy
Users can report false positives, helping refine the app’s spam detection over time.

Customizable Blocking Options
Hiya offers a range of settings to tailor spam protection, including:

  • Custom block lists for specific numbers
  • Blocking by area code to filter regional spam
  • Wildcard options for similar number patterns
  • Adjustable sensitivity levels for spam detection

Hiya’s mix of real-time updates and SMS filtering makes it a strong choice for those seeking both call and text protection. While Hiya delivers a balanced approach with its community-driven updates and advanced algorithms, other tools like ReportTelemarketer.com focus more on targeted spam reporting.

6. ReportTelemarketer.com

ReportTelemarketer.com

ReportTelemarketer.com isn’t your typical call-blocking app. Instead of just stopping the calls, it focuses on taking legal action against telemarketers. Founded by Stefan Coleman, this free service empowers users to fight back through investigations and formal complaints.

How It Works
The platform uses advanced tools to investigate telemarketers, files complaints with authorities, and even helps users recover money from violations – all without charging users directly.

Feature What It Does
Investigation Tracks and identifies telemarketers using advanced tools
Legal Actions Sends cease-and-desist letters, files formal complaints
Fund Recovery Assists users in reclaiming money from telemarketer violations
Cost Free for users; attorney fees are claimed from telemarketers
Privacy Protects user data while sharing telemarketer details publicly

Taking Legal Action
ReportTelemarketer.com goes beyond blocking calls by holding telemarketers accountable. It ensures user privacy while making telemarketer data accessible to others, helping the broader community.

What You’ll Gain

  • Investigates and files complaints against telemarketers
  • Provides guidance on consumer rights
  • Helps recover money from violations
  • Completely free, with potential for monetary recovery

What’s Missing
The service doesn’t include real-time call-blocking features. For complete protection, pairing it with a call-blocking app is a smart move.

While traditional apps stop the calls temporarily, ReportTelemarketer.com focuses on long-term solutions by addressing the root of the problem through legal action. A combination of both can offer the best defense against telemarketers.

Other Ways to Stop Telemarketer Calls

While call blocking apps are a great tool, there are other ways to shield yourself from unwanted calls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests several effective strategies.

Register Your Number
Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. This free service helps reduce telemarketing calls. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), you can also request to be added to a telemarketer’s internal do-not-call list and report any violations to the FTC.

Take Advantage of Carrier Features
Most major phone carriers offer built-in tools like spam call screening, anonymous call rejection, and spam risk labels. These features can work alongside third-party apps for extra protection.

Report Problematic Calls
If you receive unwanted calls, report them to the FTC, FCC, or your state attorney general. Keep a log with details like the date, time, and name of the company. This documentation can help authorities track and address violations.

Stay Alert to Scams
The FTC regularly updates its list of common telemarketing scams. Keeping an eye on these updates can help you spot and avoid potential threats before they escalate.

Legitimate telemarketers are required to:

  • Respect the Do Not Call Registry.
  • Clearly identify themselves.
  • Call only between 8 AM and 9 PM.
  • Provide full details about their offers.

Conclusion

Unwanted telemarketing calls have become a constant nuisance, making call blocking apps a go-to tool for protecting privacy. These apps have grown beyond basic blockers, now using AI, community-based updates, and flexible settings to keep users in control.

Call blocking technology is advancing quickly, offering smarter ways to tackle spam calls. Features like advanced detection and personalized blocking options give users strong defenses against telemarketers. The growing popularity of these apps highlights their importance in managing modern communication.

A well-rounded strategy for dealing with telemarketing calls should include more than just an app. Pairing a reliable call blocker with carrier-provided tools and signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry can significantly cut down on unwanted calls. While no solution is foolproof, combining these measures creates a strong line of defense.

For extra protection, platforms like ReportTelemarketer.com offer legal options to address persistent offenders. By using both technology and legal resources, users can take more control over their privacy and fight back against telemarketing violations.

Staying proactive is crucial – regularly updating your app and contributing to shared databases helps improve spam detection for everyone. With this collaborative effort, call blocking apps continue to improve, offering stronger defenses against the ever-changing tactics of telemarketers.

FAQs

With so many apps out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to some common questions about call blocking apps.

What is the best app to block unknown callers?

Truecaller is often considered the go-to app for blocking unknown callers. It features a massive, daily-updated spam list and uses community-sourced data and phone directories to identify unknown numbers. For those seeking extra features, the premium version offers options like auto-blocking hidden and international numbers.

What is the best free call blocking app?

When it comes to free options, Truecaller, Hiya, and Call Control are solid picks.

  • Truecaller stands out with its community-driven spam database and SMS categorization.
  • Hiya offers strong spam detection and flexible call blocking settings.
  • Call Control lets users create custom block lists and benefits from community reporting.

All three apps provide dependable spam protection without a subscription, though premium versions add advanced tools and features [3].

"Apps like RoboKiller claim to eliminate up to 99% of spam calls using their advanced technology and large databases of known spam numbers" [4].

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