Best Apps to Record Phone Calls in 2026 (iPhone & Android)

Recording phone calls is one of those things that should be simple but isn't. Apple and Google have historically made it difficult to record calls on their platforms, citing privacy concerns. But if you're a journalist conducting interviews, a freelancer confirming project details, or just someone who needs a record of an important conversation, you need a reliable way to capture phone calls.

Here are the best phone call recording apps available right now, what they actually do well, and where they fall short.

1. Wave — Best Overall Phone Call Recorder

Wave gives you two ways to record phone calls. The most powerful option is Wave's built-in VoIP dialer — you make calls directly through Wave, which records both sides automatically and shows your real phone number to the person you're calling. No speakerphone needed, no conference line tricks, and the recording is crystal clear because it's captured digitally.

Alternatively, you can use Wave's mobile app to record a regular phone call by capturing audio through your device's microphone. Put the call on speaker, tap record, and Wave captures both sides.

What makes Wave stand out:

• Built-in VoIP dialer — make calls directly through Wave with automatic recording and your real caller ID.
• Works on both iPhone and Android — same app, same experience on both platforms.
• Full transcription with speaker identification. Wave distinguishes between you and the other caller automatically.
• AI-powered summaries. After every call, you get key points, action items, and a structured overview — not just a wall of text.
• Records more than just phone calls. The same app handles meetings (via bot, desktop, or mobile), lectures, voice memos, and interviews. One tool for everything.

If you use the mobile microphone method instead of the VoIP dialer, you'll want to use speakerphone or earbuds with the mic exposed so Wave can capture both sides clearly.

2. Rev Call Recorder (iPhone)

Rev's app records calls by creating a three-way conference call with Rev's recording line. You dial into Rev's service, then merge the call with your actual phone call. The recording is saved in the app and can be sent to Rev for human transcription (paid) or run through their AI transcription.

• Pros: Free to record. Option for human transcription at $1.50/minute. Decent audio quality since it captures the digital audio stream.
• Cons: The merge-call process is clunky. Your carrier needs to support three-way calling. Only available on iPhone. No AI summaries included.

3. TapeACall (iPhone & Android)

TapeACall uses the same conference-call method as Rev. You initiate recording before or during a call, which dials a TapeACall number and merges it into your conversation. Recordings are stored in the app and can be transcribed.

• Pros: Works on both platforms. Transcription included on paid plans. Cloud backup available.
• Cons: Subscription required ($11/month). The merge-call process confuses people unfamiliar with three-way calling. Occasional audio quality issues. Your phone call is routed through TapeACall's servers.

4. Google Phone App (Android — Pixel Only)

If you have a Google Pixel phone, the built-in Phone app includes a record button that appears during calls. Tap it, and both parties hear an announcement that the call is being recorded. The audio file is saved locally.

• Pros: Built right into the dialer. No third-party app needed. Free.
• Cons: Only works on Pixel phones. Announces recording to both parties (can't disable this). No transcription or AI summaries. Basic audio file only. Not available in all regions.

5. Cube ACR (Android)

Cube ACR is a popular Android call recorder that can automatically record all incoming and outgoing calls. It works as an accessibility service to capture both sides of the conversation.

• Pros: Automatic recording option. Works with most Android phones. Supports VoIP apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
• Cons: Increasingly limited by Android OS restrictions. Audio quality can be poor on newer phones. Premium features require a subscription. No AI transcription or summaries.

The Phone Call Recording Landscape

The biggest challenge with call recording is platform restrictions. Apple doesn't allow apps to directly access the phone call audio stream, which is why most iPhone call recorders use workarounds like conference calling or VoIP routing. Android has been tightening restrictions too, making previously reliable methods less consistent with each OS update.

This is why Wave offers two approaches. The VoIP dialer bypasses these restrictions entirely by making calls through the app itself. The microphone-based recording doesn't depend on OS-level APIs that Apple or Google might restrict further. Either way, Wave works across every phone, every OS version, every carrier.

Legal Considerations

Before recording any phone call, know your local laws. In the US, federal law requires at least one-party consent (meaning you can record if you're a participant). But 11 states require all-party consent, meaning everyone on the call must agree to being recorded. Many other countries have their own rules. When in doubt, inform the other person you're recording.

The Best Choice for Most People

If you need an app that records phone calls reliably on both iPhone and Android, gives you a full transcript with speaker labels, and adds AI summaries — Wave is the most complete option. The VoIP dialer records calls digitally without conference-call hacks, and the mobile recorder works as a fallback for any call. And because Wave also handles meetings (via bot, desktop, or mobile), lectures, and voice memos, you get one tool for all your recording needs.