With the rise of smartphones and social media, privacy has become an increasingly rare commodity. More and more, we feel like we’re being watched, judged, and our lives are being shared without our consent. It can be so overwhelming that many people have started to take drastic measures to protect their privacy.
One option is to get a second phone number. This way you can keep your personal phone number private, while still having access to a work number or another line for other purposes like booking flights or making doctor’s appointments.
If you’re looking for a way to have more control over your life and protect your privacy, here are some of the best apps for second phone numbers:
Best Apps For Second Phone Number
A smartphone is just as much a business communication device as it is a personal one. But using a single number for both is unprofessional and unnecessarily problematic. Smartphone technology and the many apps available in the marketplace allow you to easily get a second phone number avoiding these problems entirely.
If your phone can accept a second SIM card, you can get another number from your service provider. However, if you don’t want to use this option or can’t because you don’t have a secondary SIM slot, you can use second number apps allowing you to have both a personal and business number on a single phone.
Why Get a Separate Business Number?
First, it clearly separates your personal and business conversations, while at the same time protecting your personal private number. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about figuring out who is calling you because the dedicated line identifies it. Last but not least, it gives you a professional appearance.
Some second number apps may have either a free version or trial period, so if you can, try them out before you purchase a plan. And be sure to read the fine print, because unlimited calls, SMS and text are in most cases between users of the app.
Second Phone Number Apps for Small Businesses
Here are 25 second number apps you can use to add a second number. All of the second phone number apps are available for Android and iOS, except for LineUp, Numbers Plus, Second Phone Number, and Swytch, which are only for iOS.
Nextiva App
The Nextiva App is designed with small businesses in mind. The company says the app is ideal for businesses and employees who want to unify their communications. It can be installed on any internet-connected device. Whether you’re using a mobile phone, tablet, or even a desktop computer, you can turn any device into a phone complete with all the business communication features you need, including:
Phone calls
Screen sharing
Video conferencing
Group calls
Group chats
Individual chats
SMS
Outlook integration
Team presence
Contact management
From one central platform you can manage all business communications, the company says. If you need to get a hold of someone, you can also see from the app who on your team is available at any given time.
The SMS feature even allows you to send out texts through a corporate phone number. Text sales prospects or clients without worrying about them getting your personal cell phone number. Not only does this keep you safe, but it looks more professional.
The Nextiva App is part of Nextiva’s suite of business phone services and makes for the perfect UCaaS solution, no matter the size of your company.
GoDaddy Smartline
The GoDaddy SmartLine was announced in August 2017 by the domain name company. You can get a local phone number with a US area code plus customizable voicemail, business hour ring option, text messages and more. You can try it free for 30 days.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – GoDaddy Smartline
Burner
Burner is one of the more popular apps for creating a secondary number. It was originally designed to create a temporary number, but permanent options are now available. The mini burner will give you 14 days with limited talk time and text messages, while the permanent version is a monthly plan for as long as you need the number. There is also a three-line plan if you happen to need more numbers.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Burner
Google Voice
With Google Voice, all you need is a Google account to get a new phone number. The calls can be routed to your mobile phone, computer, home, office or another location. In addition to standard calling features, the app also transcribes voicemail messages to text.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Google Voice
Hushed
Like Burner, Hushed has temporary and permanent options for your second phone number. It starts with a free number for three days, followed by seven-day and permanent plans you have to pay for. Features include custom voicemail messages and call-forwarding.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Hushed
Dingtone
Dingtone gives you a free US number so you can make calls or text to any landline or mobile device in over 230 countries. The company uses its dedicated VoIP network to deliver HD voice and also provides instant messaging to share photos, videos, locations and contacts. Yearly and monthly subscriptions are available in the US, UK, Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Dingtone
See Also: 6 eCommerce Customer Service Benchmarks for Your Business
Free Tone
Free Tone says it gives you unlimited free calls and texts to U.S. and Canadian phone numbers when you get your own number from any area code with no trials or hidden costs. The company uses VoIP technology to deliver the service. The free calls only apply to the contiguous US and Canada, so make sure you check if you plan calling anywhere else.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Free Tone
CoverMe
CoverMe gives you end-to-end encryption to make secure private calls and send texts with your new number. The app also has a private vault to hide photos, videos, passwords and files. You can get US and Canadian numbers for many different area codes.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – CoverMe
Cloudphone
Cloud Phone describes itself as a business phone system for managing your business and personal calls. It includes one touch access to call recording, conference calling, eavesdrop, voicemail transcription and flip call features. The app includes a professional company greeting and an auto attendant for call routing, voicemail and call forwarding.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Cloudphone
iPlum
iPlum has domestic and international functionality with support for 22 global languages on smartphones and tablets. You pay as you go by only purchasing the credits you need for your second number. You can port your existing phone number with caller ID, dedicated voicemail, call forwarding and picture and video messaging.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – iPlum
Line2
Line2 offers full feature business phone systems for your second number starting with 1,500 minutes of outbound calling or forwarding. You can get a number in any city in the U.S. or Canada with visual caller ID, group calling and messaging, number blocking and more.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Line2
LineUp
The second number LineUp provides offers texting, photo messaging, calling and voicemail. The subscription-free pricing lets you use the number for a single call or long-term use. The company also provides vanity numbers for your business with calling and texting features. The calling and texting minutes you pay for roll over instead of expiring, and they are good for any LineUp numbers you have.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – LineUp
Numbers Plus
Numbers Plus lets you create multiple numbers and keep them as long as you want. Currently it only supports US and Canadian numbers for making calls and texting. You can try it for free and use the in-app purchase feature for additional time and numbers.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Numbers Plus
Phoner
The Phoner app has a random phone number generator to quickly give you a temporary or permanent number. Once you get the number, you can access reverse phone number lookup, phone call recording functions, anonymous texting and calling, along with SMS and MMS.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Phoner
Ring4
Ring4 gives you a local or international number in 20 countries with features such as text with emoji, call recording, do not disturb mode and more. If you make international calls, you can make or receive calls and texts overseas with a US number, with no roaming charges.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Ring4
TalkU
TalkU gives you a free second number to make and receive calls in the US and internationally. Call any mobile or landline phone number in more than 200 countries with unlimited free calling and texting between TalkU users. Features include Visual voicemail with instant listening, call screens, group calling with free group conference calls, and walkie-talkie.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – TalkU
Talkatone
Talkatone gives you a free US or Canadian phone number to make free calls in those countries. Inbound international calls are also free, with monthly subscription fee for making calls to select countries. The app supports ads, but you can pay for the service to have them removed.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Talkatone
Swytch
Swytch has designed its app so businesses can give their employees work mobile numbers, instead of work mobile phones. This is a great cost effective option for many small businesses. For the employees it means not having to change personal handset, network operator or SIM card. And for business owners, it means saving on the purchase of increasingly expensive smartphones.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Swytch
Sideline
Sideline built its business with a free version loaded with features, but now it is only available as a paid service. Still the high-quality features such as auto-attendant, along with standard calling options seem worth the price for many businesses.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Sideline
Second Phone Number
Second Phone Number gives you as many numbers as you want with monthly or yearly subscriptions. The phone numbers are available for 31 countries with features including contact management, numbers for specific business use, texting, SMS and more.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Second Phone Number
Telos
Telos gives you unlimited calling and texting with a second phone number. You can get a US phone number in any area code as well as international numbers in several countries. Calls can be forwarded to any landline or mobile number with voicemail, auto reply messages and blocking features.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Telos
Textfree
Textfree starts with free text messages, inbound calls and limited outbound calls for your second number. It is important to remember you have to use your free number at least once within a 30 day period or the company will reclaim it. You can keep the paid numbers for as long as you want.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Textfree
TextMe Up
TextMe Up lets you manage as many numbers as you like and switch between multiple numbers in one screen. Features include HD voice and video calling, as well as group messages with texting, photo and video sharing. You can call numbers in the US, Canada, UK and 200 countries with monthly plans.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – TextMe Up
Textplus
Textplus provides real free US phone numbers with unlimited free SMS text and MMS to any US or Canadian number. While inbound calls are free, you can only make ad-supported free calls. If you don’t want the ads, you can opt for the paid service. The app uses push notifications to instantly deliver text messages. You can also send emojis, stickers, animated GIFs, and voice notes with support for group blast messaging.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Textplus
Virtual Phone
You can place and receive calls and text messages to any phone number or SIP device with Virtual Phone. The app includes features to keep track of all caller information, such as geographical location, time zone, caller’s name, and phone. Advanced business call management and routing rules, interactive voice menus, custom greetings, multiple voice mailboxes and more are also available.
25 Android and iPhone Second Phone Number Apps for Business Only Calls – Virtual Phone
WhatsCall
WhatsCall lets you make calls to users even if they don’t have the app or an internet connection. It includes one touch recording for incoming and outgoing calls, call block and caller ID. The company has different offers to earn credit for free calls, including watching ads, playing games, completing tasks and inviting friends.
free phone number app
Free calling apps can make or receive domestic and international calls at no cost to you using Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Each of these apps assigns you a free phone number (typically in the US) that you can use to call or text any other American number, and it will behave like you are in the US. They will not use your cell minutes or SMS text messages.
Here are the best free calling apps for Android and iOS.
- Talkatone: The Best Free Calling App
talkatone
Talkatone has been around for a while and is one of the most well-known free US calling apps on this list. It’s gone through a lot of changes over the years, but now it offers unlimited free calls and texts to any number within the US and Canada. You can also buy credits to make international calls; those rates vary.
It’s packed full of features such as custom voicemail greetings, passcode protection (so no one else can access the app), and call blocking.
Talkatone handles the basics with ease, and the one-time $10 purchase to remove banner ads is inexpensive compared to some of the subscription models in this list. Its interface is straightforward, modern, and a breeze to navigate.
Ultimately, this free phone number app is a good place to start if you want to try calling the US or Canada for free and aren’t really sure what options are available.
Download: Talkatone for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
- TextNow: The Top Free Phone Number App for Calling and Texting
TextNow lets you call the US for free, as well as call Canada for free, but with a slightly different design and much more customization. The app has a menu that slides in from the left side, and you can change the theme’s colors to match your needs.
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It even lets you sync your texts with your computer; this is a huge bonus when compared to the other apps on this list.
TextNow used to operate on a subscription model: you had to pay $3 per month to retain your number and access features like voicemail and call forwarding. Today, that’s not the case. It is a free number app that lets you make free calls within the United States without restrictions. You can remove the ads if you’re willing to pay.
TextNow also lets you call internationally, though you will need to either complete in-app surveys or buy minutes to do this.
Download: TextNow for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
- FreeTone/TextMe Up/Text Me: Make Free Phone Calls to the US and Canada
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freetone (1)
freetone (2)
FreeTone, TextMe Up, and Text Me are all the same free phone number app with different color schemes. FreeTone is a seafoam greenish-blue, TextMe Up is light blue, and Text Me is nearly royal blue. They all provide a free phone number for calling and texting, and they all offer a free phone number app for Android
If you download FreeTone and make an account, you’re given a number. If you then download TextMe Up, you’ll automatically be signed in with the same number. They’re all made by the same company, TextMe. We’re not sure why it chose to make three separate apps.
Whichever app you end up downloading, they all work well. Calls and texts to the US and Canada are free, but you can purchase credits to call internationally (or earn credits by watching sponsored videos). There’s also a web messenger that you can log into on any device using the built-in QR code scanner.
Its ads are more integrated than the easily ignored banner ads of other apps, which is sneaky. It feels like the ads are too mixed in with the content. It costs $2 a month to remove them.
Download: FreeTone for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
Download: TextMe Up for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
Download: Text Me for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
- textPlus: A Solid International Calling App
textPlus offers free texts and free inbound calls, but not free outbound calls. Outbound calls within the US cost around $0.02 per minute, or you can watch videos to get free credits if you’d prefer.
The interface is separated into five tabs. The first tab provides your balance and lets you earn credits. Oddly, the second seems to closely replicate the first. The other three are your texts, calls, contacts, and settings. In the settings, you can easily change your number for a new one in any US area code.
Without free outbound calls to the US and Canada, we can’t see many reasons to choose textPlus over any of the previous options unless they have cheaper calling rates to a particular country you need to call frequently.
Download: textPlus for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
- Dingtone
For a long time, Dingtone looked dated, which was a shame. The app has some unique features but the interface turned people away. Thankfully, a redesign has remedied those problems. Today, it sports a sleek Material Design interface that’s easy to use and navigate.
And what about those unique features? We particularly like Callback; Dingtone can ring you and the other person then connect your calls, thus reducing fees. The app also supports adding a second and third number to your other devices. You can have one number for your phone, another for your tablet, and so on.
As you would expect, you can also set up voicemail, call forwarding, and call blocking. To make international calls to landlines and cell phones in more than 200 countries, you can earn free credits by watching videos.
Unfortunately, calling prices are obscured by the fact that Dingtine doesn’t charge by cents per minute, but instead by credits per minute. This can make it really easy to overspend.
Lastly, while the other apps only give you access to US numbers, Dingtone can provide you with a number in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. As such, for non-US residents, it’s a solid choice.
Download: Dingtone for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
Other Ways to Communicate for Free
Free calling apps that give you a free number or let you make free phone calls to the US and Canada are just one of the many ways you can communicate for free using your smartphone.
If they don’t meet your needs, why not check out some other options such as free messaging apps with video calling included? Even services like WhatsApp and Telegram are excellent options these days.
Conclusion
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