8 best apps for a second phone number in 2026 for individuals and businesses
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Many business owners make the mistake of using personal phone numbers to run their business. However, this quickly unravels into an operational nightmare as problems like spam calls and privacy concerns arise. If you’re currently experiencing this, you’ve likely thought about getting an extra phone to fix these problems. But there’s a much simpler solution – second phone number apps.
These dedicated tools provide an extra line to your existing phone without requiring a SIM card or an additional device. That said, with so many options available, finding the best app for a second phone number can be challenging.
To help you find the best second phone number apps, I collaborated with the Cybernews research team to thoroughly evaluate the top tools available today. Below are my findings and detailed insights into each app's ideal use case, pricing, and features. Whether you need a second number for business, registering on sketchy one-time-use sites, or just better personal organization, this guide will help you find the best option for you.
My top picks for second phone number apps in 2026
- Surfshark's Alternative Number – best second phone number app, hands down
- Quo – best second phone number app for teams and collaboration
- KrispCall – best cloud phone app for effortlessly managing customer interactions
- Dialpad – best second-number app for businesses in the sales industry
- Google Voice – best free 2nd phone number app for personal use
- TextNow – best free phone plan carrier with nationwide coverage
- Hushed – best alternative phone number app for multiple numbers
- Nextiva – best second phone number app for businesses of all sizes
- Burner – best 2nd number app for temporary and disposable phone numbers
The Cybernews team consists of professional and highly skilled writers and an in-house research team. They’re the core of all our reviews, bringing the performance of each tool closer to you. Additionally, we stick to a transparent testing process, which includes investigating various services, their features, and disclosing our testing methodology with everyone. Discover more about our testing process.
Best second phone number apps compared
If you’re unsure about the type of alternate phone number app you’re looking for, the following comparison table can help you quickly identify the best service for your specific needs:
| Second-number apps | Best for | Starting price | Free trial | Key features | Multiple numbers | International calling | Local numbers | Free plan | Trustpilot rating | Compatibility |
| Surfshark's Alternative Number | Privacy, security, and anonymity | $18.44–$20.44/month | 7-day free trial | Multiple numbers, international calling, auto-fill for quick sign-ups | Yes | Yes | US | No | 4.5/5 | iOS/Android |
| Quo | Small businesses and startups | $19/month per user | 7-day free trial | VoIP services, call forwarding, call routing, voicemail to text with transcripts, multiple numbers, call recording, group calling, toll-free numbers | Yes | Yes | US, Canada | No | 4/5 | iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, Web App |
| KrispCall | SMBs, freelancers, startups, calling centers | $15/user/month | No | Unified callbox, bulk SMS, call coaching, custom caller ID | Yes | Yes | The US, Canada, the UK | No | 4.2/5 | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Dialpad | Sales teams, call centers, and businesses | $27/month per user | 14-day free trial | VoIP services, call forwarding, customizable call routing, multiple numbers, international calling, local phone numbers, toll-free numbers | Yes | Yes | US, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America | No | 4/5 | iOS, Android, PC, and Mac |
| Google Voice | Freelancers and solopreneurs | Free ($16.30/month per user for businesses) | 14-day free trial | Call forwarding, voicemail transcription and greetings, automatic call recording | No | Yes | Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US | Yes | 3.8/5 | Chrome OS, Apple Mac, Microsoft Windows, Android (latest 2 versions), Apple iOS (latest 2 versions) |
| TextNow | Free calling and texting | Free (one-time fee of $4.99 for the SIM card) | No | Unlimited calling and texting, international calling, voicemail transcriptions | No | Yes | US, Canada | Yes | 3.7/5 | Android, iOS / iPadOS, Windows, macOS |
| Hushed | Multiple private numbers and anonymity | $3.99 (prepaid) / $4.99/month subscription | Occasional 3-day free trials | Multiple numbers, international calling, voicemails | Yes | Yes | US, Canada, UK | No | 3.5/5 | iOS, Android |
| Nextiva | Startups, SMBs, and enterprises | $30/month per user | 7-day free trial | Automatic call forwarding, voicemail transcription, call routing, cloud call recording, multiple numbers, toll-free numbers | Yes | Yes | US, Canada, Puerto Rico, UK | No | 4.8/5 | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
| Burner | Disposable phone numbers | $4.99/month | 7-day free trial | Multiple numbers, spam blocking, voicemails | Yes | No | US, Canada | No | 1.9/5 | Android, iOS, Mac, Windows |
The best apps for a second phone number – detailed review
With the quick comparison out of the way, it’s time to dive deeper and thoroughly explore the different phone number apps I picked for you. Below is a full breakdown of their features, prices, strengths, and weaknesses.
1. Surfshark's Alternative Number – best 2nd phone number app overall
| Key features | International calling, multiple numbers |
| Local numbers | USA |
| Starting price | $18.44–$20.44/month ($15.45/month for Surfshark + $2.99–$4.99/month for Alternative Number; cost varies depending on subscription length) |
| Free trial | Yes – 7 days |
If you somehow missed its eye-catching advertising campaign and don’t know what Surfshark is, it’s a privacy-focused cybersecurity company famous for its VPN service. Surfshark’s Alternative Number is part of its Alternative ID add-on.
With Surfshark’s Alternative ID, you can quickly generate a new online persona, including a name, an email, and a phone number to avoid spam, data leaks, and stalking. The second number can be used just like your personal one, as long as you have internet access. Here’s a closer look at its key features:
Key features
- Multiple numbers
- International calling
- Auto-fill for quick sign-ups
- Online persona generation
- Active spam blocking
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pricing
Surfshark’s alternative number is a part of its Alternative ID add-on. The service itself costs between $2.99/month and $4.99/month, depending on how long you’ve been a Surfshark customer. However, you can only get it on top of your existing Surfshark VPN subscription (hence the confusing pricing).
Ease of use
Setting up your Surfshark alternative number is quite straightforward. All you need to do is open the Surfshark VPN app and request an alternative number. You’ll have one assigned to you, and you can start using it immediately.
User reviews
Users have highlighted the level of security the alternative number offers as an attractive point. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that you can’t pick your area code or originate any text or call from the number. You can respond to texts, but you can’t initiate a conversation.
Final verdict
Surfshark is perfect for you if you are looking for an excellent alternative number provider. The only major demerit this product has is that it only provides access to USA numbers.
2. Quo (formerly known as OpenPhone) – best second-line app for smaller teams and startups
| Key features | Call routing, automatic call recording, toll-free North American numbers |
| Local numbers | USA, Canada |
| Starting price | $19/month per user |
| Free trial | Yes – 7 days |
Quo (formerly known as OpenPhone) is one of the best second-line apps on the market, particularly for smaller teams and startups. Quo brings your calls, texts, and contacts into one intuitive app that works across all your devices. A single conversation within the app holds all call logs, messages, and voicemails, while call recording ensures that what’s been said is preserved.
This product comes with several quality features and over 7000 integrations via Zapier to deliver the best experience across different devices. With Quo, teams can create custom phone menus for each number to ensure calls are routed to the right person. Similarly, pre-written auto-replies take care of your business conversations during off-hours. Here’s a look at its key features.
Key features
- VoIP services
- Call forwarding
- Call routing
- Voicemail to text with transcripts
- Multiple numbers
- Call recording
- Group calling
- Toll-free numbers
Pricing
Quo does not offer a free plan. Monthly plans start from $19/month per user. Quo also offers a 7-day free trial to new users.
Ease of use
The Quo app has a simple and clean interface, making it very easy for users to use its features seamlessly. The app retains its ease of use across different operating systems, including Android and iOS. The setup time is also very short.
User reviews
There are lots of positive user reviews about Quo's features, like the auto contact creation and AI answering agent. Some reviews also mention that the support team is receptive and easy to contact. Some customers, however, report having issues setting up their Quo accounts themselves. There are also several complaints about the auto-billing service.
Final verdict
Quo’s combination of multi-OS compatibility, simple interface, and the potential for over 7000 integrations makes it an ideal choice for startups and teams. Its AI auto-answering agent is also not a common feature with other options on the market.
3. KrispCall – best app for managing calls and messages in call centers
| Key features | Unified callbox, bulk SMS, call coaching, custom caller ID |
| Local numbers | US, Canada, UK |
| Starting price | $15/user/month |
| Free trial | No |
If you’re looking for another reliable second phone number solution, you shouldn’t miss out on KrispCall. Thanks to this service, you can get an international second phone number for both personal and business use, and keep your clients only one ring away.
The best thing is that you can buy a number from 100+ countries, including local ones like the US, Canada, and the UK. Plus, you can use the number for calls, SMS, and account verifications for platforms like WhatsApp and social media. Ultimately, you’ll enjoy over 100 CRM integrations for hassle-free call management.
Key features
- Call recording
- Voicemail
- Call forwarding
- Multi-level IVR
- Toll-free numbers
- Call analytics
- Unified callbox
Pricing
While KrispCall doesn’t come with a free plan or a free trial, it’s pretty cost-efficient. You can start by paying only $15/month.user for the service.
Ease of use
KrispCall is very easy to use, as it has an intuitive interface, simple setup, and unified dashboard. Due to this, it centralized calls, texts, and voicemails in one place, allowing you to easily manage your communication. Plus, you can quickly access it across different devices and enjoy one-click international calling.
User reviews
Overall, users praise KrispCall’s user-friendliness, ability to streamline workflows, and its performance. They also like that you can quickly set it up and enjoy smooth number porting. However, there are still some minor concerns, such as the limited local number availability in some areas and the lack of a free trial.
Final verdict
KrispCall combines compatibility across different devices, an intuitive interface, and hundreds of CRM integrations for effortless call management. The utilization of AI also comes in handy if you want to further simplify some of the processes.
4. Dialpad – best 2nd number app for call centers and sales businesses
| Key features | VoIP services, customizable call routing, local and toll-free phone numbers |
| Local numbers | USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America |
| Starting price | $27/month per user |
| Free trial | Yes – 14 days |
Dialpad is an all-in-one AI-powered customer communication platform focused on helping businesses streamline calls and enhance customer interactions. As such, it’s one of the best apps for a second phone number for sales teams, call centers, and other similar businesses. Here’s a closer look at its key features:
Key features
- AI-driven notes
- Automation
- 70+ integrations with third-party apps like Salesforce, Zendesk, and Kustomer
- VoIP services
- Call forwarding
- Customizable call routing
- Multiple numbers
- International calling
- Local phone numbers
- Toll-free numbers
Pricing
Dialpad does not have a free plan, but they do offer a 14-day free trial for prospective users. The actual alternative number service cost starts from $27/month per user or $15/user per month for the annual plan.
Ease of use
Dialpad is considered to be very easy to use thanks to its user-friendly design and intuitive mobile app. Its interface is smooth and easy to navigate on both mobile and desktop devices, and it takes just minutes to set up a new account.
User reviews
User reviews are mostly positive and focused on Dialpad’s quality support service. The positive reviews also highlighted Dialpad’s response speed, professionalism, and ease of product setup and use. That said, some users have reported experiencing billing and app login issues.
Final verdict
If you want an alternative number provider with broad and seamless compatibility with popular CRMs, Dialpad is a great choice. It is particularly suited to sales teams and call centers that need a reliable second phone number. While it lacks a free plan, the 14-day free trial offers enough time for users to get used to its offerings.
5. Google Voice – best free second phone number app for individuals
| Key features | Personalized voicemail greetings, spam blocking, and voicemail transcription |
| Local numbers | Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US |
| Starting price | Free ($10/month per user for businesses on top of Google Workspace subscription, which starts at $6.30/month per user) |
| Free trial | Yes –14 days (Free trial is for Google Workspace, while Google Voice functions as an add-on) |
If you’re a solopreneur who wants to mask a personal number or a casual user who just wants a second phone number handy, Google Voice is a great option. Google Voice comes with a combination of advanced features, seamless setup experience, and broad operating system compatibility, many of which are available on its free plan. This makes it one of the best second phone options on the market.
Key features
- Multi-OS compatibility
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail transcription and greetings
- Automatic call recording
- Unlimited texting and call forwarding
Pricing
Google Voice offers both free and paid plans. Paid plans start from $16.30/month per user for businesses. Google Voice also offers a 14-day free trial period for intending users.
Ease of use
One of the best advantages of Google Voice is that it is remarkably easy to use. For starters, anyone with a Google account can immediately access its features (free or paid). Beyond this, it is also easy to set up and effortless to use, making it an ideal choice for most users.
User reviews
Google Voice’s free and unlimited calls to the US and Canada are features that are particularly popular with users. On the flip side, user reviews indicate that they don’t like the fact that Google Voice numbers can’t be used for 2FA. The limit of one Google Voice number per account is also an indicated downside
Final verdict
Google Voice is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something casual and easy to use. Its free plan also means that you may not even have to pay to access a second number for personal use. However, the number limit and lack of integration support outside of the Google ecosystem mean it's not an ideal choice for businesses.
6. TextNow – best free phone service provider with unlimited talk and text
| Key features | Conference calling, voicemail-to-text transcription, and international calls |
| Local numbers | USA, Canada |
| Starting price | Free (SIM card requires a one-time purchase of $4.99) |
| Free trial | No |
If your priority is cost over performance, then TextNow is a great choice for you. TextNow offers unlimited calling and texting privileges with seamless setup processes. There is a wide range of support for multiple operating systems, meaning you can use it on any device, and the plans are quite affordable, too. Here’s a closer look at its key features.
Key features
- Unlimited calling and texting
- Voicemail transcriptions
- Multi-OS support
Pricing
TextNow offers a free phone plan (with limited data caps) and unlimited talk and text. Getting started with the service requires a $4.99 SIM purchase, which arrives via mail. Then, you can activate TextNow on your phone. TextNow offers three paid options with hourly, daily, and monthly data passes starting at $9
Ease of use
TextNow is easy to use. The carrier allows you freedom to choose whether you want to keep your existing phone number or pick a new one. All you have to do to get started is get the SIM, insert it into your phone, and activate the service. However, TextNow only works on unlocked devices, and the ads could be a bit pesky.
User reviews
Reviews are mostly positive. Users say they love TextNow because of its free phone plan offering, which helps them reduce monthly expenses. Some users have also expressed satisfaction over the affordability of textNow’s on-the-go data plans. That said, there are some negative reviews concerning sudden deactivations and customer support.
Final verdict
TextNow is a budget-friendly alternative phone number provider, perfect for people who need unlimited talk and text without pricey tags. The provider is mostly reliable, and operations are smooth, just don’t expect premium features from TextNow.
7. Hushed – best app for managing multiple private numbers
| Key features | Multiple numbers, private texting, and anonymous setup |
| Local numbers | US, Canada, UK |
| Starting price | $3.99 (credits for prepaid) or $4.99/month for unlimited calls and text |
| Free trial | No (occasional 3-day free trial) |
A key reason why people opt for alternative number services is because of privacy, and in this regard, Hushed is one of the best options on the market. Hushed features a collection of privacy features like anonymous calling, secure SMS and MMS texting, and auto-replies. If you want a recommendation for the best app for managing multiple private numbers, this is it.
Key features
- Multiple numbers
- Private texting
- Auto-replies
- Call forwarding
- Call routing
- Custom voicemail greetings
- Anonymous setup
Pricing
Hushed does not have a free plan or free trial, although users may occasionally get a 3-day free trial. You can get the app with prepaid credits for just $3.99, a monthly subscription with unlimited calls and texts for $4.99, and a pay-as-you-go plan starting at $6.99. All features are available in all three plans, with the only difference being in the number of calls you can make and texts you can send.
Ease of use
Hushed is generally considered easy to use. The app’s intuitive design allows users to leverage its features without needing advanced technical know-how. In addition, setup is easy and fast, and users get access to broad customization options.
User reviews
User reviews on Hushed are mixed. Positive reviews praise the platform’s product quality and user-friendly approach. There are also positive reviews praising Hushed’s customer support and service. On the flip side, however, there are complaints of sudden account suspension and billing issues.
Final verdict
If privacy is your major reason for getting an alternative phone number, then Hushed is the way to go. Its collection of features, like private texting and anonymous setup, plus unlimited calls and texts, guarantees lasting privacy.
8. Nextiva – best 2nd phone number app for businesses of all types
| Key features | VoIP services, integrations, and analytics |
| Local numbers | US, Canada, Puerto Rico, UK |
| Starting price | $30/month per user |
| Free trial | Yes – 7 days |
Nextiva is an alternative number provider that is built with teams in mind. It is actually one of the best business-focused apps for a second phone number. The phone service provider simplifies business communication and makes managing inbound and outbound calls seamless. It also offers multi-channel communication, with everything accessible from a single app. Here’s a closer look at its standout features.
Key features
- Automatic call forwarding
- Voicemail transcription
- Call routing
- Cloud call recording
- Multiple numbers
- Toll-free numbers
- Multi-CRM & ERP integration support
- Broad OS compatibility
Pricing
Nextiva does not have a free plan; however, the app does offer a 7-day free trial period. Paid plans start from $30/month per user, making it one of the premium-priced options on the market.
Ease of use
Setting up a virtual phone system with Nextiva is easy. The provider offers users the option of configuring several call management features to suit individual preferences. Additionally, the tool integrates with countless CRMs, ERPs, and productivity apps, including Zoho, Zendesk, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams. However, it does require some level of expertise to pull off seamlessly.
User reviews
Nextiva’s user reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a testament to the tool’s quality. In particular, users seem to like the customer support quality they get and the premium feel the tool offers. That said, there are a few negative reviews about Nextiva’s auto-billing and customer support.
Final verdict
Nextiva is the go-to choice for you if you’re looking for an alternative number provider for your business. Its wide customization range and broad integration possibilities make it a fit for all business types.
9. Burner – best second-number app for temporary personal numbers
| Key features | Effortless number deletion, spam filters, and multiple numbers |
| Local numbers | US, Canada |
| Starting price | $4.99/month |
| Free trial | Yes – 7 days |
Developed by Ad Hoc Labs, Inc., Burner is one of the best anonymity-focused apps for a second phone number. This individual-focused, mobile-first app for Android and iOS lets you purchase up to 200 temporary, disposable numbers at once.
You can use them for calling, texting, online shopping, dating, contests, giveaways, registering on one-time-use sites, and whatever else you have in mind. Burner is fantastic for maintaining anonymity, as you can quickly switch between the purchased numbers and easily delete the ones that have been “burned.” Here’s an overview of its key features.
Key features
- Multiple numbers
- Spam blocking
- Voicemails
- Multi-OS support
Pricing
Burner does not have a free plan, but it does offer a 7-day free trial period. Paid plans start at $4.99 per month.
Ease of use
Burner’s service is built for simplicity, so it’s quite easy to set up and use. The product is also jam-packed with easy-to-customize privacy-focused tools, allowing you to adjust it seamlessly based on your preferences.
User reviews
Users give Burer positive reviews for its privacy features and ease of use. However, there are a number of negative reviews about spam and billing challenges.
Final verdict
Burner offers great privacy features, but it is best for personal use. You won’t find any business features here like shared numbers, VoIP services, third-party app integrations, or call recording.
Other second phone number apps worth considering
The products explored above are some of the best apps for secondary phone number currently available. However, there are other top apps on the market as well. They include the following:
- Grasshopper. A standout feature of the Grasshopper app is that all its offerings are available in every plan. This includes features like unlimited calling to Canada and the US, voicemail transcriptions, and custom voicemail greetings.
- Line2. Line2 is a great secondary phone number app for solo businesses. It offers features like unlimited calls and texts in the US. However, with no shared number or call transcription features, it may not be ideal for bigger businesses.
- JustCall. JustCall is a secondary number app that’s ideal for business owners. This is thanks to features like AI call center ants, smart workflows and routing, and complete call center capability. JustCall also supports WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, SMS, and live chat.
- Limephone.io. The Limephone app offers several cool features like call forwarding, conference calling, call analytics, call blocking, and Do Not Disturb. This makes it suitable for both business and privacy purposes.
- Ooma. Ooma is a good secondary number app for small businesses. It supports unlimited calling in Mexico, Canada, the US, and Puerto Rico. It also has intercom calling support, a unique feature among similar apps.
- TextLine. Textline is a text-focused secondary number app that is ideal for customer support, text-based marketing, and logistics use cases.
- Sideline. If your focus is on text marketing, then you may want to look into Sideline. The app offers features like unlimited calls and texts, auto replies, and other text marketing tools.
- 2ndLine. 2ndLine is a free Wi-Fi calling and texting app with features like voicemail transcript, call forwarding, caller IDs, and more.
Methodology – how I selected the best apps for a second phone number
Finding the best apps for phone numbers required a deep dive, and the Cybernews team and I took the time to do it properly. I read hundreds of comments from real users, looked into expert reviews, and compared the tools’ pricing and features.
Here’s a rundown of everything I considered before I ranked the best apps for a second phone number:
- User reviews (20%). Users who have already tried the apps were an abundant source of valuable insights into each tool’s strengths and weaknesses. The team and I scoured multiple review platforms and forums to find feedback from such clients. I also read dozens of expert reviews on tech-focused sites.
- Ease of use (20%). Whether it’s a free 2nd phone number app for individuals or a paid tool for businesses, it should be effortless to use. I tested each tool’s setup process and call and text functionality and tried it on both desktops and mobile devices to ensure everyone could easily navigate the app.
- Cost (20%). The cost of an app is often the determining factor. With this in mind, I compared subscription plans, explored the pay-as-you-go options, and looked for hidden fees. When ranking the apps, I prioritized the ones that balanced affordability and functionality.
- Additional features (15%). Modern 2nd number apps go beyond calling and texting and offer an abundance of additional functions, which I believe is worth exploring. That said, I assessed the apps’ voicemail, call forwarding, spam filtering, auto-replies, and even integrations, as they’re vital for some business users.
- Call quality and reliability (25%). A secondary phone number app is only as good as the quality of connection it offers. This is why I prioritized researching each app’s call reliability and quality to identify the ones that offer consistent quality performance.
Why use a second phone number?
Most of us have two, three, or even more email addresses. One is usually for personal matters, and another is for business, while we use the rest for registering on suspicious-looking one-time-use sites, for dating apps, and for giveaways. Well, it’s the same thing with numbers, and there’s more than one reason to get a dedicated app that would allow you to use a different one than you do on a daily basis.
Just remember how many purchases you’ve made, services you’ve signed up for, and contests you’ve entered with your personal phone number. Now think about how many spam calls and texts you’ve received because of it. A secondary phone number would easily fix this. Not only does it protect your privacy, but it also prevents spam from flooding your personal line.
Safety is another major benefit of using a second number. For example, having a temporary, disposable, or secondary phone number in online dating could prevent various unwanted situations. If things work out, you can easily share your personal line, but if they don’t, you can just get rid of the number without worrying about messy follow-ups.
Another obvious example involves separating your private life from work; in that sense, a dedicated work number is a must-have whether you’re a freelancer or a business owner. Meanwhile, features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and auto-replies make managing business calls seamless.
How do second phone number apps work?
Second phone number apps allow users to gain access to a secondary phone number, usually without needing a physical SIM card. Unlike traditional phone numbers, the numbers these apps provide do not function using phone lines. Instead, they operate over the internet via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.
Communication (call and text) is usually routed through the app’s servers and then forwarded to the user’s device via an internet connection. This allows them to offer features like limitless toll-free local and international calls.
Second phone number apps vs. eSIMs
Second phone number apps and eSIMs are similar in that they both make it possible to manage multiple numbers on a single device without needing a physical SIM. However, they do have some stark differences. The biggest difference between them is that second phone number apps offer connectivity via the internet, while eSIMs offer true cellular connection. Here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons of each.
Second phone number apps
Here are the key pros and cons of using second phone number apps:
eSIMs
Here are the main pros and cons of using eSIMs:
Key features to look for in a second phone number app
While different phone number apps were built for different purposes, there are certain features that a top-rated 2nd phone number app simply must have. Here’s what to look for:
- Call forwarding. Whether you’re routing business calls to your personal number or directing them elsewhere, call forwarding is a must-have for a 2nd number app.
- SMS capabilities. Texting is just as important as calling. So, whether it’s a free second-number app or a paid option, such a tool should support SMS messaging, media sharing, and auto-replies.
- App availability. A top-tier second-number app should work across all your devices. Such a tool must either provide a seamless web interface that works across different operating systems or dedicated apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
- Affordable pricing. While there are free second phone number apps for personal use, most business tools require a monthly subscription. To be among the best apps for phone numbers, these tools must offer a good balance of affordability and features.
- Straightforward user interface. Whether it’s a cloud-based tool or a mobile application, an alternative phone number app should have an easy-to-use interface. The more difficult it is to use, the less valuable a tool.
- Scability. As your team grows, your communication tools should grow with you. A good second phone number app should allow you to easily add new users, numbers, and features without disrupting established workflows.
- Customer support. Most second phone number apps are built for intuitiveness and easy use. However, it is not uncommon for users to still experience challenges occasionally. As such, you will want to consider the presence of responsible and knowledgeable customer support when choosing a second phone number app.
How to choose the right second phone number app for your needs
The best individual-focused apps for different phone numbers aren’t necessarily the best for business users, and vice versa. While I’ve narrowed it down to the eight best apps for second phone numbers, you’ll need to take this a step further and think about what you need precisely.
Here are a few factors you should consider to reach a decision:
- Call quality. An app for different phone numbers won’t do much if your calls lag or drop. Whatever your specific needs, you should look for a tool that offers high-quality VoIP services with minimal latency.
- Features. Are you looking for a free phone number app or a privacy-focused tool with disposable numbers? Are you a business user in need of call routing and integrations? These are only a handful of questions you’ll need to answer to understand the features you’re looking for in a different number app.
- Cost. Going for the cheapest second phone number app might be tempting, but these might not have what you need. Getting all the features you want will probably require a subscription, and checking and comparing the competition’s pricing will help you find an option that doesn’t break the bank.
- Reliability. An app to use a different phone number is only usable if it’s reliable. It’s highly recommended to go online and check the provider’s reviews, customer support quality, and uptime.
- Porting flexibility. If you already have a business number you want to retain, make sure the second phone number app supports number porting. This will allow you to transfer your existing number seamlessly without any loss of contacts.
- Customer support. Responsive and accessible customer support is always a key feature to look out for in any event. However, it is even more important if you plan on using the second phone number app for business purposes. I recommend you opt for a provider that offers multiple support channels with fast response times.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when choosing a second phone number app. Ultimately, the choice often comes down to specific user needs or preferences. That said, most users will find that overall, the best app for a second phone number is Surfshark’s Alternative Number. It offers a perfect blend of features, privacy, and price, and that’s why it’s my top pick in this category.
Recommendations like Google Voice or TextNow are suitable for individuals and solopreneurs who need a free second-number app. For businesses, Dialpad, Quo, and KrispCall offer dedicated communication platforms, which make them a great choice.
FAQ
How to get a 2nd phone number for free?
While most of the picks above are business-oriented and privacy-focused paid options, I’ve also included a few free second-phone-number apps. TextNow provides a free second number but requires a SIM card fee to activate it. On the other hand, Google Voice is completely free for personal use.
Are second phone number apps safe?
Yes, second-number apps are safe. All my recommendations use advanced encryption and authentication measures and have privacy-focused policies in place. Surfshark’s Alternative Number was designed by a reputable cybersecurity company, and that’s why it’s the best app for a second phone number in terms of privacy.
What is the best untraceable phone number app?
Surfshark’s Alternative Number, Burner, and Hushed are great options if you’re looking for anonymity. Surfshark lets you create entire online personas, including names, addresses, emails, and numbers. On the other hand, Burner lets you create temporary, disposable numbers, while Hushed offers a setup process that doesn’t require personal details.
Is the Hushed app free?
No, Hushed isn’t a free 2nd phone number app. Its Prepaid plan starts at $3.99 and provides credits, while the Unlimited plan is $4.99/month. If you’re looking for a free app to call from a different number, you should look into Google Voice and TextNow.
Which second phone number apps support SMS and MMS?
Some second phone number apps fully support SMS and MMS, while others only offer partial support. Examples of second phone number apps that support SMS and MMS include Google Voice, Dialpad, Quo, TextNow, Burner, Nextiva, and Hushed.
Can I forward calls from a second phone number to my primary phone?
Yes, you can. However, the possibility depends on your mobile carrier and the type of phone you have. You will also need to have call forwarding settings enabled to access this feature.
Do second phone number apps offer free trials?
Yes, they do. Most second phone number apps offer free trials to users, allowing them to preview restricted features that are only available on advanced plans. Some also offer completely free plans.
