20 Best Virtual Phone Number Services to Keep You Connected
Virtual phone numbers have become essential tools for businesses, freelancers, and anyone who values privacy or needs to manage multiple phone lines without juggling multiple devices. Whether you need a second number for work, want to protect your personal number when selling items online, or run a business that serves customers across different regions, the right virtual phone number service can make your life significantly easier. This list covers twenty solid options, each with different strengths, pricing models, and features to match various needs and budgets.
- PVACodes
PVACodes offers virtual phone numbers specifically built for account verification and SMS reception across multiple platforms. The service supports numbers from over 180 countries, making it particularly useful if you need to verify accounts on social media, messaging apps, or other online services that require phone authentication. You can rent numbers for short-term use or longer periods depending on your needs. The platform works well for developers, marketers, and anyone managing multiple online accounts who needs reliable SMS verification without using their personal number. Pricing varies based on the country and duration, with options for both one-time verifications and extended rentals.
- Google Voice
Google Voice remains one of the most popular free options for getting a virtual phone number in the United States. You get a real phone number that can forward calls to your existing phones, handle voicemail with transcription, and send text messages. The interface integrates smoothly with other Google services, and you can access it from your computer, phone, or tablet. The main limitation is availability, since it only works for users with a U.S. location and phone number. For anyone who qualifies and needs a basic second line, it's hard to beat the price and reliability.
- Grasshopper
Grasshopper targets small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to sound more professional without setting up a full phone system. You get a business number that works through your existing phone, plus features like custom greetings, extensions for different departments or team members, and call forwarding. The service doesn't require any special equipment or installation. Plans start around $30 per month and scale based on how many numbers and extensions you need. It's a practical choice if you're a solo operator or small team that wants to separate business calls from personal ones while maintaining a professional image.
- Burner
Burner specializes in temporary phone numbers that you can create and dispose of as needed. The app works well for situations where you need to give out a number but don't want to share your real one, like selling items on Craigslist, dating, or any scenario where you value privacy. You can set up multiple burners, customize voicemail greetings, and burn a number when you no longer need it. Subscriptions start with prepaid credits or monthly plans. The interface is simple and the whole process takes just a few taps, making it one of the easiest services to use for short-term needs.
- RingCentral
RingCentral provides a full business communications platform that includes virtual phone numbers as part of a larger suite of tools. You get video meetings, team messaging, and a complete phone system with features like auto-attendants, call queues, and analytics. The system works for businesses of any size, from solo operations to large enterprises with hundreds of users. Pricing starts around $20 per user per month, with different tiers offering more advanced features. If you need more than just a virtual number and want an all-in-one communication solution, RingCentral delivers solid performance and reliability.
- Sideline
Sideline gives you a second phone number that runs on your existing smartphone without needing a second SIM card or device. The app includes features like auto-reply texts, custom voicemail, and the ability to set business hours so calls outside those times go straight to voicemail. You can choose a local number or a toll-free option. Plans start at around $10 per month, making it one of the more affordable dedicated business line options. The interface is clean and the app doesn't drain your battery like some competing services, which matters when you're using it throughout the day.
- TextNow
TextNow offers free virtual phone numbers supported by ads, with the option to pay a small monthly fee to remove advertising. You get unlimited texting and calling within the U.S. and Canada. The service works through their app on smartphones or through a web interface on computers. Call quality is generally good over WiFi or data connections, though it can vary based on your internet speed. For anyone who needs a free second number for casual use and doesn't mind seeing some ads, TextNow provides solid value without requiring a credit card to get started.
- OpenPhone
OpenPhone focuses on modern teams that need shared phone numbers and collaborative calling features. Multiple team members can access the same number, see call and text history, and leave internal notes about conversations. The interface feels more like a messaging app than a traditional phone system, which makes it intuitive for younger teams. You can integrate it with tools like Slack, HubSpot, and other business software. Pricing starts around $13 per user per month. It's particularly good for remote teams, sales groups, or support teams that need to collaborate around customer communications.
- Line2
Line2 provides business phone numbers with a focus on reliability and call quality. You get a second line on your smartphone with features like custom hold music, call recording, and visual voicemail. The service supports both local and toll-free numbers across the U.S. and Canada. Plans start around $10 per month for individuals, with team plans available at discounted rates. Line2 has been around since 2006, which gives it a track record that newer services lack. The app works on both iOS and Android, and you can also use it on tablets or computers if you prefer a larger screen.
- Nextiva
Nextiva serves businesses that need professional phone systems with advanced features and strong customer support. You get virtual numbers, video conferencing, team chat, and a full suite of call management tools. The platform includes analytics, CRM integration, and call center features for larger operations. Customer service is available 24/7, which matters when phone issues can directly impact your business. Pricing starts around $20 per user per month, positioning it in the mid-range for business phone services. Setup is straightforward and the system scales well as your business grows.
- Hushed
Hushed lets you get private phone numbers from over 300 area codes across more than 60 countries. You can have multiple numbers active at the same time and switch between them within the app. The service works well for international travelers, people with privacy concerns, or anyone who needs numbers in different countries. You can buy numbers for short periods or keep them long-term. The app includes features like call forwarding, voicemail, and text messaging. Pricing uses a credit system where you purchase credits and then spend them on numbers and usage, giving you flexibility in how you budget.
- Phone.com
Phone.com offers virtual phone systems aimed at small to medium businesses that want professional features without complicated setup. You get local or toll-free numbers, extensions, call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and conference calling. The web-based control panel makes it easy to manage settings and view call logs. Plans start around $13 per month for basic service, with pricing that scales based on minutes and features. The company has been operating since 2006 and maintains a reputation for straightforward pricing without hidden fees. You can port your existing business number if you're switching from another provider.
- Dialpad
Dialpad combines virtual phone numbers with artificial intelligence features that transcribe calls in real time and provide coaching tips for sales and support teams. The platform works entirely in the cloud, requiring no hardware beyond the devices you already own. You get video meetings, SMS, and integrations with popular business tools like Salesforce and Zendesk. The AI features can surface action items from calls and provide sentiment analysis. Pricing starts around $15 per user per month. The modern interface and smart features make it appealing to tech-focused companies that want more than basic phone service.
- Talkroute
Talkroute provides virtual phone numbers with a focus on call management and routing options. You can set up complex call flows that route calls based on time of day, caller ID, or which number they dialed. The service includes features like call recording, voicemail transcription, and text messaging. You can use it through their mobile apps, desk phones, or your existing cell phone. Plans start around $19 per month for a single user. The system works well for businesses that need sophisticated call handling without the complexity and cost of traditional PBX systems.
- Vonage Business
Vonage offers business phone service with virtual numbers as part of a larger communications platform. You get unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada, plus features like video conferencing, team messaging, and mobile apps. The system includes advanced call handling, analytics, and integrations with common business software. Vonage has a long history in VoIP services and maintains reliable infrastructure. Plans start around $20 per line per month, with discounts for annual billing. The service works well for established businesses that need dependable phone service with room to grow.
- Twilio
Twilio provides programmable phone numbers that developers can integrate into their own applications and services. Rather than offering a ready-made phone app, Twilio gives you APIs to build custom communication solutions. You pay based on usage, with costs for phone numbers, minutes, and messages. This approach works perfectly for businesses building their own apps, automated systems, or custom workflows that need phone capabilities. The documentation is thorough and the platform is reliable, but you need technical skills or a developer to implement it. For companies with development resources, Twilio offers maximum flexibility.
- CallHippo
CallHippo focuses on sales and support teams that need virtual phone numbers with built-in calling features. You get local numbers in over 50 countries, power dialing, call recording, and analytics to track team performance. The platform integrates with CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho. Setup takes just a few minutes and requires no special hardware. Pricing starts around $16 per user per month. The interface is designed for high-volume calling, making it popular with inside sales teams, customer support centers, and remote teams that spend significant time on the phone.
- Skype Number
Skype offers virtual phone numbers that work through their well-known calling and messaging platform. You can choose numbers from various countries and receive calls through the Skype app on any device. The service works well if you already use Skype for other communication and want to add a dedicated number that people can call. Pricing varies by country but typically runs around $6 per month. The main advantage is the familiarity of the Skype platform and the ability to use one app for both personal Skype calls and business calls to your virtual number.
- Ooma Office
Ooma Office provides virtual phone numbers as part of a complete business phone system that can work with physical desk phones or just through mobile and desktop apps. You get a virtual receptionist, ring groups, call parking, and other features typically found in traditional office phone systems. The service includes video meetings and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Plans start around $20 per user per month, with the option to purchase Ooma desk phones if you prefer physical hardware. The system bridges the gap between traditional office phones and modern cloud-based services.
- Numero eSIM
Numero takes a different approach by providing virtual numbers that work through eSIM technology on compatible smartphones. You get a second number that functions like a real SIM card without needing a physical card. This works particularly well for international numbers or when you need a local number in a different country. The service supports both calling and texting, with numbers available in multiple countries. Pricing varies based on location and usage. If your phone supports eSIM and you need genuine dual-SIM functionality rather than an app-based solution, Numero offers a clean implementation of the technology.
Choosing the right virtual phone number service depends on your specific situation. If you need something free and simple, options like Google Voice or TextNow work well. Businesses looking for professional features should consider services like RingCentral, Grasshopper, or Nextiva. Those who prioritize privacy might prefer Burner or Hushed. And if you need numbers for account verification, services like PVACodes fill that specific need. Take some time to think about which features matter most to you, whether that's international numbers, team collaboration, call recording, or just basic reliability. Most services offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can test them before committing. The right virtual number can simplify your communication, protect your privacy, and help you present a more professional image without the cost and hassle of traditional phone lines.