Second Phone Number App: 9 Best Apps (2026)
Get a second phone number without buying another phone. Compare 9 best apps for business, privacy, and international use. BubblyPhone, Google Voice, Sideline reviewed.
The best free second phone number app is Google Voice if you live in the US, and TextNow gives a free US/Canada number with ads. For a business line, Sideline costs $9.99/month. Each runs a second number on the phone you already own, and BubblyPhone adds pay-as-you-go international calling from a browser.
โจ Quick Recommendation
Best Overall: BubblyPhone โ US number for $3/month, usable from anywhere, browser-based
Best for US: Google Voice โ Free US number (US residents only)
Best for Business: Sideline โ Professional features, voicemail transcription
Why Get a Second Phone Number?
Business Use
- Separate work from personal calls
- Professional appearance for freelancers
- Business hours call management
- Easy to share on business cards
Privacy Protection
- Online marketplace listings (Craigslist, Facebook)
- Dating apps and websites
- Temporary interactions
- Avoid spam to main number
International Use
- Local number in another country
- Cheaper for contacts to call you
- Travel without roaming
- Business presence abroad
Family Use
- Shared number for household
- Kids' phone without contract
- Elderly family member monitoring
- Emergency contact number
9 Best Second Phone Number Apps (2026)
1. BubblyPhone โ Best Overall
Get a US local number for $3/month (plus $3 setup), paid from your prepaid balance with no contract. Calls ring in your browser or the app, forward to your mobile, or go to transcribed voicemail, and you can receive and reply to texts. Outbound calls are pay as you go.
Pros:
- โ $3/month, no contract
- โ Forwarding + transcribed voicemail
- โ Works in browser
- โ Pay-as-you-go pricing
Cons:
- โข US numbers only
- โข No unlimited calling plans
2. Google Voice โ Best Free Option (US Only)
Completely free US phone number with calling, texting, and voicemail. The catch? Only available in the United States.
Best For:
US residents wanting a free second number
Price:
Free (international calls extra)
3. Sideline โ Best for Business
Professional-grade second line with auto-reply, business hours settings, and team features. Popular with realtors and small business owners.
Best For:
Small business, real estate, freelancers
Price:
$9.99/month
TextNow
Free US/Canada number with ads. Ad-free version $4.99/mo.
Burner
Temporary "burner" numbers. Great for short-term privacy needs.
Line2
Business-focused with call recording and analytics. Good CRM integration.
Hushed
Numbers from 60+ countries. Pay-per-call or subscription options.
Dingtone
Earn free credits by watching ads. Budget-friendly option.
OpenPhone
Team phone system for startups. Shared inbox and integrations.
Second Phone Number Apps Comparison
| App | Price | Countries | SMS | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $3/mo | US | โ | International |
| Google Voice | Free | US only | โ | US users |
| Sideline | $9.99/mo | US/CA | โ | Business |
| TextNow | Free* | US/CA | โ | Budget |
| Burner | $4.99/mo | US/CA | โ | Privacy |
| Hushed | $4.99/mo | 60+ | โ | Privacy |
* With ads
How Second Phone Number Apps Work
- 1Choose a Number
Select from available numbers in your desired area code or country.
- 2Install App or Use Browser
Most require an app, but BubblyPhone works directly in your browser.
- 3Make and Receive Calls
Calls use your internet connection (WiFi/data). Caller ID shows your new number.
- 4Send and Receive Texts
Most apps include SMS capability. Great for verification codes and messaging.
Key Features to Look For
Call Quality
HD audio and reliable connections
SMS/MMS
Text and picture messaging support
Voicemail
Custom greetings and transcription
Call Blocking
Block unwanted calls and spam
Business Hours
Set availability times
Multi-Device
Use on phone, tablet, and computer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I port my existing number to a second line app?โผ
Some apps like Google Voice and Sideline allow number porting, but it usually involves canceling your existing carrier service. Most people get a new number instead.
Will people know I'm using a second number app?โผ
No. The recipient sees a normal phone number on their caller ID. They have no way to know it's from a VoIP app versus a regular phone carrier.
Can I receive verification codes (SMS) on a second number?โผ
Usually yes, but some services (banks, certain apps) block VoIP numbers. Sideline generally works for most verification codes; test any second number with the service you need before relying on it.
Do I need two SIM cards for two phone numbers?โผ
No! That's the whole point of these apps. You can have multiple phone numbers on one device, one SIM card, using just internet data or WiFi.
Can I call 911/emergency services from a second number?โผ
Most VoIP apps cannot reliably connect to emergency services. Always use your regular carrier phone or landline for emergencies.
Get Your Second Number Today
A real US number for $3/month, usable from anywhere, no contract
Get Started Free โNo credit card required โข Works worldwide