Work calls have a habit of arriving at the worst time. A client rings during dinner. A marketplace buyer keeps texting after the sale. Your personal contact details end up in another marketing database.
A virtual phone number gives you a separate line without forcing you to carry two devices. Calls, messages, and voicemail stay away from personal conversations, while the people you contact see the additional number instead of your main one.
These services are not interchangeable. Some provide a private line for temporary use. Others are complete business phone systems with extensions, call routing, analytics, and shared access.
People who need a disposable line for short registrations may prefer a temporary SMS service. This type of platform focuses on receiving verification codes and short messages without sharing a primary mobile number, rather than managing regular customer calls.
Here are the best options for different situations.
Best second phone number apps: Overview
KrispCall is a strong all-round choice for businesses that need international numbers and team features. Google Voice fits people already using Google Workspace. Sideline and Line2 suit solo professionals, while Burner and Hushed focus more on privacy.
Grasshopper works well for small teams that need extensions. Dialpad is designed for companies looking for a broader communications platform rather than a basic second line.
For users who only need a virtual number to receive an SMS or verification code, eSIM Plus Temp Number offers a more focused alternative.
The service provides temporary phone numbers from 33 countries for quick registrations, checkouts, app setups, and other short-term tasks without exposing a personal number. It is not intended to replace a permanent calling platform with voicemail, call forwarding, extensions, or team access.
1. KrispCall: Best for growing businesses
KrispCall turns a phone, laptop, or browser into a business line. Companies can buy local, mobile, toll-free, and international numbers and manage them from one workspace.
Its value goes beyond adding another caller ID. Teams can route calls, create IVR menus, set business hours, share numbers, and connect conversations with CRM software.
That makes KrispCall useful for sales and support teams. It may be excessive for someone who only needs a temporary number to receive one registration message.
2. Google Voice: Best for Google Workspace users
Google Voice provides one number for calls, texts, and voicemail across supported phones and computers. Users can also make and receive calls through Gmail.
People searching for a virtual phone number online may be looking for two very different products. Google Voice provides an ongoing communication line, while a temporary-number service is meant for receiving a short-lived SMS or one-time code.
The free Basic option is available for personal use in the US. Paid plans add customer support, call transfers, recording, desk phone compatibility, auto attendants, ring groups, and reporting.
Team plans require Google Workspace and are available only in supported countries. Business subscriptions currently cost $10, $20, or $30 per user per month.
3. Sideline: Best for solo professionals
Sideline is made for people who want a stable work number on their existing smartphone. It suits contractors, consultants, real estate agents, and local service providers.
The app separates business calls, messages, caller ID, and voicemail from personal communication. It also offers group messaging, automatic replies, spam detection, and number porting.
Sideline keeps things simple. That is helpful for a one-person business but limiting for a team that needs extensions, shared inboxes, or advanced routing.
Unlike a disposable SMS line, a Sideline number is intended to become a consistent point of contact. Clients can save it and use it again when they need to reach the business.
4. 2ndLine: Best for basic Android use
2ndLine offers an additional US or Canadian number for calls and texts over WiFi or mobile data. It is aimed mainly at Android users who need an inexpensive line for freelance work, online listings, or everyday privacy.
An online virtual number supplied by a temporary SMS service has a different job. It can display an incoming code or text without requiring the user to enter a personal number, but it should not be presented as a permanent alternative to 2ndLine.
Features include voicemail, caller ID, group messaging, call forwarding, and customizable alerts. Free access may include advertising.
Users should decide whether they need two-way communication or only a quick incoming message. Choosing the wrong type of service can leave them with a number that cannot accept calls, send replies, or remain active.
5. Burner: Best for temporary privacy
Burner works well when you do not want a conversation connected to your main number. You can create separate lines for dating, deliveries, marketplace sales, short projects, or registrations.
When a number has served its purpose, you can mute, replace, or delete it. Different contacts can also be kept in separate inboxes.
Someone looking for an online number only to collect a one-time code may not need a full Burner line. The temporary-number service can be a faster option when no outgoing calls, ongoing inbox, or long-term access is required.
The app supports calling, texting, picture messages, spam blocking, and multiple lines.
Burner is the better fit when a conversation may continue. A disposable SMS number makes more sense when the user wants to receive a message, complete a short task, and leave without sharing personal information.
6. 2Number: Best for managing several personal lines
2Number lets users keep more than one virtual number on the same phone. One line might be used for clients, another for travel, and a third for online purchases.
Depending on the number and location, the app may include voicemail, call recording, contact management, international calling, PIN protection, and scheduled Do Not Disturb.
Calls and messages can use in-app credits. As a result, the subscription price may not represent the full cost of frequent use.
A disposable-number provider follows a simpler model. Users select an available country and number, wait for the required message to appear, and use the received code where needed.
7. Line2: Best for straightforward business calling
Line2 sits between a personal second-number app and a small-business phone service. It provides a dedicated number for calls, SMS, MMS, and voicemail on mobile and desktop devices.
Call screening and blocking are helpful when a public business number attracts spam. Voicemail transcription also lets users scan a message when they cannot answer.
Line2 covers the basics without much complexity. Teams that need shared conversations, detailed reporting, or advanced automation may outgrow it.
Its number is intended to remain part of a company’s contact information. A one-time SMS service should not be used for that purpose because temporary access may end and the same number may later be unavailable.
8. Hushed: Best for multiple private numbers
Hushed is useful when one extra number is not enough. Users can maintain separate lines for work, travel, shopping, or online contacts and manage them in the same app.
People comparing phone numbers online should first decide whether they need a private line or a disposable SMS inbox. Hushed supports continuing conversations, while the temporary-number service described here focuses on short incoming texts from websites, apps, and people.
Numbers are available from the US, Canada, and the UK. Plans include voicemail, call forwarding, call routing, and automatic text replies.
Unlimited local talk and text starts at $6.99 per month. Prepaid plans start at $7.99, while pay-as-you-go international plans start at $8.99 per month.
The temporary service covers 33 countries, but broader country availability does not make it a direct Hushed replacement. Its role is limited to quick verification and short-lived message receipt.
9. Grasshopper: Best for extensions
Grasshopper is designed for entrepreneurs who want a professional company number rather than a disposable private line.
Businesses can choose a local, toll-free, or vanity number and add extensions for employees or departments. A team can share one number while directing calls to the right person.
Grasshopper works on desktop, iPhone, and Android. It also provides custom greetings, business texting, voicemail transcription, and call forwarding.
Plans start at $14 per month. Some subscriptions allow unlimited users without a separate per-user charge.
Grasshopper should be considered when callers need to reach different employees or departments. Temporary SMS numbers do not provide this type of call flow or company identity.
10. TextNow: Best for free personal calling
TextNow provides an ad-supported number for calls and texts through its mobile apps or a browser. It is one of the easiest options for users who need a basic extra line without another monthly bill.
A user may search for a second phone number when the real goal is simply to receive a one-time message. In that case, the temporary-number service can provide a disposable option for a fast checkout, account setup, or short anonymous chat.
The free TextNow service includes a phone number, unlimited calling and texting across North America, and access from multiple devices. Eligible US users can also add a TextNow SIM and mobile data.
There is an important limitation: TextNow states that its free wireless plan is intended for personal use. Regular commercial messaging can lead to account restrictions.
TextNow remains more suitable when users expect to make calls or continue texting. A disposable service is designed around the opposite idea: get the required message, complete the task, and stop using the number.
11. Dialpad: Best for larger teams
Dialpad is closer to a complete communications platform than a simple second-number app. It combines business calls, messaging, meetings, routing, and AI tools.
Live transcription, call summaries, queues, analytics, and CRM integrations can reduce manual work for sales and support teams. Employees can use the service on mobile devices, computers, or supported desk phones.
The trade-off is complexity. A freelancer who only needs a separate caller ID will pay for many features they may never use.
Dialpad Connect starts at $15 per user per month with annual billing or $27 with monthly billing. The Pro plan starts at $25 annually or $35 monthly.
Temporary SMS access sits at the other end of the market. It requires no call queue, CRM connection, meeting platform, or shared administration because it is meant for a short, individual task.
12. TextMe: Best for casual calls and texts
TextMe provides virtual numbers for calls, texts, group chats, voicemail, and media sharing over WiFi or mobile data.
It works best for casual personal communication, travel, and online transactions. A free version is available, although it includes advertising. Extra numbers and international calls may require credits or a subscription.
TextMe and a temporary SMS provider can both help protect a primary number, but they solve different problems. TextMe supports conversations. A disposable service is more appropriate when the user only wants to view one incoming message.
How second phone number apps work
Most services use VoIP to send calls and messages over the internet. After choosing a number, you manage it through the provider’s app, while contacts see the new number instead of your personal one.
A virtual number app usually supports two-way communication and a private inbox. Disposable SMS services are simpler: users select a temporary number and view incoming messages for registration, verification, checkout, or short-term conversations.
Business platforms may also include call routing, greetings, extensions, recording, and CRM integrations. Call quality depends on the internet connection.
What to check before choosing an app
Decide whether you need a temporary inbox, a private calling line, or a business phone system. Check available countries, area codes, renewal costs, call and text limits, number-porting rules, and international charges.
Disposable services suit one-time codes and short messages. Businesses should choose a provider that allows long-term number ownership or porting.
Also review privacy, account security, voicemail, forwarding, emergency-calling support, and whether the required website accepts temporary numbers.
Which second phone number app should you choose?
KrispCall, Grasshopper, and Dialpad suit businesses and teams. Google Voice works well for Google Workspace users.
Sideline and Line2 are practical for solo professionals. Burner is better for short-term conversations, while Hushed supports several private lines.
TextNow and TextMe are suitable for light personal use. A temporary-number service is the better choice for receiving an accepted SMS or one-time code without sharing a personal number.
Choose a business platform for long-term customer communication, a private calling app for ongoing conversations, and a disposable number only for short-term tasks.