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A second phone number doesn’t have to mean buying another phone or adding another traditional cell plan. Apps and virtual phone services can give you an additional number on the device you already use, with options ranging from free services to recurring subscriptions.
So, how much does a second phone number cost? It depends on how the service charges, how long you want to keep the number, and what you need it to do. Some numbers are free with limited features, while others use pay-as-you-go, monthly, or annual pricing.
The lowest price isn’t always the lowest cost long-term, either. Number retention, calling and texting limits, extra features, and add-on charges can all affect what you actually pay.
How Much Does a Second Phone Number Cost? Quick Overview
There’s no standard price for a second phone number. Instead, most services fall into a few common pricing models:
| Pricing Model | How It Works | Typically Makes Sense For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Provides a number without a recurring subscription, often with limitations | Occasional or basic use |
| Pay As You Go | Charges based on usage, credits, or individual services | Infrequent use |
| Monthly Subscription | Charges a recurring monthly fee for continued access and included features | Regular or ongoing use |
| Annual Subscription | Charges for a longer term upfront, often with continued access to the same service | People who expect to keep their second number long term |
The pricing model only tells you part of the story. Two services with similar subscription structures can include very different features or restrictions.
A free number, for example, may be enough if you only need basic calling or texting. If you plan to use the number regularly or keep it for a long time, you’ll also want to look at how number retention works, what’s included with the plan, and whether you’ll pay extra for the features you use.
What Affects the Cost of a Second Phone Number?
The way a provider charges is only one part of the cost. Other factors can also affect what you ultimately pay:
Number Type and Location
Not every phone number is priced the same way. Local, international, temporary, and other number types may have different pricing or availability depending on the provider. Location can matter, too. Some services include access to certain area codes or international numbers, while others charge extra.
How Long You Keep the Number
Some second numbers are meant for short-term use, while others can stay with you as long as you maintain your plan or subscription. If you want a number you can keep until you no longer need it, check the provider’s expiration and retention policies. A cheaper short-term option isn’t much of a deal if you need to consistently replace the number.
Calling and Texting Features
Basic access to a phone number doesn’t always include the same communication features. Depending on the service, your plan may include calls, SMS and MMS, voicemail, caller ID, spam filtering, and other tools. Before comparing prices, check what’s actually included. A lower-priced option can become more expensive if the features you need require separate upgrades or add-ons.
Usage and Additional Numbers
Some services limit call minutes, messages, or other activity, while others bundle more usage into the subscription. You may also pay differently if you want more than one second number. If you expect to use your number regularly, look beyond the starting price and check whether your typical usage is included.
Free vs. Paid Second Phone Numbers
Free second phone numbers can make sense when you only need an extra number occasionally and don’t particularly care about having access to the same one long term. The tradeoff is that free services may limit features, usage, or how long you can keep your number.
Paid second phone number services generally give you more control over how you use and maintain your number. Depending on the provider and plan, that can include more consistent access to the same number, fewer usage restrictions, and features like voicemail, spam filtering, or MMS.
The better value comes down to what you actually need. If you’re only using a second number once or twice, paying for features you won’t use may not make sense. If you’re giving the number to people you expect to hear from again, using it regularly, or don’t want it disappearing because of inactivity, paying to maintain it can be worth the added cost.
Price matters, but so does what happens to your number after you get it. Before choosing based on the lowest advertised price, check how long you can keep the number, what causes it to expire, and whether it includes the features you expect.
Additional Costs to Check Before Choosing a Second Number
The advertised price doesn’t always tell you what you’ll pay over time. Before choosing a second phone number service, check whether any of the following cost extra:
- Additional Numbers: Some plans include one number and charge separately if you want more.
- International Use: International calls or texts may have separate rates or require an add-on.
- Premium Features: Certain calling, messaging, privacy, or number-management features may only be available with higher-tier plans.
- Number Retention or Porting: Check whether there are fees to keep, transfer, or recover a number.
- Taxes and Other Fees: Depending on the service and location, additional charges may be added to the advertised price.
It’s also worth checking how renewals and cancellations work before subscribing. A low starting price matters less if the plan doesn’t include what you need or you’re paying for extras you didn’t account for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a second phone number cheaper than getting a second phone?
It can be. An app-based second number lets you use another number on a phone you already own, so you don’t necessarily need to buy another device or add a separate traditional cellular plan. The actual cost depends on the service and features you choose.
Can I keep a second phone number permanently?
How long you can keep a second number depends on the provider. Some services let you keep the same number as long as you maintain an active subscription or meet their usage requirements. Others may reclaim numbers after a period of inactivity or once a plan expires.
Can I transfer a second phone number to another provider?
Some second numbers can be ported to another provider, but portability depends on the number and service. If keeping a particular number matters to you, check the provider’s porting policy before signing up.
Can I use a second number for verification codes?
Whether a second number works for account verification depends on its number type and the rules of the service sending the code. Some platforms accept virtual numbers, while others require a mobile-classified number.
Get a Second Phone Number Without Getting a Second Phone
Burner gives you a second phone number without the hassle of carrying around a second phone. Call, text, and manage conversations from the device you already use while keeping your personal number out of the mix.
With features like separate voicemail, spam filtering, Do Not Disturb, and the ability to add or replace numbers, Burner gives you more control over who can reach you and where. Use it for dating, online selling, sign-ups, or anytime you’d rather not hand out your primary number to just anyone.
Get Burner today and get a second number that keeps your personal number personal.
