Getting a virtual phone number takes about two minutes. Figuring out which kind you actually need usually takes longer.

Some virtual numbers work well for basic texting. Some work more reliably with app verification systems. Some are built around flexibility and privacy. Others are basically permanent second lines attached to your Google account or phone service provider.

This guide covers the main options without turning into a telecom spreadsheet.

What Is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number is a phone number that works without needing its own physical SIM card or separate phone.

Calls and texts route through an app, an internet connection (VoIP), or an eSIM built into your phone. From the outside, though, it behaves like a normal number. People can still call, text, and leave voicemails the same way they always would.

There are a few different types:

VoIP apps like Burner, Google Voice, and TextNow route calls and texts through the internet. They work on your existing phone with no additional hardware.

eSIM-based numbers work more like traditional carrier lines. Instead of routing everything through an app, they use your phone’s built-in dual SIM support. That difference matters for call quality and app verification.

Business VoIP systems like Dialpad and OpenPhone are built around team communication features like shared inboxes and call routing. Most people looking for a second number probably don’t need that level of complexity.

How to Get a Free Virtual Phone Number

Two options dominate the free space, and they both have real limitations.

Google Voice

Google Voice gives you a free US phone number connected to your Google account. Setup is simple: sign in, choose a number, and connect it to your existing phone.

Call quality is generally solid, voicemail transcription still works well, and it integrates naturally if you already use Google services heavily.

The tradeoffs are worth knowing upfront. Google Voice numbers have more limited compatibility with some verification systems, and the experience is tied closely to your Google account. You also get one number, with fewer controls around flexibility or separation.

Google Voice works well for basic calling and texting when cost matters more than privacy controls or verification support.

TextNow

TextNow gives you a free number with unlimited calls and texts supported by ads.

If you mainly want a casual second number for occasional texting, it works reasonably well. The app is available across multiple devices, and setup is quick.

The compromises are noticeable though. Ads are constant, inactive numbers can eventually be reassigned, and verification support is more limited than many paid alternatives.

TextNow works best for casual use. It’s less ideal if reliability, flexibility, or verification compatibility matter to you.

The honest assessment

Free virtual numbers work for basic use. If all you need is a second number for occasional calls or texts, Google Voice or TextNow will probably get the job done.

The tradeoff is usually flexibility. Free options tend to offer fewer privacy controls, less verification compatibility, and less control over the long-term behavior of the number itself.

If keeping your personal number separate matters to you, paid options start making more sense pretty quickly.

Best Paid Virtual Phone Number Apps

Burner

Burner is built around flexibility and separation. You get a fully functional second number with unlimited calls and texts, separate voicemail, notification controls, and the ability to remove numbers when you’re done using them.

Burner’s numbers also work more reliably with many verification systems than standard VoIP numbers. That matters when apps or platforms ask for a phone number during signup.

For people who need even broader verification compatibility, Burner Verified Number provides a mobile-classified number accepted by more platforms that reject standard VoIP entirely.

Best for: Dating apps, online selling, platform verification, keeping your personal number separate.

Pricing: Subscription plans with a free 3-day trial. Short-term prepaid options are also available.

Get a virtual phone number in under a minute. Try Burner free for 3 days.

Hushed

Hushed offers privacy-focused virtual numbers with a pay-as-you-go option. Multiple numbers are available, including international numbers in more countries than most competitors.

The UX is functional but less polished than Burner's. Call quality varies, particularly internationally. Pay-as-you-go pricing can be cost-effective for infrequent use.

Best for: International numbers, occasional use, pay-as-you-go flexibility.

Pricing: Plans from ~$3.99/month. Pay-as-you-go credits available.

Sideline

Sideline is designed more like a long-term second line than a flexible or privacy-focused number.

Calls are reliable, the app is clean, and it integrates naturally with your phone’s contacts. If you want a second number you plan to keep indefinitely, Sideline works well.

What it doesn’t really prioritize is flexibility. There’s less separation between numbers, fewer privacy controls, and fewer options for rotating or removing numbers over time.

Best for: Permanent second line, ongoing personal use.

Pricing: Starts around $9.99/month.

Virtual Phone Numbers for Business

If you need team communication tools like shared inboxes, call routing, or extensions, you’re looking at a different category of product entirely.

Platforms like Dialpad, OpenPhone, and Google Voice for Workspace are designed for businesses managing multiple users and shared communication systems.

For most people looking for a second number, though, those tools are probably more complicated than necessary.

For individuals: Burner eSIM (Dual SIM)

Burner eSIM works differently from standard VoIP apps because it uses your phone’s built-in dual SIM support instead of routing calls and texts entirely through an app.

That means calls, texts, iMessage, FaceTime, and verification systems behave more like they would on a traditional carrier line.

It’s a good fit for people who want a second number that feels fully integrated into their iPhone long term.

eSIM is currently iPhone-only and requires an eSIM-compatible device.

Best for: A dedicated second number with native iPhone integration.

Get a real second line with Burner eSIM.

Get a real second line with Burner eSIM.

For teams: Dialpad, OpenPhone, Google Voice for Workspace

If you need shared inboxes, analytics, extensions, or call routing across multiple people, business VoIP platforms are the category you’re looking for.

Dialpad, OpenPhone, and Google Voice for Workspace are all designed around team communication rather than personal second-number use.

For individuals who mainly want separation between personal and non-personal communication, a simpler second-number app is usually easier to manage.

Virtual Phone Number vs. Second Phone Number

These terms overlap more than most people realize.

A virtual phone number is any number that works without its own physical SIM card or separate phone line. That includes VoIP apps, eSIM numbers, and business communication platforms.

A second phone number is simply an additional number on your existing phone. It describes how the number is being used, not the technology behind it.

Most people searching for a “virtual phone number” are really looking for a second number that helps keep certain conversations separate from their personal one.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Number

Here’s the short version:

Want free and basic → Google Voice. One number, simple setup, good for occasional use.

Want privacy and flexibility → Burner. Multiple numbers, broader verification support, and more control over how separate the number feels from your personal one.

Want broader verification compatibility → Burner Verified Number. Works more reliably with platforms that reject standard VoIP numbers.

Want a second number that works natively with iPhone → Burner eSIM. Uses dual SIM support instead of routing everything through an app.

Want team communication tools → Dialpad, OpenPhone, or Google Voice for Workspace.

A virtual phone number is one of the simplest ways to keep your personal number from ending up everywhere. The right one mostly depends on whether you care more about cost, flexibility, verification support, or keeping different parts of your life separate.

Get a virtual phone number in under a minute — try Burner free for 3 days.