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Google Voice has been a go-to option for getting a second phone number for years. It’s free for personal use, works across devices, and covers the basics of calling, texting, and voicemail. But it may not have the features or flexibility everyone needs from a second number.
Other services take different approaches. Some offer more options for managing multiple numbers or keeping your personal information private, while others focus on international calling and cellular-network calling.
Burner, Sideline, Hushed, and TextNow each fill a different gap. Here’s how the top Google Voice alternatives compare in 2026 and what to consider when choosing between them:
Best Google Voice Alternatives at a Glance
The best Google Voice alternative depends on what you need from a second number. Here’s how the options in this guide compare:
There’s no universally best Google Voice replacement. There is, however, probably one that makes more sense for what you actually need.
Burner: Best Overall Google Voice Alternative for Privacy
Burner gives you a functional second phone number for calling, texting, and picture messaging while keeping your personal number private.
Depending on your subscription and platform, you can manage multiple numbers within the same Burner account. Each number has its own voicemail, and subscriptions include unlimited calls, texts, and picture messaging, along with features like auto-reply, Do Not Disturb, and spam and robocall filtering.
Burner Premium adds Personal Info Protection (PIP), a built-in VPN, AI Voicemail Transcription, Number Lookup, and video messaging. PIP scans data broker sites for your personal information and can initiate removal requests, while the VPN adds another layer of privacy when using public Wi-Fi.
Burner also offers other number options for specific needs. For example, Verified Numbers may work better with third-party services that reject some VoIP numbers. Burner Dual SIM gives compatible iPhone users an eSIM-based second number that works through Apple’s native Phone and Messages app.
Sideline: Best for One Consistent Second Number
Sideline provides one second number per account and registered device, with unlimited calling and messaging included with the subscription.
One of its main differences is how it handles calls. Sideline can use your existing cellular network rather than relying exclusively on Wi-Fi or mobile data, with Wi-Fi calling also available. Additionally, it supports number porting, which can be useful if you want to bring an eligible number into the service.
Other features include picture and video messaging, voicemail-to-text, custom voicemail, auto-reply, spam management, and web messaging. Sideline is primarily designed around maintaining one consistent second number rather than managing several numbers from one account.
Hushed: Best for International Flexibility
Hushed is another Google Voice alternative that provides a second phone number for calls and texts. It offers numbers from the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, along with several plan structures for different uses.
Unlimited plans include local calling and texting, while prepaid plans provide another option for users who don’t want an ongoing subscription. Hushed also offers a pay-as-you-go plan for international calling using credits.
Other features include digital messaging, call forwarding, call routing, SMS auto-reply, and integrated call history. Unlimited subscriptions are available with multiple-number options, while prepaid plans let users keep additional prepaid numbers.
Plans and restrictions vary, so check the specific number and plan before using Hushed.
TextNow: Best Free Google Voice Alternative
TextNow offers free, ad-supported calling and texting through its app using Wi-Fi or mobile data. Users receive a phone number for calls and texts without adding another traditional phone plan.
For people looking for a free alternative to Google Voice’s basic calling and messaging features, TextNow is one of the more comparable options on the list. Paid plans are also available for users who want additional features or an ad-free experience.
The main tradeoff is that TextNow’s free service includes ads and doesn’t offer the same privacy or number-management features as some paid second-number services. If those features are part of why you’re moving away from Google Voice, compare what’s included before choosing.
How to Choose a Google Voice Alternative
The right Google Voice alternative depends on which features matter most to you. Consider these factors as you compare your options:
Privacy
Look beyond whether a service provides another phone number. Compare features such as spam filtering, caller information, VPN availability, personal-data tools, and how the service handles your information.
Number Options
Consider how many numbers you need and how you want to manage them. Some services center around one consistent second number, while others support multiple lines within the same account. Also, check whether you need a specific area code or a number from another country.
Calling Method
Check how calls are handled before choosing a service. Some second-number apps use VoIP calling over Wi-Fi or mobile data, while others can use a cellular network or eSIM. The right option depends on how and where you expect to make calls.
Verification
If you need a second number for verification codes, check compatibility before choosing a service. Some websites and apps reject certain VoIP numbers regardless of the provider. Burner Verified Numbers are designed to have a better chance of working with certain third-party services. However, no second-number provider can guarantee compatibility with every platform.
Price
Compare what each plan includes rather than the price alone. Some Google Voice alternatives offer free, ad-supported service, while others use paid subscriptions with additional features or number options. Consider which features you’ll actually use before choosing a plan.
Google Voice Alternatives FAQs
What is the best alternative to Google Voice?
The best Google Voice alternative depends on what you need from a second number. When comparing services, consider privacy, features, number flexibility, calling method, international availability, and price.
Is there a free alternative to Google Voice?
TextNow offers free, ad-supported calling and texting. Compare the features included with free plans to paid second-number services to make sure a free option covers what you need.
What is the best Google Voice alternative for privacy?
Burner is a Google Voice alternative built around additional privacy features beyond keeping your personal number separate. Burner Premium includes Personal Info Protection, a built-in VPN, Number Lookup, and AI Voicemail Transcription.
Can I get a second number without Google Voice?
Yes, apps including Burner, Sideline, Hushed, and TextNow can provide a second phone number without requiring Google Voice or another physical phone.
Which Google Voice alternatives let you have multiple numbers?
Burner and Hushed both offer options for managing multiple numbers. Exact limits depend on the service, plan, and platform, so check current plan details before signing up.
Get More From Your Second Number with Burner
Burner offers more than just another number for calls and texts. Depending on your plan, you can manage multiple numbers and access additional features to control unwanted calls, keep your personal number private, and manage your overall privacy.
Burner Premium adds tools such as Personal Info Protection, Number Lookup, AI Voicemail Transcription, and a built-in VPN. Other options, including Verified Numbers and Burner Dual SIM, give you more flexibility in how you use a second number.
Google Voice gives you another number; Burner gives you more control over how you use and manage yours.
