The Best Second Phone Number Apps: An Honest Roundup

Second number apps seem to all solve the same basic problem: they give you another number without requiring another phone. Where they differ is how much flexibility you have with that number, what calling and texting features they include, and what you’re paying for.

This roundup looks at the most popular options based on the things that actually affect how you’ll use your second number, including number flexibility, privacy features, calling and messaging, spam management, and overall value. Some are built around one consistent second number, while others give you flexibility to manage, replace, or use multiple numbers.

Here are the second phone number apps and where each one has an advantage:

Best Second Phone Number Apps at a Glance

Each app takes a slightly different approach to second numbers, so the best fit depends on which features matter most to you.

Burner: Best for Privacy and Number Flexibility

Burner gives you a second number for calls and texts without sharing your personal number. Depending on your subscription and platform, you can manage multiple numbers, keep them for ongoing conversations, or replace them when you no longer need them.

Standard subscriptions include unlimited calls and texts, picture messaging, separate voicemail, and spam filtering. Burner Premium adds Personal Info Protection, a built-in VPN, Number Lookup, AI Voicemail Transcription, and other privacy and communication tools.

Burner also offers Verified Numbers for broader compatibility with third-party verification services and Burner Dual SIM for users who want an eSIM-based second line on a compatible device.

Google Voice: Best Free Second Number App

Google Voice gives personal users a U.S. phone number for calls, texts, and voicemail, with access across supported phones and the web. For someone who wants a straightforward second number, the free service can be a significant advantage.

Google Voice also includes spam filtering, call screening, voicemail transcription, and the option to port an eligible existing number. It’s primarily centered around one Google Voice number for personal use, so it may be less suited to someone looking for more flexibility around managing multiple second numbers.

‍Related: Best Google Voice Alternatives (and How Burner Compares)

Hushed: Best for International Flexibility

Hushed offers second numbers from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., with calling and texting over Wi-Fi or mobile data. It also supports multiple numbers and includes features such as voicemail, call forwarding, call routing, and auto-replies.

Its main advantage is the range of plan options for different calling needs. Along with local prepaid and unlimited plans, Hushed offers a pay-as-you-go option for international calling.

Sideline: Best for One Consistent Second Number

Sideline is built around a dedicated second number for calling, texting, and voicemail. Unlike services that rely primarily on VoIP, Sideline can route calls through your existing cellular network, with Wi-Fi calling available.

It also includes unlimited texting, group and picture messaging, voicemail transcription, spam filtering, and auto-replies. You can choose a new number or port an eligible existing number into Sideline, making it a contender for those who want longer-term second numbers.

TextNow: Best Free Ad-Supported Option

TextNow offers a free phone number with unlimited calling and texting across North America. The app works over Wi-Fi or an existing data connection and can also be accessed from a desktop browser.

The tradeoff is that the free service is supported by ads, and some features require an upgrade. For example, TextNow’s paid Ad-Free+ option removes ads and adds features such as number locking, verification codes, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription.

MySudo: Best for Separating More Than Phone Numbers

MySudo lets you create separate profiles, called Sudos, with their own phone numbers and email addresses. You can use those lines for calls, texts, and emails rather than sharing the contact information tied to your personal information.

The app also supports encrypted messaging between MySudo users and lets you manage multiple Sudos for different parts of your life. It’s worth considering if you want to separate more than your phone number.

How to Choose the Right Second Phone Number App

Start with what you need the number to do. If you only need basic calling and texting, a free option may be enough. If you plan to use the number regularly, look more closely at how long you can keep it, whether you can manage multiple numbers, and which privacy or spam tools are included.

It’s also worth it checking the details for the specific plan you’re considering. Features can vary by subscription, device, and platform, even within the same app.

FAQs About Second Phone Number Apps

What is the best free second phone number app?

Google Voice and TextNow both offer free options, but they’re built a little differently. Google Voice is a strong choice for straightforward U.S. second numbers with calling, texting, and voicemail, while TextNow offers free, ad-supported calling and texting across North America.

Can I have two phone numbers on one phone?

Yes, second phone number apps let you use another number on the same device without carrying a second phone. How the number works depends on the service: many use an app and internet connection, while some options use an eSIM or your cellular network.

Can I have multiple second phone numbers?

Some apps support multiple numbers within one account, while others are designed around a single second number. If you need several numbers at once, check the app and plan limits before subscribing.

Are second phone number apps private?

A second phone number can help keep your personal number private by giving you another number to share for calls and texts. That doesn’t make the communication anonymous, and the privacy features included beyond the second number vary by app.

Get More From Your Second Number with Burner

The best second phone number app depends on what you need from it. If privacy and number flexibility are higher on your list, Burner gives you more control over the number you share.

With Burner, you can keep your personal number private while calling and texting from a separate number. You can also keep that number for as long as you need it or replace it when you’re ready for a new one. And depending on your plan, you can manage multiple numbers from the same account.

Burner Premium takes that privacy further with Personal Info Protection, Number Lookup, a built-in VPN, and additional tools for managing your calls and messages. Instead of choosing a second number that only adds another line, Burner gives you more ways to manage how and where you use it.

Get Burner and create your phone’s other number today.