I’m looking for an app similar to Google Voice for making calls, texting, or managing multiple numbers conveniently. Any recommendations or personal experiences?
1. TextNow
- Homepage Link: TextNow
- Pros:
- Offers free calling/texting over Wi-Fi in the US and Canada.
- Completely free plan with ad support.
- Allows you to pick a dedicated phone number.
- Affordable premium packages for removing ads and getting voicemail transcription.
- Cons:
- Requires internet/Wi-Fi connection for calls and texts.
- International calls aren’t free.
- Ads can become intrusive in the free version.
- Features:
- Choose your own area code.
- Free outbound calls/texts.
- Call forwarding and voicemail customization.
- iOS and Android support with desktop functionality via their web app.
- User Reviews:
‘Great free option for a secondary number, but ads can be annoying.’ - Play Store User.
‘Best for Wi-Fi use. I wouldn’t rely on it as my primary phone.’ - App Store User. - Verdict: Ideal if you’re looking for a reliable, free calling and texting app with no strings attached. I’d highly recommend it if interactive ads don’t bother you.
2. Sideline
- Homepage Link: Sideline
- Pros:
- Professional features like auto-replies and business texting templates.
- VoIP and carrier-backed calling for high call quality.
- Secondary number integrates into your existing phone’s network.
- Cons:
- No free plan; subscription starts at $9.99/month.
- Limited customization compared to Google Voice.
- Features:
- Voicemail transcription for business users.
- Built-in spam-blocking feature.
- Team-sharing option, so multiple employees can respond from one number.
- Works over both data and your primary cell carrier.
- User Reviews:
‘It works seamlessly, especially for professionals.’ - App Store User.
‘A little overpriced, but you’re paying for reliability.’ - Google Play User. - Verdict: Fantastic for small business owners or anyone needing a dependable second line that doesn’t rely completely on Wi-Fi.
3. Burner
- Homepage Link: Burner
- Pros:
- Perfect for disposable or temporary numbers.
- Offers anonymity and quick setup.
- Texts and calls are seamlessly routed through your real number, but remain private.
- Cons:
- Pricing can escalate with additional numbers.
- Not ideal for long-term use, as longer subscription plans are not value-driven.
- Features:
- Integration with apps like Slack & Google Drive.
- Deactivation of numbers when you’re done with them.
- Voicemail management.
- User Reviews:
‘Essential for freelancers or anyone needing short-term privacy.’ - Reddit User.
‘A must-have but needs cheaper pricing for consistent use.’ - Google Play Feedback. - Verdict: Burner is the king of temporary numbers. For privacy-centric use cases, it’s a no-brainer.
4. Hushed
- Homepage Link: Hushed
- Pros:
- Supports 300+ area codes across over 40 countries.
- SMS and MMS support.
- One price includes minutes, texts, and multimedia messaging.
- Cons:
- Doesn’t completely replace traditional phone services.
- Ads embedded in the free tier.
- Features:
- Unlimited plans are affordable (~$4.99/month).
- Custom voicemail greetings.
- Lifetime number options (for a premium one-time purchase).
- User Reviews:
‘Super cheap for international texting! Love the interface too.’ - Trustpilot Review.
‘Slow support, but everything else works perfectly.’ - iOS Review. - Verdict: A great contender for those who need international reach and cost-effectiveness. Perfect for frequent travelers.
5. Line2
- Homepage Link: Line2
- Pros:
- Able to separate business and personal calls/messages.
- Unlimited SMS/MMS and calls in the US/Canada for $9.99/month.
- Clean interface and fewer bugs.
- Cons:
- Onboarding process takes time to learn all features.
- Calls occasionally drop in areas with weak Wi-Fi.
- Features:
- Calling, texting, and voicemail functionality—all app-based.
- Available on mobile, desktop & tablet.
- Group calling and texting for professional usage.
- User Reviews:
‘Exactly what I needed for my side hustle! Can’t live without it.’ - Reddit User.
‘They should automate bill payments, but problem-free otherwise.’ - Android User. - Verdict: Business communication made simple. Must-have for pros needing two numbers on one device.
6. Grasshopper
- Homepage Link: Grasshopper
- Pros:
- Tailor-made for startups and freelancers.
- Integrates voicemail, call forwarding, and texting well.
- Simple, intuitive interface.
- Cons:
- On the pricier side (plans start at $31/month).
- Might be overkill for casual users.
- Features:
- Vanity numbers for branding purposes.
- Simulated fax numbers for professional settings.
- Call queue management for small teams.
- User Reviews:
‘Too expensive for small projects, but excellent when scaling up.’ - Small Business Owner Feedback.
‘Way better than traditional phone systems.’ - User on Wall Street Journal Tech Forums. - Verdict: If you’re running a small team or business and need to centralize communications, Grasshopper is superb despite its price tag.
7. OpenPhone
- Homepage Link: OpenPhone
- Pros:
- Slick design centered around business functionality.
- Affordable pricing ($10/month).
- Ability to share a phone number with your team.
- Cons:
- No free plan for testing purposes.
- Aimed mostly at businesses.
- Features:
- Unlimited US/Canada text & call.
- Compatible with Slack and HubSpot integration.
- Voicemail transcription.
- User Reviews:
‘A godsend for personal branding!’ - Trustpilot User.
‘Expanding functionality still, but definitely upward trending.’ - G2 Review. - Verdict: For freelancers and small businesses, OpenPhone deserves major credit for its flexibility and budget-friendly approach.
8. Flyp
- Homepage Link: Flyp
- Pros:
- Can handle up to five separate numbers on one device.
- Can receive calls on Wi-Fi or through your carrier.
- International number accessibility.
- Cons:
- Limited support hours for troubleshooting.
- App isn’t updated as frequently as competitors.
- Features:
- Voicemail per phone number.
- Customizable call settings per contact.
- No ads in any subscription plan.
- User Reviews:
‘It’s great for users juggling multiple identities!’ - Average Play Store Feedback.
‘Was better 2 years ago, but still adequate.’ - Reddit User. - Verdict: A robust choice if you constantly switch between multiple identities or roles.
9. 2ndLine
- Homepage Link: 2ndLine
- Pros:
- One of the most affordable VoIP apps.
- Smooth MMS and SMS experience.
- Lightweight app even on old devices.
- Cons:
- Must watch ads (free version); premium removes it at $9.99/month.
- No landline calling capability.
- Features:
- Support for pictures sent/received.
- Call forwarding functionality for primary numbers.
- Low-cost international calling.
- User Reviews:
‘No complaints with the price, surprisingly full-featured!’ - Google Play User.
‘Basic app, but flawless at what it does.’ - App Store User. - Verdict: Best value if costs dominate your priorities. Practical, simple, and effective.
10. Cloud SIM
- Homepage Link: Cloud SIM
- Pros:
- Supports up to 4 virtual numbers per user.
- Super cheap for international messaging.
- Easy pay-as-you-go credit system.
- Cons:
- Spotty audio quality in rural service zones.
- Minimalistic UI feels outdated.
- Features:
- Cheap rates for international calling.
- No need for cellular signal; works over data/Wi-Fi.
- Simple prepaid structure for casual users.
- User Reviews:
‘Cheap and cheerful—just don’t expect miracles!’ - App Feedback Forum.
‘Interface looks stuck in the past, but hey, it works!’ - TrustPilot User. - Verdict: Budget-friendly for staying globally connected without hassles.
Choose one of these services based on your needs—they all have their quirks, but there’s something for everyone!