This guide focuses on the legal and professional uses of second number applications in a business context. You must always adhere to each app's terms of service and local telecommunication laws. We support responsible use that enhances efficiency and privacy in the workplace.
Why Do You Need a Second Number for Your Business?
In today's business world, the line between personal and professional life has become incredibly thin. Using your personal phone number for work can lead to constant interruptions and diminish your professionalism. This is where the importance of a second, dedicated business number comes in. It provides a professional image, helps you organize your communications, and most importantly, keeps your personal number private from clients and colleagues.
Our List of the Top 10 Apps for Your Second Business Number
After comprehensive research and evaluation, we have compiled a list of the best apps that offer second phone number services for business, focusing on reliability, features, and ease of use.
1. Google Voice
Best for Integration with Google Services
A powerful and free service from Google that gives you a U.S. number for calls, text messages, and voicemail. It integrates seamlessly with your Google account and offers advanced features like voicemail transcription and spam call filtering.
Key Features:
- Free U.S. phone number.
- Voicemail transcription to text.
- Call forwarding to multiple numbers.
- Web app and smartphone apps available.
2. Sideline
A Professional Choice for Small Businesses
Sideline focuses on providing a professional and reliable second number for freelancers and small businesses. The app is notable for using your regular cellular network for calls, ensuring high and stable voice quality.
Key Features:
- High call quality using your carrier network.
- Business-specific features like auto-reply.
- Ability to choose a local area code.
- Group and picture messaging.
3. OpenPhone
Best for Teams and Collaboration
Designed specifically for teams, OpenPhone allows a single phone number to be shared among multiple users. The app facilitates collaboration on answering calls and messages, making it ideal for sales and customer service departments.
Key Features:
- Shared numbers among team members.
- Call recording and voicemail transcription.
- Integration with tools like Slack and HubSpot.
- Unlimited calls and texts within the US and Canada.
4. RingCentral
An All-in-One Cloud Communications Solution
RingCentral is more than just a second number app; it's a complete cloud phone system offering comprehensive solutions for businesses. It provides local, international, and toll-free numbers, plus video conferencing and internet fax.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive cloud phone system.
- Video conferencing and team messaging.
- Toll-free numbers for businesses.
- Detailed call analytics and reports.
5. Grasshopper
Ideal for Entrepreneurs and Professionals
Grasshopper targets entrepreneurs who want to project the image of a larger company. It offers toll-free and vanity numbers, along with unlimited call forwarding and professional welcome greetings.
Key Features:
- Toll-free (800) and vanity numbers.
- Professionally recorded welcome greetings.
- Manage calls from anywhere via the app.
- Send and receive faxes as PDF files.
6. Hushed
High Flexibility and Maximum Privacy
Hushed offers great flexibility with various payment plans, including prepaid and subscriptions. It allows you to get numbers from over 60 countries, making it perfect for international calls and communicating with global clients.
Key Features:
- Numbers from over 60 countries.
- Flexible payment plans starting from 7 days.
- SMS and MMS (text and picture) messaging.
- Ability to "burn" the number at any time.
7. Burner
For Temporary Numbers and Short-Term Projects
As its name suggests, Burner focuses on providing temporary numbers that can be easily disposed of. This option is ideal for short-term projects, marketing campaigns, or any situation where you need a number for a limited time and then want to "burn" it to protect your privacy.
Key Features:
- Quickly create temporary numbers.
- Advanced privacy features.
- Integration with apps like Dropbox and Slack.
- Ability to block spam calls.
8. Zoom Phone
Part of the Integrated Zoom Ecosystem
If you already use Zoom for video meetings, adding Zoom Phone can be a logical step. It provides a flexible cloud phone system that seamlessly integrates with video conferencing and chat, creating a unified communications platform for your business.
Key Features:
- Deep integration with Zoom Meetings and Chat.
- High-definition (HD) voice quality.
- Local numbers in over 40 countries.
- Manage calls from desktops and phones.
9. TextNow
The Ad-Supported Budget Option
TextNow offers a unique service by providing a free phone number for calls and texts within the US and Canada, supported by ads. It's an excellent budget-friendly option for startups or basic use cases.
Key Features:
- Free US or Canadian number (ad-supported).
- Free unlimited calls and texts within the US and Canada.
- Option to purchase credit for international calls.
- Voicemail and caller ID included.
10. Fanytel
Simplicity and Privacy with Instant Numbers
Fanytel provides instant virtual phone numbers from countries like the US, UK, and Canada at competitive prices. The app focuses on protecting user privacy and offering a simple user experience to get a second number in minutes.
Key Features:
- Private and dedicated virtual numbers.
- Affordable international calls and messages.
- Focus on privacy and security.
- Easy and varied payment options.
How to Choose the Right App for Your Business?
1. Budget: Are you looking for a free solution, or are you willing to invest in advanced features?
2. Team Size: Do you need a number for one person or for an entire team?
3. Required Features: Do you just need basic calls and texts, or advanced features like call recording and CRM integration?
4. Geographic Reach: Do you need only a local number or numbers from multiple countries?
5. Service Quality: Read user reviews about voice quality and service stability to ensure a professional experience.
Choosing the right app to manage your second business number is an investment in your efficiency and professional image. Start separating your personal and business communications today.
Choose Your App Now