If you have a small business or startup, maintaining the cost of a premium professional phone system is more challenging. Traditional landline services are expensive; even VoIP plans have high monthly fees and require long-term contracts.
As your business grows, a dedicated phone number becomes more essential. Customers expect the best service, and using your personal cell phone number may sound unprofessional.
To separate business communication from personal ones, sound professional, and leverage all those call management features, you should consider getting a free VoIP phone number. There are various ways to get a free VoIP phone number to help your business without worrying about expensive phone bills.
In this blog, you will learn in detail about how to get a free VoIP phone number and the top free VoIP service providers. We’ll cover features and the pros and cons of each option, helping you make an informed decision for your business needs. 💡
🔑 KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Free VoIP Phone numbers are virtual numbers that are available for free and can be used to make and receive calls and messages over the Internet.
- A free VoIP phone number is important to separate personal and business calls, improve collaboration with the team, ensure privacy, and enhance business image.
- Free VoIP numbers typically include limited basic features, such as incoming and outgoing calls, text messaging, voicemail, call forwarding, and call blocking.
- The best free VoIP phone number providers are Google Voice, 2ndline, TextNow, Zoom, and many more.
Top Free VoIP Phone Number Providers – At a Glance
Here, we have listed the top free VoIP phone number providers, considering factors such as texting capability, number of calls, phone numbers, available platforms, paid plan, and pricing.
| Providers | Texting Capability | Number of Calls | Phone Number | Available Platforms | Paid Plan & Pricing |
| Google Voice | Unlimited | Unlimited | Free phone number included | Android, Windows, iOS | Paid plan pricing starts at $10 per month |
| 2nd line | Unlimited | Unlimited | Free phone number included | Android only | Paid plan pricing starts at $19.99 |
| FreedomPop | Unlimited | Unlimited | Include a phone plan or import a number | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac | Paid plan pricing starts at $10 per month |
| TextNow | Unlimited | Free with activation kit | Included free phone numbers | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac | Paid plan pricing starts at $9.99 per month |
| Zoom | Metered or unlimited calling | Included in the phone plan | Included in the phone plan | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac | Paid plan pricing starts from $120 |
What is a Free VoIP Phone Number?
Free VoIP Phone numbers are virtual numbers that are available for free and can be used to make and receive calls and messages over the Internet. They are powered by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. VoIP eliminates costly phone bills for long-distance and international calls.
Service providers often offer free VoIP phone service as a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone systems. These numbers separate personal and office phone numbers and can help businesses maintain a professional image.
Free VoIP phone numbers typically include limited basic features, such as incoming and outgoing calls, text messaging, voicemail, call forwarding, and call blocking.
Can You Get a Free VoIP Phone Number?
Yes, you can get a free VoIP phone number. Many companies offer them as part of their basic service or for trial periods. These numbers work over the internet, so you can make and receive calls using your computer or smartphone.
However, you need to know that these numbers come with some limitations, like how long you can talk or what features you get. Nevertheless, it’s still a great way to save money and have a phone number for your personal or business needs without needing a traditional phone line.
How to Get a Free VoIP Number?
Here’s how you can get a free virtual phone number:
- Create an account: First, visit the websites of the top VoIP service providers that offer free numbers. Analyze their features and choose the right one for you. Then, sign up to create an account by providing basic information like your name, email address, and password.
- Choose a number: You can choose from available numbers or use a number selector to find a free virtual phone number. After that, select the country and city you want to get a phone number.
- Set up your account: To set up your account, follow the provider’s setup process to configure and set up your VoIP number. This may involve entering your account identification data using an authentication factor and setting up any additional features you need for effective communication.
- Use your free VoIP number: Use your new free VoIP phone number to make and receive calls over the Internet. Depending on the provider’s terms, you can use the number for personal or business use. After that, you can sync your number across all your devices.
Benefits of Free VoIP Phone Service
Free Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has become a popular alternative to traditional phone systems. This service system offers numerous benefits for personnel and businesses. Here are some common benefits of the Free VoIP Phone Service:
- Cost-effective: Since you can get a VoIP phone number for free without paying a charge, it remains the cost-effective option for you and your business.
- Portability and accessibility: Free VoIP phone numbers are fully portable. Users can keep the same number even if they change their location or business. They can also be used on different platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, etc.
- Basic Features: Free VoIP Phone number systems provide basic features such as call forwarding, voicemail, and call recording at no additional cost. These features help manage a large volume of inbound and outbound calls effectively, improving call handle rate and decreasing call wait time.
- Business image: Free VoIP phone numbers provide a separate business line, so you don’t have to give out your personal phone number to business contacts. In addition, it enhances the Business Image.
- Scalability: Free VoIP number systems allow businesses to easily add or remove phone number lines as needed without expensive hardware upgrades.
Drawbacks of Free VoIP Number
Although VoIP systems have many advantages, they also have some drawbacks.
- Need a reliable internet connection: Free VoIP Phone Number systems depend upon a reliable internet connection. Call connections are affected in the absence of reliable WiFi.
- Compatibility issues: Some free VoIP phone numbers may not be compatible with your available devices, such as mobile phones, PCs, and laptops.
- Support limitations: Free VoIP number systems have limited customer service features compared to paid VoIP phone numbers.
- Usage restrictions: There may be usage restrictions on the number of calls and their durations. These restrictions may also be limited in certain regions or countries, limiting global usability.
Best Free VoIP Phone Number Providers
The five best VoIP phone number providers include:
1. Google Voice
Google Voice is one of the free VoIP phone number providers that helps you manage all your communication using any device. This service allows you to make and receive phone calls, send text messages, and forward calls from one number to another. It is a more reliable and affordable VoIP phone service.
Google Voice helps you select free VoIP phone numbers with local area codes, but you can’t get free vanity or toll-free phone numbers. Google Voice needs a good Wi-Fi network to make international calls and text messages. This is suitable for those who receive a high number of incoming calls.
Google Voice Top Features
- Video Calling
- Free audio conferencing with up to 4 people
- Do Not Disturb
- Call Analytics
- Call Screening
Google Voice Pros
- Integrated with the Google Ecosystem
- Consolidated Phone and Text Solution
- Allow international communication
- Ability to port a number.
Google Voice Cons
- No message templates.
- It may not integrate with other tools other than the Google ecosystem.
- Limitations in file sharing.
- Doesn’t allow free international calls.
Google Voice Pricing (Paid)
- Basic: $10 monthly
- Standard: $20 monthly
- Premier: $30 monthly
Best for: Google Voice is best for users who require a secondary phone number for personal or business use and want a cost-effective way to manage their communications. It is also effective for those who want to integrate their phone number with a Google service.
2. 2ndLine
2ndLine is a VoIP number provider that gives you free calling and texting in the United States and Canada. With their free plan, you can do various things like add text signatures, set up call forwarding, and customize backgrounds and ringtones for your contacts and groups.
They also offer free voicemail transcription, quick pre-set text responses, and extra security features like Google SmartLock and Passcode. It’s a great option if you want a free and flexible way to stay connected. You can use this service on your existing smartphone (primarily Android phone) and enjoy amazing features without needing an additional physical device or SIM card.
Top Features
- Free Calls and Texts
- HIPAA Compliance
- Auto-Reply
- Unified inbox
- Recording and Voicemails
- Customizable Ringtones and Backgrounds
Pros
- Keep work and business separate.
- Clean interface.
- Acts as a backup number and notification device.
- Offer various features.
Cons
- Available only for Android.
- Only limited to use in the U.S. and Canada.
- Users report frequent errors.
- Have poor sound quality when making calls.
Pricing(Paid)
- Standard: $12.99 monthly
- Unlimited: $19.99 monthly
Best For: 2ndLine is best for Android users who want a second phone number for personal or business use.
3. FreedomPop
FreedomPop is a wireless mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that offers a range of mobile phone and internet services. It leases bandwidth from another network instead of operating its own cell phone network. This phone number service uses T-Mobile’s and AT&T’s networks.
FreedomPop offers affordable talk, text, and data plans with nationwide coverage. This VoIP provider is also popular for providing free, low-cost mobile plans that utilize existing cellular networks. After creating an online FreedomPop account, you’ll receive the GSM SIM cards in the mail.
Top Features
- Unlimited free WiFi calling
- Usage Alerts
- Safety mode
- Voicemail
- VoIP and Messaging features
- Caller ID
- Online account management
Pros
- Low-cost options.
- No need for a contract.
- Customizable plans.
- Good network coverage.
Cons
- Complex setup.
- Data speed limitation.
- Low customer service quality.
- Overage charges
Pricing (Paid)
- Popular: $10/month for unlimited talk & text plus 1GB of 5G+ speeds.
- Standard: $30/month with unlimited talk, text & data plus 10GB of 5G+ speeds
Best For: FreedomPop is an ideal choice for small or startup businesses seeking a free virtual phone platform that allows them to use their existing phone number.
4. TextNow
TextNow is a free phone service app that offers unlimited talk, text, and essential data on eligible devices. Users can access it by downloading the app or ordering a TextNow SIM card. By adding a TextNow SIM card to an unlocked phone, users can connect to the United States’ largest 5G/4G network.
TextNow phone services allow you to communicate with customers, friends, and family all over the United States and Canada. This offers free basic calling and texting features.
Top Features
- Global Calling
- Text messaging
- Custom phone number
- Voice broadcasting
- Advanced call analytics
- Add-Ons
Pros
- Offers unlimited data
- Provide an affordable price
- Does not need a contract
- Flexible plan options
- Hotspot Capabilities
- Nationwide Coverage
Cons
- Does not support video calling
- Data speeds can be hampered by low network coverage
- Limited device compatibility option
- Does not have a reliable customer service
Pricing (Paid)
- Premium numbers: $4.99/year (US)
- Lock-In Number: $4.99/month
- Ad-Free Lite: Cost: $1.99/month
- Ad-Free+: Cost: $9.99/month
Best For: TextNow is best for individuals who want a free or low-cost communication service with unlimited texting and calling within the United States and Canada. It is particularly suitable for those who want to save on their phone bill and enjoy seamless communication with a local phone number.
5. Zoom
Zoom is the most popular video conferencing platform for modern businesses. It can be used through a computer desktop or mobile app and allows users to connect online for video conference meetings, webinars, and live chat with a specific purpose.
The Zoom app can be downloaded on any device, including Android, iOS, desktop, and Windows. Zoom users can sign up for the free service or some paid plans. The free services allow users to create unlimited meetings with up to 100 participants.
Top Features
- Video and audio conferencing
- Screen sharing
- Recording and transcription
- Security and encryption
- Integrated with other tools
- Polling and Q&A
- Virtual whiteboards
Pros
- High-quality video and audio.
- Supports large audiences.
- Scalable for all sizes of businesses.
- Useful virtual backgrounds.
Cons
- Too many subscriptions and Add-Ons.
- Lack of comment control.
- It may have some technical glitches.
- Bandwidth and Connectivity Issues.
Pricing (Paid)
- Basic plan free
- Pro plan: $12.49 /month/user
- Business plan:17.49/month/user
- Business Plus/Enterprise: Contact Zoom
Best For: Zoom is best for businesses to host online meetings, webinars, and virtual conferences with large groups of participants.
Should You Consider Using a Free VoIP Number? Is It Safe?
Using a free VoIP phone number completely depends on your choice. For many, it can be the right option due to cost savings and flexibility, but it is essential to consider its limitations and risks.
Free VoIP number systems only offer the basic features, but you cannot use the many important features such as CRM integrations, auto attendant, and detailed call analytics for free. Some interruptions and ads may disturb during calls and make them unprofessional.
Moreover, not all VoIP features offer strong encryption methods, and they monetize data based on user data. This may keep your data unsecured and cause hacking problems. So, you must consider the security features when choosing the free VoIP phone numbers for your business.
Similarly, if you want to get a reliable VoIP phone number at an affordable cost, consider KrispCall. It provides advanced features such as a unified call box, call forwarding, call recording, and security. It also supports many device compatibilities, including Android, iOS, Windows, browser extensions, and web apps.
