Our Top Picks: Best Free Phone Number Services
- Google Voice – Best for long-term personal use
- TextNow – Best for unlimited free texting/calling
- Hushed – Best for temporary or burner numbers
- Ooma – Best for home or office VoIP landline
- OpenPhone – Best for startups and freelancers
- RingCentral – Best for professional team use
- CallHippo – Best for international virtual numbers
- Burner App – Best for one-time signups or dating
- FreedomPop – Best for free mobile SIM + number
- Lifeline Program – Best government-supported free phone & number
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | Type | Free Plan? | Texting, Calling, Voicemail | Long-Term Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | VoIP | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | U.S. only |
| TextNow | VoIP/App | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Ad-supported |
| Hushed | Burner App | Free Trial | ✅ | ❌ | Temporary use |
| Ooma | VoIP Device | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Requires device |
| OpenPhone | Virtual Biz | Free Trial | ✅ | ✅ (paid) | Best for startups |
| RingCentral | Biz VoIP | Free Trial | ✅ | ✅ (paid) | Team-focused features |
| CallHippo | Int’l VoIP | Free Trial | ✅ | ✅ (paid) | 50+ countries supported |
| Burner | Burner App | Free Trial | ✅ | ❌ | Auto-delete options |
| FreedomPop | Mobile SIM | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | U.S. only |
| Lifeline | Gov’t Prog | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Requires eligibility |
In 2025, a phone number is more than just a way to make calls—it’s your identity for apps, verifications, business communications, and privacy. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, signing up for a dating site, or separating personal and work calls, having a second (or third) number can make your life a lot easier.
What if you could get that number for free?
Yes, you can! In this post, we’ll show you the best free and freemium services to get a phone number—legally and securely.
Why You Might Need a Free Phone Number
Let’s break it down:
- Sign up for websites/apps without giving your real number
- Set up a business line for customer calls
- Use on dating platforms for privacy
- Avoid spam on your main line
- Travel without roaming fees
- Use for 2FA/OTP verifications (where supported)
- Start a YouTube channel, freelance gig, or Shopify store
How to Get a Phone Number for Free (10+ Easy Options)
Getting a phone number without paying a dime is easier than ever in 2025. Whether you need it for personal use, business calls, or temporary signups, there’s a service that fits your needs. From completely free apps like Google Voice and TextNow to powerful freemium tools like OpenPhone, RingCentral, and CallHippo, you have a wide range of options. Some are perfect for everyday use, while others are ideal for one-time verifications or international reach. Below, we’ll break down the best services and how to start using them in minutes.
1. Google Voice
Best For: Long-term use, personal or business
Google Voice gives you a completely free phone number with voicemail, texting, and calling. All you need is a Google account.
Features:
- Free texting and calling within the U.S.
- Voicemail and spam protection
- Call forwarding
- Use on web, Android, or iPhone
How to Get It:
- Visit voice.google.com
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Choose a number based on your area code.
- Link it to your existing number (you can disable forwarding later if you want).
2. TextNow
Best For: Unlimited free texting and calling over Wi-Fi
TextNow provides a free phone number with unlimited calling and texting over Wi-Fi. You can use it on nearly any device.
Features:
- Free U.S. or Canadian number
- Unlimited calling and texting
- Works on iOS, Android, and desktop
- Option to order a SIM for LTE use
How to Get It:
- Go to textnow.com or download the app.
- Sign up with an email address or Google account.
- Choose your area code and claim your number.
- Start texting or calling over Wi-Fi immediately.
3. Hushed
Best For: Temporary use and privacy protection
Hushed gives you a disposable or long-term secondary number ideal for online dating, job hunting, or Craigslist.
Features:
- Numbers available in U.S., Canada, UK, and more
- Private voicemail and texting
- Auto-expiring numbers
- Free trial with limited usage
How to Get It:
- Download the Hushed app (iOS or Android).
- Choose a number from a list of area codes.
- Activate your free trial or select a paid option.
- Use for calls, SMS, and voicemail securely.
4. Ooma
Best For: Home or small business VoIP landline replacement
Ooma offers a free U.S. phone number using their VoIP hardware system. Once the device is set up, calls are free aside from taxes.
Features:
- Free U.S. number with local area code
- Caller ID, call blocking, and voicemail
- Emergency 911 support
- Works with standard home phones
How to Get It:
- Purchase an Ooma Telo device from Ooma or Amazon.
- Connect the device to your internet.
- Create an Ooma account and activate service.
- Choose your free number during setup.
5. OpenPhone
Best For: Freelancers, startups, and remote workers
OpenPhone provides a cloud-based number that works as a full business phone system. It’s ideal for managing client calls and texts.
Features:
- Free trial with full business features
- Shared inbox and call recording
- Auto-replies and CRM integration
- Voicemail transcriptions
How to Get It:
- Visit openphone.com.
- Start a 7-day free trial.
- Pick a number based on your preferred area code.
- Use via web app or mobile app.
6. RingCentral
Best For: Teams and professional communication
RingCentral offers advanced VoIP features like call routing, extensions, and team collaboration tools—great for businesses of any size.
Features:
- Toll-free or local numbers
- Call forwarding and auto-attendant
- Business SMS and voicemail
- Free trial available
How to Get It:
- Go to ringcentral.com.
- Start a free trial or request a demo.
- Select your desired number and region.
- Set up users and start making calls.
7. CallHippo
Best For: Global virtual numbers for international business
CallHippo provides VoIP numbers in 50+ countries. It’s an excellent option for businesses needing a global presence.
Features:
- Numbers from 50+ countries
- Call forwarding, IVR, and call tracking
- Integration with CRM platforms
- Free trial available
How to Get It:
- Sign up at callhippo.com.
- Select your preferred country and area code.
- Claim your number and access the dashboard.
- Start calling and managing business communications.
8. Burner App
Best For: Short-term use and online privacy
Burner is perfect for creating a temporary number you can use for signups, one-time purchases, or keeping things anonymous.
Features:
- Choose your own area code
- Auto-burn feature deletes number after use
- Voicemail and SMS support
- Free trial with limited usage
How to Get It:
- Download the Burner app (iOS or Android).
- Sign up and browse available numbers.
- Select one and activate the free trial.
- Use for SMS or calls without using your real number.
9. FreedomPop
Best For: Basic mobile calling and texting with a real SIM
FreedomPop offers a real mobile number through a free SIM card, allowing you to call and text without needing Wi-Fi.
Features:
- Free SIM with limited calls, texts, and data
- Works on most unlocked phones
- Voicemail and app support
- Upgrade plans available
How to Get It:
- Visit freedompop.com.
- Order a free SIM card (shipping fee may apply).
- Insert into your phone and activate online.
- Start using your new number immediately.
10. Lifeline Program
Best For: Eligible low-income U.S. residents
The Lifeline Assistance Program offers free smartphones and phone service (including a number) to qualifying individuals.
Features:
- Free number with unlimited talk and text
- Data plans with most providers
- Phones included with most applications
- ACP and Lifeline support combined (in some cases)
How to Get It:
- Visit lifelinesupport.org.
- Check your eligibility by income or program participation (like SNAP or Medicaid).
- Apply and choose a Lifeline provider (e.g., Assurance, AirTalk).
- Receive your phone and number if approved.
>> Also read: 8 Best Ways to Track a Phone Number for Free (Legally & Effectively)
What Can You Do With a Free Phone Number?
You can do a lot more than just call or text. Depending on the app or service, here’s what else you might get:
- Record calls
- Custom voicemail greetings
- Auto-reply texts
- Two-way SMS chat
- Business call routing
- Contact list separation (work vs. personal)
- Web-based call access
Things to Keep in Mind
1. Verification Limitations
Not all free numbers work for SMS verification—especially for banks or secure services like WhatsApp, Telegram, or PayPal. Always test before depending on it.
2. Call Quality and Reliability
Free services may have occasional dropouts or ads. For business use, consider upgrading to a paid plan once your project gains traction.
3. Temporary Numbers Expire
Some numbers expire after 7–30 days of inactivity. Check your app’s policy to keep your number active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a free number forever?
Yes, with services like Google Voice or TextNow, your number stays active as long as you use it regularly (e.g., send a message or make a call every 30 days).
Are free numbers safe for sensitive use?
Not always. We recommend using paid numbers for banking or legal verifications. Free numbers may be recycled or blocked by some apps.
Can I use a free number to receive verification codes?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Services like Google, Telegram, and WhatsApp may not allow VoIP or reused numbers. Always test before relying on it.
Can I make international calls with a free number?
Some services like Google Voice or TextNow allow international calling but may charge for it. Free trials from business apps may also include limited minutes.
Final Thoughts
Getting a phone number for free in 2025 is easier than ever, and you’ve got options for nearly every need—personal, business, or privacy protection. From VoIP services and burner apps to free government programs, you can choose what works best based on how long you need it, whether you want calling or texting, and how reliable it needs to be.
If you need something permanent and professional, Google Voice or TextNow are your best bets. For one-time use, Burner apps are quick and easy. And if you’re eligible, Lifeline programs can give you a phone, number, and service for free.
