In today’s digital age, having a separate phone number for personal or professional use can be incredibly convenient. Whether you’re looking to keep your personal life private, manage business calls, or simply want a temporary number for online transactions, there are numerous apps and services that can provide you with a different phone number. In this article, we’ll explore the best options available, their features, and how to get started.
Why Do You Need a Different Phone Number?
Before we dive into the apps and services, let’s discuss the reasons why you might need a different phone number. Here are a few scenarios:
- Separate personal and professional life: Having a separate number for work or business can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and keep your personal life private.
- Online transactions and security: Using a temporary number for online transactions can add an extra layer of security and protect your primary number from spam and unwanted calls.
- Traveling or living abroad: Getting a local number in a foreign country can be more cost-effective and convenient than using your primary number.
- Business or entrepreneurial ventures: Having a dedicated number for your business can help you establish a professional presence and separate your personal and business communications.
Top Apps and Services for Getting a Different Phone Number
There are numerous apps and services that offer different phone numbers, each with its unique features and pricing plans. Here are some of the top options:
1. Google Voice
Google Voice is a popular service that offers free phone numbers, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription. With Google Voice, you can:
- Get a free phone number from any area code
- Forward calls to your primary number or other devices
- Record and transcribe voicemails
- Make free domestic calls and send texts
Google Voice is available as a web app and mobile app for Android and iOS devices.
2. Burner
Burner is a popular app that offers temporary and disposable phone numbers. With Burner, you can:
- Get a temporary number for a specific period
- Make calls and send texts from the app
- Use the number for online transactions or sign-ups
- Delete the number when you’re done
Burner offers a free trial, and then it’s $4.99/month for a single line.
3. Sideline
Sideline is a business-focused app that offers a separate phone number for work or business use. With Sideline, you can:
- Get a dedicated business number
- Make calls and send texts from the app
- Use the number for customer service or sales
- Integrate with CRM software
Sideline offers a free trial, and then it’s $9.99/month for a single line.
4. RingCentral
RingCentral is a cloud-based phone system that offers virtual phone numbers and advanced features. With RingCentral, you can:
- Get a virtual phone number from any area code
- Make calls and send texts from the app
- Use the number for business or personal use
- Integrate with CRM software and other business tools
RingCentral offers a free trial, and then it’s $19.99/month for a single line.
5. Skype
Skype is a popular video conferencing app that also offers virtual phone numbers. With Skype, you can:
- Get a virtual phone number from any area code
- Make calls and send texts from the app
- Use the number for personal or business use
- Make international calls at discounted rates
Skype offers a free trial, and then it’s $6.99/month for a single line.
How to Get a Different Phone Number with These Apps and Services
Getting a different phone number with these apps and services is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose an App or Service
Select an app or service that meets your needs and budget. Consider the features, pricing, and user reviews before making a decision.
2. Sign Up for an Account
Create an account with the app or service you’ve chosen. You’ll typically need to provide some basic information, such as your name and email address.
3. Choose a Phone Number
Select a phone number from the available options. You may be able to choose a number from a specific area code or get a random number.
4. Set Up Call Forwarding
Set up call forwarding to direct calls from your new number to your primary number or other devices.
5. Start Making Calls and Sending Texts
Start making calls and sending texts from your new number. You may need to configure the app or service to work with your device or carrier.
Things to Consider When Getting a Different Phone Number
Before getting a different phone number, there are a few things to consider:
1. Pricing and Plans
Check the pricing and plans offered by the app or service. Consider the cost per month, minute, or text, and whether there are any additional fees.
2. Features and Functionality
Consider the features and functionality you need. Do you need call forwarding, voicemail transcription, or international calling?
3. Compatibility and Integration
Check whether the app or service is compatible with your device or carrier. Consider whether you need to integrate the number with other business tools or software.
4. Security and Privacy
Consider the security and privacy features offered by the app or service. Do they offer encryption, two-factor authentication, or other security measures?
Conclusion
Getting a different phone number can be a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your personal and professional communications. With the apps and services listed above, you can get a separate number for work, business, or personal use. Remember to consider the pricing, features, and functionality before making a decision, and always prioritize security and privacy.
What are the benefits of using a secondary phone number app?
Using a secondary phone number app provides several benefits, including increased privacy and security. With a secondary number, you can keep your personal number private and avoid sharing it with strangers or businesses that may sell or misuse your information. This is especially useful when buying or selling items online, signing up for services, or interacting with people you don’t know well.
Additionally, a secondary phone number app can help you manage your communications more effectively. You can use your secondary number for specific purposes, such as work or social media, and keep your personal number for close friends and family. This can help you avoid distractions, reduce spam calls and messages, and maintain a better work-life balance.
How do secondary phone number apps work?
Secondary phone number apps work by providing you with a virtual phone number that is not tied to your physical device or SIM card. These apps use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to route calls and messages through the internet, rather than traditional cellular networks. This allows you to make and receive calls, send and receive messages, and access other phone features without revealing your real phone number.
When you sign up for a secondary phone number app, you typically need to provide some basic information, such as your name and email address. You may also need to verify your identity through a verification code sent to your primary phone number. Once you’ve set up your account, you can choose a new phone number from a pool of available numbers, and start using it to make calls, send messages, and interact with others.
What are some popular secondary phone number apps?
There are several popular secondary phone number apps available, including Burner, Google Voice, and Sideline. Burner is a popular app that offers temporary and permanent phone numbers, as well as features like call forwarding and voicemail transcription. Google Voice is a free service that provides a virtual phone number, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription, as well as integration with other Google apps.
Sideline is another popular app that offers a secondary phone number, as well as features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and auto-attendant. Other popular apps include Hushed, Flyp, and Line2. When choosing a secondary phone number app, consider factors like pricing, features, and user reviews to find the best option for your needs.
Can I use a secondary phone number app for business purposes?
Yes, many secondary phone number apps are suitable for business use. In fact, some apps, like Sideline and Line2, are specifically designed for business users. These apps often offer features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and auto-attendant, which can help you manage your business communications more effectively.
When using a secondary phone number app for business, consider factors like scalability, reliability, and integration with other business tools. You may also want to look for apps that offer features like custom greetings, call routing, and analytics to help you manage your business communications more effectively.
Are secondary phone number apps secure?
Secondary phone number apps can be secure, but it depends on the app and its features. Look for apps that offer end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and other security features to protect your communications. Some apps, like Signal and Wire, offer advanced security features like encrypted messaging and voice calls.
When using a secondary phone number app, be sure to follow best practices like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping your app up to date. You should also be cautious when sharing your secondary phone number with others, and avoid using it for sensitive or financial transactions.
Can I port my secondary phone number to another app or carrier?
Yes, many secondary phone number apps allow you to port your number to another app or carrier. This process typically involves contacting the app’s support team and providing some basic information, such as your account details and the new carrier’s information.
When porting your secondary phone number, be aware that there may be some downtime or disruptions to your service. You should also check with the new carrier to ensure they support the type of number you’re porting (e.g., VoIP or landline). Some apps, like Google Voice, may have specific requirements or restrictions for porting numbers, so be sure to check their policies before initiating the process.
How much do secondary phone number apps cost?
The cost of secondary phone number apps varies widely, depending on the app and its features. Some apps, like Google Voice, are free, while others may charge a monthly or annual fee. Burner, for example, offers a free trial, and then charges $4.99 per month for a permanent number.
When choosing a secondary phone number app, consider the cost and whether it fits within your budget. You should also consider the features and benefits you need, and whether the app offers good value for the price. Some apps may offer discounts for long-term commitments or bundle deals with other services, so be sure to check their pricing pages for more information.