Grasshopper Alternatives (2026): 10 Business Phone Options

A separate business number is one of the simplest ways to look established and keep your personal phone private. Grasshopper made that easy for many small businesses, but it isn't the only way to do it.

Below are ten alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from small second-line apps to established business phone providers. Each description comes from the provider's own website, re-checked today. If you text customers too, my guide to the best SMS marketing software covers that side.

Decide whether you need a number or a system. A number with call forwarding and voicemail is enough for many solo businesses, while a team needs routing, shared lines and reporting.

Grasshopper alternatives at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the provider's own site describes a free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Most business phone services offer trials or demos.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
eVoice	Virtual phone system	Simple virtual numbers for small firms	No
Hushed	Second phone number app	Private extra numbers on a mobile	No
Line2	Second line app	A business line on your mobile	Trial only
MightyCall	Virtual phone and call centre	Small teams handling inbound calls	Trial only
Nextiva	Business communications platform	Phone, video and messaging together	No
Numa	AI-assisted business phone	Never missing a customer call	No
OnSIP	Business VoIP	Flexible VoIP for small offices	Yes
Ooma	Business phone service	Small office phone systems	No
Phone.com	VoIP phone service	Feature-rich lines for small teams	No
Sideline	Second number app	Separating work and personal calls	No

Ten business phone services to consider instead of Grasshopper

eVoice

Best for: Small businesses who want a virtual number with call forwarding and voicemail.

Hushed

Best for: Freelancers and sellers who want an extra number on their phone for privacy.

Line2

Best for: Solo business owners who want a second line with calling and texting on their own phone.

MightyCall

Best for: Small businesses who want virtual numbers plus simple call centre features.

Nextiva

Best for: Growing businesses who want phone, video and messaging on one platform.

Numa

Best for: Local businesses who want missed calls handled and turned into texts automatically.

OnSIP

Best for: Small offices who want a flexible VoIP system with desk phones or apps.

Ooma

Best for: Small offices who want a straightforward business phone service with desk phones.

Phone.com

Best for: Small teams who want business numbers, call routing and voicemail tools.

Sideline

Best for: Sole traders who want a second number for work on the phone they already carry.

The caller ID rule behind spam labels

Here's why some business calls show up as spam. The FCC requires all voice service providers to implement the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication framework in their IP networks, which helps support providers' call blocking and call labelling decisions. Calls that can't be authenticated are more likely to be flagged.

So ask any provider how they sign your outgoing calls and how they help if your number gets labelled as spam. It's a dull question, but it decides whether customers pick up when you call them back.

Features small businesses use most

• Call forwarding: ring your mobile, desk phone or both.
• Business hours: send out-of-hours calls to voicemail.
• Voicemail to email: read messages instead of listening.
• Texting: many customers prefer a quick text.
• Extensions: route calls to the right person.

Switching numbers without losing calls

1. Ask your current provider for the details needed to port your number.
2. Set up the new account and test calls on a temporary number.
3. Request the port and keep the old service live until it completes.
4. Record a new voicemail greeting.
5. Call your own number from another phone to check everything works.

Making your business number work harder

• One number everywhere: website, listings and email signature.
• Clear greeting: your business name and a friendly welcome.
• Missed call follow-up: a quick text back wins customers.
• Call notes: jot down what each caller needed.

If you text customers, my tips on writing text messages clients love help you keep them welcome rather than annoying.

It's also worth recording a short, warm voicemail greeting in your own voice. Customers who reach voicemail are more likely to leave a message when they can hear they've got the right business and that you'll call back.

Review your call settings every few months. Business hours, holidays and team changes all affect where calls go, and a quick check stops customers hitting a dead end.

Do you make business phone services? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

My plain advice on Grasshopper alternatives

Keep your number when you switch. Your business number is on your website, cards and listings, and porting it across saves you a lot of updates.

And answer calls quickly or call back fast. Even a great phone system won't help if customers wait a day to hear from you.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good alternative to Grasshopper?

Virtual number apps suit solo owners, while VoIP systems suit small teams with routing needs.

Can I keep my business number?

Usually yes. Most providers can port your existing number across.

Why do my calls show as spam?

Calls that can't be authenticated under the FCC's STIR/SHAKEN framework are more likely to be labelled. Ask your provider how they help.

Do I need a desk phone?

No. Most services work through apps on your mobile and computer.

Can I text customers from a business number?

Many services support business texting, though rules apply to bulk messages.

Is a second line app enough for a business?

For one person, often yes. Teams usually need a fuller system.

Can calls ring several people at once?

Most business phone systems can ring a group or pass calls along in order.

What happens to calls out of hours?

You can send them to voicemail, a message or another number.

Do these services work abroad?

Many apps work over Wi-Fi or data anywhere, which is handy when travelling.

Can I get a toll-free number?

Many business phone providers offer toll-free numbers alongside local ones, though availability differs by country.

What's number porting?

It's moving your existing phone number from one provider to another, so customers can still reach you on the number they know.