Best Virtual Phone Number Apps (2026): 10 Compared

Giving out your personal mobile number to every customer, supplier and enquiry form soon gets messy. Calls arrive during dinner, texts mix with family chats and you can't switch off. A virtual phone number app gives you a second number that rings on the phone you already own, so work and home stay apart.

I've gathered ten apps here in no particular order, listed alphabetically. Some are simple second-number apps for sole traders, others are full business phone systems for small teams, and I've included UK and US options. Each description comes from the app's own website. If you're thinking about AI answering your calls, my guide to AI voice agents for small business phones covers that side.

Virtual phone number apps compared

In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site describes a free version or a free number. Trial only means a free trial with no lasting free plan. Availability varies by country, so check that each app works where you and your callers are.

Tool	Type of app	Good for	Free plan
Burner	Second number app	Short-term numbers you can delete or switch	No
CircleLoop	UK cloud phone system	UK businesses wanting a local number on any device	Trial only
Dialpad	Business communications app	Calling, video and messaging with AI notes	Trial only
Google Voice	Phone number service	A US number for calls and texts	Yes
Grasshopper	Virtual business phone	A business line with forwarding and texting	Trial only
Hushed	Second and temporary numbers	Temporary local numbers in many area codes	No
Quo	Shared business phone system	Small teams sharing one business number	Trial only
Sideline	Second number app	A separate work number on your own phone	No
Talkroute	Virtual phone system	Calls, texts and video from desktop and mobile	Trial only
TextNow	Calling and texting app	A free US number for talk and text	Yes

Ten virtual number apps, A to Z

Burner

Best for: People who want a second number they can switch or delete, for listings, dating or short projects.

CircleLoop

Best for: UK small businesses that want local numbers, call recording and voicemail transcription across desktop and mobile apps.

Dialpad

Best for: Growing teams that want calls, meetings and messages in one app, with AI transcription and call recaps.

Google Voice

Best for: US-based solo owners who want a second number for calls and texts that rings on the devices they already use.

Grasshopper

Best for: Small businesses that want a local, toll-free or vanity number with forwarding, texting and voicemail to email.

Hushed

Best for: Owners who want private or temporary numbers in different area codes, with forwarding and custom voicemail.

Quo

Best for: Small teams who want to share business numbers, route calls and have an AI agent pick up missed calls.

Sideline

Best for: Sole traders who want a work number on their own smartphone, with separate voicemail and auto-replies.

Talkroute

Best for: Small businesses that want a virtual phone system with calling, texting and video meetings across devices.

TextNow

Best for: People in the US who want a free number for everyday talk and text, with the option to add data.

How a virtual phone number app works

A virtual number isn't tied to a SIM card. Calls and texts travel over the internet or your mobile network to an app, so one phone can carry two or more numbers. Most apps let you set business hours, send calls to voicemail after hours and see which number someone dialled before you answer.

What to look for in a virtual phone number app

• Numbers in the country and area code your customers expect, whether that's a UK local number or a US area code.
• Texting as well as calling, because many customers would rather send a message.
• Separate voicemail with your own greeting, ideally with transcripts sent to email.
• Business hours and call forwarding so you aren't on call around the clock.
• Apps for every device you use, including a desktop app if you work at a computer.
• Number porting, so you can bring an existing number in or take it with you later.
• Shared numbers and call routing if more than one person answers the phone.

Second number app or full business phone system?

• Sole traders who just need a separate line usually do well with a simple second-number app.
• Small teams sharing one public number need a business phone system with routing and shared inboxes.
• Businesses that run video calls as well may prefer an app that bundles meetings, and my roundup of Zoom alternatives covers more of those.
• Anyone booking lots of appointments by phone might look at automating that step too, as I explain in what an AI appointment setter does.

Setting up a virtual business number without hiccups

• Record a short, friendly voicemail greeting that names your business.
• Set business hours before you share the number, so late calls go to voicemail.
• Update your website, email signature and social profiles in one go.
• Test calls and texts from a friend's phone, including from abroad if you've got overseas customers.
• Check emergency calling rules, because some virtual numbers can't be used for emergency calls.

Do you make a virtual phone number or business calling app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Choosing your virtual phone number app

Start with where your customers are and whether you're answering alone or as a team. Shortlist two apps that offer numbers in the right country, try each one with real calls and texts for a few days, and keep whichever feels natural to use. Your number is part of your brand, so pick one you'll be happy to keep for years.

Frequently asked questions

What is a virtual phone number?

It's a phone number that isn't tied to a physical SIM or landline. Calls and texts reach you through an app on your phone or computer.

Is it possible to run two numbers on one phone?

Yes. A virtual number app adds a second number alongside your normal one, and many phones also support dual SIM or eSIM.

Can I keep my number if I switch apps?

Often, yes. Many apps support number porting, but check the rules for your country and number type before you commit.

Do virtual numbers work for texting?

Many do, though texting support can vary by country and number type. Check before you print the number on your marketing.

Can I get a UK number if I'm abroad?

Some business phone apps offer UK numbers to customers outside the UK. Read each provider's terms on who can sign up and where.