- TextNow alternatives at a glance
- Nine second number apps to try instead of TextNow
- Free numbers can be taken back
- What to check before you hand out the number
- Second numbers for a side business
- Privacy habits that matter more than the app
- Second number apps for selling online
- Calls over wifi and data
- My plain advice on choosing a TextNow alternative
- Frequently asked questions
A good TextNow alternative gives you a reliable second number for calls and texts, keeps your personal number private and doesn't lose your number without warning. Check which countries it covers, whether it works over wifi and data, and the rules on keeping your number. This page lists nine apps in no particular order, then covers the number rules.
People look for a second number for all sorts of reasons: a side business, selling items online, dating, or keeping a personal number away from clients. Free apps make that easy, but each one has its own limits.
Here are nine TextNow alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Some are free with ads, others are subscription apps built for privacy or business use. Each description comes from the app's own website, re-checked today. If the number is for a small business, my guide to setting up WhatsApp Business shows another way to keep work chats separate.
TextNow alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site describes a free version. Trial only means a free trial before a subscription. No means the site doesn't describe a free version or trial.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2ndLine | Second number app | A free second line on your phone | Yes |
| Burner | Privacy number app | Disposable numbers for short-term use | No |
| Google Voice | Phone number service | A number linked to your Google account | Yes |
| Hushed | Privacy number app | Private numbers in many countries | No |
| Line2 | Business second line | A business line on your mobile | Trial only |
| Sideline | Business second line | Keeping work calls separate | No |
| Talkatone | Free calling app | Free calls and texts over wifi | Yes |
| TextFree | Free texting app | Free texting with a real number | Yes |
| TextPlus | Free texting app | Free texts and incoming calls | Yes |
Nine second number apps to try instead of TextNow
2ndLine
Best for: People who want a free US or Canadian second line for calls and texts.
Burner
Best for: People who want temporary numbers they can throw away after a sale or a date.
Google Voice
Best for: People in supported regions who want a number that works across phone, laptop and browser.
Hushed
Best for: People who want private numbers in several countries for calls and texts.
Line2
Best for: Freelancers and small businesses who want a business line with voicemail and call routing.
Sideline
Best for: Sole traders who want a work number on their personal phone.
Talkatone
Best for: People who want free calling and texting to US and Canadian numbers over wifi or data.
TextFree
Best for: People who want a free number mainly for texting.
TextPlus
Best for: People who want free texting and incoming calls without a carrier plan.
Free numbers can be taken back
This is the rule that catches people out. Google Voice's acceptable use policy says Google may reclaim a number if you don't appear to be using the service as intended, such as making calls or sending texts, for a period of 3 months. Free second number apps commonly have inactivity rules of their own, so read the policy of whichever app you pick, and send a text from the number now and then if you need to keep it.
What to check before you hand out the number
- Which countries the app gives numbers for, and which countries you can call.
- Whether it works over wifi, mobile data or both.
- Whether verification codes from banks and apps reach the number.
- What happens to the number if you stop using the app for a while.
- Whether emergency calling is supported, since many apps say it isn't.
Second numbers for a side business
If you're using the number for customers, choose an app built for business, with voicemail, business hours and the option to keep the number long term. Put the number on your website and invoices only once you're happy it'll stay yours. For automated replies outside business hours, my walkthrough on setting up automatic WhatsApp Business replies is a handy companion.
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Privacy habits that matter more than the app
- Don't use a disposable number for bank accounts or anything you'll need to recover later.
- Turn off contact syncing if you don't want the app to see your address book.
- Check which app permissions it asks for before you accept them.
- Keep your main number for family, banks and anything important.
Second number apps for selling online
Selling furniture, a car or concert tickets through local listings is one of the most common reasons to want a second number. A temporary number keeps strangers away from your main line once the sale is done. Agree pickup details by message, never share codes sent to your number, and be wary of buyers who ask you to verify yourself by reading out a code, which is a common scam.
If you sell often, pick an app that keeps the number for longer, so returning buyers can still reach you. If it's a one-off, a disposable number you can delete afterwards is tidier.
Calls over wifi and data
Many of these apps place calls over the internet. Call quality depends on your connection, so test a call on mobile data before you rely on the number for anything important.
Do you make a second phone number app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing a TextNow alternative
Decide whether the number is for privacy, for a side business or just for texting friends. Pick the app that fits that one job, check its inactivity rule, and keep your main number for anything you can't afford to lose.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good free alternative to TextNow?
Several apps here describe a free version, usually supported by ads or with limits. The table shows what each app's site states.
Can I keep a free second number forever?
Not always. Free services commonly reclaim numbers that aren't used, and Google says it may reclaim an unused number after 3 months.
Will verification codes work on a second number app?
Some banks and apps don't send codes to internet numbers. Test before you rely on it.
Can I use a second number app abroad?
Many work over wifi or data, but number availability and calling countries differ. Check the app's coverage.
Do second number apps support emergency calls?
Many don't. Use your main mobile number for emergencies.
Is a second number good for a small business?
Yes, if you choose an app built for business with voicemail, business hours and a long-term number.
Is a second number safe for selling online?
It keeps your main number private. Never share codes sent to your number with buyers, since that's a common scam.
