Steering clear of unwanted calls and messages today is quite a challenge because you often have to provide your phone number when using apps or services. However, a second phone number app for your iPhone can help by providing an alternative number so that you don’t have to share your main number with people you don’t know.
In this article, I’ve rounded up some of the best apps for using multiple phone numbers on your iPhone. These apps can help you avoid spam and enjoy greater privacy. Check out the details below.
Why You Might Need a Second Phone Number App
How many times have you signed up for a service using your phone number, only to regret it later when the promotional messages and spam calls start flooding in? Or maybe your personal number has become your office hotline, blurring the lines between work and life. Whatever the case, if you’re craving more privacy and control, it might be time to consider getting a second virtual phone number app on your iPhone.
It’s great for dating, freelancing, selling something online, starting a side hustle, or even traveling internationally, where you might not want to share your main number. Instead of carrying two phones or swapping SIM cards, these apps let you call, text, and manage multiple numbers all from your iPhone. This safeguards your privacy and maintains boundaries.
What to Look for in a Second Phone Number App
With many options available, it’s important to carefully choose your alternative phone number app. The right app for you will depend on your particular needs. For instance, do you plan to use it temporarily, for business, or personal purposes, etc. Here are the key factors to consider:
- International Calling and Texting: If you plan to contact people outside your country, look for apps that offer affordable international rates or free global texting.
- Number Availability: Check if the app lets you choose from local, toll-free, or even vanity numbers that are easy to remember.
- Voicemail and Call Forwarding: Features like custom voicemail greetings, call forwarding, and auto-replies can be crucial if you’re using the number for business.
- Privacy and Security: Look for apps with features like number masking, end-to-end encryption, or the ability to “burn” (delete) numbers when no longer needed.
- Pricing and Subscription Options: Some apps offer free plans with limited features, while others require subscriptions or pay-as-you-go credits. Choose one that fits your budget and usage.
- Ease of Use and App Design: A clean interface, smooth navigation, and reliable performance make all the difference when using the app daily.
- iPhone Compatibility: Bonus points if the app integrates with iPhone-specific features like Siri, iMessage, or Apple Contacts.
Best Second Phone Number Apps for iPhone
Need a second number for work, privacy, or travel? These iPhone apps have you covered.
1. Surfshark Alternative Number
If you want a safe, reliable, and affordable second phone number service, look no further than Surfshark Alternative Number. This brand has established itself as one of the most trusted VPN providers in the market, so you know you can trust it.
The alternative phone number service is integrated into the Surfshark app and allows you to receive calls and text messages without sharing your personal contact information. It’s perfect for online shopping, selling, dating, or app registrations.
Alternative Number can be used globally, so they’re perfect for traveling. However, only US phone numbers are available at the moment.
I love how just one affordable subscription gives you access to a second phone number, Surfshark VPN, and privacy tools, thus offering an all-in-one privacy solution. There’s also an easy 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try the service risk-free and get a refund if you’re not satisfied in a month.
Price: $3.49 per month
Pros
- Includes access to Surfshark VPN
- Incredibly affordable
- Available Internationally
- Simple setup process
- Great customer support
Cons
- Only US numbers are available currently
2. Burner – Best for Temporary Phone Numbers
Burner is a pretty nifty app that lets you create multiple disposable phone numbers. You can use these for whatever you want and then delete or “burn” them when you’re done. You can call and text as usual while keeping your real phone number private. This makes it perfect for selling things online, dating, or any other situation where you want to protect your privacy.
The clear, clutter-free interface helps keep your life organized no matter how many numbers you’re juggling. Moreover, you can even color-code your numbers or inbox to easily separate work, social, and personal messages. Of course, all this comes at a price, but you can try Burner free for 3 days.
Price: $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year
Pros
- Easy to create and delete numbers anytime
- Supports calls, texts, and picture messaging
- Integrates with popular productivity apps
- Strong privacy and number masking features
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Doesn’t work outside the US
- Only suitable for temporary second numbers
3. Google Voice – Best Free Second Phone Number App
If you’re in the United States, you can get a second phone number for absolutely free with Google Voice. It works with your personal Google account and allows calling, text messaging, and voicemail. You can even make international calls at better rates than using international minutes with your mobile carrier.
What’s more, it works across all your devices, so you can sync and use the app wherever you are. That also means that your calls, text messages, and voicemails are stored and backed up to make it easy for you to search your history. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a long-term second phone number, such as if you want to keep your work number separate from your personal phone while keeping just one device.
Pros
- Free to use
- Supports calls, texts, and voicemail
- Voicemail transcription and call forwarding included
- Syncs across devices (iPhone, iPad, desktop)
Cons
- Only available in the United States
4. Phoner – Best for International Use
If you need a second phone number app with support for many international locations, Phoner is a great choice. It works in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, and many other countries, so you can always protect your main number from unwanted calls and messages.
Phoner gives you as many phone numbers as you like to use with apps like Craigslist, Uber, Facebook or dating apps. Just change or burn your number when you don’t need it anymore. I especially appreciate the advanced features that Phoner includes, such as integrated reverse phone number lookup, phone call recording, and anonymous caller lookup. You can also enjoy free texting and cheaper calling rates with contacts who also use Phoner.
Price: From $4.99
Pros
- Offers both temporary and permanent numbers
- Works internationally in many countries
- Supports call recording and anonymous calls
- Strong privacy and security features
Cons
- It can be expensive with heavy use
- Occasional connection issues reported by users
5. Hushed – Flexible Plans for the US, Canada, and UK
If you live or travel within the US, Canada, and the UK, Hushed allows you to have multiple phone numbers from these countries. You can choose a number from over 300+ area codes, which makes it great for travel and business purposes.
The app allows you to manage multiple numbers, customize voicemail, and send texts and picture messages while protecting your privacy. Every Hushed virtual number includes free voicemail, free call forwarding, free call routing, and free auto-reply texts. You can try Hushed for free for 3 days. If you opt for an annual plan, there’s a 20% discount, which makes it quite cost-effective for long-term use.
Price: $4.99 per month
Pros
- Free 3-day trial
- Custom voicemail greetings and auto-reply texts
- Flexible pricing
Cons
- Limited to the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
6. Sideline – Best for Businesses
Sideline is a virtual phone number app for individuals and small businesses. It includes professional features like custom voicemail greetings, auto-reply texts, and team number sharing (allowing multiple people to share one number).
You can easily separate work and personal communications while keeping your business interactions polished and professional. Its interface is clean and easy to navigate, which makes it especially appealing if you’re looking for a second number you’ll use frequently.
Price: $14.49 per month
Pros
- Business-friendly features like custom voicemail and auto-replies
- The team number feature lets multiple users share one number
- Port an existing number to your second line from another device or landline
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Works only in the US
7. Line2 – Second Phone Number With a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Here’s another virtual phone number app for iPhone that allows unlimited VoIP calls and text across the United States and Canada. It offers a full suite of calling, texting, and voicemail features, making it ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business teams looking to separate work and personal communication without juggling multiple devices.
You can record calls automatically to help you keep track of important conversations, use call forwarding to never miss a call, and enjoy group messaging. The great thing is that all plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can cancel risk-free if you’re not satisfied.
Price: $9.99 per month or $95.90 per year
Pros
- Supports voice calls, SMS, MMS, and group messaging
- Business-friendly tools like call forwarding and call recording
- Works on iPhone, iPad, and desktop
Cons
- Limited to U.S. and Canada numbers
- Occasional call quality issues on weak Wi-Fi networks
Signing off
Almost anyone can benefit from a second phone number these days. It’s a lifesaver when you want to protect your main number from spam and unwanted calls or messages. So, go ahead and try some of these apps and enjoy a more private life. If you’ve got any more questions, I’d be happy to answer them in the comments below.
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