Top 12 Second Phone Number Apps to Receive SMS Messages

Phone number generators are a useful tool for people who want to maintain their privacy online or who want to have an additional number to receive text messages. In this article, we will introduce the 12 best phone number generator to receive SMS.

Google Voice

This is one of the most popular phone number apps. It allows users to have an additional phone number that can be used to receive and make calls and send text messages. In addition, it offers useful features such as voicemail and text message transcriptions and full integration with other Google services.

Features of Google Voice

• Free calls within the United States and Canada.
• Cheap rates for international calls.
• Transcription of voice messages.
• Call forwarding and ability to use multiple devices.
• Integration with other Google services.

Pricing of Google Voice

Google Voice offers free services for personal use, including free calls and text messages within the United States and Canada. However, international calls and certain premium features may have associated costs.

Pros of Google Voice

• Cost-Effective: Google Voice is a free service to sign up for, and as long as you use it to communicate between your Google Voice number and other U.S. numbers, it’s totally free to place calls and send text messages.
• Unlimited Calling and Texting: Once your primary phone number is connected to Google Voice, you can use the service to place unlimited calls and send unlimited texts.
• Call Forwarding: You can forward your Google Voice phone number to up to six linked phone numbers to receive a call on any mobile, VoIP, or landline device.
• Integration with Google Workspace: Google Voice works seamlessly with other Google Workspace apps, including Meet and Calendar. This makes it a logical and user-friendly addition to your company’s tech toolset.

Cons of Google Voice

• Limited Team Messaging Features: Google Voice lacks built-in team messaging features offered by some VoIP providers. Group chats are limited to seven people.
• International Call Rates: While you can make and receive calls with the Google Voice web or mobile app virtually anywhere with an internet connection, you can only link Google Voice with a number through a U.S.-based carrier. International rates—which vary by location—apply to international calls (except to Canada) made with Google Voice.
• Dependence on Google: If your primary phone number is connected to Google Voice and an outage occurs, anyone trying to call you won’t be able to get through.
• Number Porting Cost: While Google Voice itself is free, the porting process isn’t. Google charges a one-time $20 fee to port in a number. If you’re in the middle of a contract with your carrier, that means you’ll probably be charged an early termination fee.

Burner

This app allows users to create disposable phone numbers that can be used to receive and send text messages. This is useful for people who want to maintain their privacy online or who want to have a temporary number for a specific project or event.

Features of Burner

• Disposable phone numbers for privacy.
• Separate voicemail for each number.
• Ability to forward calls and text messages.
• Additional features such as call blocking and automatic message deletion.

Pricing of Burner

Burner offers prepaid numbers and subscriptions. Burner prepaid numbers are $1.99 for 50 minutes of talk and 100 text messages that last for 30 days, with the option to extend with credits. Unlimited text, talk, and picture messages are $4.99 per month or $47.88 per year. The subscription plan price depends on the plan you choose and starts at $7.99/month. The subscription plan includes three phone numbers.

Pros of Burner

• Privacy: Burner provides a disposable VOIP phone number that you can use for various purposes without revealing your actual number. This is particularly useful for online transactions, dating, or avoiding unwanted calls or messages.
• Flexibility: You can create multiple private phone numbers, keep them as long as you want, or ‘burn’ them anytime. This means you can use a new number each time you need a secondary number, enhancing your privacy.
• Integration: Burner integrates with various apps and services like Dropbox, Evernote, Slack, and SoundCloud, allowing you to archive text messages and voicemails.

Cons of Burner

• Cost: While the Burner app is free to download and comes with a 7-day trial, the cost of the paid plans can be a disadvantage for some users. The plans start at $4.99/month for 1 line, which can be pricier than some competitors.
• Cellular Cost: Calls made through Burner show up on your phone bill as calls between your Burner number and your personal number. However, the end numbers you are calling through Burner are not shown. This could potentially lead to unexpected charges if not managed properly.
• Limited Features: While Burner offers a range of features, it may not have all the features that some users might need. For example, it does not support call forwarding and texting.

Hushed

Hushed allows users to have local or international phone numbers to receive and send text messages. In addition, it offers useful features such as encrypted text messages and self-destruct timers for text messages.

Features of Hushed

• Offer disposable phone numbers for private communication.
• Call and text messaging capability.
• Voicemail and call forwarding functions.
• Secure messaging and end-to-end encryption.

Pricing of Hushed

The Hushed app offers both prepaid numbers and subscription numbers. Prepaid numbers last for different durations, such as 7 days, 30 days, 90 days, or 365 days, and can be extended at any time. Prepaid plans start at $2.99 for 7 days of service.

Subscription numbers are part of “Unlimited Plan” subscriptions, which include unlimited talk and text within the UK, Canada and the US. These numbers can call and text in each country without incurring long distance rates.

Hushed offers a 3-day free trial. After the free trial, there are three subscription-based plans available: 7-day, 30-day, 90-day, and 365-day plans.

• Monthly: $4.99 per month for 1 line or $9.99 per month for 3 lines.
• Annual: $39.99 per year for 1 line or $79.99 per year for 3 lines.

Plus, there’s an international plan available, which allows international calls to any Hushed number and comes with $1 in Hushed credits for international text messages.

Pros of Hushed

• Privacy: Hushed provides a disposable VOIP phone number that you can use for various purposes without revealing your actual number. This is particularly useful for online transactions, dating, or avoiding unwanted calls or messages.
• Flexibility: You can create multiple private phone numbers, keep them as long as you want, or ‘burn’ them anytime. This means you can use a new number each time you need a secondary number, enhancing your privacy.
• Integration: Hushed integrates with various apps and services, allowing you to archive text messages and voicemails.
• Cost: The Hushed app offers flexible subscription plans, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs. Starting at just $1.99, enjoy bundled minutes and SMS for local calls and messaging.

Cons of Hushed

• Cost: While the Hushed app offers flexible subscription plans, the cost of the plans can be a disadvantage for some users. The plans start at $1.99/month for local calls and messaging, which can be pricier than some competitors.
• Limited Features: While Hushed offers a range of features, it may not have all the features that some users might need. For example, it does not support SMS verification services, and emergency calls to 911 are not possible.
• Customer Service: Some users have reported poor customer service and difficulty in getting help if they have problems with the app.

TextNow

With TextNow, users can get a free phone number and use it to receive and send text messages. In addition, it offers useful features, such as free calls and texts to other TextNow users and international calls at low rates.

Features

• Free phone number with calls and text messages.
• Voicemail and call forwarding functions.
• Available in several countries.
• Wi-Fi calling option.

Pricing

The basic TextNow app is available for free and offers unlimited calls and texts to any number in the US or Canada. This plan is supported by ads.

Purchasing a premium number subscription will lock the number in your account. The cost of a premium number subscription is $4.99 per year in the US.

Even if you don’t have a premium number, you can purchase the Blocked Number add-on, which will keep your number blocked on your account. This plugin also allows you to receive verification codes from other services. The cost of the Blocked Number add-on is $4.99 per month.

If you prefer fewer ads, you can purchase the Ad-Free Lite subscription, which removes all ads except for the banner ad at the bottom. The cost of the Ad-Free Lite subscription is $1.99 per month.

For those who don’t want to see any ads, the Ad-Free+ subscription removes all ads from TextNow, including banners and inline ads. The cost of the Ad-Free+ subscription is $9.99 per month.

TextNow also offers wireless service that runs on the nation’s largest 5G/4G network. This service allows you to talk and text without WiFi for free. You can bundle this service with a one-time purchase of a TextNow SIM card for 99 cents. There are no monthly payments or contracts for wireless service.

If you need to add data to your TextNow plan, there are four data options available: 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, and unlimited data with ad-free service. Data add-ons come with all the features of TextNow mobile service and more.

Pros of TextNow

• Free service option: TextNow offers a free plan that provides unlimited talk and text on T-Mobile’s network. This can be a great option for those who want to spend nothing or next to nothing on their cell phone plan
• Affordable plans with data: TextNow offers several affordable plans with data, including their Unlimited 5GB Plan for $27.99 a month, which includes unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data
• Customizable interface: TextNow provides a customizable interface where you can choose different color themes and select wallpapers for the app
• Additional features: TextNow offers features like floating chats, quick replies, signature customization, and email notifications for texts, which can enhance the user experience

Cons of TextNow

• Advertisements: The free plan of TextNow includes advertisements, which may be a downside for some users
• Network coverage and quality: While TextNow uses T-Mobile’s network to offer decent coverage and data speeds, some users have reported issues with handoff when moving from Wi-Fi to cellular
• Limited data speeds: If you use all the data in the Unlimited 5GB Plan, you will be reduced to 2G speeds, which can be slower than broadband internet

Dingtone

Dingtone allows users to have a free phone number and use it to receive and send text messages. In addition, it offers useful features such as free and low-cost calls to international numbers and the ability to send text messages in groups.

Features

• Free phone number with calls and text messages.
• International calling options.
• Additional features like walkie-talkie mode and conference calls.
• In-app rewards and credits.

Pricing

The basic features of the Dingtone app are available for free and offer free calls and text messages between Dingtone users. This plan is supported by ads. If you want to remove ads, it costs $1.99/mo. You can get phone numbers from over 20 countries, starting at $4.99/month. You can also pay with credits. You can earn free credits through various activities such as watching ads or completing tasks. Dingtone also offers an unlimited plan with a 3-day free trial for US and Canadian users, which costs $7.99/month, $29.99/quarter, and $79.99/year.

Pros of Dingtone

• Ability to make international calls at a cheap rate
• Offers real phone numbers in various countries
• Allows users to call and text any number in over 230 countries
• Offers features like caller ID, call block, call forwarding, voicemail, walkie-talkie, and instant messaging

Cons of Dingtone

• Requires credits for certain features, which may be limiting for some users

TalkU

TalkU is a mobile application that allows users to make calls, send messages, and enjoy communication features over the Internet. It offers virtual phone numbers, free app-to-app calls and competitive rates for international calls. The app includes features like call forwarding, voicemail, and group messaging. TalkU operates on a credit-based system and is available for Android and iOS devices.

Features

• Calls and messaging over the Internet.
• Virtual phone numbers for global communication.
• Free app to app calls.
• Competitive rates for international calls.
• Call forwarding and voice mail.
• Group messaging.
• Credit based system.
• Available for Android and iOS.

Pricing

TalkU offers a variety of pricing plans, including:

• Free: You can use TalkU for free, but you are limited to making and receiving calls and text messages to other TalkU users.
• Monthly – You can sign up for a monthly plan for $4.99 per month. This plan gives you unlimited calls and texts to other TalkU users, as well as 500 credits that you can use to make calls to other numbers.
• Annual – You can sign up for an annual plan for $39.99 per year. This plan gives you unlimited calls and texts to other TalkU users, as well as 1,500 credits that you can use to make calls to other numbers.
• Credits: You can also buy credits individually. Credits are used to make calls to numbers that are not TalkU numbers. The cost of credits varies depending on the number of credits you purchase.

Pros of TalkU

• Free unlimited calls and texts between TalkU users
• Cheap international calls to over 200 countries
• Custom calling experience with features like voicemail, call forwarding, and call blocking
• Privacy protection with a TalkU phone number that masks your real identity
• Ability to select different ringtones and configure alerts for incoming messages

Cons of TalkU

• TalkU credits are required to make calls and texts, which can be obtained by completing tasks in the app or purchasing credits
• Lack of advanced features like on-hold music and video conferencing

Numero eSIM

Numero eSIM is a mobile application that provides virtual phone numbers and eSIM services. With Numero eSIM, users can have multiple phone numbers from different countries on a single device without the need for physical SIM cards. It offers a convenient and flexible solution for individuals and businesses that require international phone numbers or want to separate personal and professional communications.

Features

• Virtual phone numbers from various countries.
• International calls at competitive rates.
• SMS messaging with virtual numbers.
• Call forwarding to redirect incoming calls.
• Voice mail for message management.
• Call recording for important conversations.
• Customizable settings and preferences.
• Multi-device compatibility for added flexibility.
• Emphasis on security and privacy.
• friendly interface.

Pricing

Numero eSIM offers users a free US number through its Toll Free Number Center. You can collect coins by completing tasks such as watching videos, referring friends, and participating in surveys. Once you have enough coins, you can redeem them for a free US number.

Once the toll-free number expires, you will no longer be able to make or receive calls or text messages with it. However, you will still be able to access your voicemail messages. If you want to continue using the free number after it expires, you will need to renew it with coins. You can also do it by subscribing to a payment plan. Paid plans start at $2.50 per month.

Numero eSIM offers a variety of data plans, both local and regional. These are the prices of some of their plans:

Local data plans:

• US: $10/mo for 1GB, $20/mo for 3GB, $30/mo for 5GB, $40/mo for 10GB
• Canada: $10/month for 1GB, $20/month for 3GB, $30/month for 5GB, $40/month for 10GB
• UK: £10/month for 1GB, £20/month for 3GB, £30/month for 5GB, £40/month for 10GB
• France: €10/month 1GB, €20/month 3GB, €30/month 5GB, €40/month 10GB

Regional data plans:

• Caribbean Islands: $15/month for 1GB, $30/month for 3GB, $45/month for 5GB, $60/month for 10GB
• Africa: $20/month for 1GB, $40/month for 3GB, $60/month for 5GB, $80/month for 10GB
• Asia: $25/month for 1GB, $50/month for 3GB, $75/month for 5GB, $100/month for 10GB
• Europe: $30/month for 1GB, $60/month for 3GB, $90/month for 5GB, $120/month for 10GB
• eSIM Number also offers a pay as you go plan that charges $0.01/minute for calls and $0.01/MB for data.

Pros of Numero eSIM

• Cost-effective: eSIMs offer affordable internet connectivity with various roaming packages that cater to every user’s needs. This flexibility helps avoid excessive roaming charges and helps users track their usage
• Versatility: eSIMs can be reprogrammed to suit different network providers, allowing users to switch between networks without changing physical SIM cards. This can be particularly beneficial for frequent travelers, as it eliminates the need to switch between multiple SIM cards or purchase them at all

Cons of Numero eSIM

• Limited availability: While eSIM technology is gaining popularity, not all devices and carriers support eSIMs yet. Users may need to check if their device and carrier are compatible with eSIMs before considering Numero eSIM.
• Extra cost: Currently, eSIMs are not available as standalone options but are offered as an additional service alongside physical SIM cards This means users may have to pay an extra monthly cost for an eSIM, in addition to their existing mobile plan.
• Limited device support: Although eSIM technology is becoming more common, not all devices support eSIMs. Some low-end or older devices may not have eSIM capabilities. Users should ensure that their device supports eSIM before considering Numero eSIM.

Sideline

Sideline is an application that allows users to have an additional phone number to receive and send text messages. Plus, it offers helpful features like Salesforce integration, voicemail and text message transcriptions, and free calls and texts to other Sideline users.

Features

Dedicated business phone number.
Calls and text messages.
Voice mail and automatic answer functions.
Messaging and team collaboration.
Integration with productivity apps like Google Workspace and Outlook.

Pricing

Sideline offers a 7-day free trial. You will have an additional number, but you will be limited to 30 minutes of talk time and 100 text messages per month. The standard plan costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. You’ll get unlimited talk time and text messages, as well as voicemail, call forwarding, and the ability to Sideline across multiple devices. The professional plan costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. You’ll get all the features of the standard plan, plus the ability to create multiple Sideline numbers, send group text messages, and use Sideline in over 100 countries.

Pros of Sideline

• Customizable phone number: Sideline allows you to choose a second phone number and even transfer your existing number to use with the app. This feature can be useful for businesses that want a dedicated number for their professional communication
• Team communication: Sideline enables multiple people to answer calls and texts to a single number. This can be helpful for businesses that want to distribute customer inquiries among team members and ensure faster responses
• Auto-responses: Sideline offers the option to set up auto-responses to messages, which can be useful when you are unable to respond immediately. This feature helps customers know that their messages are being taken care of
• Text conversation after voicemail: When someone leaves a voicemail, Sideline initiates a text conversation with the caller. This eliminates the need for phone tag and allows for quick and easy communication

Cons of Sideline

• Complexity and bugs: According to some reviews, Sideline’s features can be complex, bug-ridden, and difficult to navigate. Users have reported issues with voicemail, team functionality, and compatibility with certain devices
• Limited features and high cost: While Sideline offers some useful features, other apps provide more and better features at a lower price.
• Complications and troubleshooting: Setting up Sideline and resolving issues can be time-consuming. Some users have reported the need to add their Sideline phone number to their device’s “Do not block” list or address book for the app to work properly
• Limited number availability: Sideline allows only one number at a time, which means you cannot have separate numbers for different purposes, such as a “front desk” and an “office” number

Line2

With Line2, users can have an additional phone number to receive and send text messages. Plus, it offers useful features like Salesforce integration, encrypted text messaging, and the ability to create conference call rooms.

Features

• Second phone number for calls and text messages.
• Voicemail and call forwarding functions.
• Wi-Fi calling option.
• Available in several countries.
• Integration with other apps like Slack and Salesforce.

Pricing

Line2 offers a variety of pricing plans, depending on your needs.

• Personal Plan – This plan starts at $16.95 per month and includes unlimited talk and text in the US and Canada, as well as a local or toll-free number.
• Business Plan – This plan starts at $29.95 per month and includes all the features of the Personal Plan, plus additional features like call forwarding, call screening, and voicemail transcription.
• Team Plan – This plan is designed for businesses with multiple employees and starts at $49.95 per month. Includes all the features of the Business Plan, plus the ability to create multiple users and manage your account online.

Pros of Line2

• Easy setup process: Line2 is a software-based solution, so there is no need for complex hardware setup. You can set it up with your PC, laptop, tablet, or mobile device and start using it.
• Reliable call quality: Users have commended the call quality provided by Line2
• Affordable pricing: Line2 offers different pricing plans to match the size and needs of your business, making it affordable for small businesses.
• 99.9% uptime guarantee: Line2 guarantees a 99.9% uptime, ensuring that your phone lines are always reachable when you are open

Cons of Line2

• Limited integrations with third-party apps: Line2 has limited integrations with third-party apps, which may be a drawback for those who rely heavily on software integrations
• Limited administrative features for larger businesses: Line2’s administrative features are limited, making it more suitable for small teams or businesses
• Not Suitable for Personal Use: Line2 is designed for business use, so individuals seeking a second number for personal use might find it too feature-rich and expensive for their needs.

TextMe

TextMe allows users to have a free phone number and use it to receive and send text messages. In addition, it offers useful features such as free calls and texts to other TextMe users and the ability to send text messages in groups.

Features

• Free phone number with calls and text messages.
• Voicemail and call forwarding functions.
• Available in several countries.
• Wi-Fi calling option.
• Dropbox integration for file sharing.

Pricing

TextMe is free to text and call people in the US and Canada. You can also use TextMe to make international calls, but this comes at a cost. The cost of international calls varies depending on the country you are calling.

TextMe also offers a premium subscription service that gives you access to additional features such as unlimited texting and calling to the US and Canada and ad-free features. The cost of the premium subscription is $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year.

Pros of TextMe

• Free Messaging and Calling: TextMe allows users to send unlimited text messages and make voice and video calls for free, as long as you have a stable internet connection.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: TextMe is available on various platforms, including iOS, Android, and the web, making it accessible to a wide range of users regardless of their devices.

Cons of TextMe

• Ads and In-App Purchases: The free version of TextMe is ad-supported, and the ads can be intrusive at times. Additionally, there are in-app purchases for features such as removing ads or getting additional credits for calling non-TextMe numbers.
• Call Quality: The quality of voice and video calls can vary based on the internet connection. Poor or unstable internet connections can result in dropped calls or low-quality audio/video.
• Privacy Concerns: While TextMe offers some level of anonymity by allowing users to choose custom phone numbers, users should be cautious about sharing personal information as with any online platform.

TextFree

TextFree is a mobile app that offers a free virtual phone number for texting and voice calls. It allows users to send messages, make calls, and enjoy features like group messaging and customizable voicemail. The app operates using an internet connection and is available for Android and iOS devices.

Features

• Free phone number with calls and text messages.
• International calling options.
• Additional features such as voicemail and call forwarding.
• Wi-Fi calling option.

Pricing

The basic function of TextFree is free to use. TextFree also offers a premium subscription service that gives you access to additional features, such as:

TextFree Plus: $4.99/month or $49.99/year

• Unlimited calls to the US and Canada
• HD voice calls
• No ads

TextFree Premium: $9.99/month or $99.99/year

• All the features of TextFree Plus
• International calls to more than 200 countries
• custom ringtones
• Ability to block calls and text messages

Pros of TextFree

• Privacy: TextFree provides a disposable VOIP phone number that you can use for various purposes without revealing your actual number. This is particularly useful for online transactions, dating, or avoiding unwanted calls or messages.
• Flexibility: You can create multiple private phone numbers, keep them as long as you want, or ‘burn’ them anytime. This means you can use a new number each time you need a secondary number, enhancing your privacy.
• Cost-Effectiveness: TextFree is free for peer-to-peer texts with an initial limit of 60 talk minutes. This makes it a cost-effective solution for managing calls and texts without incurring additional charges from your carrier.
• Ease of Use: TextFree is praised for its simple interface, making it easy to use and navigate.

Cons of TextFree

• Ads: The free version of TextFree contains ads, which some users might find intrusive. To remove the ads, you’ll need to pay $4.99 per month.
• Limited Features: While TextFree offers a range of features, it may not have all the features that some users might need. For example, it does not support call forwarding and lacks some of the more crucial VoIP features, such as internet fax, call log reports, and a multi-level auto attendant.
• Limited Verification: The free version of TextFree does not allow verification texts, which could be a letdown for some users.

GoDaddy SmartLine

GoDaddy SmartLine allows users to have an additional phone number to receive and send text messages. Plus, it offers useful features like Google Voice integration and the ability to create a schedule for when calls and texts come in.

Features

• Dedicated business phone number.
• Calls and text messages.
• Voicemail and call forwarding functions.
• Available in several countries.
• Integration with other business tools and applications.

Pricing

GoDaddy SmartLine offers two pricing plans:

• Local number: $9.99 per month for all SmartLine features.
• Toll Free Number: $19.99 per month for all SmartLine features and toll free call support.

Pros of GoDaddy SmartLine

• Privacy and Separation: GoDaddy SmartLine provides a dedicated business phone number and voicemail that can be used for various purposes without revealing your personal number. This is particularly useful for maintaining a clear separation between personal and professional communications.
• Business Visibility: Business calls made using this app will appear on caller ID as your business number, protecting the privacy of your personal number.
• Voicemail Transcription: The GoDaddy SmartLine app transcribes and sends all of your voicemail messages to your email inbox. This enables you to screen incoming business messages and respond to them in order of importance or urgency.
• Text Messaging/Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS): The GoDaddy SmartLine app includes text messaging dedicated to your business phone number to keep your personal and business texts separate.

Cons of GoDaddy SmartLine

• Cost: While the GoDaddy SmartLine app offers flexible subscription plans, the cost of the plans can be a disadvantage for some users. The plans start at $3.99/month for 100 calls and 100 text messages, which can be pricier than some competitors.
• Limited Features: While GoDaddy SmartLine offers a range of features, it may not have all the features that some users might need. For example, it does not support call forwarding and lacks some of the more crucial VoIP features, such as internet fax, call log reports, and a multi-level auto attendant.
• Single User: GoDaddy SmartLine is designed to operate from a single phone, which may not suit multi-employee businesses.