Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) popularity has increased over the decades. From 2022 to 2031, exceptional growth at a CAGR of 21.1% is expected, with the market projected to reach $327.5 billion 📈.
The reason for this is the flexibility of virtual communication, where VoIP phone numbers are more reliable and cost-effective than traditional telephone costs. Also, the best part is that you can get a VoIP phone number for free, so why would someone pay for traditional phone lines?
If you want to try a free VoIP phone number, this blog can help you get one.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- To get a free VoIP phone number, sign up for an account with the service provider, login, choose a free virtual number from the list, and then provide the necessary information.
- You can get a free VoIP phone number from Google Voice, TextNow, FreedomPop, 2ndLine, and Talkatone.
- VoIP phone number is a virtual number that helps you to initiate and receive calls via the internet.
- Look for a free service provider that offers better call quality, customer support, and security with mobile app support.
- Free VoIP phone numbers are best for testing and individual use, whereas you require paid VoIP systems for better business communication.
What is a VoIP Phone Number?
A VoIP phone number is a real phone number that operates over the Internet to make and receive calls. Unlike traditional phone lines, VoIP technology is used for all communications. This number is assigned to a person and not to one particular physical location. Hence, it provides the flexibility to make calls from anywhere in the world via VoIP app through any internet connected device.
How To Get a Free VoIP Phone Number?
Nowadays, many providers offer free plans that make getting a VoIP phone number easier than ever. These plans help you have effective communication with just some basic steps. However, depending on the provider, the steps to get a free VoIP phone number may be slightly different.
Here is an overview of the steps to get a free VoIP phone number:
Step 1: Download the free VoIP phone number provider’s app or visit the official website.
Step 2: Open the application and create a new account with your email.
Step 3: Select the free virtual number from the list.
Step 4: Activate the number and start using it.
Pros and Cons of Free VoIP Phone Service
Here are the pros and cons you receive from free VoIP phone service:
✔️Pros
- An alternative to your personal phone number and protect privacy.
- Let your business have a professional impression.
- No cost involved in making and receiving calls and text messages.
- Helps you choose the desired available phone number.
❌Cons
- You won’t receive a toll-free number in the free plan.
- Limited features.
- It might bombard users with ads.
- Available only for a limited time.
Top 5 Free VoIP Phone Number Providers
We tried the most popular free VoIP phone number providers available to determine the list for the top 5. From the beginning – sign-up process to the call quality, we experienced by ourselves and made the below list:
| Provider | Channels | Phone number availability | Best For |
| Google Voice | calling, texting, and voicemail | Yes, you can get a phone number. | Personal use and small business |
| TextNow | Calling and texting | Yes, you receive a free phone number. | Users that require unlimited calling and texting |
| FreedomPop | Voicemail, calling, and texting | Yes, but you require a SIM card. | Users wanting to replace their VoIP provider with cheaper one. |
| 2ndLine | Android calls and messages | Yes, but only from Android. | Android users |
| Talkatone | Calls, texts, and group chats | Yes, you can receive a free phone number. | Cost-conscious users. |
1. Google Voice
The most popular free VoIP phone number provider is Google Voice. Due to its user-friendly interface, unlimited calls and SMS facility throughout the US, and provision of numbers with area codes, it stands out as the top provider in this list.
Google Voice application makes you able to start and receive calls on both desktop and mobile. In addition, you can forward calls between devices that enable simultaneous ringing. Similarly, you can create a voicemail inbox with a transcript and send multiple texts as desired.
Since it is officially from Google, you can also integrate with other google products like Gmail and Google Calendar. If you want to switch to Google Voice paid business plans, it is available from an approximate range of $10 to $30 per user monthly.
Features
- Voicemail transcriptions
- Customizable call routing
- International callings
- Call forwarding to multiple devices
✔️Pros
- Access unlimited callings and SMS within the USA.
- Available in both desktop and mobile.
- Great user experience and easy sign-up process.
❌Cons
- No emergency call options.
- Limitations in integrations.
- Limited advanced features.
Best for
- Best for free VoIP numbers to call and text with a decent experience.
2. TextNow
Next on our list is TextNow. TextNow is a VoIP calling and texting provider that offers cellular and VoIP phone service powered by ads. It provides free phone numbers to users in the United States and Canada.
Users can make unlimited texts and calls with clear quality. The interface is also intuitive, especially when sending texts, images, and emojis. Setting up voicemail is easier, but you’ll likely experience bothersome with ads coming all over the place.
However, you can upgrade to an ad-free experience by paying $10 monthly. In this upgrade, you’ll also receive voicemail transcription and unlimited photo and video history.
Features
- Call forwarding
- Emojis and image options while texting
- Voicemail
✔️Pros
- Upgrade for an ads-free solution is available.
- Available in iOS, Android, and Web.
- Unlimited calling and texting across the USA and Canada.
❌Cons
- In-app ads make it hectic to make calls.
- Limited 5G coverage.
- Doesn’t receive verification codes.
Best for
- Best for users requiring unlimited calls and messages.
3. FreedomPop
FreedomPop is a complicated free VoIP phone number provider that requires a SIM card.
You need to order a SIM card by mail or from another marketplace. Even if you access the service by purchasing a SIM card, you’ll receive lower monthly calling and texting limits.
Moreover, FreedomPop asks you to pay for more data after you reach your limit. Because of its lower limit, we do not recommend it as it can disrupt your communication anywhere in the middle.
Features
- Calling through the cellular network
- Texting
- Voicemail
✔️Pros
- High-speed data.
- It can be an affordable alternative to a paid business plan.
- Lets you keep your existing phone number while switching to service.
❌Cons
- Complicated sign-up process
- Data rollover
- Limited coverage
Best for
- Best for companies and users that want to replace their VoIP provider with cheaper solutions.
4. 2ndLine
Fourth in the list is 2ndLine. It is a VoIP number provider that is only available on Android. Through it, you can receive free calling and texting within the US and Canada.
Android users can use 2ndLine’s services on both desktop and mobile devices and utilize features such as voicemail transcription, caller ID, and call forwarding. However, it is not recommended for iPhone or Mac users as it doesn’t provide a free version.
Features
- Android calls and messages
- Voicemail transcription
- Group messaging
✔️Pros
- You can choose any numbers from the US & Canada.
- User-friendly interface.
❌Cons
- Supports Android only.
- Limited features.
Best for
- Best for the Android user who wants to use free VoIP calls and messages.
5. Talkatone
Last but not least, Talkatone is a mobile application where you can get free voice and texting through Wi-Fi or any cellular data. You can also access US numbers to make free calls. Nothing is required other than a smartphone with an internet connection to use it.
Moreover, when calling internationally, you don not need to switch providers, as Talkatone also provides affordable rates for international calling. It is available on iOS and Android.
Features
- Unlimited access to texts
- Unlimited calls
- Group chats
✔️Pros
- Low-cost international calls.
- User-friendly interface.
- It can be used as a second phone number.
❌Cons
- The free version includes ads that can disrupt the user’s convenience.
- Inconsistent call quality is reported.
Best for
- Best for cost-conscious users who prefer mobile apps to operate.
Features To Look for in a Free VoIP Phone Service
Blind use of any provider just because they offer free VoIP phone service must be avoided. As the VoIP market is increasing, you can find better options that are rich in features.
To choose a provider with better and free VoIP calls, look for these features:
- Call quality: The phone number must be able to make calls with enhanced quality that are clear and understandable from the recipient’s end.
- Security: VoIP security is a concern for VoIP phone service that is free. So, choose a provider that provides encryption and security protocols for calls.
- Mobile app support: When using the VoIP phone number for personal use, see if it can be accessed from a mobile phone or not.
- Customer support: Calls are a critical factor, and you don’t know when you’ll require customer support. Make sure they are there to assist you with the availability of support channels.
Business VoIP Phone Number Providers
VoIP numbers are available from both free and paid VoIP providers. If you want a slightly expensive cloud system with advanced business phone features and VoIP phone numbers, you should choose a business VoIP provider.
Some names associated with top paid providers are KrispCall, Nextiva, RingCentral, Dialpad, and Zoom Phone. These providers have everything required for a seamless conversation with local and toll-free numbers.
| Provider | Pricing (per user/month) | Channels | Phone number availability | Best For |
| KrispCall | Starting from $15 | Calling, Texting, and Voicemail | Local and toll-free numbers for over 100 countries. | Small to large businesses who want seamless conversations. |
| Nextiva | Starting from $25 | Texting, Calling, and Video conferencing | Yes, it provides virtual phone numbers. | For both small businesses and enterprises. |
| RingCentral | Starting from $30 | Calling, Video conferencing, messaging | Yes, it provides VoIP phone numbers. | Best as an all-in-solution for companies. |
| Dialpad | Starting from $27 | Messaging and calling | It provides local and toll-free numbers. | Businesses requiring CRM integration in their workflows. |
| Zoom Phone | Starting from $10 ( US & Canada metered) | Calling, messaging, group chatting | Yes, it provides VoIP phone numbers. | Businesses that already use Zoom for meetings. |
Conclusion: Is it Better to Choose a Paid or Free VoIP Phone Number?
A free VoIP phone number is a great option if you want to test VoIP free services without aiming for long-term use. So, you can try the free VoIP phone service provided by Google Voice and TextNow as the free VoIP phone numbers with unlimited calling and SMS and easy set-up.
However, if you require more than the calling and messaging provided by free VoIP calls, a paid VoIP phone number is a suitable solution. A complete cloud system features call routing, recordings, caller ID, and a Power dialer.
We personally recommend that you go for a Paid VoIP system, as they are secure and advanced and let your business grow more than free VoIP providers.
In a paid VoIP system, KrispCall can be a better choice for you as it costs nearly half of other competitive providers and offers reliable features. Whereas, if your business is huge then RingCentral can be a good all-in-solution for it.
FAQs
Can I get a free VoIP phone number?
Yes, you can get a free VoIP phone number from providers such as Google Voice, TextNow, FreedomPop, 2ndLine, and Talkatone. These VoIP providers offer free VoIP services to businesses and individuals.
Are free VoIP numbers reliable?
Yes, most free VoIP numbers from well-known providers are reliable. However, they have limitations regarding usage, call quality, and availability.
Can I use a free VoIP number for business?
Free VoIP numbers are not a good choice for businesses as they have limitations. Instead, look for an affordable paid VoIP provider that fulfills your business needs.
How do I make free VoIP calls?
To make free VoIP calls, follow these steps:
- Download an app or go to the free VoIP Providers’ website (Google, TextNow, Talkatone).
- Create your account with Gmail.
- Select the number available on the platform.
- Activate the number and start making calls.
What is the difference between paid and free VoIP services?
Paid VoIP services allow you to make calls and messages and offer advanced features such as call recording, voicemail, call analytics, reliable quality, and CRM integrations at affordable costs. In contrast, Free VoIP services only provide limited calling and texting but with free of cost.
Is Google Voice free?
Yes, Google Voice is free for anyone with a Google account. In addition, you can also upgrade to paid plans, which cost you a little money.
Is Google Voice a VoIP number?
Yes, Google Voice is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) number that lets you make and receive calls and messages.
