Have you ever been at dinner when a call comes through, and you wondered if it could be about a sale — or is it just spam?
Do you take the call and risk being interrupted, or ignore it and lose business?
If it’s happened to you, you’re not alone. Many small business owners juggle personal and work calls on the same number, making it harder to set boundaries, answer customer calls with the appropriate greeting, or avoid missing them altogether.
The fix? Getting a second phone number.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to get one without carrying two phones or switching SIM cards. In this article, we’ll walk you through how and why using a virtual phone number is the best way to take a call from a different number.
4 ways to make a call from a different number
If you’re looking at ways to make calls from a different number, you have a few options. Each one comes with its own benefits and limitations, so let’s break them down to help you find the right fit for your business:
1. Use a second SIM card
Dual-SIM phones allow you to use two phone numbers by holding two different SIM cards. This option is good for keeping work and personal calls separate on the same device. However, if your cell phone doesn’t support the use of two SIM cards, you’ll need to swap them whenever you want to use your second number. This can be inconvenient, especially when managing calls on the go.
Alternatively, you can use an eSIM, which lets you add a second number digitally without needing an extra physical SIM card. All you need is a phone like the iPhone XS or newer, along with a carrier that supports eSIM Carrier Activation. However, eSIMs aren’t universally supported by all carriers, which can limit your options. Plus, if you need a business number, they don’t offer any features that can take repetitive phone-related tasks off your plate.
2. Use a virtual phone number
Virtual phone numbers aren’t tied to a physical device or location. This gives you the flexibility to make and receive phone calls from multiple devices — whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers are perfect for small business owners because they give you features like ring groups, phone menus, call screening, and texting automations like auto-replies that save you time. Plus, they’re easy to set up and manage.
3. Use a landline
A landline can give you a separate business number if you operate from a physical office or storefront. The issue is that landlines are fixed to a specific location, so you can only make and receive calls when you’re there. This can be limiting — especially if you’re on the move or managing a remote team.
Another thing to keep in mind: Landlines aren’t the most tech-forward solution. So if you’re looking for a phone system that takes work off your plate, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Plus, they’re expensive since you’ll likely need multiple desk phones and extensions, which cost much more than virtual phone numbers.
4. Get a PBX system
Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is an outdated phone system used to manage and connect desk phones — think old-fashioned office. While they allow teams to handle internal and external calls efficiently, you won’t be able to text customers, integrate your current CRM, and more. PBX phone system costs can also be high because they require dedicated hardware and technical expertise. For small businesses, they might be more than what’s necessary, especially when modern alternatives like virtual phone systems are available.
So, if you’re going to go with a virtual phone number, what system should you use?
The top 4 virtual phone number apps
To help you decide which provider fits your needs best, let’s take a closer look at how some of the top options compare.
Provider | Starting price | Unlimited calling to US & Canada | SMS/MMS to US & Canada | Shared phone numbers | Additional phone numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
OpenPhone | $15 per user per month | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $5 per number per month |
Google Voice | $17 per user per month (must have Google Workspace) | Unlimited calls to Canada from the US only | US customers only | Requires upgrade (ring groups only) | X |
2Number | $14.99 per month | X | ✓ | X | Price varies |
Burner | $4.99 per month | ✓ | X | X | Prices start from $4.99 per number per month |
Now that you’ve seen how the top providers compare, let’s look at each in more detail — starting with OpenPhone, the best choice for growing and small businesses.
1. OpenPhone: Best for growing and small businesses
Pros
- Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and the web
- Shared phone numbers for sharing calls and text messages
- Texting automations like auto-replies, scheduled texts, and snippets
- 7,000+ integrations (Zapier plus native integrations with Slack, HubSpot, Salesforce, and more)
- SMS and MMS support
Cons
- No verification through two-factor authentication*
*Nearly all virtual phone numbers share this problem. For safety reasons, companies like Facebook, Uber, and Google rarely let you authenticate accounts through a virtual phone number.
OpenPhone is a business phone solution that lets small and growing teams collaborate together to build strong customer relationships. With OpenPhone, you can make free calls and texts to the US and Canada with local (US and Canadian phone numbers) and North American toll-free numbers.
With OpenPhone’s shared numbers, your team can make and receive calls and texts together so that you can communicate with multiple customers simultaneously. All your calls, texts, voicemails, and call recordings live in one unified view for your team so you have a clear picture of what’s going on with each customer.
OpenPhone’s AI-powered call summaries and transcriptions save your team from scribbling notes during phone calls, helping you focus entirely on your customers.
More than that, think about how much time you could save with texting automation features like auto-replies for missed calls, pre-written snippets to respond to FAQs, or scheduling texts to follow up at just the right time. Combine this with professional phone menus that help callers route themselves to the right department or rep, and you have a system that keeps your business running smoothly, no matter how busy things get.
Get a different phone number in minutes
You can get a second phone number for your business with OpenPhone in three simple steps. Here’s how.
- Sign up for an OpenPhone account. When you sign up, you can try OpenPhone free for seven days.
- Choose your new phone number. Select your city or area code in the US or Canada to pick your phone number, or choose a North American toll-free number.
- Verify your account. Confirm your account with an existing cell phone number and a credit card.
Key features of OpenPhone
- Salesforce integration
- AI contact suggestions
- AI call summaries and transcriptions
- Automatic call recording
- Auto attendant
- One free local (US or Canada) or toll-free number per user
- Call routing
OpenPhone pricing
OpenPhone’s transparent pricing is designed with small businesses in mind and offers three plans for you to choose from.
- Starter: $15 per user per month for free calls and texts in the US and Canada, shared phone numbers, snippets, scheduled texts, auto-replies, basic call forwarding, email integration to forward calls and texts, Slack and Zapier integrations, and more
- Business: $23 per user per month for CRM integrations (HubSpot and Salesforce), advanced call forwarding, automatic call recording, AI call summaries, phone menus, custom ring orders, analytics, live chat support, and more
- Scale: $35 per user per month for AI call tags, dedicated onboarding, and priority chat and email support
2. Google Voice: Best for Google Workspace users
Pros
- Free plan is available for personal use
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace
Cons
- No automation features like auto-replies or scheduled texts
- Limited availability in some countries
- No toll-free numbers
At first glance, Google Voice might seem like a straightforward option, especially if you already use Google Workspace. It offers two different plans for you to choose from:
- A free plan designed for personal use that only includes basic calling and texting features with a maximum of one user. Google Voice’s free version is only available in the US.
- A paid option for businesses that offers features like ring groups and auto-attendants with unlimited users.
But as you start to dig deeper, there are limitations to consider. If your business relies on automated features like scheduled texts, pre-written message templates (snippets), or auto-replies, Google Voice won’t have your back. Everything needs to be handled manually, which can quickly eat into your time.
Another hiccup? Country restrictions. Depending on where you’re located, Google Voice may not work in your area. And if you’re hoping to grow your presence with a toll-free number, Google Voice doesn’t offer that option either.
Even something as simple as porting your number to or from Google Voice can be challenging. Users have reported issues with delays and extra steps, which can make switching providers a frustrating experience.
Key features of Google Voice
- Integration with Google apps like Google Calendar and Google Meet
- Voicemail transcriptions
- Unlimited calls to the US and to Canada from the US
- Multi-level auto attendant (requires upgrade)
- Ring groups (requires upgrade)
Google Voice pricing
Google Voice’s pricing plans offer three different options:
- Starter: $10 per user per month for unlimited calling to US numbers (as long as you’re in the US or Canada), calling to Canada (subject to international fees), unlimited texting (US only), voicemail transcriptions, and Google Calendar and Google Meet integrations
- Standard: $20 per user per month for unlimited domestic locations, SIP Link support, ring groups, desk phone and ATA support, and advanced usage and activity reports
- Premier: $30 per user per month for unlimited international locations, eDiscovery for calls, voicemails, texts, advanced BigQuery reporting, and ad-hoc user call recording
To use Google Voice, you need to pay at least $7 per user per month for a Google Workspace account on top of your Google Voice subscription.
3. 2Number: Best for international calls
Pros
- Make calls to over 100 countries
- MMS support for US and Canadian numbers
Cons
- No integrations with third-party apps
- No shared numbers for team collaboration
- Call recording requires an upgrade
The 2Number mobile app is a simple solution for individuals who need another number for calls and texts. The app supports MMS texting in the US and Canada, which means you can send pictures or documents from your second number, making it easier to provide visual support. It also lets you record calls, store them, and share them.
Other features include international calling capabilities (over 100 countries) and Do Not Disturb (available for US numbers), which lets you set specific time periods to send incoming calls straight to voicemail, helping maintain boundaries when you need them most.
However, the app’s simplicity comes with trade-offs. It doesn’t have shared numbers, limiting your team’s ability to make and receive multiple calls simultaneously. It also lacks phone menus, meaning callers can’t route themselves to the appropriate person or department. This could leave them waiting or unsure of how to get their questions answered. It also doesn’t support integrations with third-party apps, so if you rely on tools like Slack or HubSpot, you’ll miss out on opportunities to streamline workflows.
Key features of 2Number
- Text message history
- Calls to over 100 countries
- Call recording
- Do Not Disturb mode
- MMS support for US and Canadian numbers
2Number pricing
You can expect to pay $14.99 per month or $29.99 per year, which gives you access to all the app’s features. The cost of additional phone numbers can vary from $7.99 to $8.99 each. A subscription provides monthly credits you use to make calls, and the amount of credits you’ll need varies by country.
The FCC guides against caller ID spoofing, and businesses that do it risk legal action if consumers report them. For this reason, we don’t recommend that OpenPhone businesses create phone numbers just to hide their identity when calling contacts
4. Burner: Best for temporary or disposable personal numbers
Pros
- Choose any US or Canadian area code
- Customize ringer and SMS notifications for each number
Cons
- Lacks advanced business features like phone menus, auto-replies, and integrations
- Can’t make international calls
Burner is a second phone number app for Android and iOS designed to protect your privacy. Its main benefit is that it’s easy to establish a local presence (US or Canada) or keep your personal number private. The app also lets you name each number, so whether it’s for a side hustle, a temporary project, or a personal need, you can keep track of what each number is for.
You can customize SMS and ringer notifications, so you’re in control of how and when you’re notified. Plus, the app integrates with your address book, allowing you to quickly access and manage contacts without juggling multiple tools.
That being said, Burner does have some limitations. For example, Burner doesn’t offer business features like shared phone numbers, third-party app integrations, or analytics, unlike other VoIP providers like OpenPhone.
Key features of Burner
- Temporary numbers with any US or Canadian area code
- Custom notifications for each number
- Access to your address book from the Burner app
- Block phone numbers
- Do Not Disturb mode
Burner pricing
Burner’s pricing varies depending on how many numbers you purchase. Here’s what you can expect to pay for one phone number:
- $4.99 per month (or $47.99 per year) for a single number with free calls, texts, and picture messaging, plus monthly line swaps (depending on the type of plan you have)
If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, you can buy Prepaid Burners, which is a temporary burner phone number that will expire in 30 days or less. One prepaid burner costs eight credits and provides a phone number with 50 minutes and 100 texts.
7 more reasons to call from a different number
A dedicated business number isn’t just about separating work from personal calls — it’s also about making your communication more professional and efficient.
Here are seven more reasons why calling from a different number makes sense for your business:
1. Keep your personal number private. Using your personal phone for work can quickly blur the line between work and personal life. Calling from a different phone number protects your privacy while ensuring clients can get in touch with you (and avoids having to change your number).
2. Differentiate business vs. personal calls. When you have a specific number for your business, it’s easy to tell if an incoming call is work-related. This means you can prepare for the conversation, answer professionally, and leave a better impression on your customers.
3. Never miss a call with shared phone numbers. With OpenPhone, you can add team members to the same phone number so everyone can make and receive calls from it. You can also set up OpenPhone’s simultaneous ring feature to ensure every team member’s device rings at the same time, boosting the chances of someone picking up.
4. Leave a better impression with a local business number. Having a local phone number helps your business look more established and trustworthy to the local community, even if you’re working from a different location.
5. Stay focused on the call, not the details. Ever tried taking notes while having a conversation? It’s distracting and easy to make a mistake. With OpenPhone’s AI-powered transcripts and summaries, you can give customers your full attention during the call without worrying about missing key points.
6. Ensure calls get to the right place with smart routing. Set up call menus, extensions, or ring groups with OpenPhone to route incoming calls to the right person or department. This eliminates confusion and makes sure they get the help they need faster, especially if you have multiple business phone numbers.
7. Automate your texting game. Calling isn’t the only way to reach your customers. With OpenPhone’s texting features, you can text from a different number, send automated texts, schedule texts, or use pre-written snippets to save time while delivering a personal touch. For example, you could send an automatic “Thanks for calling!” message if you miss someone’s call.
OpenPhone: The best way to call from a different phone number
Why does OpenPhone stand out as the top VoIP provider when you need to figure out how to call from a different number? Because it’s a business phone system that helps you deliver the best customer experiences while staying organized and professional.
Plus, it’s flexible enough to use from your mobile phone, tablet, or desktop, giving you the freedom to stay connected wherever you are.
Getting started is simple: Sign up today and enjoy a free seven-day trial to see why OpenPhone is trusted by businesses like yours.
FAQs
While call spoofing apps let you temporarily display a different phone number on caller ID, they’re not the best option for businesses. These apps often lack professionalism and may raise red flags with customers since spoofed numbers can sometimes appear untrustworthy. In fact, the FCC explicitly guides against caller ID spoofing, and businesses that use it can face legal action if consumers file complaints.
For businesses, a more reliable solution is to use a virtual phone number from a service provider like OpenPhone. This way, you can call from a different number tied to your business without compromising your credibility.
Changing the number you’re calling from depends on the method you’re using:
– VoIP providers: Sign in to the app, tap your account icon, select the number you want to call from under Your numbers, and place the call.
– Dual-SIM phones: Go to your phone’s settings and select the SIM card or phone number you want to use for outgoing calls.
For businesses, VoIP providers like OpenPhone make this process easy while offering additional tools like voicemail transcriptions and automations to speed up your workflow.
A VoIP provider like OpenPhone lets you call US and Canadian phone numbers for free. All you need to do is sign up for an account and choose a new local or toll-free phone number to get started.
Many traditional carriers don’t let you customize the number you display when making outgoing calls. However, with a VoIP provider like OpenPhone, you can easily change your caller ID in three simple steps.
1. Go to your OpenPhone app and click Settings.
2. Below Workspace, select General.
3. Tap the three dots (…) and choose Update name to type your new caller ID.
That’s it!