How to text from a different phone number: Top 6 apps for small businesses

Imagine this: Your small business is finally taking off. 

Clients are calling, new leads are texting, and your cell phone is buzzing non-stop with notifications. But wait — how can you tell if that incoming phone call is from a potential customer or your college roommate wanting to catch up? And what happens when you need a weekend off without business calls interrupting your downtime?

You need a better way to manage your business communications without sacrificing your privacy, sanity, or wallet. Enter the idea of getting a second phone number — one that’s convenient, affordable, and keeps your personal life separate from work — whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, or any other device.

As you read, you’ll explore three simple ways to get a different phone number for texting and calling and learn about the top six virtual phone number apps to help you choose the best fit for your business needs. Get ready to simplify your communication game.

How to get a different phone number in 3 steps

Want a second phone number for your business? With OpenPhone, it takes three simple steps:

1. Sign up for an OpenPhone account — when you sign up, you can try OpenPhone free for seven days.
2. Choose your new phone number — select your city or area code in the US or Canada to pick your phone number, or go for a North American toll-free number.
3. Verify your account — confirm your account with an existing cell phone number and a credit card.

That’s it! You now have a virtual phone number ready to use on your iPhone, Android, laptop, or tablet. If you run into any issues during the signup process, fill out this form to reach out to our support team.

3 ways to send a text using a different number

Here are three options to consider if you want to send texts from a different number:

1. Use a texting app

One of the easiest ways to text from a different number is by using a dedicated texting app like SimpleTexting. Plans start at $39.99 per month and include 500 credits per month and a local number you can use to send and receive SMS/MMS messages separately from your personal line.

Some texting apps offer free texting options, though they may come with limitations like limited features, add-on costs, and scalability issues. Some texting apps like SimpleTexting offer basic business functionality but lack features for call management and have limited integrations. While the initial cost may seem low, additional fees for premium features or higher messaging volumes can add up. And if you have a team, these apps might not support multiple users or shared numbers, making it a challenge for your business to scale.

2. Get another SIM card

Your next option is to get a second SIM card for your unlocked phone. This gives you a separate number for texting and calling, effectively dividing your personal and professional chats.

Here’s the thing, though — not all smartphones support dual SIM cards, so you might need to invest in a new device. You’ll also rack up extra costs for the second SIM card and a separate mobile plan. Managing two SIM cards can be annoying, especially if you have to switch them manually or juggle multiple devices.

3. Get a virtual phone number app

The simplest way to text from a different number for your business is to get a virtual phone number app, which allows you to send texts and make calls over the internet using a device you already have. 

The main thing to look out for is finding the right provider. Some may have hidden costs, so it’s important to read the fine print. It’s also important to note that not all virtual phone services are designed to grow with your business, which can make adding new users or numbers problematic. And choosing a provider without the right features might leave you without the tools you need, like integrations, shared inboxes, or automated responses. 

The top 6 virtual phone number apps

With so many virtual phone number apps available, choosing the right one can be daunting. To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve compiled a comparison of the top six providers, highlighting their key features and pricing.

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 for Business	$16 per user per month (must have Google Workspace)	US and Canadian numbers only	US customers only	Requires upgrade (ring groups only)	✓
Grasshopper	$14 per month	✓	✓	Only via extensions	$9 per number per month
RingCentral	$9.99 per user per month (1-5 users)	✓ (limited toll-free minutes)	25 messages per user per month	✓	$4.99 per number per month
Sideline	$14.49 per month	✓ (not available in Canada)	✓ (not available in Canada)	X	$14.49 per line per month (only on Enterprise plan)
Burner	$4.99 per month	Mobile app only	X	X	Pricing varies

1. OpenPhone: Best scalable solution for small businesses

OpenPhone is tailored for startups, small businesses, and growing teams. It combines unlimited calling and texting in the US and Canada with powerful features to streamline your business communications, all within an intuitive app compatible with iOS, Android, web browsers, Mac, and Windows.

Pros

• Affordable and transparent pricing
• Unlimited calls and texts to the US and Canada
• Local, toll-free, and vanity numbers available
• Shared phone numbers and inboxes for team collaboration
• Easy to scale
• AI features for call transcriptions, summaries, and action items

Cons

• No verification through two-factor authentication*

*Nearly all virtual phone numbers share this problem. Companies like Facebook, Uber, and Google rarely let you authenticate accounts through a virtual phone number.

Key features of OpenPhone

• As many phone numbers as you need, including toll-free numbers
• Desktop, browser, and mobile apps
• Scheduled text messages in recipients’ timezones
• Auto-replies and text message templates
• Integrations with over 7,000 third-party apps like HubSpot, Slack, and Zapier
• Voicemail transcription
• Automated call recording 
• AI-powered call summaries and transcripts

OpenPhone pricing

OpenPhone pricing has three plans with no user minimums: 

• Starter: $15 per user per month for one local or toll-free US or Canadian number, unlimited calling and texting in the US and Canada, voicemail transcriptions, call recording, and more
• Business: $23 per user per month to unlock CRM integrations, analytics, auto call recording, group calling, ring orders, call transfers, and more
• Enterprise: Custom price to unlock priority support, audit log, dedicated account manager, and more

2. Google Voice: Best for existing Google Workspace users

Google Voice is a convenient option for businesses already using Google Workspace. It integrates seamlessly with other Google apps and offers basic calling and texting features suitable for small teams. That said, it doesn’t work well for businesses outside the US and doesn’t give you as much bang for your buck as other virtual phone number providers.

Pros

• Integrates with Google Meet and Calendar
• Simple user interface
• Google AI blocks spam calls

Cons

• Limited to US customers for texting
• Ring groups require upgrade
• No shared numbers or integrations with non-Google tools
• No toll-free numbers

Key features of Google Voice

• Unlimited calls and texts in the US
• Forward transcribed voicemails to your email
• Basic call forwarding

Google Voice pricing

Google Voice pricing has three tiers:

• Starter: $10 per user per month for up to 10 users and domestic locations only
• Standard: $20 per user per month to access unlimited users, advanced reporting, and eDiscovery
• Premier: $30 per user per month to access support for international locations and advanced reporting

3. Grasshopper: Best for solo entrepreneurs and small teams

Grasshopper provides a straightforward virtual phone system that works well for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. It offers basic calling and texting features without the need for additional hardware.

Pros

• Unlimited calls and texts
• Call forwarding and voicemail
• Local, toll-free, and vanity numbers available
• Mobile and desktop apps

Cons

• Limited advanced features
• No shared numbers or collaborative tools
• Lacks integrations with third-party apps

Key features of Grasshopper

• Automated greetings and call routing
• Route calls to your mobile or landline
• Voicemail transcription

Grasshopper pricing

Grasshopper pricing has three options:

• True Solo: $14 per month for one user, one number, and one extension
• Solo Plus: $25 per month for unlimited users, one number, and three extensions
• Small business: $55 per month for unlimited users, four numbers, and unlimited extensions

4. RingCentral: Best for larger businesses with specific use cases

RingCentral gives users a fairly wide range of features aimed at larger businesses. These include call management, team messaging, and video conferencing capabilities. However, RingCentral has texting and calling limits as well as hidden fees.

Pros

• Video conferencing and team messaging
• Call queues and IVR menus
• Integrations with many third-party applications
• 24/7 customer support

Cons

• Very limited SMS/MMS messages per user per month
• Additional costs for toll-free numbers and minutes
• Complex to set up and manage

Key features of RingCentral

• Phone, video meetings, and team messaging in one platform
• Call forwarding, call queues, and IVR available
• Integrations with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce

RingCentral pricing

RingCentral pricing differs based on how many users you have. Here are the prices for 1-5 users:

• Core: $9.99 per user per month for business phone or toll-free numbers and unlimited calls within the US and Canada
• Advanced: $25 per user per month to unlock automatic call recording and integrations with CRM tools
• Ultra: $35 per user per month to unlock advanced analytics and AI

*Note: The $9.99 per user per month Core plan pricing is only for teams of up to five users. Teams of six or more users start at $20 per user per month for Core.

5. Sideline: Best for those needing a second number on their mobile device

Sideline gives customers a second phone number that works directly through your existing carrier network and plan. If you want to rely on WiFi to text and call customers or want access to business features like call recording and toll-free numbers, Sideline may not be the best choice.

Pros

• Simple setup with no need for additional hardware
• Basic texting and calling (using carrier minutes)
• International calls available (on Enterprise plan)

Cons

• Limited to one number per device on Standard plan
• No shared numbers
• Lacks integrations
• Additional fees for features like auto-attendant and international calling

Key features of Sideline

• Free calls and texts in the US (with carrier minutes)
• Group messaging (10 recipients total)
• Voicemail to text
• Auto-replies

Sideline pricing

Sideline pricing for their Standard plan offers half yearly and yearly discounts, but their Enterprise plan only has monthly pricing:

6. Burner: Best for temporary or disposable personal numbers

If you are looking for temporary phone numbers that can be used for short-term projects, listings, or any situation where you need a disposable number, Burner might work for you.

Pros

• Quick and easy setup
• Flexible plans with options for short-term use
• Ability to “burn” a number and get a new one instantly

Cons

• Not suitable for business use
• No advanced features like call recording or integrations
• Cannot port numbers in or out

Key features of Burner

• Unlimited disposable numbers
• Automatic text responses
• Spam call blocking

Burner pricing

Burner charges double its monthly price if you sign up on its mobile app versus the web app. So if you’re interested in checking out a number with Burner, you should sign up on the web to save on your monthly fees. 

• $4.99 per number per month if you sign up on the web
• $9.99 per number per month if you sign up through the mobile app

Burner also offers a prepaid plan, which costs $4.99 for 50 minutes and 100 texts (expires after 30 days). 

5 more reasons to text from a different number

Texting from a different number isn’t just about separating work from personal life. Here are five more reasons it’s a smart move for you and your business:

1. Scalability. Easily add more lines as your team grows or if you want to segment numbers by location, department, or project.
2. Work-life balance. Set business hours to make sure you aren’t disturbed during your personal time. This helps prevent burnout for you and your team.
3. Stay organized. Keep all your communications in one place and maintain a clear record of calls, texts, voicemails, and interactions for better context and accountability.
4. Integrate with other tools. Connect your virtual phone number app with CRM systems, email marketing tools, and more to automate workflows and save time.
5. Share responsibility with your team. Use shared lines and call forwarding to distribute workload so no client communication slips through the cracks.

Best practices for texting clients and prospects

To make the most out of texting from a different number, keep these best practices in mind:

Implement small automations early on

Set up text message auto-replies and notifications to manage client expectations when you’re busy or away. This keeps clients informed and makes sure you don’t have unnecessary customer service issues.

Be professional and concise

Match your brand’s voice and tone in all communications. If your brand uses emojis and casual language, feel free to incorporate them. Otherwise, keep messages professional and to the point.

Follow compliance rules

Stay informed about regulations like A2P 10DLC and ensure you have proper consent before messaging clients. This keeps you compliant and builds trust with your audience — for example, it’s important to know that you must obtain customers’ consent to send text messages. If a customer texts you first using an SMS link or WhatsApp, you have implied consent, but that only applies to the conversation at hand.

Download OpenPhone to start texting from a business phone number

Separating your business comms from your personal ones has never been easier or more beneficial. By using a dedicated business phone number through OpenPhone, you enhance your professionalism, protect your privacy, and streamline your client interactions — all from one app.

OpenPhone works over WiFi, so you can make and receive calls even in areas with poor cellular reception. Plus, with features like customizable Caller ID and call forwarding, you can maintain a clear separation between your business and personal life.

Ready to elevate your business communication? Try OpenPhone free for seven days and experience the difference a dedicated business number can make on your Apple or Android device.

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