Getting a second phone number for iPhone use (and more!) is a great way to separate business and personal calls. You won’t need a new device to get an alternate phone number — but you need to choose from the dozens of options on the App Store.
This guide will help you narrow down the choices for the best app that lets you get a second phone number on your iPhone for your business. Read on to learn about pricing, key features of the best apps, and more.
How the best second phone number for iPhone apps stack up
Take a quick look at the features of the top apps for getting a second number on iPhone:
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 | $16 per user per month (with Google Workspace) | Unlimited calls to Canada from US only | US customers only | Requires upgrade (ring groups only) | X |
Sideline | $9.99 per month | Unlimited calls in US only | X | X | X (no longer allowed) |
Burner | $4.99 per month | ✓ | ✓ | X | Requires upgrade |
Cloud SIM | Rates vary | X | SMS only | X | X |
Hushed | $2.99 per month for prepaid subscription | Requires upgrade | ✓ | X | Requires upgrade |
Phone.com | $12.74 per user per month | Requires upgrade | Requires upgrade | $5 per month | $4.99 per number per month |
Grasshopper | $14 per month | ✓ | ✓ | X | $9 per number per month |
Line2 | $7.99 per month | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
Vonage | $13.99 per line per month | ✓ | Local US and Canadian numbers only | X | $4.99 per number per month |
If you want to have two numbers on a single phone, assessing the features for business versus personal use means looking through a different lens.
With that in mind, here are the top 10 apps for getting a second number on an iPhone.
1. OpenPhone: Best phone app for growing teams and small businesses
OpenPhone is a VoIP phone system built for small businesses and startups. Like other second-number apps for iPhone, you’ll know if an incoming call is personal or from a business contact.
But that’s just the tip of the OpenPhone iceberg. You can also make free calls and texts to US and Canadian numbers — just choose your own local US, Canadian, or toll-free number. Each user on your plan comes with one free phone number, and additional numbers are $5 each per month. Plus, you can share phone numbers with your teammates so anyone available can pick up calls and respond to texts on your behalf.
OpenPhone also gives you dozens of ways to streamline your phone communication. You can use an auto-attendant to route calls to the right person or department. Plus, warm transfer or host a group call with three-way calling on your iPhone device. And set up auto-replies to automatically respond to incoming messages and set expectations for when contacts will hear back from you.
Want to connect other tools to your business phone solution? You can integrate OpenPhone with business apps like Slack, HubSpot, Zapier, and Gmail.
It only takes minutes to get a second phone number with OpenPhone. First, sign up for OpenPhone’s free, seven-day trial. Then download the mobile app for iPhone or Android.
Pros
- Unlimited calls to the US and Canada
- SMS and MMS support
- Shared numbers help your team stay connected
- Call recording
Cons
- No emergency 911 calling services*
*Nearly all virtual phone numbers share this problem. Since VoIP numbers aren’t tied to a physical address, they can’t be used to call emergency services.
Get a second phone number in minutes
Get a second phone number in minutes
You can obtain a second phone number with OpenPhone in three simple steps:
- Sign up for an account with OpenPhone — when you sign up, you can try out OpenPhone free for seven days.
- During signup, select your city or area code in the US or Canada to pick your phone number or select a North American toll-free number.
- Verify your account with an existing phone number and a credit card.
You now have a virtual phone number. If you run into any issues during the signup process, fill out this form to reach our support team.
Key features of OpenPhone
- Option for local US, Canadian, and toll-free numbers
- Free calls and texts (SMS and MMS) in the US and Canada
- Call recordings
- Voicemail transcriptions
- Shared phone numbers
- Auto-replies, snippets, and scheduled text messages
- AI transcripts and summaries
- Free number porting
- Integrations with apps like Slack, HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zapier
- Automatically log transcriptions and summaries, surface CRM contacts in OpenPhone, and automate text touchpoints using the OpenPhone API
OpenPhone pricing
Our transparent pricing lets you easily see what you’ll pay and the features you get with each plan. It’s also easy to upgrade as your team grows and your needs change.
- Starter: $15 per user per month to access unlimited calls and texts to the US and Canada, one free number per user on your account, SMS and MMS, and more
- Business: $23 per user per month to access analytics, call transfers, CRM integrations, and more
- Enterprise: Contact for custom pricing
2. Google Voice: Best for Google Workspace users
Google Voice is popular among users looking for a free phone number. However, the free plan isn’t fit for business use. You only get one phone number and limited functionality — and the free plan is only available in the US.
Google recommends Google Voice for Google Workspace for business purposes, which offers basics like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and basic integrations for apps in the Google ecosystem (like Google Meet and Google Calendar).
But Google Voice is missing key features growing businesses need. Upgraded plans don’t offer:
- Toll-free numbers
- Integrations outside the Google suite
- Texting automations like auto-replies and snippets
Google Voice’s prices aren’t straightforward, either. Plans start at $10 per user per month for a fairly basic feature set, and you also have to pay an extra $6 per user per month for the required Google Workspace subscription.
Pros
- Free personal plan (not for business use)
- Comes with web app for desktop use
Cons
- No toll-free numbers
- No texting automations to streamline repetitive tasks
- No integrations outside the Google ecosystem
Key features of Google Voice
- Unlimited calling to US numbers
- Call forwarding
- Web, Android, and iOS apps
- Voicemail transcriptions
- Call recording (requires upgrade)
Google Voice pricing
- Starter: $10 per user per month to access call forwarding, voicemail transcriptions, and texting in the US (up to 10 users total)
- Standard: $20 per user per month to access on-demand call recordings, ring groups, and phone menus
- Premier: $30 per user per month to access automatic call recordings and advanced reporting
Don’t forget to add $6 per user per month for Google Workspace; the minimum you can pay for a Google Voice plan is $16 per month per user.
3. Sideline: Best budget option for a second number
Sideline is among the best second phone number apps, but unlike many other options on the list, it’s not a VoIP system. This means you need to have an existing phone service to make and receive calls.
As a Sideline user, you’ll have access to basic communication features like unlimited calling and texting to US numbers. However, Sideline doesn’t offer much to growing teams:
- Toll-free numbers and call recordings aren’t available on any Sideline plan.
- Basics like international calling and auto-attendants require an upgrade to the Enterprise plan and an add-on cost.
- Shared numbers are no longer available, which means you can’t split responsibility for incoming calls.
While Sideline does offer a free plan to users, it’s extremely limited at best. You won’t have access to basic features like voicemail transcription, and you’ll also have to deal with in-app ads.
Pros
- Free personal plan (not for business use)
Cons
- No shared numbers
- Have to pay extra for auto-attendants
- No call recording or toll-free numbers
Key features of Sideline
- Unlimited calling and texting in US
- Voicemail to text
- Auto-replies to calls and texts
- International calling and auto attendants (available for $14.99 per month with the Enterprise plan only)
- iOS and Android apps
Sideline pricing
Sideline’s pricing includes two plans: Standard (for individuals) and Enterprise (for businesses). Each comes with the same features apart from international calling and auto-attendants (which we’ll get into later).
The price for a Standard plan depends on how long you want a subscription. Your options include:
- Monthly (1 month): $14.49
- Half Yearly (6 months): $69.99
- Yearly (12 months): $129.99
Just don’t forget your subscription taxes. Sideline charges different fees depending on where your iTunes or Google Play account was registered. There’s no way to know how much this may affect your plan’s cost, but Sideline does provide an estimated tax list by state.
4. Burner: Best low-cost option with multiple phone numbers
Burner is another second phone number app that isn’t a VoIP phone system. The app lets you quickly set up a Burner number by selecting an area code — no SIM card required.
You can get up to three different phone numbers with Burner. These can be disposable phone numbers you delete or swap or a dedicated second line you can use for your business. Each number offers features like unlimited calling and messaging, picture messaging, muting/blocking, and auto-replies.
However, Burner lacks on various fronts when it comes to needing a business phone solution:
- It doesn’t offer shared numbers. You can’t collaborate with customers in real time.
- You can only use Burner on your iOS (or their second number app for Android) cell phone since it doesn’t have a desktop app. There is a web app available, but you can’t use it to send texts.
- Burner is only available in the US and Canada.
The kicker? A Burner number costs more if you purchase it from your iPhone. You have to buy on the web first, then download the app for the best pricing.
Pros
- Phone numbers are disposable
- Fairly cost-effective
Cons
- No desktop app
- No shared numbers
- Only available in US and Canada
Key features of Burner
- Unlimited calling and texting in US and Canada
- Spam call blocking
- Auto-replies
- Muting and blocking
Burner pricing
- $4.99 per month for one number purchased on the web
- $9.99 per month for one number purchased from the iPhone app
5. Cloud SIM: Best budget-friendly international option
Cloud SIM helps you reach mobile and landline numbers internationally with a dedicated second phone number. You can set up a number in one of five countries, then call or text other Cloud SIM users for free.
If you’re not contacting another Cloud SIM user, your calling and texting rates will depend on your message’s destination. This can get expensive fast, especially if you make or receive dozens of phone calls per day.
The app itself is also fairly basic. You get almost none of the features you need to streamline business communications, like shared access to phone numbers, call recording, auto-attendants, or voicemail transcriptions.
Plus, the app is only available on mobile phones, not desktops. It may be difficult to get work done without feeling glued to your cell phone.
Pros
- International phone numbers (France, Canada, UK, US, and Poland)
- Set business hours
Cons
- All inbound and outbound calls cost extra
- Few business-specific features (shared phone numbers, call recording, etc.)
- No desktop app
Key features of Cloud SIM
- Outgoing and incoming calls (voice calls are charged by the minute in most cases)
- Low-cost texting (free to other Cloud SIM users)
- Caller ID
- Set business hours/availability
Cloud SIM pricing
There are no monthly plans for a Cloud SIM number. Instead, the rates depend on the destination you’re calling or texting.
For example, if you’re calling a number in the US, you’ll have to pay:
- $0.12 per minute to reach a landline
- $0.12 per minute to reach a mobile phone
- $0.05 per SMS
If you’re in a country where local phone numbers aren’t available, you’ll have to rely on Cloud SIM’s callback feature. This doubles the cost of your per-minute pricing, even if you’re calling someone in the same country as you.
6. Hushed: Best for setting up separate contacts
Hushed is a temporary and second phone number app for WiFi or data calling and texting. The low-cost app is a good pick if you need an extra phone number to hide your personal number.
However, if you’re looking to add a business line to your cell phone, you’ll find the app’s feature set lackluster.
You can make and receive calls, send SMS and MMS, forward calls, and set up a custom voicemail greeting. That’s pretty much it — you can’t automatically route calls to specific teammates or work together from a shared inbox.
Pros
- Auto-replies
- Set up separate contacts for Hushed
Cons
- No unlimited talk and text without upgrading
- No access to shared numbers
- Call routing only for your personal number
Key features of Hushed
- Multiple phone lines
- Custom voicemail greeting
- Call forwarding
- Auto-replies
- SMS and MMS
Hushed pricing
- Prepaid: Starts at $2.99 for limited talk and text, with 7, 30, 90, and 365-day plans available
- Unlimited: Starts at $4.99 per month for unlimited talk and text, available for one to three lines
- Pay-As-You-Go: Starts at $6.99 per month to use Hushed credits for international calls and texts
7. Phone.com: Best option with video conferencing
Phone.com is a good second phone number platform if you’re looking for the bare minimum. The low-cost app lets you purchase local numbers and make calls and texts to contacts on your list.
But calls and texts come with limitations here. The basic plan caps calling at 500 pooled minutes (shared monthly between the users on your plan) and you can’t send texts at all unless you become a Plus user. Even then, MMS isn’t available, so you can’t send pictures or GIFs to recipients.
You should also know Basic users only get one phone number per account. If you need more, you’re forced to upgrade — even if you don’t need the other features.
Aside from video conferencing, other business-friendly features like shared access to phone numbers, unlimited calling, and voicemail transcriptions are only available with an upgrade.
And buyer beware: reviews on G2 say the iPhone app isn’t intuitive and customer support doesn’t meet expectations.
Pros
- Shared phone numbers (cost extra)
- CRM integrations (require upgrade)
Cons
- Auto-attendant requires an upgrade
- No texting on the basic plan
- Reviews mention poor support and a clunky interface
Key features of Phone.com
- Unlimited calling to the US and Canada (requires upgrade)
- Shared phone numbers (costs extra)
- Voicemail transcription (requires upgrade)
- SMS (requires upgrade)
- CRM integrations (require upgrade)
- Auto-attendant
- Mobile and web apps
Phone.com pricing
- Basic: $12.74 per user per month to access caller ID, 500 pooled minutes, iOS/Android apps, and more
- Plus: $18.69 per user per month to access unlimited calling, voicemail transcription, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing, video recording, and desk phone compatibility
- Pro: $27.19 per user per month to access CRM integrations, call analytics, and free call recording
8. Grasshopper: Best option with multi-digit extensions
Grasshopper is an older virtual phone system with features you’d expect to see in a legacy VoIP (such as call forwarding, multi-digit extensions, and internet fax).
However, Grasshopper lacks the basic features a modern phone system needs. For example, Grasshopper doesn’t offer call recording or shared phone numbers, which enable your team to communicate through a single phone number. Need more numbers than your plan offers? It’s an extra $9 per number per month – almost double the price of other VoIP providers.
The service’s pricing is confusing, too. You pay for the number of users and the number of phone numbers you want, although you don’t unlock more than one number until you reach the most expensive plan ($55 per user per month). You also can’t purchase additional extensions unless you upgrade, which makes it difficult to scale as your business grows.
Pros
- Core features included in every plan
- Desktop and mobile apps
Cons
- Lacking basic features like call recording
- No extensions on the True Solo plan
- Expensive deposit for international calls
Key features of Grasshopper
- Unlimited phone calls in the US and Canada
- Desktop and mobile apps
- International calls (additional rates apply; must be a customer longer than 60 days; you must also deposit a minimum of $500 USD)
- Call forwarding
Grasshopper pricing
- True Solo: $14 per month for one user, one phone number, and one extension
- Solo Plus: $25 per month for unlimited users, one phone number, and three extensions
- Small Business: $55 per month for unlimited users, four phone numbers, and unlimited extensions
9. Line2: Best simple solution with caller ID
Line2 is a cloud-based phone system that’s been around since 2006. The service offers essentials like call screening, caller ID, and voicemail transcriptions.
Need auto-replies, shared numbers, or auto-attendants? These aren’t options with Line2. Since there’s only one plan starting at $13.75 per month ($15.99 if you pay month to month), you know you’re paying for a bare-bones solution.
Pros
- Basic features included
- Competitive price
Cons
- Dated interface
- No auto-replies, shared numbers, or auto-attendants
- No access to integrations
Key features of Line2
- Unlimited calling and texting in the US and Canada
- Call blocking
- Call screening
- Voicemail transcriptions
- Call forwarding
- Caller ID
Line2 pricing
- Annual: $7.99 per month
- Monthly: $9.99 per month
10. Vonage: Best choice for call centers
Vonage is a popular business phone system that offers unlimited texting and calling, team messaging, and third-party integrations. But be prepared to spend more on essential features — Vonage positions most of them as costly add-ons.
For example, toll-free numbers cost an extra $39.99 per month, while virtual phone extensions cost $24.99 per month. That’s not all: Vonage forces you to upgrade to a higher-tier plan for on-demand call recording, multi-level auto-attendants, and CRM integrations.
Vonage’s basic plan costs $13.99 per number per month with a 12-month contract, which may lead you to believe you’re getting a deal. But when you spend extra on add-ons your business needs, you’ll end up paying a lot more.
Pros
- Unlimited calls and texts in Canada and the US
- Mix and match add-ons to customize your business phone solution
Cons
- Many features disguised as add-ons
- Add-ons are expensive
- Call recording is locked behind the highest tier
Key features of Vonage
- Unlimited calls and SMS in the US and Canada
- Virtual phone extensions (costs extra)
- Multi-level auto-attendant (requires upgrade)
- CRM integration (requires upgrade)
- Call recording (requires upgrade)
Vonage pricing
The price per user with Vonage depends on your team’s size. Smaller teams pay more per user each month.
For teams of up to four members, you’ll pay:
- Mobile: $13.99 per line per month for desktop and mobile apps, unlimited domestic calling, voicemail, and SMS and MMS
- Premium: $20.99 per line per month to access team messaging, CRM integrations, and desk phone compatibility
- Advanced: $27.99 per line per month to access voicemail transcriptions, call groups, and on-demand call recordings (15 hours per month)
How to choose the best second phone number app for your business
When there are so many feature sets across apps to compare, choosing the right app can get difficult. To help you decide, we’ve listed a few features you should put at the top of your list when selecting a second number app for iPhone.
- Mobile and computer compatibility to work from anywhere. Apps with cross-platform support ensure everyone has access to a second phone number on iPhone as well as other devices. OpenPhone has iOS, Android, desktop, and web browser apps.
- Separate personal and business calls to retain privacy. Using a second phone number app for iPhone ensures you can always differentiate whether a call is intended for work because you’ll see a different call screen.
- Shared inbox to split responsibility for incoming tasks. A shared inbox lets teammates work together on client communications. For example, teams using OpenPhone can collaborate on incoming calls and texts via a single inbox. You can use threads to mention (or tag) teammates on a particular interaction without the client seeing those comments.
- Call routing to help customers get to the right place. Efficiently routing calls can help save you time. You can also transfer calls via simultaneous ring so your teammates can respond to calls on your behalf when you’re unavailable.
- Integrations and text automations to eliminate repetitive tasks. Integrations save hours you’d otherwise spend entering information manually or completing other repetitive tasks. Zapier, Slack, and CRMs are great examples. You can also use text automations like auto-replies, snippets, and AI message responses to save time when responding to client texts.
- Call recording. A combination of call recordings and transcriptions can help you get context quickly. Automatic recordings capture copies of every phone call, while manual recordings let you select the calls you wish to save. You can also use OpenPhone’s call transcriptions to skim through calls and pick out specific phrases.
The best app for a second number for iPhone: OpenPhone
A second phone number helps you separate business and personal calls. A VoIP phone system like OpenPhone ensures you can get a second phone number and a comprehensive set of features tailor-made for growing teams.
With OpenPhone, you can share phone numbers, integrate with the most popular business apps, and, most importantly, develop better relationships with your customers.
Try OpenPhone today with a free, seven-day trial.
FAQs
A second phone number app allows you to manage two numbers on the same device. This means you don’t have to give out your personal number to customers or purchase a separate SIM card.
You can use a second phone number to keep your personal number private and mute calls or texts that come through after hours. You can also choose an area code in specific locations so your caller ID looks more familiar to contacts.
Getting a new phone number from almost anywhere in the world is a simple process when you choose OpenPhone as your virtual phone number provider. Follow these three steps:
1. Create an account with OpenPhone (when you sign up, you get a free seven-day trial).
2. During signup, choose your city or area code in the US to select your preferred phone number.
3. Once the signup process is complete, you’re all set to use your new second virtual phone number.
You can get a free second phone number with online providers like Google Voice. But for businesses, a paid option makes more sense. Without it, you won’t have toll-free numbers, the ability to set business hours, or a dedicated address book to manage your contacts.
Yes, you can have two phone numbers on one iPhone with a second phone number app. With providers like OpenPhone, you can purchase all the numbers needed to run your business. You also get one free phone number per user on your account.
Some iPhone models (including iPhone 13 and later) allow you to use two active eSIMs at the same time. Just keep in mind this can be confusing and cumbersome. You also won’t have access to critical business features like call routing, auto-replies, integrations, and more.