5 Best Second Phone Number Apps For 2024

Let’s face it, juggling a personal and business phone number can be a recipe for disaster.  Imagine clients calling late at night, or your personal contacts bombarded with business inquiries. Not only is it unprofessional, but it can also be a major security concern.

Fortunately, there’s a simple and affordable solution: second phone number apps. These handy tools let you ditch the dedicated business phone (landline or cell) and create a separate line for work, all from the convenience of your existing smartphone.

Say Goodbye to Blurry Boundaries

But the benefits go far beyond keeping your personal life private. Here’s how a second phone number app can transform your business operations:

• Enhanced Professionalism: Project a polished image by providing clients with a dedicated business number. No more scrambling to explain personal calls during meetings.
• Streamlined Workflow: Separate your business calls from personal ones, making it easier to prioritise and manage your workload.
• Improved Security: Keep your personal contact information confidential without compromising business accessibility.
• Finding the Perfect Fit: Top 5 Second Phone Number Apps Compared

Now that you’re convinced of the advantages, let’s explore the top contenders in the second phone number app arena for 2024:

1. LimePhone
2. OpenPhone
3. Sideline
4. Hushed
5. airlandline

We’ll be diving deep into each app’s features, pricing plans, and unique strengths to help you find the perfect match for your business needs. Stay tuned!

A Side-by-Side Comparison

Now that we’ve explored the compelling benefits of using a second phone number app for your business, it’s time to get down to brass tacks and see how the top contenders measure up against each other. This handy comparison table will shed light on key features, pricing, and functionalities to steer you towards the perfect app for your needs:

Provider	Starting Price	Included Minutes	Unlimited Calling	SMS	Shared Phone Numbers	Additional Phone Numbers
LimePhone	$4.99/month	250	Unlimited Local Outbound Calling in 36 Countries – Team Plan	Yes (all plans)	No	Yes (paid add-on)
OpenPhone	$10/month	100	Add-on available	Yes (all plans)	No	Yes (paid add-on)
Hushed	$4.99/month (Premium)	Vary depending on plan	Add-on available	Yes (all plans)	No	Yes (paid add-on)
airlandline	$15/month	400	Add-on available	Yes (all plans)	No	Yes (paid add-on)
Sideline	$12/month	250	Add-on available	Yes (all plans)	No	Yes (paid add-on)

Let’s delve a bit deeper into what this table reveals:

• Cost Considerations: Pricing varies across the board, with LimePhone offering the most features for the base price, while others require add-on packages. Hushed even boasts a free tier with limited features, making it a good option for casual users.
• Calling and Texting: Thankfully, all the apps provide SMS messaging across all plans, ensuring seamless communication with clients. However, unlimited calling isn’t always included by default, so be sure to factor that in if it’s a deal-breaker for you.
• Shared vs. Additional Numbers: LimePhone allows sharing your business number with colleagues, the others offer the option to add additional users as add-ons. All offer the option to purchase additional phone lines if you need to expand your reach.

Let’s explore the Top 5 apps in detail

LimePhone

LimePhone carves a unique niche in the second phone number app market, offering a compelling blend of affordability and straightforward functionality. Let’s explore what LimePhone brings to the table and how it can benefit your business.

Pros: Cost-Effective Calling

• Unlimited Calls Within Reach: LimePhone stands out with its generous minutes allowance, unlimited inbound calling and unlimited calling to 36+ local countries available on the team plan.Even their team plan is significantly lower in cost than most competitors base plan. Allowing you to make calls freely without worrying about exceeding usage limits. This is a significant advantage, especially for businesses that rely heavily on phone communication.

A Caveat to Consider

It’s important to note that, similar to most virtual phone number solutions, LimePhone currently cannot support emergency 911 calling services. This limitation stems from the nature of VoIP numbers, which aren’t tied to a physical address.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Features to Consider

While LimePhone prioritizes affordability and ease of use, it doesn’t compromise on essential features:

• Seamless Texting: Enjoy unlimited text messaging across all plans, ensuring smooth communication with clients and colleagues.
• Expand Your Reach (For an Additional Fee): While the base plan doesn’t include additional phone numbers, LimePhone offers them as a paid add-on, catering to businesses that require multiple lines. Offering additional numbers starting at $2 each, making LimePhone the most cost effective option.

LimePhone Pricing

LimePhone boasts a straightforward pricing structure:

Basic Plan: $4.99 per month All starter plans include:

• 1 UK/US Number
• 250 minutes of Local Outgoing Calls
• 1 User
• Unlimited Inbound Calls
• Receive Calls & SMS on Slack
• 40+ Powerful Features
• (Including Call Recording, SMS Inbox & Voicemail to Text)
• Free Call Forwarding
• Auto Replies
• Basic IVR (Call Greetings)
• Call Recording
• Working Hours
• includes unlimited US & Canada calling, unlimited texting)
• Additional Phone Numbers: Available as a paid add-on from $2

Experience LimePhone’s Simplicity

LimePhone is a perfect choice for businesses seeking a budget-friendly solution with core functionalities. Sign up for a free trial and discover how LimePhone can streamline your communication without breaking the bank.

Download Links

Google Play to download the app for your Android device.

OpenPhone

OpenPhone stands out as a robust VoIP phone system designed to empower growing teams and simplify their communication needs. Let’s delve into the app’s strengths and explore how it can elevate your business operations.

Pros: Feature-Rich Collaboration

• Unlimited North American Communication: Enjoy seamless calling and texting to the US and Canada, eliminating worries about exceeding communication limits.
• Number Flexibility: Choose from local or toll-free numbers to establish a professional presence that aligns with your business goals. OpenPhone offers a free US, Canadian, or toll-free number for each team member, with the option to add more for a small monthly fee.
• Teamwork Made Easy: Foster seamless collaboration with internal threads, contact notes, and direct messaging features, ensuring everyone on your team stays on the same page.
• Increased Efficiency: Enhance call management with auto-attendant (IVR) functionality, allowing clients to route their own calls and eliminating manual intervention.
• Automate Repetitive Tasks: Streamline workflows through text messaging automation, including auto-replies, snippets, and AI-generated responses that save you valuable time and keep communication consistent.
• Seamless Integration: OpenPhone seamlessly connects with over 5,000 business apps, including industry giants like Slack, Salesforce, and HubSpot, creating a unified communication hub.

A Caveat to Consider

It’s important to note that, similar to most virtual phone number solutions, OpenPhone currently cannot support emergency 911 calling services. This limitation stems from the nature of VoIP numbers, which aren’t tied to a physical address.

Beyond a Second Phone Number: A Communication Hub

OpenPhone transcends the limitations of a simple second phone number app. It’s designed to streamline your entire business communication flow, focusing on both phone calls and text messages.

Key Functionalities at Your Fingertips

• Cost-Effective Communication: Enjoy free calls and texts within the US and Canada, keeping your communication costs under control.
• Cross-Device Accessibility: Respond to calls and texts from your computer, smartphone, or tablet, offering flexibility and convenience for your team.
• Affordable International Calls: Stay connected with global partners through affordable international calling options.
• Shared Numbers for Team Coverage: Assign specific team members to shared phone numbers, ensuring someone is always available to answer calls or respond to texts.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Boost teamwork through direct messaging, internal threads, and other collaborative tools within the app.
• Never Miss a Detail: Capture important conversations with call recordings and voicemail transcriptions.
• Automate Client Interactions: Set up auto-attendants for self-directed call routing and auto-replies to manage incoming texts when team members are unavailable.
• Professional Call Management: Establish professional business hours and optimize client experience with these features.
• Connect Your Business Ecosystem: Integrate OpenPhone with your existing business apps like Slack, Zapier, and HubSpot for a centralized communication platform.

OpenPhone Pricing Options

OpenPhone offers a tiered pricing structure to cater to different business needs:

• Starter: $15 per user per month (includes core features)
• Business: $23 per user per month (unlocks advanced options like IVR, call transfers, analytics, and CRM integrations)
• Enterprise: Contact OpenPhone for a customized quote (tailored to larger teams and complex needs)

Sideline

Sideline takes a unique approach to second phone numbers, prioritizing text messaging functionalities for businesses. Let’s delve into its strengths and explore how it can enhance your client communication.

Pros: Streamlined Text Communication

• SMS and MMS Messaging: Sideline seamlessly handles both standard text messages (SMS) and multimedia messages (MMS), ensuring versatility in your communication with clients.
• Automated Responses Save Time: Utilize pre-programmed auto-replies to efficiently manage your incoming texts, providing timely responses even when you’re unavailable.

A Note on Feature Availability

It’s important to understand that some features require upgrading to Sideline’s Pro plan. We’ll highlight these distinctions throughout this section.

Exploring Additional Features (With Upgrades)

While text messaging takes center stage, Sideline offers additional functionalities to consider:

• International Calling on the Go (Pro Plan): Expand your client reach with international calling capabilities available on the upgraded Pro plan.
• Enhanced Call Management (Pro Plan): Elevate your call handling with an auto-attendant (IVR) feature, allowing clients to self-direct their calls, streamlining your workflow (available on the Pro plan).

Sideline: A Feature Breakdown

Sideline offers tiered plans with varying functionalities:

• Standard Plan ($9.99/month): This plan caters to basic needs, providing auto-replies, unlimited calling and texting within the US (excluding Hawaii and Alaska), and the ability to manage one user and a single second phone number per account.
• Pro Plan ($14.99/line/month): Unlock advanced features with the Pro plan, including international calling, auto-attendant functionalities, and the ability to add multiple lines (additional costs may apply).

Understanding Sideline’s Limitations

While Sideline excels in text communication, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations:

• No Shared Numbers: Sideline doesn’t currently support shared phone numbers, meaning only one person can access a specific number at a time.
• Call Recording Not Available: If call recording is crucial for your business, Sideline won’t fulfill this need.
• Limited Integrations: Sideline doesn’t integrate with popular business tools like Slack, Zapier, or CRM systems.

A Final Note: Unveiling the Right Sideline Plan

Sideline’s pricing structure can be a bit complex, with features spread across different plans. Carefully evaluate your needs to identify the most suitable option.

Experience Sideline’s Text-Focused Approach

If prioritizing streamlined text communication with clients is your primary focus, Sideline offers a compelling solution. Sign up for a free trial (availability may vary) and explore how Sideline can transform your business text messaging.

Hushed

Hushed caters to businesses seeking a customizable second phone number app with a focus on affordability. Let’s explore its strengths and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it aligns with your needs.

Pros: Tailored Pricing to Fit Your Budget

• Multiple Plans Available: Hushed offers a variety of pricing options, including pay-as-you-go bundled minutes and SMS credits, and unlimited subscriptions. This flexibility allows you to choose a plan that best fits your usage patterns and budget.
• Third-Party Integrations (Limited, But Useful): While the selection is limited, Hushed integrates with popular platforms like Dropbox and Slack, streamlining workflows for users who rely on these tools.

A Note on Feature Availability

It’s important to consider that some features require upgrades or additional fees. We’ll highlight these details throughout this section.

Exploring Additional Functionalities

Hushed goes beyond basic calling and texting by offering a range of functionalities:

• Call Forwarding: Route incoming calls to a different number, ensuring you never miss important communications.
• Automated Responses: Set up auto-replies to manage incoming calls and texts efficiently, even when you’re unavailable.
• Call Routing: Direct calls to specific numbers based on pre-defined criteria, enhancing call management.
• Custom Voicemail Greetings: Craft professional voicemail greetings that leave a positive first impression on callers.

Hushed Pricing Breakdown

Hushed offers tiered pricing structures to cater to different usage needs:

• Prepaid Plans: Starting at $2.99, these plans provide pay-as-you-go bundled minutes and SMS credits, ideal for occasional users.
• Unlimited Subscriptions ($4.99/month): This plan offers unlimited calling, texting (SMS and MMS) within the US and Canada, and the ability to manage one to three phone numbers on a single account.
• International Calling (Additional Fee): For international calls, you’ll need to purchase a separate add-on plan, starting at $6.99, which brings your total monthly cost to $6.99.

Understanding Potential Limitations

While Hushed boasts flexibility, here are some limitations to keep in mind:

• Upgrade Required for Unlimited Minutes: The basic plan doesn’t include unlimited calling and texting. You’ll need to upgrade for this feature.
• Reported Bugs and Glitches: Some users have reported experiencing bugs and glitches within the app, even after upgrading or using a stable internet connection.

Choosing the Right Hushed Plan

Hushed’s diverse pricing options offer a solution for budget-conscious businesses. However, be mindful of potential limitations and user-reported glitches. Carefully evaluate your needs and consider potential drawbacks before making a decision.

Experience Hushed’s Customization

If you prioritize affordability and a customizable solution, Hushed might be the right fit for your business. Explore the app’s functionalities through a free trial (availability may vary) and discover how Hushed can cater to your specific business needs.

Airlandline

Airlandline stands out as a robust virtual landline solution designed to empower businesses with a professional and feature-rich communication platform. Let’s delve into the app’s strengths and explore how it can elevate your business operations.

Pros: Convenience Without Compromise

• No Internet Dependency: Unlike traditional VoIP solutions, Airlandline doesn’t require a constant internet connection to function. This ensures uninterrupted communication, even in areas with spotty internet access.
• Security at the Forefront: Airlandline prioritizes security with robust measures in place to protect your business communications.

A Range of Features to Enhance Communication

Airlandline goes beyond offering a simple second phone number. Here’s a glimpse into the functionalities it provides:

• Local Business Numbers: Establish a local presence and build trust with clients by acquiring a local phone number that aligns with your target market.
• Call Diversion: Route incoming calls to your preferred destination, ensuring you never miss important communications, even when you’re unavailable.
• Customizable Business Hours: Set specific business hours to manage call flow and establish clear communication expectations with clients.
• Sequential Call Diversion: Distribute incoming calls across multiple phone numbers in a sequential order, ensuring calls are always answered by someone on your team.
• Time-of-Day Routing: Direct calls to specific numbers or voicemail boxes based on the time of day, optimizing call handling for your business needs.
• Advanced Features (Upgrade Required): Airlandline offers additional features with its premium plan, including voicemail to email, call recording, and business WhatsApp integration.

Airlandline Pricing

Airlandline offers a straightforward pricing structure:

• Basic Plan ($15/month): This plan provides core functionalities, including 400 minutes, a local business number, call diversion, and business hour settings.
• Premium Plan (Upgrade Required): Unlock advanced features like voicemail to email, call recording, and business WhatsApp integration with the premium plan (price may vary).

Experience the Airlandline Advantage

If you prioritize a reliable, feature-rich solution with a focus on local presence and robust call management, Airlandline deserves a closer look. Sign up for a free trial (availability may vary) and discover how Airlandline can streamline your business communication.

Conclusion, the best app for alternate phone numbers

Juggling a single phone number for work and personal life can be a recipe for burnout. Thankfully, second phone number apps offer a simple and affordable solution. But with various options available, choosing the right one can be daunting.

This blog post explored the top contenders in the second phone number app arena, highlighting their unique strengths and limitations. If you prioritize affordability and core functionalities, LimePhone emerges as a compelling choice, ideal for businesses seeking a cost-effective way to establish a clear work-life boundary and streamline communication. Sign up for a free trial today and discover how LimePhone can revolutionize the way you manage your business calls

LimePhone is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a budget-friendly solution with core functionalities. Sign up for a free trial (availability may vary) and discover how LimePhone can help you achieve a perfect work-life balance while keeping business communication seamless.

FAQ Of Second Phone Number Apps

While every second phone number app has its unique features, understanding their core functionalities can help you navigate your options. Let’s answer some frequently asked questions to shed light on this communication tool:

How can I use a second phone number app?

Second phone number apps work by creating a virtual phone line that functions alongside your existing phone number. You can download the app, choose a phone number, and use it for calling, texting, and voicemail – all managed through the app’s interface. This allows you to keep your personal number private while establishing a dedicated line for business purposes.

How do 2nd phone number apps work?

These apps utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. In essence, your calls and texts are converted into data packets and transmitted over the internet, eliminating the need for a physical phone line.

Is a second phone number application safe?

Security is a valid concern. Reputable second phone number apps prioritize robust security measures to protect your communication. Look for apps that offer encryption and reliable data storage practices.

How can I get a 2nd number for free?

Some apps offer limited free trials or basic plans with restricted features. However, to unlock the full potential of a second phone number, including features like unlimited calling or texting, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a paid plan.

What should I consider when setting up a 2nd phone line for my business?

Here are some key factors to consider:

• Features: Identify the functionalities crucial for your business, such as unlimited calling, texting, call recording, or voicemail transcription.
• Pricing: Compare pricing structures and choose a plan that aligns with your budget and usage needs. Some apps offer tiered plans with varying feature sets.
• Integrations: Does the app integrate with your existing business tools like CRM systems or project management platforms? Seamless integration can streamline workflow.
• Security: Prioritize apps with robust security measures to ensure the confidentiality of your business communications.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the perfect second phone number app to empower your business communication and establish a healthy work-life balance.