By PaundRaw – Having a phone number is almost a necessity, but the cost of traditional phone plans can be a real budget-buster. Who wants to shell out a fortune just to make a few calls and send some texts? Thankfully, there are several ways to get a cheap or even free phone number for calls and texts without breaking the bank.
This guide will explore the best options for budget-conscious individuals, taking you through different platforms and strategies to score a phone number that won’t drain your wallet. We’ll cover everything from free apps and services to virtual numbers and even some clever tricks for getting free calls and texts without needing a phone number at all.
The Need for a Phone Number in Today’s World:
Let’s face it, we’re all pretty dependent on our smartphones these days. It’s how we connect with friends and family, manage our lives, and even do business. But beyond the obvious perks, there are some hidden reasons why a phone number has become indispensable:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Most websites and apps now use two-factor authentication to increase security. To access your accounts, you often need to enter a code sent to your phone. Learn more about two-factor authentication – en.wikipedia.org
- Online Shopping and Services: Many online services, like ordering food delivery or booking appointments, require a phone number for verification purposes.
- Creating Online Accounts: Many websites and services require a phone number to create an account.
- Business Communication: If you’re freelancing or running a small business, having a separate phone number for business can help keep your personal life and work life separate.
Free Phone Number Apps and Services:
Here’s where things get exciting! There are a bunch of fantastic apps and services that let you get a free phone number, and many of them even offer free calls and texts.
1. Google Voice:
Google Voice is a popular and widely recognized service that’s often the first name that comes to mind when you think of free phone numbers. It’s incredibly user-friendly and packed with features:
- Free Phone Number: You get a free US phone number that you can use for calls, texts, and voicemail.
- Free Calls: You can make free calls to other Google Voice users and within the US.
- Free Transcriptions: Voicemails are automatically transcribed, saving you time.
- Caller ID Spoofing: You can choose to display your Google Voice number or your actual phone number when making calls.
2. TextNow:
TextNow is another popular option with a focus on both free calls and texts:
- Free Phone Number: TextNow provides you with a free US or Canadian phone number.
- Free Calls and Texts: You get a generous amount of free calls and texts each month.
- Data Plans: You can purchase affordable data plans if you need to use mobile data.
3. TextFree:
TextFree is a lightweight app that focuses primarily on free texting:
- Free Phone Number: You get a free US or Canadian phone number.
- Free Texts: You can send and receive unlimited text messages for free.
- Free Calls: Free calls are limited, but you can purchase credits for additional calls.
4. Talkatone:
Talkatone is a similar app that offers both free calls and texts:
- Free Phone Number: You get a free US or Canadian phone number.
- Free Calls and Texts: You get a limited number of free calls and texts each month, but you can purchase credits for more.
- International Calling: Talkatone also allows you to make calls to international numbers at affordable rates.
5. Burner:
Burner is a popular app for getting temporary phone numbers that you can use for online services or interactions you don’t want connected to your primary number. While not strictly free, you can get free trials and earn credits to extend your service:
- Temporary Phone Numbers: Burner allows you to create temporary phone numbers that you can use for specific purposes.
- Self-Destructing Numbers: You can set numbers to expire after a certain period, ensuring privacy.
- Call Recording: You can record calls made from Burner numbers for your own records.
6. Other Free and Cheap Options:
- WhatsApp: While not specifically designed for getting free phone numbers, WhatsApp allows you to make calls and send texts for free using your existing phone number. You can even call people who don’t have WhatsApp, but those calls will be charged to your regular phone plan.
- Facebook Messenger: Similar to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger Facebook Messenger enables free calls and texts to other Facebook users.
- Telegram: Another popular messaging app, Telegram offers free calls and texts. You can even call non-Telegram users using their phone numbers.
Virtual Phone Numbers:
Virtual phone numbers are a great option for businesses or individuals who need a phone number that is not tied to a physical location. They are often used for call forwarding, to protect personal numbers, or to create a professional appearance.
1. Twilio:
Twilio is a leading provider of virtual phone numbers, offering a wide range of features:
- Global Phone Numbers: You can get phone numbers in various countries around the world.
- Call Forwarding: You can forward incoming calls to your existing phone number.
- SMS Messaging: Send and receive text messages using your virtual number.
- Voice Calls: Make and receive voice calls using your virtual number.
- Customizable Features: Twilio offers a powerful API that allows you to create custom applications and integrate virtual phone numbers with other platforms.
2. Vonage:
Vonage is a popular option for both businesses and individuals who want a virtual phone number with flexible features:
- Business Phone System: Vonage offers a comprehensive business phone system, including features like auto attendants, call forwarding, and voicemail.
- Virtual Number Plans: You can purchase virtual phone numbers in various countries and choose a plan that meets your needs.
- Mobile App: You can access and manage your virtual phone number using a mobile app.
3. Google Voice:
While known for its free offering, Google Voice also offers virtual phone numbers, including local and toll-free numbers:
- Local and Toll-Free Numbers: You can get a virtual phone number that reflects a specific geographic area or provides a toll-free number for your business.
- Call Forwarding: Forward calls to your existing phone number.
- Voicemail Transcription: Automatically transcribe your voicemail messages.
- SMS Messaging: Send and receive text messages using your virtual number.
Comparison Table
| Provider | Number | Free Calls | Free Texts | Temp | Int Calls |
| Google Voice | Yes (US) | Yes | Yes | No | Paid |
| TextNow | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | Paid |
| TextFree | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | Paid |
| Talkatone | Yes | Limited | Limited | No | Paid |
| Burner | Free Trial | Free Trials | Free Trials | Yes | Paid |
| Twilio | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vonage | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| No | Yes | Yes | No | – | |
| Facebook Messenger | No | Yes | Yes | No | – |
| Telegram | No | Yes | Yes | No | – |
Note:
- This table is based on the information provided in the article and reflects the current offerings of each service. Features and pricing can change over time, so it’s always best to check the latest information on the service’s website.
- “Free” in the table refers to initial offerings or free trials. Many services offer paid subscriptions for additional features and usage.
- “Paid” in the table indicates that the feature is available for a fee or subscription.
- Not all features are directly comparable between services.
Pros and Cons Comparison Table
| Provider | Price | Pros | Cons |
| Google Voice | Free (US phone number, limited calls/texts), Paid for additional features | – Free US phone number – Free calls to other Google Voice users and within the US – Free voicemail transcription – Caller ID spoofing – Virtual numbers available |
– Limited free calls/texts – No data plans – Limited international calling |
| TextNow | Free (Limited calls/texts), Paid for data plans | – Free US or Canadian phone number – Generous free calls and texts – Affordable data plans – Easy-to-use app |
– Limited free calls/texts – Features can vary by location |
| TextFree | Free (Unlimited texts, limited calls), Paid for additional calls | – Free US or Canadian phone number – Unlimited free text messages – Simple interface |
– Limited free calls – No data plans – Fewer features than some alternatives |
| Talkatone | Free (Limited calls/texts), Paid for credits | – Free US or Canadian phone number – Free calls and texts (limited) – Affordable international calling rates |
– Limited free calls and texts – No data plans |
| Burner | Free trial, Credits earned | – Temporary phone numbers – Self-destructing numbers – Call recording |
– Not strictly free – Limited free features – May not be suitable for regular communication |
| Twilio | Varies by plan and features | – Global phone numbers – Customizable features – Call forwarding – SMS messaging – Voice calls – Powerful API |
– Can be expensive for extensive use – Requires technical knowledge for custom setup |
| Vonage | Varies by plan and features | – Comprehensive business phone system – Virtual number plans – Mobile app – International calling options |
– Can be expensive for extensive use – May not be suitable for individuals seeking only basic features |
| Free (Using your existing phone number) | – Free calls and texts to other WhatsApp users – Widely used globally |
– Requires an existing phone number – Calls to non-WhatsApp users are charged |
|
| Facebook Messenger | Free (Using your existing phone number) | – Free calls and texts to other Facebook users – Integrated with Facebook |
– Requires an existing Facebook account – Calls to non-Facebook users are charged |
| Telegram | Free (Using your existing phone number) | – Free calls and texts to other Telegram users – Strong privacy focus |
– Requires an existing phone number – Calls to non-Telegram users are charged |
Important Notes:
- Prices are approximate and can vary based on plan and location.
- This table only includes services mentioned in the article.
- New services and features emerge constantly, so it’s always best to check the latest information on the providers’ websites.
Clever Tricks for Free Calls and Texts:
- Reverse Phone Lookup: If someone is calling you, you can use a reverse phone lookup service Reverse Phone Lookup to find out who they are. This can help you avoid unwanted calls and spam.
- Call Forwarding: You can use call forwarding to send calls to your existing phone number for free.
- Texting Apps: Use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram to communicate with friends and family for free.
Choosing the Right Option:
With so many options available, how do you choose the right phone number solution for you?
- Free vs. Paid: Consider whether you need a completely free service or whether you’re willing to pay a small fee for additional features, such as unlimited calling or international calling.
- Texting vs. Calling: If you primarily need texting, a free texting app may be sufficient. But if you need to make regular calls, consider a service that offers affordable calling plans.
- Virtual Number Requirements: If you need a virtual phone number for business or other specific purposes, look for a service that offers customizable features and global phone numbers.
Final Thoughts:
Getting a cheap or free phone number for calls and texts is easier than ever! By taking advantage of the services and apps discussed in this guide, you can save money and stay connected without breaking the bank. And remember, always prioritize your privacy and security when choosing a phone number solution!
