There are several excellent voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) providers offering business phone systems with unlimited calling. But plans get pretty expensive, especially when adding multiple lines or users. However, other options exist, such as low-cost or free business phone number apps. We compared more than a dozen applications offering affordable services as well as free and paid features useful for small business owners.
We found the best free business phone number apps and their top use cases to be:
- Google Voice: Best overall for professionals looking to offer customers a business number at no cost
- Dialpad: Great for teams looking for low-cost unlimited calling and video conferencing along with a free local business line
- Grasshopper: A good alternative for solopreneuers or small teams wanting a free vanity or toll-free number for their business
- Phone.com: Best for scaling teams seeking a low-cost business phone solution that includes a free business phone number
- TextNow: Ideal for budget-conscious and highly mobile professionals in need of a free business phone number that doesn’t require an internet connection
- Freshcaller: Best for growing teams who want to use a robust and forever free app to manage business calls
How We Evaluated Free Business Phone Number Apps
Business phone number apps work on your smartphone, allowing you to make and receive calls using a dedicated professional number. Most major providers offer free iOS and Android apps with their paid monthly plans. But not all small companies want or can afford feature-rich systems. Instead, start with a free or cheap VoIP service offering basic calling features.
With a score of 4.43 out of 5, we found Google Voice to be the best free business phone number app. It offers unlimited domestic calling and essential call management features without requiring a setup fee or expensive monthly subscription, making it a great option for cost-conscious professionals who need a business phone number that clients and customers can dial to reach them, whether they are in the field or in the office.
You can click on the tabs below to learn more about our evaluation criteria:
30% of Overall Score
When comparing options, we looked for apps that were free to download while also paying attention to hidden costs such as domestic calling per-minute rates, monthly subscription, or the cost to add phone lines. We also considered the number of users each plan could support without a paid upgrade.
20% of Overall Score
We evaluated the features of each plan in order to determine the value you get for the money. In particular, we looked for what call management features were offered by each app as well as if they supported other functionality, like SMS text messaging, or voicemail.
20% of Overall Score
To be considered a robust solution, a business phone number app had to also include more advanced functionality, such as the ability to integrate with other business applications. In addition, we looked for mobile apps that supported other business needs, such as international calling, online faxing, or call queuing.
30% of Overall Score
Our research extended beyond just counting features on provider websites. In order to determine the best solutions, we also took user reviews into consideration as well as our own experience with the products to determine ease of use and the standout features that make each app best for a small business professional.
Google Voice
PROS
- You can read and search voicemails, similar to your Gmail
- No hidden fees for the free plan
- Artificial intelligence filters out spam calls
CONS
- No toll-free numbers
- Initial setup may confuse people unfamiliar with Google products
- Limited call management features
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Advanced Features | 3.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
Google Voice is a VoIP phone service that’s been around since 2009. All you need is a Google account, an internet-connected device, and an existing phone number to forward calls. It includes calling, texting, and voicemail. Moreover, almost all calls to Canada and the U.S. are free when calling from the US. Paid packages start at $10 per user, per month, making Google Voice perfect for companies wanting to connect groups and provide customer support without a high monthly cost.
Google Voice Pricing
- Free: Unlimited calling, texting, and voicemails when using any internet-connected device or smartphone, personalized voicemail greetings, and free voicemail transcription
- Starter: $10 per user, per month for up to 10 users for all free plan features plus 24/7 support, call forwarding, usage, and activity reporting
- Standard: $20 per user, per month for unlimited users for a multilevel auto-attendant, desk phone support, and ring groups
- Premier: $30 per user, per month for unlimited users for all features plus the capability to add international locations
Google Voice Features
- Easily add or remove employees: A Google Voice number lives in the cloud, meaning you can assign phone numbers to a team member, and they can use any internet-enabled device to answer calls. With just a few clicks, you can redirect numbers to a different employee.
- Voicemail and text options: You can forward text messages to another linked phone number or your email. Or transcribe your voicemails, and they’ll show up in your Gmail box.
- Google Workspace features: Paid plans allow your team to set their schedules using the Google Calendar, then use the do-not-disturb function after hours. Other options include call recording and a multilevel virtual receptionist.
Dialpad
PROS
- Free 14-day trial
- Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 integrations
- Easy to set up
CONS
- CRM integration only on Pro plan
- Customer support isn’t always responsive
- Phone support only on Pro plan
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 3.88 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Advanced Features | 3.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 4.69 | OUT OF | 5 |
Dialpad is a VoIP telephony service offering unlimited calling, SMS and MMS texting, and group messaging. However, while the app and business phone number are free, it does require a paid monthly subscription. That said, Dialpad also offers free video meetings through UberConference with screen sharing and call recording. Therefore, small business owners who want to combine low-cost calling with video communication will find Dialpad a great fit.
Dialpad Pricing
- UberConference: No plan required for unlimited video conferences for up to 45 minutes and 10 participants*
- Standard: $15 per user, per month for transfer, hold, and mute call controls along with voicemail transcription*
- Pro: $25 per user, per month for a minimum of three licenses, includes custom off-hours routing, international SMS, and integrations with HubSpot, Salesforce, Zendesk, and other CRM systems*
- Enterprise: Large companies needing 100 or more licenses can get custom pricing and a service level agreement (SLA)*
*Pricing is based on an annual payment.
Dialpad Features
- Advanced call management features: All calling plans provide features such as call recording, multilevel automated attendant, ring groups, and custom routing for after-business hours and holidays.
- Productivity tools: Save time and support teams with automatic post-call notes, speech coaching, three-way calling, and call transcriptions.
- Mobility: Dialpad offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, a web portal for administrators, and a convenient Chrome extension with calling functionality.
Grasshopper
PROS
- 7-day free trial
- Voicemail transcription free with all plans
- Simultaneous call handling feature
CONS
- No click-to-call feature
- Not for call centers or high-volume situations
- No call or spam blocking
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 3.50 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Advanced Features | 2.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
Grasshopper is a virtual phone service with affordable unlimited calling and texting, which also lets you choose a vanity or toll-free business phone number for free. While it does require a paid subscription starting at $26 per month, all plans come with plenty of call routing and handling features. It’s also well-known for being easy for people of all skill levels to set up and use. This is why Grasshopper is a great option for solo business owners, small teams, and companies that are looking to add a more memorable business phone number.
Grasshopper Pricing
- Solo: $26 per month for one number and three extensions*
- Partner: $44 per month for three numbers and six extensions*
- Small Businesses: $80 per month for five numbers and unlimited extensions*
*Pricing based on an annual payment, with monthly plans available.
Grasshopper Features
- Phone numbers: Grasshopper provides a convenient tool to select a vanity, toll-free, or local number. You can also port your existing number for free. Add additional numbers from your Grasshopper account for $10 per month.
- Ease of use: Set up your Grasshopper account in four steps, including downloading mobile or desktop apps. The application prompts you through each step and employees can watch Grasshopper’s onboarding video to get up to speed.
- Call routing features: Grasshopper’s virtual receptionist allows you to configure extensions for employees or departments, with individual rules for each extension.
Phone.com
PROS
- Available international phone numbers
- No contracts
- No number porting fees
CONS
- Video conferencing is an add-on feature
- Call recording is an extra fee
- Expensive for larger companies
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 3.38 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Advanced Features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 3.44 | OUT OF | 5 |
Phone.com is a virtual phone service providing low-cost calling and texting plans along with a free business number. All configurations come with over 40 standard features including an auto-attendant, audio conferencing, and hold music. Pricing starts at a flat $9.99 per month when paid annually. It also gives you the option to create as many extensions as you want. Plus, you can mix and match plans then set up your interactive voice response (IVR) to direct callers to the right employee. For a growing company wanting extra extensions, Phone.com is an affordable solution.
Phone.com Pricing
- Base: $9.99 per month for 300 minutes and 2,000 text messages*
- Plus: 14.99 per month for 500 minutes, 3,000 text messages, premium hold music, and voicemail-to-text*
- Unlimited Extensions: $24.99 per month for unlimited minutes and text and one base video meeting host*
*Plan pricing based on an annual payment.
Phone.com Features
- Call routing and handling features: Customizable call management features such as schedule-based call routing, IVR menus with a dial-by-name directory, call queues, and hold music.
- Integrations: Connect your Phone.com plan to Zapier, Zoho, PieSync, AllProWebTools, Chrometa, and Comm100. The customer relationship manager (CRM) integration tool opens in a browser to access click-to-dial, screen pops, and call tracking.
- Click-to-call: Increase lead generation from your website by adding a line of code so visitors can click to call your number.
TextNow
PROS
- Unlimited nationwide calling and texting, no credit card required
- People in over 24 countries can use the app to call the U.S. for free
- Takes seconds to set up a new number and account in a web browser
CONS
- TextNow recommends buying a phone from them for improved audio quality
- No call management features
- Cellular plan only works in areas with Sprint coverage
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 3.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Advanced Features | 1.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
TextNow is a free phone service that combines VoIP technology with Sprint cellular data to send and receive calls and messages. Although services work over Wi-Fi, you don’t need an internet connection to make calls. However, it is worth noting that you will need to buy a SIM card for a one-time fee of $9.99 with free shipping, and the app only works with Sprint-compatible phones.
In addition, the free version is an ad-based model, meaning you’ll see banner advertisements or videos after a call. However, the company also offers ad-free paid plans starting at $9.99 per month.
That said, TextNow can replace your existing cell phone service or use it as a backup device to make and receive calls. This also makes it a great option if you need to hand out company cell phones, as it doesn’t make you incur additional monthly expenses. If you have an old phone lying around, you can add a new TextNow number and pay nothing for calling and texting. It also works on your desktop computer or tablet so that you can answer calls conveniently.
TextNow Pricing
- Free: Completely free calling plan with voicemail, group texting, conference calling, call forwarding, and call waiting
- Ad-Free: $9.99 per month to remove ads, plus get voicemail transcription and unlimited photo and video history
- Add Data: $19.99 per month for ad-free calling along with 2GB of high-speed data and unlimited 2G data after you meet your limit
TextNow Features
- No internet or cell plan required: For many people, a power outage limits their ability to answer VoIP calls. TextNow is an excellent free solution to use as a backup during emergencies.
- Easy to use: It takes less than one minute to pick a local number and set up your account. The interface is user-friendly and straightforward, making TextNow a great option for remote employees needing a work number that doesn’t require a lengthy setup process or learning curve for advanced features.
- Call forwarding: You can send calls to another number in the U.S. or Canada by simply adjusting your settings. The other number doesn’t need to have the TextNow app installed.
Freshcaller
PROS
- 21-day free trial of its top-tier plan
- Robust free plan for unlimited agents
- Transparent pricing information
CONS
- Some mobile app updates are buggy
- Expensive top-tier paid plans
- Add-on features get pricey if you have a high volume of calls
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 1.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Advanced Features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Advanced Features | 3.13 | OUT OF | 5 |
Freshcaller is cloud-based call center software that includes robust features like the ability to monitor call metrics. It integrates with several robust business tools, including its customizable customer relationship management (CRM) software, Freshworks CRM. There is no fee to download or use the app on a monthly basis, but it is worth noting a business phone number is not included.
That said, you can get a phone number for $1 per month, so the total cost to use Freshcaller is still less expensive than other plans for those who don’t require unlimited minutes. This makes Freshcaller an excellent choice for teams needing a fast and cheap phone number solution and who also want the more advanced analytics professionals expect to find in a more complete business phone system.
Freshcaller Pricing
- Sprout: Free for unlimited agents after paying for a local or toll-free number and pay-per-minute for calls; features include custom greetings, call metrics, caller ID, desktop notifications, and call notes*
- Blossom: $15 per agent, per month when paid annually for 1,000 free incoming minutes; features include basic call queues, voicemail, warm transfer, and prebuilt reports*
- Garden: $29 per agent, per month when paid annually for 2,000 free incoming minutes; features include call monitoring, two-level phone trees, advanced call queues, call conferencing, call tagging, and agent extensions*
- Estate: $45 per agent, per month when paid annually for 3,000 inbound minutes; features include holiday routing, advanced call metrics, call barging, routing automation, call center agent statuses, and queue callback*
- Forest: $69 per agent, per month when paid annually for 5,000 incoming minutes; features include speech-enabled interactive voice response (IVR), voice bot, abandoned call metrics, and service-level monitoring*
*Pricing doesn’t include taxes, fees, or a monthly charge for phone numbers. Find call rates or use Freshcaller’s ROI calculator to determine costs based on your call volume.
Freshcaller Features
- Robust free plan: Deliver excellent customer experiences without locking yourself into an expensive monthly plan. Set up custom messages and greetings, receive unlimited concurrent calls, and make or receive calls in your web browser, cell phone, or tablet.
- Flexible add-on features: With one click, you can set preferences for phone numbers, such as recording all calls or only inbound or outbound calls. Adjust your settings for call monitor or call barge right from your dashboard, so you only pay for advanced features when needed.
- Integrations: Freshcaller integrates with over two dozen applications, including customer relationship management (CRM) systems, ecommerce tools, and marketing software.
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