Establish a more professional image when communicating with customers by having your phone number for business calls only and protecting your privacy with separate numbers for work and personal calls. But business phone numbers are more expensive. If your business is experiencing very few calls or has a low budget, or doesn’t have the financial resources to invest in a business phone system. It can benefit from using a free business phone number.
In general, we recommend virtual phone numbers as being the optimal way to obtain free business phone numbers, as they’re easy to set up and mobile-friendly. Virtual numbers provide many options that you can choose from. You can access free virtual numbers on mobile, web, or desktop applications, wherever there is internet access.
How To Get a Free Business Phone Number
There are several methods to obtain a free business number:
1. Sign Up With a Free Virtual Phone Service
Free phone services provide one of the simplest and most reliable ways to get a free business phone number that you can stick with long-term. My top recommendation for free VoIP numbers includes Google Voice with unlimited calls and SMS within the US, plus voicemail transcription services. While Google Voice only provides free numbers with “Personal” plans and not their “Business” plans, these personal plans give access to an impressive selection of numbers all throughout the US that could serve as potential business numbers.
I’ve also tried TextNow, which offers a free business phone number that can be used for texting and calling within the U.S. However, the interface seemed packed with advertisements.
2. Use a Free Trial
Most VoIP service providers provide free trials that last up to 30 days. If your business plans to switch over to a cloud-based paid business phone system, conducting a trial can give your team access to advanced features not available through standard VoIP service providers. While trials for free are only for a short time, they offer features like IVR menus and call queues, team chat, and data analytics.
Our top picks for VoIP phone systems that come with feature-rich trials are RingCentral, Dialpad and OpenPhone.
Also read: Top 10 Cold Calling Services for Business
7 Best Free Business Phone Number Providers
Here are seven reliable tools that offer a free business phone number, each with its strengths. Most have paid plans too, but their free tiers are solid for solo business owners and small teams.
1. Google Voice
Google Voice provides a free business phone numbers that sync across devices. Calls, texts, and voicemail management can all be handled from either browser or mobile app access. It’s ideal for freelancers or solo entrepreneurs needing a simple yet professional line without additional costs. Setup can also be completed quickly if already using other Google tools.
Key Feature:-
- Free number linked to your Google account
- Works across desktop and mobile
- Call forwarding, voicemail, text, and call history
2. TextNow
TextNow offers a truly free business phone number with unlimited calls and texts over Wi-Fi or data. You’ll get a dedicated number and access to voicemail and texting, all managed through their app. Although it’s advertising-supported, this tool can provide small businesses with a cost-free solution to stay connected with clients without using personal lines for communication purposes.
Key Feature:-
- Unlimited texting and calls (U.S. & Canada)
- iOS, Android, and desktop versions
- Ad-supported free tier
3. FreedomPop
FreedomPop offers a free business phone number through its VoIP app. You get 100 minutes, 100 texts, and voicemail without pay. It’s a basic solution that works well for low-volume businesses or side hustles. If you want a simple, no-frills number that works over Wi-Fi, this is a good starting point for your business calls.
Key Feature:-
- 100 minutes, 100 texts per month free
- Voicemail and call forwarding
- Uses your mobile device over Wi-Fi
4. Talkatone
Talkatone provides a free business phone number for international use. Call, text, and check voicemail using either Wi-Fi or mobile data. Plus, select your area code so as to keep personal calls separate from business ones. It is especially handy for entrepreneurs managing international clients, but they don’t want to pay for roaming charges.
Key Feature:-
- Choose your area code
- Works internationally over Wi-Fi
- Free voicemail
5. eVoice (Free Trial)
eVoice offers a business-grade phone system with a free trial that includes a business phone number, voicemail-to-email, and call routing. Though not permanently free, it lets you test premium features without committing. It’s great if you want to experience what a full business phone system feels like before investing in a long-term plan.
Key Feature:-
- Call routing, auto-attendant, voicemail-to-email
- Toll-free and local numbers
- Mobile app included
Also read: What are the Benefits of Choosing Call Recording Software for Business?
6. 2ndLine
2ndLine gives professionals a second number that works just like a regular phone line. With our free business phone number, you can call, text, customize voicemail settings, and manage settings all from your mobile phone. It’s perfect for mobile users who require dedicated numbers for work communications and professional appearances.
Key Feature:-
- Separate number for business calls/texts
- Custom voicemail, call forwarding
- Android and iOS compatible
7. Phone.com (Trial)
Phone.com provides a limited-time free trial that provides both local and toll-free business phone numbers with features like call forwarding, auto attendant, and business texting. While it’s not permanently free, the trial is a solid way to test advanced phone features and see if this scalable system fits your business communication needs.
Key Feature:-
- Business texting, voicemail, auto-attendant
- VoIP-based calling
- Optional toll-free numbers
Benefits of Using a Free Business Phone Number
A free business phone number allows your organization to from others, helping build an impressive professional image for it. Free and virtual numbers also enable businesses to be mobile and establish a local presence wherever clients may be located. Cloud numbers are quick and cost-effective options that give your clients access to you!
Let’s examine all of the advantages a free business phone number can bring you.
- Affordable: Unlike an advanced business phone system or a high-end VoIP plan, the free numbers are risk-free and allow you to try VoIP with no commitment.
- Mobile: Since free VoIP numbers use the internet or mobile data, you can take your business number anywhere at home, in the office, on the road, or even while traveling. As long as you’re connected to the internet, your business calls go with you.
- Number choice: A virtual business phone number allows businesses to choose an area code and establish a local presence without actually being there. It helps to establish trust with customers in various regions.
- Protects your personal number: Keep your personal phone private by maintaining separate business numbers. Simply mute the app when duty is off. No need to block or ignore calls.
- Builds a professional image: A dedicated business phone number with its own voicemail conveys seriousness about business. Establishing a structure and professionalism gives clients confidence, even if you’re a one-person operation.
Key Takeaway
A free business phone number can help elevate your brand and differentiate work and life more clearly. Whether you are freelancing, starting a startup, or are tired of accepting client calls on personal numbers, there are tools out there that make setting one up easy!
Start with a free option. Upgrade when it makes sense. But don’t ignore this part of your business. The way you communicate matters, and it starts with the number you give out.
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