VoIP, or voice-over-internet protocol, is one of the most popular approaches to advanced business communication. It offers convenience and flexibility compared to conventional landline phone systems, allowing users to make and receive calls over the Internet. Your business may not be ready to afford a full-fledged small business phone system, but you may want to try a VoIP number for various reasons.
such as enhanced professionalism, keeping Small Business and professional calls separate or the ability to make calls using a new area code. A free business phone number can be one of the best ways to test a virtual phone system. The good thing is that many providers offer free VoIP numbers.
Why Do You Need To Get A VoIP Number?
VoIP phone services bring numerous benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, better audio quality and flexibility. Here we are describing some reasons that help you understand why getting a free voip number can be beneficial for you:
i. Cost Effective Communication
Traditional phone services have high monthly costs, especially for organizations that need multiple lines and the ability to make international calls. VoIP Reliable services, on the other hand, can help lower that cost.
With a VoIp number, you can make local and international calls at a significantly reduced cost.
ii. Global Accessibility
With a VoIP Number, you can make and receive calls from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. If you need to travel for a business meeting, you can use your VoIP phone overseas and avoid international roaming fees.
Moreover, it can facilitate remote working, which ultimately improves productivity and job satisfaction. Remote workers can also benefit from the flexibility of VoIP numbers and contact with their team and customers regardless of location.
iii. Privacy And Security
Privacy has become increasingly concerning in business communication, and a VoIP number can protect your data. You can use this number as a backup for specific uses and lower the risk of unwanted calls. VoIP providers enhance security beyond traditional phone services by utilizing encryption and advanced security measures to protect your calls and messages from eavesdropping.
iv. Professional Impression
A VoIP number enhances your business’s professional image with features like customizable caller IDs, virtual receptionists, and auto-attendants. It ensures consistency by linking to your business name and offers local, toll-free, or international options for credibility. With call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and conferencing, VoIP streamlines communication and presents a polished, professional presence.
V. Drawbacks of Free VoIP Number
Although free VoIP numbers offer numerous benefits, there are some drawbacks that you must know about:
- Free VoIP numbers come with limited features compared to paid numbers.
- Your app may be bombarded with advertisements and upgrade offers.
- It does not include international and toll-free numbers.
- Free numbers may only be functional for a limited time.
How To Get A Free VoIP Number?
Many VoIP service providers now offer free plans, which makes getting a VoIP number much more manageable. These free plans are perfect for people who need simple and effective communication tools.
Here, we are going to describe the top free VoIP number providers that we tested and reviewed:
i. Google Voice
Google Voice is one of the most popular free VoIP number platforms. It is user-friendly and offers free phone numbers with unlimited calls and SMS for personal users across the US.
The Google Voice app offers greater flexibility and lets you make and receive calls on your desktop, mobile, or laptop. Moreover, you can forward calls between devices so they ring simultaneously whenever an incoming call occurs. You can also set up a voicemail inbox with transcription and send texts whenever you need.
Google Voice also offers paid plans for their business VoIP services which range from $10 to $30 per user per month. Here is what makes Google Voice stand out among other free VoIP services:
Phone Number Choice: when you sign up, you can choose an area code from hundreds of available codes for your VoIP number.
Contact Syncing: when you sign in and connect with your number, Google syncs all your contacts so you can make calls seamlessly to people you know.
One-Click Dialling: Google lets you set up one-click dialling on your desktop. It allows you to easily call any number on your screen while you browse the web.
Need Of Google Account: if you want to use Google Voice services you must have a Google account.
Overall, it is the best choice for a free VoIP number, offering seamless calling and texting and providing a pleasant experience.
ii. Freedom Pop
Freedom Pop is a mobile and VoIP service provider that offers free plans with unlimited VoIP calls and iMessages over WiFi, 10 minutes of calling, 10 SMS over cellular data, and 25 MBs of LTE data.
However, to enjoy this free plan, you need a SIM card, which can be frustrating to get. You can contact FreedomPop directly by mail or get their chip for $5 at Target. Even when you sign up by mail to get a free SIM, you have to submit credit card information that might be concerning.
Integrates Seamlessly: FreedomPop’s inbound and outbound calling and texting seamlessly sync with your phone and reduce the number of missed calls.
Requires A SIM Card: The free plan needs a SIM card for Sign which you can get by mail or purchase for $5 from Target.
Complex Sign-Up: Their Sign-up process for free VoIP phone numbers is complicated and frustrating.
iii. TextNow
TextNow is a free VoIp calling and texting app which offers nationwide WiFi and cellular services powered by ads. You can access their service on desktop or mobile.
Users can make unlimited calls and texts over WiFI or 5G because TextNow uses Sprint’s nationwide cellular network. However, you need a SIM card to make calls over the 5G network.
Seamless Integration: Receiving inbound calls and texts on your TextNow number is as effortless as using your regular mobile number, ensuring a seamless mobile experience.
Familiar SMS Interface: It has an intuitive interface for sending and receiving SMS.
Wide Range Of Phone Numbers: When you sign up, you can choose from dozens of phone numbers in your area code.
Many Ads: The app interface is filled with ads, which makes it feel cheap and destroys the user experience.
TextNow can be a useful option for businesses which need a wide choice of free VoIP number options and area codes.
iv. 2ndLine
2ndLine is another VoIP number provider which advertises free calling and texting all across the US and Canada. However, their app is only Android compatible, meaning you can not access it on your iPhone or laptop.
Android users can use 2ndLine’s service on mobile and desktop. In addition to unlimited calls and SMS, this service provides voicemail transcription, call forwarding and caller ID features.
Android only: this VoIP service is only available for Android users, and iPhone users can not access it.
It can be a perfect service for Android users looking to replace their mobile provider with a phone service that allows them to make VoIP and mobile calls.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Free VoIP Number
Although free VoIP numbers offer many benefits, it is essential to consider the following things:
i. Call Quality and Reliability
Free VoIP Phone Number providers may not guarantee reliability and the same call quality. Call quality also varies depending on several factors, such as the speed of the internet connection, the provider’s infrastructure, and network congestion. Testing call quality and reviewing reviews are always better before choosing a provider.
ii. Security And Privacy
Security and privacy are crucial considerations when choosing a VoIP service. Though free VoIP number providers offer basic security features, they may not provide the same level of security as paid services. So, you must review the security policies and take measures to protect your sensitive information.
iii. Flexibility And Scalability
Free VoIP numbers may fulfil the needs of individuals or small businesses, but they lack the scalability and flexibility required for larger organizations and growing businesses. You may need to subscribe to paid plans if you need additional lines, advanced services, and integration with other business tools.
iv. Customer Support
Another thing you need to consider is customer support. Most free VoIP service providers offer limited customer support options. If you need quick assistance or prefer support over the phone, you must look for paid VoIP solutions that offer dedicated customer support.
Final Words - Get a Free VoIP Phone Number
Choosing a free VoIP number can be a great way to test virtual phone services, save costs, and enhance business communication. While free VoIP providers offer flexibility, affordability, and useful features, they also come with limitations such as ads, restricted features, and lower reliability than paid plans. Before selecting a provider, consider factors like call quality, security, scalability, and customer support to ensure it meets your needs.
