From a business perspective, free numbers for texting are perfect for reaching customers.

Along with being low-cost, free texting online services are secure and private, and also convenient. If they only have one business number for you, it’s much easier for them to make contact.

But not all free numbers for texting app services are created equal. Finding the right one can be a pain, so here’s a roundup of the 6 best apps to get a free number for SMS.

1. Google Voice

How can you go wrong with a Google service? As with almost all their other services, it’s simple, intuitive, and, most importantly, free. Well, for personal use at least. Google Voice Business, which gives you 10 or more users, starts at $10 a month.

Google Voice provides a free number for SMS messaging and calling, which is done online. You can install it on your smartphone and use it through a web browser, too.

It integrates with other G Suite services, meaning you can use your business email and Google Calendar.

The only real downside is that Google Voice isn’t supported in many countries. Currently, you can only use it in the US and Canada, although this won’t be a massive issue for most people.

Pros

• Simple to use
• Free number for SMS and calling
• Integrates with other Google services

Cons

• Not available worldwide

Price

• Free
  

2. Text Free

Text Free claims to be the original free texting online service, but does that mean it’s the best? Not necessarily. While sign-up is free, you only get 10 call minutes. However, texts are free, which is more what we’re focusing on here.

After downloading the app, you select an area code and phone number, meaning you can tailor your free number for SMS to your specific location. After that, you’re pretty much ready to go.

The Plus subscription comes with a range of features, the most important being unlimited calling. Of course, if you’re only using it for texting, this isn’t a massive bonus.

Much like Google Voice, you can only make domestic calls. You can text internationally, though, making it a good app for global businesses.

Pros

• Free, international texting
• Various paid models are available
• You can pick an area code

Cons

• Calls are domestic only

Price

• Free, Minutes cost $1.99-$18.99, subscription starts at $9.99 a month

3. TextMe Up

TextMe Up is a straightforward way to get a second phone number for SMS messaging. In fact, you can add as many numbers as you want, meaning you can manage business accounts in different countries.

The service claims to work like email but for phone messaging. Your message recipients don’t need to have the app for you to contact them, which is helpful from a business perspective.

You can install the app across different platforms and access it from a web browser, too. Unlike the other apps above, you can call and text internationally, which is a big benefit.

The subscription gets you to call minutes, but you can also earn these by watching videos and completing surveys. While it’s possible to use the app for free, it’s very ad-heavy as a result.

Pros

• Gives you multiple numbers
• You can call and text internationally
• Can be used across different platforms

Cons

• Free service has lots of ads

Price

• Free or subscription between $4.99 and $7.99 a month

4. Text Now

The basic Text Now service gives you a free number for SMS messaging and calling, done through its app. It provides the service over Wi-Fi, but you can upgrade to a paid service, receive a SIM, and get cellular data.

With the free service, you can call and text domestically. However, to call internationally, you’ll need to pay an extra rate. Some countries are cheap but others are more expensive. That said, it’s unlikely businesses would be making many international calls through the app.

You can install the app on your phone and tablet, or use it through your browser. The service works well as a second phone number for SMS messaging, and it also provides voicemail and conference calling.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Unlimited domestic calling and texting
• You can buy a SIM with cellular data

Cons

• International calls can be expensive

Price

• Free or $9.99-$39.99 subscription

5. TextPlus

TextPlus functions much like the other free numbers for texting listed above. The base app is free and provides unlimited texting over Wi-Fi. Calls cost, though, starting from 2 cents a minute. You can buy packs of minutes instead.

You can select an area code for your free number for SMS and change the number at any time. This makes it useful for businesses because you can localize your number to your customers.

The app is fairly easy to use and can be installed on phones and tablets. However, unlike others, you can’t use it in a web browser. This isn’t a massive drawback but can be for a business that wants to centralize its customer communications.

Pros

•  Simple app with useful features
• Unlimited, free domestic texting
• You can install it on your phone without messing with your existing number

Cons

• Calls can be expensive (no free domestic calls)

Price

• Free with in-app purchases between $0.99 and $39.99

6. Get the Best of all apps with Textr

Textr is one of the easiest ways to get free numbers for texting. It offers multiple local numbers across 48 US states and 12 Canadian provinces. The simple service is free, but the paid subscription gets you unlimited calls and texts.

You can respond to your customer’s calls and texts (including MMS messages) easier from a centralized location.

Better still, you can install it across multiple devices and send everything directly from your web browser. Overall, Textr is a great way to get a free number for SMS messaging and calls for businesses, so why not give it a try?