Why Get a Virtual Number?

Keep work and personal calls separate, protect privacy when selling online, sign up to services without giving your real number, set up a business line without a second phone, or get an international number.

Free Options

  1. 1

    Google Voice (best free option)

    Free for calls and texts within the US and Canada. Sign up at voice.google.com with a Google account, choose a US area code number, use through the app or browser. Works on iPhone and Android. Limitation: gives a US number — not suitable if you need an Australian number.

Paid Options (Australian Numbers)

  1. 2

    Hushed

    Provides virtual numbers including Australian numbers for calls and texts. Good for privacy when listing items for sale online or using dating apps. From about $4 USD/month through the Hushed app.

  2. 3

    Skype Number

    Skype offers virtual numbers in many countries including Australia. People call your Skype Number from any regular phone and it rings through the Skype app on your device. Good for business use, from about $5 AUD/month.

  3. 4

    Business options

    Grasshopper, Talkroute and Aircall provide professional virtual numbers with auto-attendant, call forwarding and voicemail transcription. More expensive but suited to small business use.

For temporary throwaway numbersServices like receivesmsonline.net provide temporary numbers for receiving a one-time SMS verification. These are publicly visible — never use them for anything sensitive. One-time use only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — calls through virtual number services work like regular calls. The person calling does not know it is virtual. Quality depends on your internet connection. Google Voice, Skype Numbers and Hushed all support real outgoing and incoming calls.
Some work, some do not — WhatsApp actively blocks many VOIP numbers. Hushed and Google Voice have mixed success. Try and if it fails, try a different provider. A physical SIM is the most reliable option for WhatsApp verification.