Best second phone number apps: Everything you need to know

Are you looking for a second number for business? It's really easy to get started with an extra phone number. You don't need two devices, you can simply add a second-line app to your current phone.

But not all second-line iPhone and Android apps are created equal – it's worth doing your research to find the best phone line for work on your smartphone.

These types of apps have plenty of advantages, which is why more and more individuals and businesses are considering using second phone number apps. If you’re a small business, startup, freelancer or sole trader thinking about getting a second number app, here’s everything you need to know about the best phone number apps in the UK.

What is a second number for business?

It's simply a phone number that you can use for all your business calls and texts. Rather than give clients and customers your personal mobile number, you would share your second phone number. Thanks to working from home, the lines between work life and home life are more blurred than ever. A second phone number for business allows you better separate the two, without causing any negative impact on the day-to-day function of your business.

Why do I need a second number app?

If you’re wondering why you should set up a second-line app for your business, the easiest answer is that it will save you time and help you organise your communication. Here are other reasons why your business needs a phone number app.

A second number for work: When you install a second number app, you get a number that you can use exclusively for work-related calls and messages. Your personal calls, messages and contacts won’t get mixed up with your professional communication.

Team usage: Second phone line apps aren't just for solo usage, inviting your team to use shared phone numbers means centralised inboxes, great response rates and the best level of customer service possible.

Added privacy: If you use the same number for work and personal calls, you’re risking your privacy every time you share it. But with a second number, you can confidently share it and display it on your website or social media platforms.

Auto-reply to missed calls: You’ll never miss a business call again when you get a second phone number app. Outside office hours or during weekends, you can be with your family and set up auto-reply to missed calls. This is how you can achieve a better work-life balance.

Ease of use: With most phone number apps, you can download and get started in a few minutes. There’s no need to wait around for a provider to activate your number.

No device needed: Perhaps the biggest reason why business owners should consider getting a second-line app is that there’s no need to buy an additional phone. Simply install the app on your existing mobile device and sit back knowing you've protected your bottom line.

I'm a small business owner: do I actually need a second number app for work?

Absolutely! If anything, you need it more than many others. Why? Because a second phone number used exclusively for business shows that you mean, well, business! It gives your company a more professional look, which will encourage customers to use your services.

Running a small business has never been easy – and it's got even harder in recent years. As a small business owner, you're very unlikely to have a personal assistant or an automated answering system on hand to take care of your daily business calls when you’re otherwise occupied. With a second phone number for business, you get that, plus many other benefits that are super useful.

What should I consider when choosing a second-line app?

Startups, small businesses and freelancers should consider the following factors when choosing a second-line app.

• Access: Your second phone number app should be easy to download and let you start making calls without a lengthy registration process.
• Cost: Second number apps typically have subscriptions. Your provider should have reasonable pricing plans that suit your usage.
• Features: The app should give added features that will optimise your business communication. It should have auto-reply, working hours, a professional voicemail, and much more to maximise its usage.
• Customer support: It should be easy to get in touch with the customer service team – you shouldn’t have to contact them multiple times.

Do I need extra features?

You should go for a phone number app that delivers more than an additional number. If your second phone number app can create lists and further enhance customer interactions, it will save you time and help improve your customer engagement.

Keep in mind that too many features might make an app complex to operate – the number of features is not as important as their usefulness to your business.

Second phone number apps: at a glance

Burner

Burner was initially rolled out as, well, a burner phone. You could use a number and then get it removed from service. But now the service also offers a permanent second phone number. The Burner number app enables you to get a temporary number quickly when you don’t want to share your personal phone number. This is certainly convenient, but if you're looking for a dedicated second number for work, it's likely not the right option.

One of the standout features of Burner is its easy integration with other software such as Evernote and Slack. You can also use SoundCloud to publicly or privately share your voicemails.

Pros:

• Integration with Slack and Evernote for greater collaboration

• SoundCloud integration for sharing voicemails

Cons:

• Complex interface

• Too many notifications

Pricing:

Seven-day trial with no free option

Chalkboard

Unlike the Burner number app, Chalkboard is for long-term business growth. It’s an advanced second number for work that you can download and use within minutes. Plus, it has some awesome automated marketing features that can really help your business grow, including broadcast SMS.

You can choose your own number (UK mobile or US local). It will allow you to separate your work and personal lives by sharing a dedicated number with your clients and customers.

Chalkboard's simple subscription plans include fees for all calls and messages. You won’t have to pay per call or message separately.

Pros:

• Advanced auto-reply features (missed call and out of hours auto-reply)

• Contact lists
  

• Broadcast messages

• A variety of number US & UK types to choose from

Cons:

• Not currently available globally

Pricing:

30 day intro offer pricing, after which you get to choose from reasonably-priced subscription plans

Hushed

Hushed offers several features including voicemail, encrypted messaging and calling. It also lets you add as many numbers as you like. The number you choose will expire depending on the plan you have. It is one of the first second phone number apps to accept Bitcoin.

Pros:

• You can add as many numbers as you would like

• Flexible plans with special offers for student

Cons

• Complex for the regular small business

• You may not need it unless you’re specifically looking for burner numbers

Pricing:

Plans start at £1.45 per week

Sideline

Sideline allows you to use your existing mobile service provider’s voice calling and messaging minutes once you opt for the service. You can also port your existing number to Sideline which ensures continuity for business conversations.

The app comes with texting, calling and voicemail features and has a seven-day free trial period.

Pros:

• Allows you to port your current number

• You can use your current voice and messaging minutes

Cons:

• Primarily for the US market

• Expensive after the free trial period

• Doesn’t have smart business features – nor are all features available on all plans

• No analytics tools are available to help your business learn and grow

• Does not integrate with third-party apps

• Customer report on complicated subscription plans

Pricing:

£7.25 to £11.25 per month

2Number

For customers in the US, 2Number allows you to keep your international number. You can also add SMS and minutes to your 2Number account. The in-app currency is also a cheaper option to call international numbers. You can also set working hours and direct calls outside that period to go to your voicemail.

Pros:

• You can make calls to 25 countries

• You can set business hours to route calls to voicemail outside of it

Cons:

• Most features are for the US market

• Currently only for iOS

• Expensive when compared to others

Pricing:

Plans start at £8 per week

A second phone number app will help your business to grow

If you run a business, whether individually or with a small team, you need to focus on your important tasks. These are what will help to generate revenue and result in more clients and customers. By organising your business communication with a second phone number app, that’s exactly what you’ll get to do.