In the digital age, having multiple phone numbers can be quite beneficial. Whether you need a separate number for your business, or just want to keep your personal number private, virtual phone number apps have got you covered. One popular choice is Google Voice, but the saddest truth is it’s not available in Canada. In this blog, we’ll explore some free alternatives to Google Voice that provide a free phone number with some handy features.
1. Fongo Mobile
Some of you may already know about Fongo, Canada’s one of the affordable communications providers. Well, they offer free Canada-wide calling for free with a free phone number through Fongo Mobile. It comes with many useful features for free which include a free local phone number, Canada-wide calling, voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding, and more. Wait, there’s a catch- it doesn’t come with a free texting feature. Additionally, if you plan to call your friends or family in the U.S., it doesn’t come for free.
Pros:
- Free Canadian phone number
- Unlimited Canada-wide calling
- Caller ID & call forwarding
Cons:
- Canada-wide texting comes with a paid add-on
- You need to add credits or subscribe to Fongo Plus to call in the U.S.
- Often comes with ads
2. Fongo Works
Unlike Fongo, Fongo Works is for business uses for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Free phone number, free Canada-wide calling, extensions for up to 6 users, call forwarding, voicemail, and automated receptionist come for totally FREE!. Additional features can be added as paid add-ons or by subscribing to Pro.
Pros:
- Free Canadian local phone number
- Free Canada-wide calling
- Free version comes with up to 6 extensions
- Free Conference calls
- Voicemail, call forwarding, & caller ID
Cons:
- Texting is only allowed between extensions
- Calling to the U.S. comes with a paid add-on or Fongo Works PRO
3. Nucleus
If you’re a Canadian entrepreneur or run a small business, Nucleus is something you’re looking for. Built by one of the oldest Canadian telecom companies, Fibernetics, it has become one of the most affordable (even FREE!) VOIP providers in the Canadian market. Nucleus comes with a free local phone number with extensions for each user, caller ID, voicemail transcription, shared SMS inbox, and many more.
Pros:
- Free local phone number
- Extension for each user
- Team inbox
- Shared SMS
- Video calls
- Video conference calls
- Free U.S. and Canada-wide texting and calling
Cons:
- No toll-free or vanity numbers
- Can’t make international calls
4. Thryv
Similar to Nucleus, Thryv Command Center is also ideal for entrepreneurs and startups. With the free plan, you’ll get a free local phone number with free calling and texting to the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, you’ll get a free team inbox and video-calling feature.
Pros:
- Free U.S. and Canadian phone number
- Free texting and calling to the U.S. and Canada
- Voicemail feature
- Easy integration with your daily used apps, Gmail, Outlook, Instagram, Microsoft 365, and many others
Cons:
- Free plan is limited to 5 users
- No extension for each user
- Free plan is allocated to 60 minutes for outgoing calls per month
5. TextFree
TextFree is another alternative to Google Voice. It comes with a free phone number, free U.S. and Canada-wide texting, and voicemail.
Pros:
- Free local phone number
- Unlimited free U.S. and Canada-wide texting and calling
- Voicemail
Cons:
- App won’t work outside of the U.S. and Canada
- Mobile app is often loaded with ads
- Phone number is deleted after 30 days of inactivity
While Google Voice is a popular choice for a free phone number, it’s unfortunately unavailable in Canada. However, Fongo, Nucleus, Thryv, and TextFree all offer free phone numbers with their own unique features. Whether you need a separate number for business or personal use, these apps have got you covered. However, please note that while these services are free, they might offer in-app purchases for additional features.
So, why wait? Give these apps a try and enjoy the benefits of having multiple phone numbers today! Remember, having a separate business number can help you maintain a professional image while keeping your personal number private can protect your privacy. These apps make it easy to achieve both. So, explore these options and find the one that best suits your needs.