When you start a business, there are many expenses and services that you may not anticipate. It is crucial to save money whenever possible. One smart way to establish your business as a credible company is by obtaining and setting up a free business phone number.
This is important because every business needs a means of contact, such as a phone number or email. Luckily, free business phone number options are available for businesses of all sizes. Here are some of the leading providers offering free phone numbers today.
1. Google Voice
Google Voice is a well-established and long-standing online phone service that offers a free option for individuals to sign up for a personal phone line. If you’re looking to use it for your business, a business plan is available for a reasonable subscription fee.
The company provides three pricing options, starting at $10 per month and increasing to $20 and $30, respectively. As you move up the pricing tiers, you gain access to additional features like more users, multiple locations, integration with desk phones, ring groups, and the ability to export data.
Regardless of your plan, you’ll still benefit from features such as receiving incoming calls, voicemails, unlimited calls, and texts. Suppose you have a small business, a business with remote workers, or a business heavily relying on Google Workspace applications like Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Meet. In that case, Google Voice is a great option for getting a free business phone number.
For individuals familiar with other Google services, the user-friendly design of this platform makes it easy to navigate. Additionally, businesses that operate internationally can benefit from its affordable international calling feature.
If you are looking for advanced call features like call handling or routing based on customer requirements, this service may not be the best fit. It is more suitable for smaller businesses with less emphasis on customer support. Moreover, if you heavily rely on third-party integrations like Salesforce and Zendesk, you might want to consider alternative options.
The free consumer service is available only to individuals living in the United States. However, the business feature is also offered to customers outside the U.S. They can utilize the service even while travelling internationally.
2. LINE
The LINE app is a popular choice for businesses looking for a free phone number solution, especially in East Asia, particularly Japan. It is currently the top mobile messaging app in Japan, but it is not as well-known in Western countries.
However, LINE still provides reliable features at a reasonable cost. Like several other choices, LINE provides a no-cost plan that enables you to make calls within your country and internationally.
Nevertheless, strict time constraints can greatly limit the effectiveness. In some areas, each call is limited to five minutes or less, prompting business owners to consider upgrading to a paid plan with fewer limitations. LINE offers 30-day plans and also allows the purchase of individual credits.
Many people primarily use LINE’s smartphone application, but the company also provides a desktop version for users.
3. Dingtone
Dingtone is a prominent player in the internet calling industry, boasting over 100 million users across the globe. Their service provides free plans that come with certain limitations but still offer essential features like call blocking, call forwarding, voicemail, and callback options.
Additionally, this also offers more advanced functionalities like fax services, which are accessible at affordable rates. Please note that to access additional features on Dingtone, users are required to buy credits and then redeem them. Dingtone provides discounts for bulk purchases.
Downloading Dingtone is a hassle-free process as it provides a reliable service along with a user-friendly interface.
4. FreedomPop
FreedomPop provides a complimentary option that includes boundless calling and texting through WiFi, utilizing AT&T’s bandwidth. Nevertheless, this plan restricts users to 10 minutes of talk time, 10 text messages, and 25 MB of data every 30 days. This may not be advantageous for businesses unless the majority of their calls are made via WiFi.
Moreover, customers are required to make a single payment of $10 for a FreedomPop SIM card. Business proprietors are advised to opt for the paid subscription plans for optimal usage. These plans range from $2.99 to $55 per month (with a first-month discount of $12.01 for the unlimited plan).
Some users may find FreedomPop’s freemium model and various limitations and additional options to be frustrating. The premium plans only offer basic features like international calling and visual voicemail.
5. eVoice
eVoice is a VoIP service designed specifically for small businesses that require a complete set of phone management solutions. Although eVoice does not provide a free plan, you can try it out with a 14-day free trial.
eVoice has a single pricing tier set at $14 a month. However, you can take advantage of its two-month free promotion if you sign an annual contract. With this service, users can enjoy unlimited minutes for their business calls and take advantage of an online faxing feature.
Additionally, they have the flexibility to customize their phone numbers to their preferences, whether it’s a local number or its international counterpart. One of the standout features of eVoice is its range of add-on features, with a particularly impressive one being its live receptionist service.
Starting at just $0.30 per day, this cost-effective add-on can enhance your business’s credibility and provide an affordable service. For small businesses needing a professional phone management system, eVoice is a reliable option.
However, it is important to note that the service does have some drawbacks. According to reviews on GetVoIP, a website that reviews phone services, customers have reported issues. Those range from weak customer support to a lack of transparency.
6. Callcentric
Once you have installed their software and connected a telephone adapter, you can access this voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) service from any computer of your choice. The service allows you to make free phone calls to other Callcentric users, but there is a small fee for calling regular phone numbers.
This service is particularly useful for businesses that do not require a dedicated phone number for handling daily customer service calls.
8. TextFree
This mobile application that can be downloaded from both the iOS and Google Play app stores. This versatile app can be accessed on phones, tablets, and computers, allowing users to enjoy its features on various devices.
With TextFree, users have the option to select a U.S. phone number, which enables them to make calls and send text messages to individuals who do not have the app installed on their devices.
Why get a business phone number
A more professional appearance
Having a phone number for your business is crucial to establishing trust and credibility with clients, vendors, and independent contractors. Potential customers need to be able to contact your business easily.
Even if you are unable to answer the phone, having a professional voicemail specifically designed for your business will create a more professional impression compared to a personal or shared voicemail. Additionally, having a business phone number is often a requirement for creating business accounts on social media platforms.
More accessible communication with clients and customers
Having a free business phone number can greatly improve communication with clients and customers. Unlike emails or customer service bots, a quick and hassle-free phone call allows for a more streamlined conversation.
Providing clients with a direct line to voice their concerns reduces the risk of them leaving negative online reviews. Additionally, having a reliable phone number ensures that vendors can easily reach you, preventing potential stocking delays.
Increased productivity
Efficient communication enhances productivity, and having a dedicated phone number can provide this advantage for your business. Phone conversations enable quick and detailed exchanges, allowing you to respond promptly to any unexpected queries or issues.
While emails are useful for maintaining a written record, they are not as effective as phone calls when it comes to conveying information or resolving conflicts.
Types of business phone numbers
Picking the most suitable type of business phone number for your company’s requirements is crucial. This should be done before enrolling in a phone plan, even if it is free. We have compiled a useful guide to assist you in making this decision.
It is important to note that a business phone number can fall under multiple categories. For instance, you can opt for a toll-free or vanity number VoIP plan, a local phone plan, or even both.
Local phone numbers
When individuals envision a phone number for a small business, they typically anticipate a local number. A local phone number consists of a three-digit area code that indicates the geographical location of the phone user. Local phone numbers offer numerous benefits to businesses, particularly those with limited reach.
When people are looking for services that require in-person interaction, like hiring a plumber, electrician, or divorce lawyer, they tend to take note of the area code associated with the phone number.
If the area code is not from the local area, it may discourage consumers as it suggests that the service provider is located far away and may not be convenient to reach. In some cases, a non-local number can even raise suspicion among consumers.
However, for businesses that operate at a national or international level, such as software providers or specialty machine parts manufacturers, having a local phone number may not be as crucial.
Where To Get a Local Phone Number
Every business, regardless of its size or ownership type, has the opportunity to obtain a free business phone number from various phone companies or cable providers. By acquiring a business phone number with a local area code, even small businesses can effectively position themselves as trusted local establishments.
Apart from exploring the business phone number choices provided by your local telephone company, individuals also have the option of free set-up of business phone numbers through Google Voice.
Google Voice offers a basic package that allows users to receive calls and messages at no cost. On the other hand, local phone numbers for businesses can range from $0 for individual users to $30 per month.
VoIP phone numbers
A free business phone number can be obtained through VoIP, also known as voice-over internet protocol. Instead of using traditional phone lines, VoIP allows users to make phone calls over the Internet.
The increasing usage of smartphones, tablets, and laptops has contributed to the growing popularity of VoIP lines in the past fifteen years. All the options provided in our list utilize the VoIP protocol.
There are numerous benefits of using VoIP instead of traditional phone lines. One major advantage is the ability to make calls from any location as long as there is a stable internet connection.
Although certain VoIP providers may have limitations on calls to numbers outside their network, many providers (including the ones previously mentioned) do not impose such restrictions. A lot of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers have a free basic plan available.
One of these providers is Google Voice, which offers a consumer service plan that includes free unlimited calling and texting.
Toll-free phone numbers
A toll-free number is a phone number that starts with a toll-free code such as 833, 866, 855, 888, 800, 844, or 877. When someone calls a toll-free number, the person who owns the line is responsible for any charges incurred, while the service providers do not charge the callers.
Setting up toll-free numbers and connecting them to call-forwarding options requires a simple process. Additionally, you have the option to send and receive text messages using toll-free numbers. Numerous businesses opt for toll-free numbers due to their numerous benefits.
Having a toll-free number or a customer support line can enhance the credibility of your company.
How To Get a Toll-free Number
Obtaining a free business phone number is possible by enrolling with your current telephone service provider. Furthermore, you have the option to redirect calls from this number to an existing line, enabling you to effectively manage all incoming calls to your business via a previous phone number.
When it comes to catering to customers and clients in the United States, having a toll-free number is crucial for maintaining a professional image. Not only does it give your business a recognizable phone number, but it also allows customers from anywhere in the country to call without incurring any charges.
Typically, the monthly cost for this service is around $10. However, individuals who make international calls may experience increased expenses. If you aim to grow your business on a global scale, it is crucial to establish an alternative strategy for your business phone number to ensure it is accessible to international callers without incurring high costs.
Vanity Numbers
A free business phone number refers to a customized sequence of numbers that are designed to spell out a word or phrase or include a repeated or sequential sequence of numbers. These phone numbers are often easier for people to remember compared to regular phone numbers.
Businesses frequently use vanity phone numbers in infomercials, TV and radio commercials, print ads, and billboards to promote their products or services. For companies that sell products or services directly to consumers, it can be beneficial to have a business vanity phone number.
But, before you make a decision, it’s important to evaluate how this phone number aligns with your overall marketing strategy. If you’re lucky, your existing phone provider may offer a vanity phone number with a local area code, depending on their inventory.
Alternatively, you can explore the possibility of obtaining a toll-free vanity phone number that begins with popular prefixes like 1-800 or 1-888. Having a free business phone number can greatly benefit your company, especially if it is a unique and eye-catching vanity number.
While popular vanity numbers like 1-800-FLOWERS may already be taken, there are still plenty of available options that can be even more memorable. If you manage to find a vanity number that aligns well with your business, it can serve as a significant advantage and boost your overall brand presence.
The monthly cost of vanity phone numbers typically ranges from $10 to $50 due to their increased specificity.