📌 Why Look for Google Voice Alternatives?

Google Voice remains one of the most popular free services to get a U.S. phone number with calling, texting, and voicemail. However, it has limitations in features, scalability, and global availability, which is why many users explore alternatives. Wikipedia

🆓 Top Truly Free or Freemium Options

Here are the best free choices for alternative phone numbers and VoIP calling/texting:

✅ 1. TextNow (Free Phone Number & Calls/Texting)

👉 Link: https://www.textnow.com/free-phone-number
TextNow offers a free U.S. phone number with unlimited calls and texts over Wi-Fi and data. It’s one of the most popular free alternatives to Google Voice and works across devices. TextNow

Pros:

• Free phone number with texting and calls

• Works on iOS, Android, and web

• Unlimited SMS and calls within U.S. & Canada

Cons:

• Ads in free version

✅ 2. TextFree (Second Line App)

👉 Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinger
TextFree (by Pinger) gives a second phone number with free texting and calls in the U.S. (ad-supported). Ideal for personal use or side projects. Wikipedia

✅ 3. Talkatone – Free Calling App

👉 Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talkatone
Talkatone provides free VoIP calls and SMS using a number tied to the app, available for iOS and Android. Wikipedia

Highlights:

• Free calling and texting over Wi-Fi

• Works for U.S. numbers

⚠️ 4. Hushed (Free Trial / Freemium)

👉 Link: https://hushed.com/
Hushed isn’t fully free long-term, but offers temporary number access and privacy-focused VoIP calling. You can use a free trial period or short usage before charges. Hushed+1

📱 5. Other Free Apps Worth Trying (Android/iOS)

These offer free calling/texting or second numbers (ad-supported or limited):

• Text Me

• Line2 (free tier with limits)

• Other ‘free number’ apps available through app stores. hushed-anonymous-phone-number.en.softonic.com

⚠️ Notes on Free Services

While free options are excellent for personal use, they often come with:

• Ads

• Limited international calling

• Feature caps (no team features, no CRM integration)

If you need robust business features (team inboxes, routing, integrations), consider paid options below. Upfirst

💼 Paid Alternatives (More Business-Focused)

If you’ve outgrown free services, these paid tools provide more features for small businesses, sales teams, and professional communication:

💡 RingCentral

👉 Link: https://www.ringcentral.com
One of the most comprehensive business VoIP systems — voice, messaging, and video. Offers a free trial, but plans start at paid tiers. GetVoIP+1

💡 Grasshopper

👉 Link: https://www.grasshopper.com
Made for solopreneurs and small businesses who want simple business phone systems (call forwarding, texting). Quo

💡 OpenPhone (Now Quo)

👉 Link: https://www.openphone.com
Business phone system with team inbox, shared numbers, and integrations, often featuring a trial before payment. MightyCall –

💡 MightyCall

👉 Link: https://www.mightycall.com
A business VoIP system with auto-attendants and call routing. Offers a free trial with limited minutes. MightyCall –

💡 JustCall

👉 Link: https://justcall.io
Cloud phone system for sales and support teams with automation tools. Typically paid with free trial options. MightyCall –

📝 Choosing Between Free vs. Paid

NeedBest OptionFree personal phone number (U.S.)TextNow, TextFree, TalkatonePrivate burner numberHushed (trial)Business phone with team supportRingCentral, OpenPhone, GrasshopperSales & support automationJustCall

📊 Final Thoughts

Free alternatives to Google Voice are plentiful, especially for personal or low-volume use. TextNow and TextFree stand out for unlimited free calls and texts, while apps like Talkatone and Hushed offer additional privacy and flexibility. For businesses that need more professional features, paid VoIP services like RingCentral and OpenPhone deliver robust tools beyond what Google Voice provides. Upfirst

📌 Sources & Research

1. 10 Best Google Voice Alternatives in 2025 — Upfirst.ai Upfirst

2. 11 Best Free and Paid Google Voice Alternatives — quo.com Quo

3. Free phone number from TextNow — TextNow.com TextNow

4. Hushed phone number info — Hushed.com Hushed

5. Talkatone free calling app — Talkatone wiki Wikipedia

6. TextFree & Pinger info — Pinger wiki Wikipedia

7. Paid business options and trials (RingCentral, OpenPhone) — multiple comparative resources GetVoIP+1

📞 Free Alternatives to Google Voice (2025 Guide) — Best Free Phone Number & VoIP Services