Getting a virtual US phone number is one of the simplest ways to appear reachable in the United States without buying a US SIM card or living in the country. Whether you run an international business, freelance for American clients, manage customer support, or just want a separate number for privacy, the right app can give you calling, texting, voicemail, and even team features in minutes.
TLDR: A virtual US phone number lets you make and receive calls or texts over the internet using an app or web dashboard. The best option depends on whether you need a personal number, business line, SMS support, call routing, or international access. OpenPhone and RingCentral are strong for business, Google Voice is great if you qualify, while Hushed and TextNow are better for casual or privacy-focused use.
What Is a Virtual US Phone Number?
A virtual US phone number is a phone number with a US area code that works through the internet instead of a traditional landline or physical SIM card. You can usually use it through a mobile app, desktop app, or browser. Many services offer local numbers, toll-free numbers, voicemail, SMS, call forwarding, business hours, and integrations with tools like Slack, HubSpot, or Zapier.
The main advantage is flexibility. You can answer calls from New York while sitting in Lisbon, London, Manila, or Buenos Aires. For businesses, a US number can also increase trust with American customers who may hesitate to call an international line.
Before You Choose: What to Check
Not all virtual phone services work the same way. Before signing up, compare these essentials:
- Availability outside the US: Some services require a US-based account, payment method, or existing US number.
- SMS and MMS support: Calling may work well, but texting can be limited, especially for verification codes.
- Local vs toll-free numbers: Local numbers feel personal; toll-free numbers look more official for businesses.
- Call quality: Since calls use the internet, quality depends on both the provider and your connection.
- Number ownership: Check whether you can port the number out later if you switch services.
- Compliance: Business texting in the US may require registration for A2P 10DLC messaging.
7 Reliable Apps and Services Compared
1. Google Voice
Best for: Individuals and small teams already in the Google ecosystem.
Google Voice is one of the most recognizable ways to get a US number. It offers calling, texting, voicemail transcription, and integration with Google Workspace. For personal use, it is affordable and easy to manage, but there is a catch: availability is limited, and personal accounts typically require an existing US phone number for verification.
For businesses, Google Voice is available through paid Google Workspace plans in supported countries. It is clean, simple, and dependable, but not as feature-rich as dedicated business phone systems.
- Pros: Simple interface, voicemail transcription, strong Google integration.
- Cons: Limited availability, not ideal for advanced sales or support workflows.
2. OpenPhone
Best for: Startups, remote teams, freelancers, and small businesses.
OpenPhone is built around modern business communication. You can get a US or Canadian number, share inboxes with teammates, label conversations, record calls, set business hours, and integrate with CRM tools. Its interface feels more like a collaborative messaging app than an old-fashioned phone system.
OpenPhone is especially useful if several people need to manage one company number. It also supports SMS and MMS, although business texting rules may require registration depending on your usage.
- Pros: Excellent team features, sleek design, shared numbers, useful integrations.
- Cons: More than a casual user needs; mainly designed for business use.
3. RingCentral
Best for: Established businesses that need a full phone system.
RingCentral is a powerful cloud phone platform offering virtual numbers, business calling, video meetings, team messaging, analytics, call queues, IVR menus, and more. If you need a professional US presence with departments, extensions, and customer support routing, it is one of the strongest options.
The downside is that RingCentral can feel complex if you only need one basic phone number. However, for companies that expect to scale, it provides a more complete communication system than lightweight apps.
- Pros: Enterprise-grade features, reliable infrastructure, strong admin controls.
- Cons: Higher cost, more setup time, may be excessive for individuals.
4. Grasshopper
Best for: Small businesses that want a traditional phone presence.
Grasshopper focuses on making small businesses sound professional. You can choose local, toll-free, or vanity numbers, set up extensions, record greetings, and forward calls to your existing phone. It is popular with solo entrepreneurs, consultants, and service businesses.
Grasshopper is less about modern team chat and more about classic business phone functions. If you want callers to hear a polished menu such as “Press 1 for sales,” it does the job without requiring a complicated setup.
- Pros: Easy setup, toll-free and vanity numbers, good for professional greetings.
- Cons: Fewer collaboration features than newer platforms.
5. Skype Number
Best for: International users who want a recognizable calling brand.
Skype Number lets people call you on a regular phone number, and you answer through Skype. It is a familiar option for users who already rely on Skype for international communication. Availability varies by country, but it can be a practical way to get a US number for receiving calls.
However, Skype Number is primarily call-focused. If texting, business workflows, or shared inboxes are important, you may find it limited compared with dedicated virtual phone providers.
- Pros: Well-known service, useful for international calling, easy for Skype users.
- Cons: Limited SMS functionality, fewer business features.
6. Hushed
Best for: Privacy, temporary numbers, and short-term use.
Hushed is ideal when you want a second number without committing to a full business phone system. It offers temporary and long-term numbers, including US numbers, with calling and texting available through the app. People use it for online marketplaces, dating apps, travel, side projects, or privacy protection.
It is important to note that temporary VoIP numbers may not work for every verification code. Banks, government portals, and some social platforms often block virtual numbers. Still, for everyday privacy and separation, Hushed is convenient.
- Pros: Good for privacy, flexible plans, quick setup.
- Cons: Not ideal for serious business operations or sensitive account verification.
7. TextNow
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want basic US calling and texting.
TextNow is known for offering free or low-cost phone service supported by ads and optional upgrades. Users can get a US number and use it for calls and texts through the app. It is a practical choice for casual communication, especially if you do not need advanced business tools.
The tradeoff is that free numbers can be reclaimed if inactive, and the experience may include ads unless you pay. For a mission-critical business line, a paid provider is safer. For basic use, TextNow is hard to ignore.
- Pros: Very affordable, easy to start, good for casual texting and calls.
- Cons: Ads on free plans, inactivity risks, limited professional features.
Quick Comparison
- Best overall for small businesses: OpenPhone
- Best enterprise option: RingCentral
- Best simple Google-based option: Google Voice
- Best traditional business phone feel: Grasshopper
- Best for international callers: Skype Number
- Best for privacy or temporary use: Hushed
- Best low-budget choice: TextNow
How to Get a Virtual US Phone Number
- Choose your provider based on whether you need personal use, business features, or temporary privacy.
- Create an account and confirm that the service works in your country.
- Select a US area code that matches your audience, such as 212 for New York or 310 for Los Angeles.
- Set up calling and texting in the mobile or desktop app.
- Configure voicemail, business hours, and forwarding if needed.
- Test the number by calling and texting from another line before sharing it publicly.
Final Thoughts
The best virtual US phone number service depends on your goal. If you are building a customer-facing business, choose a reliable paid platform like OpenPhone, RingCentral, or Grasshopper. If you want something simple for personal use, Google Voice, Skype Number, Hushed, or TextNow may be enough.
Above all, think beyond the number itself. A good virtual phone service should make you easier to reach, easier to trust, and easier to manage. Pick the tool that fits how you actually communicate, and your US number can become a practical bridge to clients, customers, and contacts anywhere.
