Top Virtual Phone Number Services to Use in 2025

September 22, 2025 By Janne Smith No Comments 9 minutes

Let’s be realistic here, almost every app or website these days seems to want to get their hands on your phone number. Be it social media or setting up a new email, online shopping or some new app you’re just looking to try out, chances are you’ll need to verify your identity with an SMS code first. Typing in your number might appear simple enough…until your inbox fills with spam, your number ends up on marketing lists, or worse, your personal data gets exposed in a leak.

In short, handing out your real number every time is just asking for trouble: spam, tracking, robocalls, and a major headache!

That’s where virtual phone numbers come in. These services offer free or affordable numbers that act as a “privacy buffer” between you and the rest of the internet. Whether you’re wanting to sign up anonymously, run a business, sell your couch, step into the online dating world, or are simply trying to avoid unwanted messages, virtual numbers help you to stay secure and in control. No more oversharing, no more junk calls: just a smarter and safer way to get things done online.

While I’m a big fan of the simplicity of the AnonymSMS platform, I decided to take a look at who else is out there offering virtual phone number services in 2025. Here’s a quick rundown of what I found, starting with my favorite, and why they each stand out. But first – what exactly is a virtual number?

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Virtual numbers explained

A virtual number is a real phone number, but unlike traditional numbers, it’s not tied to a specific phone or physical location. It instead uses the internet to make and receive calls. This technology is known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).

How It Works

When someone calls your virtual number:

• The call is routed over the internet rather than traditional phone lines.
• You can answer it on any device that’s connected to the internet. For example, a smartphone or computer.
• You can set it up to forward calls to different devices or numbers, depending on your needs.

Why Use a Virtual Number?

• Privacy: Your personal number stays private. For example, you can give out a virtual number for business or online use.
• Flexibility: Take calls anywhere, on any device – perfect for remote work or travel!
• Separation: Keep business and personal calls separate, even on the same phone.
• Extra Features: Some virtual numbers come with voicemail, call recording, text messaging, and auto-replies.

Free vs Private Virtual Numbers

• Free virtual numbers are often shared, meaning multiple users might use the same number. These can be useful for quick or temporary use, but they’re not ideal for sensitive or private information.
• For better security and control, it’s safer to rent a private virtual number, especially for business, verification, or confidential communication.

Now that’s all clear, let’s get back to business and check out the best virtual phone number service providers of 2025. Read on!

AnonymSMS

AnonymSMS is super simple. No app downloads, no sign-ups, and, most importantly, you don’t have to share any personal info to use their service. Just go to their site, pick a number from the country you want (there are plenty to choose from!), and get your SMS on your screen in seconds.

Their numbers are real SIM-based ones that work with big platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and Gmail. You can grab a free public number for quick, one-time use, or rent a private number if you need it longer for things like Airbnb listings, job applications, or personal projects. These rented numbers belong to you and you alone while you use them, and then, when you’re done, they’re deleted—keeping your privacy intact.

If you’re tired of giving out your real number and getting spammed, AnonymSMS makes it easy to keep your personal info safe. It’s perfect for app testers, digital nomads, or anyone like me, wanting to keep their personal and business lives separate.

Why You’ll Like It:

• No sign-up, no personal info required
• Real SIM-based numbers accepted by the majority of big platforms
• Free public numbers and private rentals (1 to 30 days, with extension possible)
• Numbers refreshed regularly to keep things secure

A Couple of Things to Know:

• Free numbers are shared, so some platforms might block them
• Customer support could be quicker, but the site is straightforward enough
• No dedicated mobile app
• Yes, the website design is simple, but it definitely gets the job done

TemporaryNumber

If you want something similar to AnonymSMS, but with more payment options and country choices, TemporaryNumber is a good alternative. Created by a privacy-focused developer from Texas, it offers free public numbers without you needing to sign up, and it lets you rent private numbers securely.

They accept over 100 cryptocurrencies, PayPal, and credit cards, which is great if you want flexibility. Their numbers cover numerous countries, including the US, UK, Ireland, and The Netherlands. Like AnonymSMS, this site’s numbers are SIM-based, so they work fuss-free with the popular apps, though message delivery tends to take up to 15 seconds- no good if you’re in a rush!

Why You’ll Like It:

• You can pay with tons of crypto options, PayPal, or cards
• SIM-based numbers from several countries
• No signup needed for free numbers
• Transparent and privacy-focused
• Option to rent private numbers securely

A Couple of Things to Know:

• Smaller pool of numbers than some of the big players
• No dedicated mobile app
• Support and SMS delivery can occasionally take a bit longer
• Free numbers are shared. Use a private rental for sensitive matters

Hushed

Hushed is for those who want more than just SMS, as it gives you a second phone number that can handle calls, texts, MMS, and voicemail, all in one app. It’s great for separating your work and personal life, or for avoiding spam calls without having to change your real number.

You can pick from numbers from over 300 area codes across the US, Canada, and UK. It works over Wi-Fi or data, so no SIM cards are needed. Plans start at $3.99, with no contracts, and you can manage multiple numbers in one app.

Why You’ll Like It:

• Full phone functionality: calls, texts, voicemail
• Manage multiple numbers in one easy app
• Works over Wi-Fi or mobile data, no SIM needed
• Flexible plans, no contracts
• Strong privacy, with end-to-end encryption

A Couple of Things to Know:

• App-only: no web option
• Sign-up required
• Some users report occasional account suspensions
• Not always accepted by every platform, for example WhatsApp

Quackr

Quackr is also a great pick. It offers free temporary numbers from 30+ countries, which is perfect for international verification or keeping your real number private.

The website and app are well presented and easy to use. You’ll need to create an account, even to use the free numbers, but they’re serious about privacy—no selling your data! With rentals starting at $12.99 a week, I’ve found it to be reliable, with good uptime and SMS delivery, plus the added bonus of flexible pricing plans, discounts on bulk buys, and private dedicated numbers.

Why You’ll Like It:

• Numbers from tons of countries worldwide
• Clean, easy-to-use interface on web and app
• Strong privacy policies with no data selling
• Reliable, with good uptime
• Flexible pricing, with bulk discounts

A Couple of Things to Know:

• Some users have had mixed experiences with Quakr’s support
• Not all platforms accept their temporary numbers
• Free numbers are shared, so if it’s something sensitive, a private rental’s probably better

Burner

Burner asks you to subscribe, but then packs in the bonuses you get for trusting them. They really want to put you in control of who can reach you, and give you the chance to create separate numbers for work, dating, and online sign-ups, through which you can block spam calls and texts, and customize your settings with call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and whitelist contacts.

All-in-all, I’ve found Burner to be great if you want to notch up the level of privacy and control you have in a number, plus take advantage of some handy business tools for professional use. A negative: they currently only offer numbers from the US and Canada.

Why You’ll Like It:

• Create and manage multiple private numbers
• Block unwanted calls and texts
• Features like voicemail transcription and call forwarding
• Business-friendly tools
• Highly rated for privacy and control

A Couple of Things to Know:

• Mainly available in the US and Canada
• Some platforms may not accept Burner’s numbers
• Customer support can be slow at times
• Their subscription plans can be a bit confusing

Your Privacy, Your Call

So, which virtual phone number service should you pick in 2025? If you want something quick, easy, and private, without having to sign up or install apps, AnonymSMS is tough to beat. If you want more payment choices and wider country coverage, TemporaryNumber is your go-to. For full calling and texting, Hushed is great. Need a lot of international numbers? Check out Quackr. And if privacy control with multiple numbers is your thing, and you’re happy with a US or Canada number, Burner may well be the perfect fit for you.

Whatever you choose, there’s a service out there to help you keep your privacy safe and make your personal and business lives easier. You will be surprised how freeing it feels not to hand over your real number!