Freetring

A free US phone number lets you make calls, receive texts, and verify online accounts — all without paying for a traditional phone plan. Millions of people worldwide use them for different reasons: immigrants staying connected with US-based family, international users who need a US number for app verifications, freelancers separating work and personal calls, or privacy-conscious users who don’t want to hand out their real number.

We tested over a dozen services and narrowed it down to five that actually work in 2026. Below you’ll find exactly what each one offers, what the trade-offs are, and which one fits your specific situation.

Quick Comparison

Service Free Calls Free Texts Number Retention Best For
TextNow Unlimited (ads) Unlimited Use every 30 days Everyday use
Google Voice Unlimited US/CA Unlimited Permanent Long-term number
TextFree Limited (credits) Unlimited Use every 30 days Texting-focused
Dingtone Credits-based Credits-based Credits needed International users
Hushed Free trial only Free trial only Subscription Privacy / burners

How to set it up:

Step #1

Download TextNow from the App Store or Google Play.

Step #2

Sign up with an email address or Google account.

Step #3

Choose your preferred area code. TextNow assigns a number instantly.

Step #4

Start calling and texting immediately. No additional verification needed.

1. TextNow — Best Overall Free US Number

What you get: A real US or Canadian phone number with unlimited calling and texting over WiFi or mobile data. The app is available on iOS, Android, and the web. TextNow assigns you a number from a real area code, and it functions just like a regular phone number — people can call and text you from any phone.

The catch:

Calls and texts are ad-supported — you’ll see banner ads and occasional full-screen ads in the app. Your number gets recycled if you don’t use it for 30+ days. Calls to international numbers or premium numbers aren’t included. Some services reject TextNow numbers for SMS verification, though most accept them.

Who it's best for:

Anyone who needs a full-featured free US number for regular use. It’s the closest thing to a real phone plan without paying. If ads bother you, TextNow’s premium plan removes them starting at $4.99/month and adds features like voicemail transcription and caller ID.

How to set it up:

Step #1

Go to voice.google.com and sign in with your Google account.

Step #2

Search for available numbers by city or area code.

Step #3

Verify with an existing US phone number. This is required and is the main barrier for international users.

Step #4

Once verified, your Google Voice number is permanently active.

2. Google Voice — Best for Long-Term Reliability

What you get: A permanent US phone number tied to your Google account with zero ads. Free unlimited calls to US and Canadian numbers, free texts, voicemail with automatic transcription, call screening, spam filtering, and the ability to forward calls to your real phone. Works on the web, iOS, and Android.

The catch:

The US number verification requirement means this isn’t accessible to most people outside the US. You need an existing US mobile or landline number to complete setup. International calls aren’t free, though Google’s rates are competitive (often $0.01–$0.03/min to most countries). Google may reclaim numbers after extended inactivity, though this threshold is much longer than other services (typically 6+ months).

Who it's best for:

US residents who want a clean, ad-free second line. Google Voice integrates with Gmail, Google Calendar, and the broader Google ecosystem. It’s the most reliable free number on this list and has the highest acceptance rate for account verifications. Ideal for separating personal and business communications.

How to set it up:

Step #1

Download TextFree from the App Store or Google Play.

Step #2

Create an account with your email address.

Step #3

Pick an area code and claim your number. It's ready immediately.

3. TextFree — Best for Texting

What you get: A free US phone number focused on unlimited texting. Calling is available but requires earning credits by watching short video ads. The app works on iOS, Android, and has a web interface at textfree.us.

The catch:

Outbound calls require credits earned through ads — each 30-second ad gives you roughly 1–2 minutes of talk time. Incoming calls are always free. The number gets recycled after about 30 days of inactivity. Some verification services (especially banks and payment apps) reject TextFree numbers. The ad experience for earning call credits can feel tedious if you need to talk frequently.

Who it's best for:

People who primarily need texting and only occasionally make voice calls. TextFree works well for signing up for online services, receiving verification codes, or maintaining a separate text-only line for things like online dating or marketplace selling.

How to set it up:

Step #1

Download Dingtone from the App Store or Google Play.

Step #2

Create an account. No existing phone number required.

Step #3

Claim your initial free credits and select a US number from available options.

Step #4

Use credits to make calls and send texts. Earn more credits through daily check-ins, watching ads, or referring friends.

4. Dingtone — Best for International Users

What you get: A US phone number accessible from anywhere in the world with no US phone verification required. Dingtone also offers numbers from the UK, Canada, and other countries. The app uses a credits system for calls and texts, and you can earn credits for free. Available on iOS and Android.

The catch:

Everything runs on credits. While you can earn them for free, heavy users will burn through credits faster than they can earn them and will eventually need to buy credit packs (starting around $0.99). Keeping your number active also costs credits periodically. Call quality depends on your internet connection, and some users report occasional lag or dropped calls. Verification acceptance rates are lower than TextNow or Google Voice.

Who it's best for:

People outside the US who need a US number and can’t get past Google Voice’s verification wall. Dingtone is the most globally accessible option on this list. It’s particularly popular among users in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America who need a US number for app verifications or staying in touch with US contacts.

How to set it up:

Step #1

Download Hushed from the App Store or Google Play.

Step #2

Sign up with just an email. No real phone number required for registration.

Step #3

Choose a number from hundreds of available US and Canadian area codes.

Step #4

1Use the free trial to test calls and texts before committing to a plan.

5. Hushed — Best for Privacy and Temporary Numbers

What you get: A private US or Canadian phone number that's completely disconnected from your personal identity. Hushed specializes in disposable "burner" numbers you can create and delete at will. Choose from 300+ area codes. Available on iOS and Android.

The catch:

Hushed isn’t free beyond the trial period. After the trial, plans start at $1.99/month for one number. It’s on this list because the free trial is long enough for short-term needs — selling something online, signing up for a service, or testing a number before buying. The privacy features justify the cost for many users, but if you need a free number permanently, TextNow or Google Voice are better choices.

Who it's best for:

Online sellers (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp), people on dating apps, freelancers meeting new clients, travelers who need a temporary local number, or anyone in a situation where they don’t want their real phone number exposed. Hushed also supports multiple active numbers on one account, which is useful for managing different contexts.

Which Free US Number Should You Pick?

Here's the decision simplified:

  • Need a reliable daily-use number? TextNow. It's the most complete free option with real calling and unlimited texting.
  • Already have a US number and want a permanent second line? Google Voice. No ads, rock-solid reliability, and the highest acceptance rate for verifications.
  • Mostly just need texting? TextFree handles that with no fuss.
  • Outside the US with no way to verify? Dingtone. It's the only solid option that doesn't require an existing US number.
  • Need a disposable number for privacy? Hushed. Create it, use it, delete it.

1.
Use the number at least once every two weeks.

A single text or call resets the inactivity timer on most services. Even opening the app counts on some platforms.

2.
Turn on push notifications.

Incoming messages and calls count as activity. If someone texts your free number, that keeps it alive.

3.
Never use a free number as your sole 2FA method for banking or critical accounts.

If the number gets recycled, you'll be locked out. Use Google Voice (most stable) or your real carrier number for anything important.

4.
Set a weekly reminder.

If you're not using the number daily, set a recurring phone reminder to open the app once a week.

How to Keep Your Free Number Active

Free numbers get recycled when you stop using them. Once your number is gone, someone else gets it — along with any accounts tied to it. Follow these rules:

The catch:

Hushed isn’t free beyond the trial period. After the trial, plans start at $1.99/month for one number. It’s on this list because the free trial is long enough for short-term needs — selling something online, signing up for a service, or testing a number before buying. The privacy features justify the cost for many users, but if you need a free number permanently, TextNow or Google Voice are better choices.

Who it's best for:

Online sellers (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp), people on dating apps, freelancers meeting new clients, travelers who need a temporary local number, or anyone in a situation where they don’t want their real phone number exposed. Hushed also supports multiple active numbers on one account, which is useful for managing different contexts.

This is the most common question, and the answer depends on the service you’re verifying with.

Most free VoIP numbers work for standard signups: social media platforms, email services, forums, e-commerce sites, and general apps usually accept them. The problems arise with financial services and high-security platforms. Banks, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and increasingly Instagram and Twitter have tightened their systems to reject VoIP numbers.

Among the five options listed here, Google Voice has the highest verification success rate because it uses real PSTN infrastructure and is backed by Google. TextNow comes in second. Dingtone and TextFree work for many services but get rejected more often, especially by financial institutions.

If verification is your primary goal, try Google Voice first. If that’s not available to you, TextNow is the next best option.

Can You Use Free Numbers for Account Verification?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to have a free US phone number?

Yes. These are legitimate services used by millions of people. VoIP numbers are legal everywhere. The only issue would be using a number for fraud, impersonation, or illegal activity — which applies to any phone number, free or paid.

Can I get a free US number without living in the US?

Yes. TextNow, TextFree, and Dingtone all allow signups from outside the US without requiring a US phone for verification. Google Voice is the exception — it requires verifying with an existing US number during setup.

Will a free number work with WhatsApp?

It depends. TextNow and Google Voice numbers have been successfully used to register WhatsApp, but WhatsApp increasingly blocks VoIP numbers. Results vary by number and timing. If one number doesn't work, try another from a different service.

Can I port my free number to a real carrier?

Google Voice numbers can be ported to most US carriers for a $3 one-time fee. TextNow also supports porting out. If you plan to eventually move your number to a traditional carrier, start with Google Voice — the process is straightforward and well-documented.

How many free numbers can I have at once?

Most services allow one number per account, but you can run multiple services simultaneously. For example, you could have a Google Voice number for important contacts and a TextNow number for online signups. Hushed is the only service that officially supports multiple numbers on one account, though it requires a paid plan.

Getting a free US phone number takes less than five minutes. TextNow is the best all-around choice for most people — unlimited calls and texts with a real number, no payment required. Google Voice is the upgrade if you already have a US number and want something permanent and ad-free. International users should go with Dingtone, and anyone who needs a disposable number should try Hushed’s free trial.

Pick one, set it up, and move on. If your needs change, you can always switch — all of these services are free to start.