Apps Like Sideline β Discover the Best Alternatives for Your Second Number in 2025
Sideline is a mobile application that provides users with a second phone number that works over a cellular network, not just over the Internet. This is especially convenient for those who want to separate personal and work calls without carrying two devices.
However, the app has its limitations: a monthly subscription, the lack of some advanced features in the basic tariff, and periodic complaints about stability. Therefore, many are starting to look for alternatives to Sideline β more affordable, flexible, and technological solutions.
In this article, you will learn about the most popular apps like Sideline for different usage purposes.
What is Sideline and How It Works
Sideline is a professional solution for those who want to have a second phone number on one device. The application establishes a dedicated phone line that operates over a cellular network, rather than VoIP, ensuring high-quality communication and stability.
With Sideline, you can:
- Use a second number for calls and messages.
- Set up voice mail with a personalized greeting.
- Automatically reply to incoming messages using text auto-replies.
- Manage contacts and work correspondence separately from personal ones.
The main idea of Sideline is to separate personal and business communication without unnecessary devices and costs. This is especially convenient for entrepreneurs, consultants, freelancers, and professionals who need to maintain a professional image and stay connected in a convenient format.
*Discover: How to Get a Second Phone Number for Different Purposes?
Why Look for Apps Like Sideline
Sideline is a reliable tool for creating a second number, but with increasing demands and expectations, many users have reasons to look for a more suitable solution.
Firstly, the cost. Sideline offers limited free functionality, and full access requires a monthly subscription. This can be a significant expense for small businesses or individual entrepreneurs.
Secondly, functional limitations. Some important features, such as advanced answering machines, integration with other services, or multi-user support, are only available on advanced plans, which is not always justified.
Finally, the interface and usability. The design and logic of the application are not suitable for everyone: some want simpler navigation, others want advanced analytics or adaptation to a specific niche.
As a result, users are starting to look for alternatives that offer more freedom, flexibility, and favorable terms β without compromising on connectivity and convenience.
Key Features to Consider in Sideline Alternatives
When choosing an app for the second issue, it is important to look deeper than just the price or popularity. Below are the main criteria that will help you make the right choice:
- Quality of communication. The second number should provide stable voice calls without interference and delays.
- SMS and MMS support. Full-fledged text correspondence, the ability to send photos, videos, and documents, is a mandatory minimum for a modern user.
- Voice mail and answering machines. The function of personalized voicemail and automatic replies allows you not to lose contact, even when you are unavailable.
- Integration with other services. If you use CRM systems, mail, messengers, or cloud storage, check if the application supports integration with them.
- Multi-user access. For teams and small businesses, it is important that one number can be used by multiple employees, for example, for receiving orders or providing customer support.
- Flexible settings and filtering. Customizable notifications, working hours, contact filters, forwarding, and spam blocking β all this makes working with the number more comfortable.
- User-friendly and intuitive interface. The interface should be intuitive and not require long configuration.
*Note: The ideal alternative to Sideline should be not just a replacement, but an improvement: functional, convenient and adapted to your real tasks.
Other Apps Like Sideline β Top Competitors Overview
In search of a Sideline alternative, many are paying attention to several notable players who offer different approaches to organizing a second phone number:
- Google Voice provides a convenient toll-free number with reliable integration into the Google ecosystem, which is especially appreciated by Android users.
- TextNow is a VoIP service that allows you to make calls and send messages for free within the United States and Canada, as well as offer affordable rates for international calls.
- Grasshopper is aimed at entrepreneurs and teams, offering advanced business features such as multi-line management and voice greetings.
- Line2 offers a full range of business communication options: calls, SMS, and convenient contact management from a single device.
- Burner stands out for its ability to create temporary numbers, which is convenient for privacy protection and one-time projects.
Also, the second number in modern applications often supports eSIM technology, a virtual SIM card that does not require physical media. This allows you to quickly activate an additional number directly on your smartphone without replacing or inserting a SIM card. Using the USA eSIM makes managing multiple numbers convenient and flexible, especially for traveling and separating personal and work contacts.
Below, letβs take a closer look at each of the options.
Google Voice β A Free Sideline Alternative
Google Voice provides a free second number with the possibility of calls, SMS, and voicemail, fully integrated with Google services. The service supports simultaneous reception of calls on multiple devices and convenient management via a mobile application or web interface.
Advantages: no charges for calls and messages within the USA and Canada; easy setup; tight integration with Gmail and Calendar.
Limitations: available primarily in the United States; there are no advanced business functions or support for international calls.
Google Voice is perfect for users who need a reliable and free second number for personal or small business use.
TextNow β Flexible and Affordable Option
TextNow is a VoIP service that offers a second number for calls and messages over the Internet. The free plan includes calls and SMS across the United States and Canada with ads, while paid subscriptions expand the options and remove ads.
Advantages: free calls within North America; multimedia support; low-cost international calls; user-friendly application.
Limitations: depends on stable internet; ads are available in the free version.
TextNow is suitable for users who need an accessible and mobile second number without being linked to a physical SIM card.
Grasshopper β Professional Second Number App
Grasshopper provides a virtual second number with support for multiple lines, voicemail, and answering machines. The application helps to distribute calls between employees and manage communications through a user-friendly interface.
Advantages: multichannel; personalized voice greetings; integration with office tools.
Limitations: relatively high cost; lack of a free tariff; dependence on a stable Internet connection.
Grasshopper is suitable for small businesses and entrepreneurs who need a professional and easy-to-use business communication service.
Line2 β Versatile Alternative to Sideline
Line2 offers a second number with call and SMS support on multiple devices simultaneously. Unlike Sideline, it supports multi-user access and more flexible pricing plans.
Advantages: work on different devices; group chats; call forwarding; voice mail with settings.
Limitations: the lack of a free tariff; the relatively high cost; the need for a permanent Internet connection.
Line2 is suitable for users and small teams who need a functional and convenient service for personal and business communication.
*Discover: The Best Line2 Alternatives to Try for Stable Communication.
Burner β Privacy-Focused Option
Burner allows you to create temporary numbers for calls and messages that are easy to delete after use. This ensures anonymity and protection of personal data.
Advantages: quick launch; complete number deletion; protection from spam and unwanted calls.
Limitations: limited validity of numbers in the free version; the need to purchase a subscription for long-term use; dependence on the Internet.
Burner is ideal for those who value privacy and need a temporary connection without being tied to a primary number.
Comparing Paid vs. Free Sideline Alternatives
When choosing a second number, it is important to take into account the functions, cost, and purpose of use. Sideline offers a high-quality paid service with a user-friendly interface and business integrations, but its price may be high for some users. Let’s compare the alternative apps like Sideline in the table:
| Application | Type | Features | Price | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | Free/Paid | Free calls and SMS; Integration with Google. | For free/from $10. | Personal users and Google users. |
| TextNow | Free/Paid | Free calls in the USA and Canada; Advertising. | Free / from $9.99. | Users on a limited budget. |
| Grasshopper | Paid | Multiple lines; Answering machines; Office integration. | From $29 per a month. | Small and medium business. |
| Line2 | Paid | Multi-user access; Flexible pricing. | From $9.95 per a month. | Teams and business users. |
| Burner | Paid | Temporary numbers; High privacy. | From $4.99 per a month. | Those who value privacy |
As a result, the choice between free and paid alternatives to Sideline depends on your tasks: Google Voice and TextNow are suitable for basic needs, Grasshopper and Line2 are suitable for business, and Burner is suitable for privacy.
How to Choose the Best App Like Sideline for Your Needs
Choosing the right application for the second number depends on several important factors that will help you solve your tasks as effectively as possible:
- Purpose of use. Decide what the second number is for β for personal calls, business, or privacy protection. This will help narrow down the list of suitable services.
- Cost and budget. Be prepared for a subscription or a one-time payment.
- Functional features. Pay attention to the call quality, SMS support, multiple lines, answering machines, and additional options that are important to you.
- Integration with other services. For businesses, compatibility with CRM systems, office software, or other communication tools is important.
- Convenience and simplicity. The interface should be clear and easy to use, so as not to waste time on complex settings.
- Privacy and security. Choose applications with temporary numbers and the ability to completely delete data.
A thoughtful analysis of these criteria will allow you to choose exactly the app that will ensure comfort, reliability, and efficiency in your daily communication.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Sideline Alternatives
To get the most out of the app with an additional number, use its advanced features. Answering machines and message templates will help you respond quickly to calls and save time on repetitive tasks. Call forwarding ensures that you don’t miss important calls, even if you’re busy on your primary device.
Integration with calendar and CRM systems optimizes contact management and simplifies meeting scheduling. Don’t forget to activate notifications about missed calls and messages β this will allow you to stay in touch in any situation. To protect your personal data, use temporary numbers when making online transactions or communicating with strangers.
Common Mistakes When Switching from Sideline
When switching from Sideline to another application, many users encounter problems that can be avoided with the right approach:
- Insufficient study of functions. Many people do not check the capabilities of the new application in advance β carefully familiarize yourself with the functionality before the shift.
- Compatibility issues. Ignoring device and operating system requirements causes crashes β make sure that the service supports your device.
- Lack of backup. Losing contacts and messages is a common problem β make a backup copy of important data in advance.
- Ignoring tariffs and payment terms. Unaccounted-for payments can lead to unexpected expenses β carefully study the prices and subscriptions.
- Incorrect notification settings. Without alerts, it’s easy to miss important calls and messages β set up notifications immediately after installation.
Following these recommendations will help you avoid problems and make the transition as comfortable as possible.
Final Thoughts β Best Apps Like Sideline in 2025
In 2025, the choice of applications like Sideline has expanded significantly, offering solutions for different tasks:
- Google Voice is perfect for those who are looking for a free and simple service.
- TextNow is for users with a limited budget.
- Grasshopper and Line2 will be a reliable choice for businesses due to the expanded functionality.
- Burner is for those who value privacy with temporary numbers and high data protection.
Determine your priorities and choose the application that best meets your requirements.
