2025 Top Virtual Number Software: A Comprehensive Guide to Security, Cost, and Global Coverage

In the Era of Information Overload, Virtual Phone Numbers Have Become a Powerful Tool for Privacy Protection and Overseas Business Management. However, Promotions on the Market Are Often Confusing, Especially Regarding the Misconception of “Zero Monthly Rent”. This Article Will Clarify the Concept for You and Provide In-depth Reviews of Five Mainstream Software, Helping You Make the Wisest Choice.

I. Core Concept: What is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number is an internet-based communication service that does not require a physical SIM card and can be used via an app or webpage. Its core functions include:

• Privacy Protection: Replace your real number in scenarios such as website registration and second-hand transactions to prevent information leakage.
• Global Access: Obtain local overseas numbers at low cost for receiving verification codes and answering customer calls.
• Cost Control: Usually more economical than international roaming or applying for a physical SIM card.

II. Objective Reviews of Five Mainstream Software in 2025

1. IntBell - The Choice for Globalization and Cost-Effectiveness

• Core Advantages: Supports making and receiving calls to numbers covering more than 230 countries worldwide, with excellent connection rates especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Call rates to the United States are low. It includes team collaboration features such as two-way calls, two-way SMS, voicemail, and call recording. The product interface supports switching between more than 10 languages and provides bilingual customer service (Chinese and English).
• Applicable Scenarios: Ideal for users with long-term, stable international business communication needs. It is also a great choice for individual users and cross-border sellers who need to hold a U.S. number at low cost.
• Notes: For numbers outside the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, you need to contact customer service and provide materials to apply.

2. DingDone - Focused on Overseas Markets and Chinese User Experience

• Core Advantages: Developed by a Chinese team, it is user-friendly for Chinese speakers, with high-quality localized experiences in both interface and customer service. The numbers have high purity, and the success rate of receiving verification codes from various apps is stable. Users can earn “Dingdong Coins” by watching ads to offset communication costs.
• Applicable Scenarios: Mainly used for receiving SMS verification codes, covering mainstream social, e-commerce, and financial platforms. Perfect for users who need to register or manage multiple overseas accounts in batches.
• Notes: Its core function focuses on SMS reception, and call functions are relatively limited.

3. Google Voice - The Established Free Option Tied to Ecosystem

• Core Advantages: Backed by Google, you can purchase a U.S. number as long as you have a newly registered Gmail account or one that has not been bound to Google Voice. Calls and SMS within the United States and Canada are completely free, and it integrates seamlessly with the Google ecosystem.
• Applicable Scenarios: Offers the best experience when used within the United States. Suitable for users living in the U.S., those who need frequent free communication with numbers in the U.S./Canada, and can also serve as a stable backup number.
• Notes: There is a risk of number recycling (if not used for a long time), and a stable network environment is required when using it in Mainland China.

4. TextNow - The Extreme Free Option Supported by Ads

• Core Advantages: Provides completely free U.S./Canada numbers, with service costs covered by in-app ads. Making/receiving calls and sending SMS within the U.S./Canada are all free.
• Applicable Scenarios: Users with extremely limited budgets who only need a temporary or low-frequency U.S. number to handle occasional verification or call needs.
• Notes: The stability of the free service is relatively low, and numbers not used for a long time may be recycled. A paid subscription is required to keep the number permanently and remove ads.

5. Hushed - The Expert in Private and Temporary Communication

• Core Advantages: Focuses on temporary and private communication, allowing users to purchase number plans with validity periods ranging from 3 days to 1 year, which is ideal for short-term needs. Creating and managing conversations within the app is convenient.
• Applicable Scenarios: Short-term scenarios where you don’t want to expose your real number, such as online dating, second-hand transactions, short-term rentals, and business trips.
• Notes: Adopts a plan-based model and is not designed for long-term “number retention”. The total cost for long-term use may be higher than other annual-payment products.

III. Rational Selection: How to Match Your Needs?

The key to selection is to clarify your core needs and match them with the product’s actual cost model.

Summary and Recommendations

• Dispel the “Zero Monthly Rent” Myth: Almost all sustainable virtual number services have their cost structures—either clearly priced monthly rent (e.g., IntBell), free access supported by ads or function restrictions (e.g., TextNow, DingDone), or prepaid plan models (e.g., Hushed).
• Before Making a Decision: Be sure to visit the official website of the service provider, carefully read the latest tariff instructions, and make the most economical and suitable choice based on your usage frequency, call needs, and budget.

It is hoped that this guide based on real tariffs will help you cut through the confusion and find the most suitable virtual phone number service for yourself.