Get a Virtual Mobile Number for More Privacy

What are Virtual Mobile Numbers?

Virtual mobile numbers, also known as second phone numbers, provide additional phone numbers that can be assigned to a mobile device without needing an extra SIM card. They are provided by mobile carriers and third-party apps, and allow you to make and receive calls and texts on your primary number or the additional virtual number.

With a virtual number, you don’t need multiple physical SIM cards to have more than one phone number. The virtual number itself is not associated with a SIM card – it is an additional number provided by your carrier or Voip app that can be assigned to your existing SIM card and primary phone number.

How Virtual Mobile Numbers Work

Virtual mobile numbers are provided by telecommunications companies and third-party apps rather than being associated with physical SIM cards. They allow users to assign additional phone numbers to an existing mobile phone. Incoming calls and texts to the virtual number are automatically forwarded to the primary number. The key benefits are maintaining privacy and enabling business uses.

Obtaining a Virtual Number

Virtual mobile numbers are typically obtained in one of two ways:

• Directly through your mobile carrier
• Through a third-party app

Mobile carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint all offer virtual mobile numbers as an add-on service to existing plans. You can request a new virtual number through your carrier account and they will assign it to your mobile device.

Alternatively, apps like Google Voice, Sideline, Hushed, and Burner provide virtual mobile numbers for a fee. You can download these apps, select a virtual number, and forward it to your primary mobile number.

In both cases, the process is handled entirely through the provider without needing to insert a new SIM card. The virtual number is assigned at the network level rather than the hardware level.

Linking the Virtual Number to Your Phone

Once obtained, the virtual mobile number needs to be linked or forwarded to your primary mobile number. With a carrier-provided number, they automatically link it to your device. For third-party apps, you will need to set up the forwarding manually within the app settings.

This linking process means that any calls or texts to your virtual number will be routed to the physical mobile phone associated with your primary number. So you can give out the virtual number but still receive the communications on your regular mobile device.

Some apps may allow the use of the virtual number on multiple devices like tablets or computers. The number isn’t tied to just one mobile phone.

Receiving Calls and Texts

When someone contacts your virtual mobile number, whether a call or text, it will be automatically forwarded to your primary number. This happens in the background through the carrier or app.

The caller or sender does not need to do anything differently. They just place a call or send a text to the virtual number.

On your end, your primary mobile phone will ring or receive the text as normal. If you answer the call, the caller ID displayed will be the virtual number rather than your primary number.

The virtual mobile number acts as a redirect service passing along all incoming communications. Outgoing calls and texts will still display your primary number.

Managing Multiple Numbers

A major advantage of virtual mobile numbers is the ability to have multiple numbers on a single device. You can get different virtual mobile numbers for business, personal, specific sales campaigns, etc.

Most providers will allow you to manage all your numbers through a single interface or app. You can set specific names and labels for each number to keep them organized.

Some apps provide enhanced call and text routing options between the numbers. For example, you can configure business calls to ring during work hours but go to voicemail overnight.

This level of management and segmentation provides tremendous flexibility compared to having just one number.

Key Benefits

There are several key benefits that make virtual mobile numbers valuable compared to just using your primary mobile number:

• Maintain privacy and separation between personal and professional
• Have local numbers in different geographic regions
• Field sales/marketing calls on specific campaign numbers
• Give out numbers to untrusted parties you don’t want to have your real number
• Have a temporary second-line

The additional flexibility and control over how and when you are contacted enables wider utility from your mobile device.

Limitations

While useful, virtual mobile numbers do have some limitations to be aware of depending on the provider:

• Some services may lack full capabilities like MMS or visual voicemail
• Emergency services may not identify your precise location
• The number could be reassigned after inactivity periods

However, major carriers and most apps provide reliable service comparable to your primary number in most situations.

Benefits and Use Cases

Virtual mobile numbers provide increased privacy, business uses, and flexibility compared to relying solely on your primary number.

Maintaining Privacy

A major benefit of virtual mobile numbers is maintaining privacy by separating personal and professional communications.

Keeping Personal and Work Calls/Texts Separate

Having separate personal and work numbers on your mobile device helps maintain boundaries between your professional and private life.

With a dedicated work number, you can turn off notifications outside business hours so you don’t get distracted by work calls or texts. Keeping the numbers distinct also prevents sharing your personal number with coworkers or clients.

For those who run side businesses or freelance, having a separate line keeps business calls from cluttering up your personal messages. And you can switch off business communications when needed without missing important personal calls.

Overall, keeping work and personal communications on two different virtual mobile numbers enables better focus and privacy.

Business Uses

In addition to privacy, virtual mobile numbers provide several benefits for running a business.

Having a Professional Number for Customers

A dedicated business line projects a more professional image when interacting with customers. They see a proper business number rather than your personal number when you call or text.

Virtual mobile numbers also enable consistency if you change personal numbers. The business line stays the same so customers can always reach you without reupdating all your contacts.

Getting Local Numbers in Different Regions

Having geographically local numbers helps make business feel more seamless across regions. Customers are more likely to answer and trust a local number for their area code.

Rather than managing multiple physical phones and SIM cards, virtual mobile numbers enable having a local presence on one device. You can get different numbers for your business in each relevant metro.

Tracking Calls/Texts from Marketing Campaigns

For sales and marketing initiatives, using specific virtual numbers makes it easy to identify and track leads from each effort.

You can get unique numbers for webinars, radio spots, social media ads, etc. Then instantly know which campaign drove a particular call or text based on the originating virtual mobile number.

This level of granular tracking improves optimizing your marketing spending.

Other Uses

Beyond privacy and business applications, virtual numbers provide additional utility:

Getting Temporary Second Lines

Having a temporary extra number can be useful for various situations. For example, when selling an item online you can get a short-term virtual number to interface with the buyers. Or get a disposable number when signing up for services you may not want to give your real number.

Giving to Untrusted Parties

When dealing with untrusted individuals or companies, providing a virtual number helps avoid spam calls or texts to your primary number. Banks, social media sites, and other services prone to sharing data commonly request phone numbers during signup. Using a virtual number here maintains privacy.

The ability to easily get additional virtual numbers on demand creates helpful optionality beyond your main mobile number.

Exploring Mobile Carrier and App Options for Virtual Numbers

There are two main options for obtaining virtual mobile numbers – through mobile carriers or third-party apps. Pricing varies depending on features and usage.

Mobile Carriers

Major wireless providers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint all offer virtual number services add-ons to existing plans, usually for an additional monthly fee per number.

For example, AT&T charges $10 per month for each extra NumberSync number added to a mobile plan. Verizon and T-Mobile also provide second numbers for around $5-10 per month.

The benefit of mobile carriers is seamless integration and reliability, but the monthly costs add up quickly if you need multiple numbers.

Third-Party Apps

In addition to mobile carriers, there are various apps dedicated specifically to virtual mobile numbers:

• Google Voice – Free but has limited capabilities. Good basic option at no cost.
• Sideline – Starts at $9.99 per month for 1 number. Multiple numbers are available on business accounts.
• Hushed – Prepaid numbers start at $3.99 per week. Different durations are available.
• Burner – Short-term temporary numbers from $4.99 per day up to $149.99 for 6 months.

These apps provide an alternative to mobile carrier options, often at lower cost.

Callmama for Virtual Numbers

One popular virtual mobile number app is Callmama. Key features include:

• Get a U.S. or Canadian number for $2 monthly
• Low pay-as-you-go rates for usage
• Use one virtual mobile number on multiple devices
• Receive text transcripts and voicemails
• Set usage limits and controls

With Callmama, you pay an affordable $2 monthly fee per number plus calling/texting usage, which can achieve significant savings over carrier plans depending on your needs.

Comparing Providers

When selecting a virtual mobile number provider, key factors to consider include:

• Number of extra numbers required
• Expected monthly usage
• Specific features needed
• Whether short or long-term service

For most small business cases, apps like Callmama offer savings compared to carrier options. But evaluate reliability, number porting ability, and customer support when choosing.

Achieving Cost Savings

Depending on usage patterns, virtual mobile numbers can provide noticeable cost savings over extra voice lines for small businesses. The ability to add and remove numbers flexibly as needed creates efficiency.

For affordable access to virtual mobile numbers with maximized features, apps such as Callmama are a great option to consider, providing savings over mobile carrier pricing in many situations.

Comparing the Top Mobile Phone Number Providers

Getting a mobile phone number to use for calling, texting, or using apps can be very useful when traveling internationally or wanting anonymity. However, with so many providers available, it can be tricky to determine which one is best suited for your needs. This detailed comparison examines four of the top providers—Callmama, Numero eSIM, Rebtel, and Keku—across four key factors: pricing, number availability, features, and reliability.

Pricing Plans and Options

One of the most important considerations when choosing a mobile number provider is the pricing and value you get. Here is an overview of what each service charges:

Callmama

Callmama is one of the most budget-friendly options, offering some of the lowest monthly prices among competitors. Numbers start at just $2/month when prepaid annually for their basic plan. They also have a $3.50/month flex plan billed monthly with no annual commitment required. An enterprise plan is available for $4.50/month with priority support and service.

Overall, Callmama provides excellent value especially for those looking for cheap global numbers for temporary use like when traveling. They even offer a 1 week trial for $1 to test their service.

Numero eSIM

Numero eSIM has competitive pricing starting at $3/month for basic numbers when prepaid annually. Their pricing is structured into tiers based on features, with their standard plan at $5/month, premium at $8/month, and enterprise at $12/month.

While slightly more expensive than Callmama, Numero eSIM offers great options for budget numbers as well as more advanced solutions. They also offer 1 week and 1 month trial plans, making it easy to test the service.

Rebtel

Rebtel starts at the higher end for pricing at $8/month for US and Canada numbers prepaid annually. International numbers are $10/month on annual plans. Additionally, they charge $12/month for a flexible month-to-month plan.

While one of the pricier choices, Rebtel provides quality service and reliability, so the extra cost could provide added value for some customers.

Keku

Keku stands out by offering just a single flat-rate plan at $5/month regardless of country. With no tiers or annual commitments, their pricing structure is simple and affordable.

For users who just need a basic number without advanced features, Keku provides a solid budget-friendly option. However, their plan choices are less flexible compared to competitors.

In summary, Callmama appears to offer the most affordable pricing plans, with great value especially for short-term disposable numbers. But Numero eSIM and Rebtel can also fit well within limited budgets depending on needs.

Number Availability Across Countries

In addition to pricing, a key factor is the availability of local mobile numbers in your desired countries. The reach of each provider varies significantly:

Callmama

With numbers in over 200 countries, Callmama has the most extensive worldwide availability among competitors. They are a great choice if you need local mobile numbers while traveling to ensure connectivity.

Numero eSIM

Numero eSIM also provides impressive global reach, with availability in over 195 countries. Their number inventory depth is on par with Callmama, giving you tons of options.

Rebtel

Rebtel offers numbers in 160 countries, providing wide coverage for most regions. However, their selection is not quite as extensive as Callmama and Numero eSIM.

Keku

With numbers in just 60+ countries, Keku lags behind the others in terms of global availability. But they still offer a decent range of options for common destinations.

Plainly, Callmama and Numero eSIM lead the pack when it comes to number availability in the most countries. Both enable you to get local mobile numbers almost anywhere.

Features and Capabilities

When selecting a mobile number provider, it’s important to consider the functionality and convenience of the features included. Having the right capabilities can greatly improve your experience using the service. Here is an in-depth look at what each provider offers:

Callmama

Callmama delivers a solid set of features including:

• Call Forwarding – Redirect calls to your Callmama number to another phone number of your choosing. Useful for sending business calls to your personal mobile.
• Voicemail – Receive voicemail messages that can be accessed online or through the mobile app.
• SMS Messaging – Send and receive text messages through your Callmama number.
• Account Management – Manage your account online through their website and access billing details, usage history, and more.
• eSIM Support – Works with eSIM-compatible mobile devices for easy activation.

While Callmama covers all the essentials, its features are fairly basic overall compared to some competitors. But they provide the key tools needed for most use cases.

Numero eSIM

Numero eSIM offers advanced capabilities like:

• Call Forwarding – Redirect calls to any number with easy online management.
• Voicemail Transcription – Voicemails are transcribed into text so you can read messages.
• SMS Messaging – Send/receive texts including picture messages (MMS).
• Account Management – Manage your account via their user-friendly mobile app.
• eSIM Activation – Instantly activate numbers through the app with eSIM.

Numero eSIM stands out for the added convenience of voicemail transcription and eSIM activation. This gives them very modern, tech-forward features.

Rebtel

The features included with Rebtel are:

• Call Forwarding – Seamlessly forward calls to your primary phone number.
• Voicemail – Get voicemail messages delivered straight to the mobile app.
• SMS Messaging – Send and receive texts including multimedia messages with images.
• Account Management – Manage everything directly through the Rebtel app.
• WhatsApp Integration – Numbers work natively with WhatsApp messaging.

Rebtel focuses on convenience through their mobile app. The WhatsApp integration is also handy for messaging.

Keku

With Keku you get:

• Call Forwarding – Forward calls to any global phone number.
• Voicemail – Receive voicemails and access them through the app.
• SMS Messaging – Send and get texts including pictures.
• Account Management – Manage your account fully through the Keku app.

Keku offers reliable core features. While basic, they provide the essential functionality you need.

Benefits of Using Callmama Over Other Providers

Callmama stands out from other mobile number services in several ways that provide unique advantages to customers. Here are some of the top benefits Callmama offers:

Budget-Friendly Pricing

Callmama has some of the most affordable pricing plans in the industry. Their global numbers start at just $2/month when prepaid annually. This makes Callmama extremely budget-friendly, perfect for getting a temporary number while traveling.

Other providers like Rebtel and Numero eSIM have pricing starting around $3-5/month at the lowest tiers. The cheap rates from Callmama provide savings over most competitors.

Massive Number Inventory

With local mobile numbers available in over 200 countries, Callmama simply offers more number availability worldwide. No other provider matches their depth of inventory across so many regions.

This extensive number selection gives you maximum flexibility to get a local number in almost any country you’re visiting or doing business in. Callmama’s reach is unparalleled.

Long-Term Reliability

Callmama has over a decade of experience and has earned a trusted reputation for reliable service. Their network consistency and technical support is proven.

Many competitors are newer companies with less time in business, so may not inspire as much confidence in long-term stability and support. Callmama’s tenure demonstrates commitment.

Flexible eSIM Support

Callmama offers full eSIM compatibility, allowing instant setup and use of your mobile number on eSIM-supported phones. This modern feature provides convenience while traveling light.

Competitors like Rebtel have yet to integrate eSIM activation, while others charge extra for it. Callmama includes it as standard for all plans.

Conclusion

This comparison examined four top mobile number providers—Callmama, Numero eSIM, Rebtel, and Keku—across four factors:

• Pricing – Callmama has the most budget-friendly pricing plans starting at just $2/month.
• Number Availability – Callmama and Numero eSIM offer numbers in 200+ countries, the most extensive selection.
• Features – Numero eSIM stands out for advanced features like voicemail transcription. But all offer core capabilities.
• Reliability – Callmama and Rebtel are veterans in the market with proven reliability.

Callmama provides a compelling mix of affordable pricing, massive number availability, solid features, and reliable service.

Key Benefits of Virtual Mobile Number

Beyond typical carrier plans, virtual mobile numbers offer advantages like:

• Privacy protection by keeping your personal number private
• Flexibility of getting local numbers when traveling abroad
• Ability to have multiple numbers for business, personal, etc.
• Online account management for convenience
• Short-term use for as little as a month rather than year contracts

Virtual mobile numbers add control and flexibility in how you connect on mobile.

Selecting the Right Provider for You

Before choosing a provider, consider factors like:

• Countries where you need local numbers
• Budget limitations
• Whether you need lots of minutes or just occasional use
• Important features like call forwarding, voicemail, etc.

Evaluating your specific usage needs will ensure you select the provider that’s the best fit. Most offer free trials to test options.

In summary, virtual mobile numbers provide advantages that warrant consideration for many use cases. Do your research to pick the provider that aligns with your requirements and budget.