“What's the best service for getting a temporary phone number?”

For a temporary U.S. number, I’d pick Burner: it’s designed for a second number you can delete or replace when you’re done, with calls and texts in the app. Its website currently lists plans starting at $7.99 monthly or $47.99 annually when billed yearly. (burnerapp.com)

If you want a number you can keep longer, Hushed is a good alternative; its plans start at $7.99/month for prepaid or $6.99/month for an unlimited plan. (hushed.com)

One caveat: virtual numbers may not work for verification codes from banks or other services, so check before relying on one for that. If you tell me what you need it for—like selling something, dating, or account verification—I can narrow it down.

The "best" service depends on what you need the number for—receiving a single verification code, using it for private calling/texting (like Craigslist or dating), or keeping a free long-term second number.

Here is a breakdown of the best services by use case:

1. Best for Privacy, Dating & Classifieds (Calls + Texts)

If you want a private second line that you can use on your smartphone for a few days, weeks, or months to talk and text:

• Burner (iOS / Android)
• Best for: Clean user interface, reliable call/text forwarding, and easy disposal.
• How it works: Provides local US/Canada numbers. You can keep a number rolling or hit "burn" to instantly delete it and generate a new one.
• Cost: 7-day free trial; paid subscriptions start around $4.99/month.
• Hushed (iOS / Android / Web)
• Best for: Flexible short-term plans and international numbers (US, UK, Canada).
• How it works: Offers prepaid 7-day, 30-day, or 90-day "burner" packages without requiring a recurring monthly subscription. (They also frequently offer lifetime single-line deals on sites like StackSocial).
• Cost: Prepaid plans start around $2–$5.

2. Best for One-Time SMS Verification / Account Sign-Ups

If you only need a number to bypass an SMS verification code (OTP) for an app or website (e.g., OpenAI, Discord, Twitter/X):

• TextVerified
• Best for: Reliable US-based non-VoIP numbers.
• Why it matters: Most major platforms block standard virtual/VoIP numbers. TextVerified uses real carrier SIM cards, so their codes actually go through.
• Cost: Pay-per-SMS using credits (usually $0.50 to $2.00 per activation).
• SMSPool or SMS-Activate
• Best for: Cheap, international SMS verification across hundreds of countries and apps.
• Cost: Very low (often $0.10 to $1.00 per verification).

3. Best Free Long-Term Options

If you want a permanent or semi-permanent second number without paying:

• Google Voice (US only)
• Best for: Free calling, voicemail, and texting with no ads.
• Catch: Requires an existing, real US phone number to set up initially. It is a VoIP number, meaning some banks and services (like WhatsApp or Uber) may refuse to send 2FA codes to it.
• TextNow
• Best for: Free talk and text supported by ads.
• Catch: You must use the number regularly (send a text/call every few days), or they will reclaim it and assign it to someone else.

4. Best Free Public Inboxes (Quick & Disposable)

If you don't care about privacy and just need to test a service without giving out your real details:

• Services: Sites like Quackr.io or Receive-SMS-Free.cc
• How it works: Open public websites displaying a list of phone numbers with live public inboxes.
• Catch: Anyone can read the incoming text messages, so never use these for personal accounts, banking, or sensitive passwords. Many services already block these numbers.

Summary Recommendation:

• Need it for calling/texting people safely: Get Burner or Hushed.
• Need to verify an account / bypass OTP: Use TextVerified or SMSPool (real non-VoIP SIMs).
• Need a free second line long-term: Use Google Voice.

The best service depends on what you mean by “temporary”: for a truly short-lived number, Hushed is one of the strongest paid options, while for a free disposable code-receiving number, Receive-SMS.app / similar receive-only services are the most commonly recommended. If you want a number you can keep for a short project with calls and texts, Burner is a better fit than a public SMS receiver.⁴⁵

A practical way to choose:

• Best for one-off verification codes: free receive-only services such as Receive-SMS.app are ranked best overall in one 2026 comparison because of speed, reliability, and auto-refreshing inboxes.⁵
• Best for short-term privacy with a real number: Hushed is recommended for short-term privacy and listings, and it supports calls and messages.¹⁴
• Best for dating/classifieds/throwaway use: Burner is specifically recommended for dating, classifieds, and one-off use.¹⁴
• Best free option for US users who want a longer-lived number: Google Voice is the strongest free US option, but it is not really “temporary” in the disposable sense.¹⁷

If you want the shortest answer: pick Hushed for a temporary personal number, or Burner if you want a classic disposable number for a short project.¹⁴ If your only goal is to receive a single verification code, a free receive-only service is usually the cheapest option, but those ranges are often blocked by major platforms and are less reliable for accounts you intend to keep.⁵²

There isn't one best answer — it depends on whether "temporary" means a few days or a long-lived second number, and how much you need the verification codes to actually arrive.

If you want a genuinely throwaway number (days to a few months):

• Hushed is the broader international option, with numbers in dozens of countries and pay-as-you-go pricing — a $4.99 credit pack covers roughly a week of light SMS use, or $6.99/month ($66.99/year) for unlimited US/Canada. bestforandroid.com
• Burner is the simpler pick for US/Canada only, at about $5/month for a single line. Both handle most verification flows, but they're considered second-tier if you want to dispose of a number cleanly. bestforandroid.com

If you actually need a permanent number that reliably receives codes, the strongest free option is Google Voice — it's US-only, requires an existing US number and a US-billing Google account, but its number ranges are treated as carrier numbers, so delivery is effectively perfect on major services. TextNow is the best free alternative outside the US, though the free tier shows ads and reclaims your number after 30 days of inactivity. bestforandroid.com

What to avoid: public SMS-receiver sites. Their number ranges have been mass-blocked since around 2023 by Google, Telegram, Microsoft, X, and most banks — and anything you receive on a shared page is readable by anyone refreshing it. bestforandroid.com

Two caveats worth knowing before you commit. VoIP numbers are not guaranteed to be accepted — services set their own restrictions, and banking apps and some government portals refuse Hushed and Burner ranges specifically. allthingssecured.com And if you ever dispose of a number, remove it from every account that uses it for login or recovery first. allthingssecured.com

One transparency note: the second comparison I drew on is published by HeyNum, which discloses it makes one of the services it ranks. heynum.com The Hushed/Burner and Google Voice assessments above come from the other two sources.

Best Temporary Phone Number Services (2026)

There's no single "best" option — it depends on what you're actually trying to do. Here's a breakdown:

If you just need a one-time verification code (free)

If you need a number for one verification code and nothing else, use a free receive-only service like Quackr or Temp Number — don't use your real number, but don't pay for an app either. Just know the tradeoff: free receive-only services often use recycled numbers that platforms have already blocked.

If you need reliable verification codes (worth paying a little)

For codes that actually need to land (banking, WhatsApp, important signups), non-VoIP/real-SIM services do better:

• TextVerified – says its US numbers have physical SIM cards, so describing its product as VoIP would be inaccurate, and it has verification products and longer rentals.
• SMSPool – suits OTP testing specifically and is a strong pick for that purpose.
• 5sim – covers 50+ countries with US codes starting at $0.30, and wins on being the cheapest with the widest country selection — if you need a Brazilian, Indonesian, or Indian number, it's one of the few options.

If you want a real second number (calls + texts, not just one code)

• Burner – is the clearest option if you want a real number you can use and erase on your own terms, since Burner numbers are mobile-classified and work with most platform verification systems.
• Hushed – is a privacy-focused app offering US, UK, Canadian, and Puerto Rico numbers, designed specifically for account verification and secondary number use, and is widely cited for passing SMS verifications across major platforms.

If you want it free and don't care much about privacy

Google Voice or TextNow are the go-tos. Just be aware: TextNow recycles inactive numbers, and Google's verification system may reject them as a result. Also, Google does not accept Google Voice numbers for initial account creation or recovery verification.

The one rule that matters most

WhatsApp, for one, lists VoIP among the number types it can't register. So before picking a service, check whether it's VoIP or a real carrier/SIM number — an app that rejects VoIP will keep rejecting it, whichever provider sold you the number.

Quick recommendation: For a free one-off code, try Quackr or a similar receive-only inbox first. If that gets blocked or you need something that actually works reliably (WhatsApp, banking, Google), pay a small fee for a non-VoIP option like TextVerified or Hushed. If you want an ongoing second line you control, go with Burner.

There isn’t one universal “best” service—it depends on whether you need a short-term number for calls and texts, or just a one-time verification code.

For a temporary second number (calls + texts)

These are the most practical options for privacy use cases like online marketplaces, dating, classifieds, or avoiding spam:

Hushed and Burner are the strongest fits if you specifically want something temporary you can drop. Google Voice is hard to beat if you mainly want a free second number and don’t mind it lasting longer and being tied to a Google account. PCMag’s overview of these second-number apps is a useful independent reference.

For one-time SMS verification codes only

• Free public “receive SMS” sites are usually a poor choice. Inboxes are shared, so anyone can see incoming codes, and many services block these numbers.
• Paid private numbers (services that advertise non-VoIP or physical-SIM lines, such as TextVerified and similar rental platforms) tend to work more often than free public ones, but acceptance is never guaranteed. Banks, some messaging apps, and stricter platforms frequently reject virtual numbers.

Important limits

• Don’t use a temporary number for banking, crypto, primary email, government services, or anything where losing access would be costly. Numbers get recycled, and a later user can sometimes receive recovery codes.
• Most app-based numbers are VoIP and can’t be used for emergency calls (911).
• These services protect your real number from the other party; they do not make you anonymous to the provider, which keeps account and payment records.
• Using temporary numbers to evade bans, create fraudulent accounts, or bypass platform rules violates most services’ terms and can have legal consequences.

Practical pick: For most everyday privacy needs, start with Hushed (flexible short-term) or Burner (disposable focus). Use Google Voice if you want free and longer-term. For verification codes on important accounts, a real prepaid SIM or eSIM you control is more reliable than any virtual service. Prices and features change, so check the provider’s site before signing up.

I'll research the top temporary number services to compare options for your use case.

There is no single best — it depends what you mean by temporary:

1. Best for most people: Burner

For a temporary U.S. number, I'd start with Burner. It's designed for short-term second numbers and lets you call and text from the app

Why:

• Burner and Hushed are the privacy picks: disposable numbers you can delete when you are done, from about $4.99 per month.
• Burner is built for numbers you do not want to keep forever. You create a number in the app, use it for calls and texts, and delete it
• Calling, SMS, MMS, voicemail, and spam blocking are included

Pricing to expect:

• $4.99 mini, $7.99 standard, $11.99 premium per month
• Standard $7.99 a month or $47.99 a year on its website

Use it for: dating, marketplace sales, trips, job hunt, short projects where you need to call and text.

Limitation: Burner numbers cannot receive SMS short codes. Burner temporary lines are VoIP, may be blocked by some verification systems

In other words, don't buy Burner only to verify WhatsApp, banks, Google, etc.

2. Best flexible / international temporary: Hushed

Hushed sells week-long, month-long, or longer numbers in dozens of countries on a pay-as-you-go basis

• Every number includes voicemail, call forwarding, custom voicemail and auto reply texts
• Pricing: Prepaid plans start around $7.99, Unlimited monthly starts at $6.99/month
• For a 7-day window with multi-app use: Hushed 7-day pass at $1.99
• For a 30-day rental: Burner from $4.99 a month or Hushed at $9.99 a month

Hushed offers US, Canadian, UK and Puerto Rican numbers with calling, texting and auto-reply tools

Like Burner, Hushed numbers are VoIP, may face verification blocks on some platforms

Pick Hushed over Burner if you need non-US numbers, a 7-day pass, or numbers in 300+ area codes.

Other privacy-focused picks in this category are MySudo, Hushed and Cloaked, with MySudo recommended because its higher paid plans give multiple numbers to keep different parts of life separate

3. Best FREE second number: Google Voice / TextNow

• Google Voice is the best free second number for personal use in the US, with voicemail transcription and call forwarding at no cost
• Google Voice is the best free second number for most US users, with calls, texts, and voicemail at no cost for personal use
• TextNow is the best free ad-supported alternative, with unlimited US and Canada calls and texts on its free Flex plan

Use these for: long-term free second line, not true one-time burner. They will also fail many strict OTP checks.

4. Best for one-time SMS verification codes

Free public receive-SMS sites and VoIP apps have a ~60% success rate for verification and often get blocked. For OTPs you need private, non-VoIP / real SIM numbers.

Options in 2026 since that era ended on December 29, 2025, when SMS-Activate officially shut down:

• VoidMob - Best overall: non-VoIP US carrier numbers from $0.15 per code, rentals from $1.25
• HeroSMS: temporary phone numbers from 180+ countries for 700+ services and applications
• TextVerified: one of the most established non-VoIP services, offering temporary US phone numbers for SMS and voice verifications
• Quackr Private: private numbers are always non-VoIP, on real SIM cards, private from $12.99/week

Warning: free public numbers are shared, messages deleted every 24 hours; private: only you can access it. Never use shared public numbers for banks, password resets, or 2FA.

5. Best for developers / business: Twilio

• Twilio for Developers, bulk SMS ~$1/month per number, 100+ countries
• Programmatic/business numbers: Twilio or Plivo ~$1.15/mo per US number + usage

Only choose this if you are comfortable with APIs and pay-as-you-go usage fees.

Quick verdict

• Want to talk/text privately for a few weeks then burn it? -> Burner
• Want cheapest 7-day or UK/Canada number? -> Hushed
• Want free second line? -> Google Voice, ad-supported alternative -> TextNow
• Want to receive a single OTP from Instagram, WhatsApp, Uber, etc.? -> VoidMob, HeroSMS, or TextVerified private non-VoIP rental, not Burner/Hushed

For the U.S., the best choice depends on what you mean by “temporary”:

• Best for a number you can discard later: Burner. It’s built around temporary second numbers, with calls and texts and the option to delete or switch numbers. Its website lists a Standard plan at $7.99 month-to-month or $47.99 billed annually; check the app for current offers and pricing. (burnerapp.com)
• Best for several separate identities: MySudo. It offers multiple numbers tied to separate profiles; current U.S. plans with phone numbers start at $1.99/month for one number, with higher tiers offering more numbers and usage. (mysudo.com)
• Best for flexible paid plans: Hushed. It offers U.S. and Canadian numbers for calls and texts, with different plan types and durations. (hushed.com)
• Best free option for ordinary calls and texts: Google Voice. It gives you a number for calls, texts, and voicemail, but it’s tied to a Google account and isn’t especially disposable. (support.google.com)

Important: If you need the number for bank, government, or account-recovery codes, use a regular mobile carrier line or eSIM if possible. Many services reject app-based/VoIP numbers for verification, and a number you later give up could be reassigned. TextNow, for example, says code delivery depends on whether the service sending the code accepts its VoIP numbers. (help.textnow.com)

Quick pick: Burner for short-term use; MySudo for keeping multiple identities separate; Google Voice if free and longer-term is fine. Avoid public “receive SMS online” sites for anything private or important.

I'll research the top temporary number services to compare options for you.

I've identified the leading candidates. Now I'll dig into the details to compare pricing and features.

The best service depends on what you need the number for — free second line, true disposable burner, or one-time SMS code.

Free temporary numbers work as virtual VoIP numbers over an app or website, often ad-supported. They are commonly used for online verification and receiving OTPs without revealing your personal number.

Warning: Messages on free public numbers can be publicly visible and your account is at risk. Many services block temporary numbers, and recycled numbers potentially leak earlier messages. Free numbers are frequently reused, and many platforms block them as "VOIP" during registration.

1. Best Overall: Hushed

Hushed tops burner lists for providing unlimited phone numbers that you can use for calling, texting, voicemail, and verification purposes.

• Fresh virtual numbers from over 80 countries
• Numbers don't expire and can be used long-term
• All calls and texts are relayed through Hushed's servers, keeping your real identity hidden
• Make calls, send texts, access voicemail & more, available for both Android and iOS

Paid plans offer private temporary numbers for calls and texts, and Hushed is also listed as a top pick for stable, private long-term numbers you own as long as you pay.

Best for: privacy, dating, marketplaces, international numbers.

2. Most Secure Disposable: Burner

Burner is the go-to app when you need a quick, disposable phone number for privacy, convenience, or short-term use.

• Create multiple temporary numbers, each with its own inbox, for texting, calling, and even voicemail
• Create short-term burner numbers or lines that "burn" out and disappear after a set period
• You can set limits on number usage for both time and number of calls/texts
• Sophisticated blocking, filtering, and do not disturb options, including blocking incoming calls or text keywords
• Integrations with communication apps like Slack allow you to use Burner as your work phone number

It costs $4.99/month for 1 number or $9.99 for unlimited numbers.

Best for: Craigslist, dating apps, freelancing, one project = one number, then burn it.

3. Best Free Long-Term Second Number: Google Voice

Google Voice is a trusted choice for users who want a free, long-term U.S. phone number backed by Google's infrastructure.

• Make and receive calls, send texts, and access voicemail from any device, whether it's a phone, tablet, or desktop
• Integrates smoothly with Gmail and Google Calendar, making it especially handy for business users and freelancers
• Includes advanced features like voicemail transcription, call forwarding, spam filtering, and multi-device sync
• Free U.S. number with unlimited texting and calling within the U.S., but only available to U.S. residents and requires a Google account

MySudo, Hushed, Burner, and Google Voice are better suited for longer-term use than public disposable SMS sites.

Best for: permanent free second number for work, spam shielding.

Don't use temporary numbers for banking. It is generally better to use a secure, permanent number for banking and critical accounts.

4. Best Truly Free: TextNow

TextNow is one of the most popular apps for getting a free U.S. or Canadian phone number.

• Allows users to send unlimited texts and make calls over Wi-Fi without requiring a SIM card
• Gives you a real phone number to use for calls and texts over WiFi, with no hidden costs
• You don't even need an existing mobile number to sign up
• Utilizes advertising to provide this service for free, with pop-up banner ads removable through a $3.99/month subscription
• Only offers U.S. or Canadian numbers and may recycle inactive numbers

Best for: casual free calling & texting, students, side hustles. TextFree, 2ndLine and FreeTone are similar free second-number options for texting and calling.

5. Best for Work Second Line: Sideline / 2ndLine

Sideline provides you with a second real phone number to use alongside your personal cell phone number.

• Works like any regular number, able to place and receive calls and texts
• Comes with voicemail, call forwarding, conference calling
• Offers a 7-day free trial, paid plans start at $9.99/month

2ndLine is listed as a second-number option for separate personal/work line with calls and SMS, and free apps like TextNow or 2ndLine are noted as best for casual use.

6. Best for One-Time Verification Codes: 5SIM, SMS-Activate

OTP services provide temporary, "disposable" numbers specifically designed for receiving verification codes.

• Top picks: 5SIM, SMS-Activate, Receive-SMS
• Pay-per-use and a huge selection of countries
• Best for creating bulk accounts on Telegram, TikTok, and Facebook
• How it works: you "rent" a number for 10–20 minutes to receive a single verification code
• Extremely cheap ($0.10 - $2.00 per code) and fast

Major platforms like Google, Facebook, and Amazon can distinguish VOIP numbers and often block them, requiring a real physical SIM instead. If registration fails, you may need to try multiple numbers from different carriers within the provider's platform.

For free public OTP: Quackr offers disposable phone numbers for verification purposes with a clean interface for quickly obtaining temporary numbers. Temp-SMS type sites offer public numbers for one-time SMS only.

7. Best for Extra Privacy & International

• CoverMe: Designed for private and anonymous messaging using temporary numbers. You control exactly when the numbers expire, anywhere from an hour to years, with encrypted chatting within the app. Deletes all logs and encryption keys after you're done.

• Dozem: Provides virtual numbers from over 40 countries, including UK, France, Mexico, Hong Kong, Turkey and many more, with incoming calls, voicemail and SMS. Pricing starts at $1.99/month per number.

• Numero eSIM: Listed as virtual/temporary for international numbers with calls and SMS.

Quick pick:

• Want free forever? Google Voice or TextNow
• Want disposable and private? Burner or Hushed — paid apps like Burner or Hushed offer secure short-term numbers
• Want cheapest OTP for TikTok/Telegram/WhatsApp? 5SIM / SMS-Activate
• Want work line? Sideline

Best Services for Getting a Temporary Phone Number

The right choice depends on what you need the number for — a one-time verification code, a short-term project, or ongoing privacy. Here's a breakdown of the top options:

For Real, Functional Temporary Numbers

Burner is consistently the top pick across reviews for anyone who wants a legitimate temporary number with full calling/texting capability. Burner numbers are mobile-classified, so they work with most platform verification — Cash App, PayPal, Facebook, Amazon, and more, which is a real differentiator from free VoIP alternatives that get blocked. It's best for marketplace selling, dating, short-term projects, or anyone who wants a real temporary number with full functionality.

Hushed is another strong paid option, especially for privacy. Hushed is a privacy-focused virtual number app offering US, UK, Canadian, and Puerto Rico numbers, designed specifically for account verification and secondary number use, with iOS and Android apps available.

MySudo is favored by some reviewers when you need multiple separate numbers rather than just one disposable one. MySudo offers one, three or nine phone numbers depending on the paid plan, useful for keeping different parts of your life separate.

For Free Options

Google Voice is the most recommended free option, though it comes with caveats. Google Voice remains the strongest free option for US users, with a permanent personal number tied to your Google account. However, Google Voice is free but provides VoIP-flagged numbers that fail many verifications and require a U.S. carrier number to sign up.

TextNow is a solid free alternative, particularly for calling and texting. TextNow is one of the most popular apps for getting a free U.S. or Canadian phone number, allowing users to send unlimited texts and make calls over Wi-Fi without requiring a SIM card. Just be aware: it offers unlimited texting and calling with no subscription required, but the trade-off is ads in the app, VoIP-based calling (verification issues), and number recycling — if you don't use the number regularly, TextNow may reassign it to someone else.

For Quick, One-Time Verification Codes Only

If you just need to receive a single OTP/verification code and don't care about the number afterward, free "receive-only" services work well:

• Quackr — a privacy-first virtual phone number platform built for users who value speed and simplicity, allowing you to receive SMS verification codes instantly without sharing your real number, useful for WhatsApp, Gmail, or Telegram.
• 7Sim — remains surprisingly effective for casual, low-stakes sign-ups, refreshing their number pool daily so you're not stuck fighting over blocked numbers; no signup needed, just pick a country and grab a number.

Note: these free shared-number services often get blocked by stricter platforms — throwaway SMS receiver sites are best skipped for any service you plan to keep using, since Google, Telegram, and banking apps now flag those number ranges and refuse to send codes.

For Developers/Businesses

If you need numbers for an app, automated SMS flows, or a whole team:

• Twilio — numbers can be searched and provisioned via its console or API, offering an inventory of local, national, toll-free, and short-code numbers in over 100 countries.
• Telnyx — teams can search, reserve and purchase numbers through either an API or their portal, with coverage in over 130 countries, at around $1.00 per month without a contract.

Quick Recommendation Summary

Bottom line: As one source puts it, the best temporary phone number app is the one that matches your definition of "temporary" — if that means a real number you can use and erase on your own terms, Burner's the clearest option, but if it means free and you'll figure out the rest later, Google Voice is the fallback.

There’s no single “best” temporary phone number service—it depends on whether you need free calling/texting, a disposable number, one-time SMS verification, or privacy compartmentalization.

Bottom line

• Best disposable privacy number: Burner
• Best flexible paid option: Hushed
• Best free option: TextNow
• Best free long-term US second line: Google Voice
• Best for OTP/account verification: TextVerified or SMSPool
• Best for total privacy: MySudo or Cloaked

Important warnings: Avoid free public “receive SMS online” sites—their inboxes are often public, and recycled numbers can leak messages. Also, don’t use a disposable number for banking, 2FA, or critical long-term accounts unless you can keep the number permanently; losing it can lock you out. essentras.com

The best service depends on what you mean by “temporary”: for a real short-term number you can call and text from, Burner and Hushed are the strongest paid options; for a free second number, Google Voice and TextNow are the main choices.^2341317

• Burner — Best for a disposable, privacy-focused number you can use for calls, texts, voicemail, then delete or “burn.” Burner says it was built for temporary numbers, and review sources consistently place it at the top for privacy and short-term use.¹²³¹³
• Hushed — Best if you want a flexible paid option with pay-as-you-go or short-term plans, including use cases like dating, selling items, or travel.²³⁸¹²
• Google Voice — Best free option for U.S. users who want a second number, but it is not truly temporary because it is tied to your Google account and lacks an easy delete/burn model.³⁴¹⁴¹⁷
• TextNow — Best free throwaway-style number if you can tolerate ads and some verification limitations; it offers free calling and texting, but numbers may be recycled if you do not use them regularly.³⁹¹³
• TextVerified / 5SIM / SMSPool / similar OTP services — Best for one-time verification codes when you only need an SMS code, not a full calling/texting number.¹⁸¹¹¹⁶

A practical way to choose:

• If you want a real temporary line for a few days or weeks: choose Burner or Hushed.²³⁸¹³
• If you want a free second number and do not need strong privacy or easy deletion: choose Google Voice or TextNow.³⁴⁹¹⁷
• If you need just one verification code: use a dedicated OTP/SMS rental service like TextVerified or 5SIM rather than a consumer app.¹⁸¹¹¹⁶

One important caution: many services block VoIP or recycled temporary numbers, so free or virtual numbers often do not work for banks, PayPal, or other sensitive accounts.¹³¹¹

The best temporary phone number service depends on what you need it for. Options range from free public inboxes to paid private numbers that support calls and texts.

Best for privacy (dating, selling, short projects)

These give you a private number you control and can discard.

• Burner — One of the best-known options for disposable numbers. It covers the US and Canada, supports calls and texts, and lets you delete or switch numbers. Standard pricing is about $7.99/month or $47.99/year on their website (app-store prices are higher). A short trial is often available.
• Hushed — Flexible for short-term use. It offers US, Canada, and UK numbers, with unlimited plans starting around $6.99/month and prepaid options for shorter periods. Good if you want area-code choice and the ability to let a number expire.

Both are solid for keeping your real number private from strangers. They are generally VoIP-based, so some services still reject them for verification.

Best free options

• Google Voice — Free US number for eligible users (requires an existing US mobile number to claim, and newer accounts often need identity verification). Excellent for long-term personal use and Google integration, but many platforms block it because it is VoIP. It is designed as a lasting number, not a pure throwaway.
• TextNow — Free (ad-supported) US/Canada number with calling and texting over Wi-Fi or data. Convenient, but numbers can be reclaimed if unused, and verification success is often low.

Best for one-time SMS verification codes

If you mainly need a private code for a signup and free/public options fail:

• TextVerified — Provides non-VoIP US numbers (they claim physical-SIM routing). Pay-per-verification starts around $0.25 for many services, with automatic refunds if no code arrives. Longer rentals are also available. Higher success rate on platforms that reject ordinary VoIP numbers.

Cheaper international one-shot services (such as 5sim and similar marketplaces) exist, but quality and acceptance vary widely.

Free public receive-SMS sites

Sites that show shared inboxes (various “receive SMS online” domains) are free and require no signup. They are only suitable for low-stakes tests. Anyone can read the messages, numbers are heavily reused, and major services frequently block them.

Practical caveats

• Verification success is not guaranteed. Banks, WhatsApp, some social and payment apps, and other high-security services often reject VoIP and known virtual numbers. Non-VoIP or “real carrier” numbers cost more but pass more often.
• These are not fully anonymous. Providers keep account, payment, and usage records and can respond to legal requests. A temporary number mainly hides your personal cell number from the other party.
• Emergency calling (911) is generally not supported.
• Prices and features change; check the provider’s site before paying.

For everyday privacy (marketplace listings, dating, avoiding spam), Burner or Hushed are the most reliable mainstream choices. For a free lasting US number, try Google Voice if you qualify. For a single private verification code when free options fail, a service like TextVerified is usually more effective.

The best service for a temporary phone number depends on what you need it for: two-way calling and texting (e.g., online dating, Craigslist, freelance work) or one-time SMS verification (e.g., app signups that require a non-VoIP mobile number).

Here are the best options broken down by use case:

1. Best for Two-Way Calling & Texting (True "Burner" Apps)

These apps provide a private secondary phone number that you can use on your smartphone for incoming and outgoing calls and texts, and you can discard ("burn") the number whenever you want.

• Burner (iOS, Android | US & Canada)
• Best for: Easy, intuitive burner lines for dating or selling online.
• Features: Lets you create temporary numbers with customizable area codes. You can set up auto-replies, mute notifications, and literally click a button to "burn" the number and get a fresh one.
• Pricing: Free 7-day trial, then subscription-based (starting around $4.99/month).
• Hushed (iOS, Android, Web | International)
• Best for: International numbers and flexible prepaid plans.
• Features: Offers numbers across 300+ area codes in the US, Canada, and the UK. Unlike Burner, Hushed offers pay-as-you-go short-term options (e.g., a 7-day or 30-day plan without a recurring subscription).
• Pricing: Short-term plans start at around $1.99–$4.99; frequent lifetime deals on third-party sites like StackSocial.
• MySudo (iOS, Android)
• Best for: Advanced privacy and compartmentalized identities.
• Features: Allows you to create distinct "Sudo" personas (e.g., one for shopping, one for dating, one for work). Each persona can have its own phone number, email address, and virtual debit card, all decoupled from your real identity.
• Pricing: Limited free tier; paid plans with phone numbers start around $1.99/month.

2. Best for One-Time SMS Verification (Bypassing App Sign-ups)

Many platforms (WhatsApp, OpenAI, Telegram, banks) detect and block standard VoIP numbers from apps like Google Voice or Burner. If you need a temporary number solely to receive a verification code (OTP), use a non-VoIP SIM service:

• SMSPool
• Best for: Cheap, reliable, pay-per-verification codes.
• Features: Uses real SIM card pools rather than virtual VoIP numbers, meaning it rarely gets flagged as fraudulent. You only pay if the SMS code is successfully received.
• Pricing: Pay-as-you-go, usually $0.20 to $1.50 per code depending on the service.
• TextVerified
• Best for: US-based non-VoIP verifications.
• Features: Provides short-term real carrier numbers (major US carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) specifically designed to bypass strict fraud-detection filters.
• Pricing: Credit-based system (typically $1–$3 per verification).
• SMS-Activate
• Best for: Global coverage and high-volume needs.
• Features: Massive international pool covering dozens of countries and services.
• Pricing: Fraction of a dollar per received SMS.

3. Best Free & Ad-Supported Options

If you do not want to pay and need a number for casual, low-stakes use:

• Google Voice (US only)
• Best for: A permanent, free secondary line.
• Trade-off: Requires an existing US carrier phone number to activate, and it is tied to your Google Account (so it is not anonymous). Also, as a VoIP number, many banks and services reject it for OTPs.
• TextNow
• Best for: Completely free calling and texting.
• Trade-off: Ad-supported. If you don’t use the number frequently, TextNow will reclaim it and assign it to someone else.
• Public Disposable SMS Sites (e.g., AnonymSMS, Quackr, Receive-SMS-Online)
• Best for: Quick, non-sensitive, throwaway registrations.
• Trade-off: Insecure. Anyone on the internet can see the inbox and the codes received. Do not use these for accounts holding personal data, financial info, or email recovery. Many major platforms also block these numbers.

Summary Recommendation