10 Best Phone Number Solutions for Personal and Business Use in 2025
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Finding the best phone number solution can make a big difference in how you communicate. No matter if you're traveling abroad, running a business, or just want a second line, the right phone number setup saves time and hassle. In this guide, we'll dig in to 10 of the best phone number options available today. We'll cover everything from US carriers that work in the EU to virtual business numbers. Let's look at what makes each option stand out.Google Fi for International Travelers
Google Fi remains one of the best phone number options for frequent travelers. As mentioned in the ExpatFIRE discussion, it offers flexible data plans and works in over 200 countries.
Key features:
Pay-as-you-go data starting at $10/GB
Free calls between Fi users worldwide
Includes SMS for 2FA verification
Works with most dual SIM phones
SecondLine Business Phone Setup for Professional Communication
SecondLine provides one of the best phone number solutions for business users who need a separate line. It's perfect for freelancers, small teams, or anyone wanting to keep work and personal calls apart.
Why choose SecondLine:
Get a dedicated US or Canadian number
Includes WhatsApp business integration
Call forwarding to any device
Voicemail with transcription
Virtual Business Phone Number Apps
Virtual numbers offer the best phone number flexibility for businesses. As highlighted in WPBeginner's guide, these apps provide professional features without hardware.
Top picks:
Grasshopper (best for solopreneurs)
RingCentral (ideal for teams)
Nextiva (great call quality)
TextNow (free basic service)
Phone Number Validation Services
For businesses making outbound calls, having the best phone number validation is key. The HubSpot community discussion recommends several solutions.
Reliable options:
Trestle's Phone Validation API
Numverify for global checks
Zapier with OpenAI analysis
Real Contact Phone Grading app
Free Phone Numbers with TextNow
TextNow offers one of the best phone number options for basic calling and texting needs. Their free service includes a real US or Canadian number as shown on their official site.
What you get:
Free unlimited texting
Free calling over WiFi
Optional 5G data with SIM purchase
Works as a second line
Permanent International Numbers
For expats, finding the best phone number that won't expire is important. The Thailand subreddit discussion covers long-term solutions.
Tips for keeping numbers active:
Get a local prepaid SIM (not tourist version)
Set up auto-topups through banking apps
Use eSIMs for easier management
Consider postpaid plans if staying long-term
Government and Official Phone Services
For important calls to agencies like the IRS, having the best phone number ready saves time. The IRS help page lists their official contact numbers.
Key numbers to know:
IRS main line: 800-829-1040
Social Security: 800-772-1213
Medicare: 800-MEDICARE
Always verify numbers on .gov sites
Proper Phone Number Formatting
Displaying numbers correctly helps people call you. The UX Stack Exchange discusses best practices.
Formatting tips:
Group digits in 3-4 chunks (555-123-4567)
Include country code for international numbers
Use spaces instead of periods
Match local conventions when possible
American Number Apps for Expats
Expats needing a US number have several good options. As asked in the expats subreddit, these apps work abroad.
Recommended services:
Google Voice (free for US calls)
OpenPhone (business features)
Hushed (disposable numbers)
Skype Numbers (good call quality)
Specialized Number Services
Some situations call for unique number solutions. The Social Security phone page shows how agencies use dedicated lines.
Special cases:
Anonymous numbers for privacy
Temporary numbers for verifications
Toll-free numbers for businesses
Local numbers for international presence