Get a free, full-featured second line with US/Canada calling, texting, and customization
Get a free, full-featured second line with US/Canada calling, texting, and customization
Vote (143 votes)
Program license Free
Developer TextNow Inc.
Version 26.20.0.8
Works under Android
Also known as 2ndLine Second Phone Number
Vote
(143 votes)
Developer
TextNow Inc.
Works under
Android
Program license
Free
Version
26.20.0.8
Also known as
2ndLine Second Phone Number
Pros
- Free second phone number from the US or Canada on one device
- Free calls and texts within the United States and Canada over WiFi or mobile data
- Reasonably priced international calling using account credit
- Works on Android phones and tablets, turning tablets into calling devices
- Rich messaging features, including emojis, stickers, GIFs, pictures, voice messages, and group chats
- Voicemail with transcription, call forwarding, and configurable caller ID
- Passcodes, password protection, and Google SmartLock support for added privacy
- Custom ringtones and backgrounds, with per-contact personalization
- Unified inbox and Quick Reply pop-up for faster responses
- Free tier without trial limits, credit-earning tasks, or forced upgrades
Cons
- Service limited to users in the United States and Canada
- Ads in the free version can interfere with answering calls
- Reports of missed or absent text notifications
- Occasional login errors and account freezes for alleged terms-of-use violations
- Risk of losing the number if the account is closed or frozen
- Customer support handled mainly by email, with reports of slow responses
- Requires a stable WiFi or mobile data connection for all calls and texts
2ndLine - Second Phone Number is an Android communication app that gives you a separate phone number from the United States or Canada on a single device. It uses VoIP over WiFi or mobile data, so you can call and text without a second SIM card or extra hardware.
This app suits people who want a dedicated number for work, side projects, or online use, and anyone who prefers to keep personal and business communication apart while still carrying only one phone or even just an Android tablet.
Two Numbers on One Device
2ndLine provides a full second line that behaves much like your primary number. You can place outbound calls and receive incoming ones on your new US or Canadian number, so contacts can reach you without needing the app themselves.
All calls and texts within the United States and Canada are free through the service. For international calls, you pay using credit in your account, with rates described as low-cost rather than premium-priced. The service is tied to North America, and only users in the US and Canada can sign up for a 2ndLine number, which limits its usefulness for people based elsewhere.
A notable bonus is support for Android tablets. With 2ndLine, a WiFi-connected tablet can function more like a phone, capable of making and receiving calls and messages over the internet.
Messaging Features and Everyday Use
Texting in 2ndLine feels closer to a modern chat app than a bare-bones SMS tool. You can:
- Send emojis, stickers, and GIFs
- Share images and pictures
- Use group messaging to talk to several people at once
- Add custom signatures to your messages
There is also support for voice messages, which gives you a more flexible way to respond when you cannot type.
The app merges conversations from both numbers into a single inbox, so you do not have to jump between different places to keep up with messages. A Quick Reply pop-up lets you respond from a notification while using other apps, which can reduce the need to switch screens.
User feedback on reliability is mixed. Calls generally connect, but there are reports of missed or delayed text notifications. Some users mention that messages arrive without any alert, which can be a problem if you depend on the number for timely responses.
Customization and Privacy Controls
2ndLine pays attention to personalization. You can choose ringtones and background graphics, and even assign different ringtones and wallpapers to individual contacts, which makes it easier to recognize who is calling at a glance.
On the privacy side, the app allows you to:
- Protect access with a passcode
- Use Google SmartLock for authentication
- Configure caller ID
- Forward calls to another number
Voicemail is supported, and the service can generate transcripts of your voicemails, which helps when you prefer to read rather than listen. The app also offers password protection for your number, so only you can access the texts linked to that line.
Taken together, these options give reasonable control over who reaches you and how your second number behaves.
Ads, Pricing, and Overall Value
The core appeal of 2ndLine is its free calling and texting within the US and Canada using an internet connection instead of a traditional carrier plan. You do not have to buy calling time for domestic use, keep track of trial periods, or play games and watch ads just to earn extra minutes. A paid upgrade is available for users who want additional features or fewer restrictions, but the free tier is functional enough for basic calling and texting.
Advertising is present in the free version, and this is one of the more frequent complaints. Some users mention that while a full-screen ad is playing, they cannot pick up an incoming call, which can result in missed calls at inconvenient moments. If you rely on the number for business, that trade-off between cost and reliability needs careful thought.
Stability and Support Concerns
While 2ndLine offers a robust feature set, reliability is not flawless. There are mentions of login errors, and in more serious cases, accounts being frozen for alleged violations of the terms of use. In such situations, the associated number can be removed, with no clear explanation given in-app about what triggered the action.
Support appears to be handled by email, and some users report slow or absent responses over multiple days. Losing a long-used business or project number without prompt support can be disruptive, so this is a meaningful risk for anyone using 2ndLine as a primary work contact.
Who Will Get the Most Out of It
2ndLine works best for people located in the United States or Canada who need:
- A separate, low-cost business or project line
- A disposable number for situations where sharing a main number feels risky
- Calling and texting from an Android tablet or data-only device
If you can accept ads in the free version and understand that VoIP quality and reliability depend on your internet connection and the service itself, 2ndLine can cover many everyday communication needs without extra carrier charges.
Verdict
2ndLine - Second Phone Number offers a full-featured second line with free calling and texting within the US and Canada, useful messaging tools, and strong customization and privacy options. Its limitations are clear: it is restricted to North American users, depends entirely on an internet connection, and has some reported issues with ads, notifications, and account enforcement. For many, though, the combination of cost savings and flexibility will outweigh those drawbacks.
Pros
- Free second phone number from the US or Canada on one device
- Free calls and texts within the United States and Canada over WiFi or mobile data
- Reasonably priced international calling using account credit
- Works on Android phones and tablets, turning tablets into calling devices
- Rich messaging features, including emojis, stickers, GIFs, pictures, voice messages, and group chats
- Voicemail with transcription, call forwarding, and configurable caller ID
- Passcodes, password protection, and Google SmartLock support for added privacy
- Custom ringtones and backgrounds, with per-contact personalization
- Unified inbox and Quick Reply pop-up for faster responses
- Free tier without trial limits, credit-earning tasks, or forced upgrades
Cons
- Service limited to users in the United States and Canada
- Ads in the free version can interfere with answering calls
- Reports of missed or absent text notifications
- Occasional login errors and account freezes for alleged terms-of-use violations
- Risk of losing the number if the account is closed or frozen
- Customer support handled mainly by email, with reports of slow responses
- Requires a stable WiFi or mobile data connection for all calls and texts