Google Voice is many people's first idea for a second number. For a personal line it can be a reasonable choice. For a business, people often go looking for an alternative, and the reasons tend to be the same few.
Why people look for a Google Voice alternative
- The free version is for personal use. Using Google Voice for a business means a paid Google Workspace subscription with the Google Voice add-on, which is more than many sole traders and small businesses want.
- Setting it up needs an existing US number. The free version asks you to link a US phone number you already have.
- Free numbers can be reclaimed. Google may take back a free Google Voice number that has not been used for a while. A business number printed on your truck and your website needs to be one you keep.
- It is not built around business hours. Keeping work calls out of your evenings and weekends is the main reason most small businesses want a second number in the first place.
What Digital Numbers does differently
Digital Numbers is built for one job: giving a small business its own number on the owner's existing phone.
- A dedicated business number that is yours for as long as you subscribe.
- Answer in the app on the phone you already have, with your business number shown when you call out.
- Business hours for each day of the week. Outside them, callers reach voicemail.
- Forward calls to any phone and change where they go at any time.
- WhatsApp Business ready, so customers can message the business instead of you.
- No contract, month to month, with a free trial.
Digital Numbers and Google Voice compared
| Digital Numbers | Google Voice (free) | |
|---|---|---|
| Intended for | Small business | Personal use |
| Business hours with voicemail | Built in | Not designed for it |
| Needs an existing US number to set up | No | Yes |
| Number kept while you subscribe | Yes | Free numbers can be reclaimed if unused |
Digital Numbers is already available in the UK, and US numbers are coming soon. Join the waitlist below and we will email you as soon as you can get one.
See also: virtual phone numbers for business and getting a second phone number.
Common questions
What is the best Google Voice alternative for a small business?
One built for business calls: a dedicated number that rings on your existing phone, business hours that send after-hours calls to voicemail, and no long contract. That is what Digital Numbers is designed to do.
Can I use Digital Numbers instead of Google Voice?
That is the idea. Digital Numbers gives you a separate business number on the phone you already have, without needing a Google Workspace subscription. US numbers are coming soon; join the waitlist to hear first.
Do I need a second phone?
No. Your business number works in the Digital Numbers app on your current phone, or you can forward its calls to any phone.
When will Digital Numbers be available in the US?
Soon. Join the waitlist and we will email you as soon as US numbers are available.
Join the US waitlist
US numbers are coming soon. Leave your email and we'll tell you as soon as you can get one.