How to call without a SIM card

If you’re a small business looking to switch from traditional cell carriers to SIM-free calling, you may be wondering if the hassle is worth it. Spoiler alert: it is. By switching from a traditional carrier to VoIP, you can likely cut your phone bill by more than half.

Getting a second phone number through an internet-based calling app is easier than you may think. In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How to call without a SIM card
• How calling without a SIM differs from traditional services
• The best phone services to call without a physical SIM

Let’s dive in.

How to call without a SIM card: 3 ways

Let’s break down the most popular methods to call without a SIM:

1. Get a virtual phone number with VoIP 

Quo is a phone system for small businesses that helps you build customer relationships.  At its core, Quo uses virtual numbers — cloud-based phone numbers that aren’t tied to a specific physical device or location. Instead of traditional phone lines, these virtual numbers route calls and texts through the internet to your team’s devices. These can be smartphones, tablets, or computers.

Here’s how to get a virtual number with Quo: 

1. Sign up for an account. When you sign up, you can try out Quo free for seven days.
2. Choose a phone number. When you sign up, choose your city or area code in the US or Canada to pick your phone number. You can also choose a North American toll-free number.
3. Download the app. After you sign up, you can download the Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android Quo apps to start calling and customizing your phone settings.

2. Download an internet-based calling app

Internet-based calling apps like Facebook Messenger, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp let you make calls using only your internet connection. These apps work by sending your voice calls through internet servers instead of regular phone networks.

Here’s how to start calling with internet-based apps:

1. Download your preferred app. Choose from Facebook Messenger, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or similar apps and install them on your device.
2. Set up your account. Create an account using your email address. Note that WhatsApp requires a phone number for initial verification, which can be a virtual number.
3. Start calling. Once set up, you can call other users of the same app over WiFi or mobile data without a SIM card.

These apps are mostly used to call other users of the same platform, not regular phone numbers. They also don’t have business features like shared phone numbers, call routing, or call recording. 

3. Get an eSIM

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that’s built directly into your device, replacing the need for a physical SIM card. You can download carrier plans directly to your phone through software instead of inserting a plastic card. This lets you switch between different phone plans or carriers without changing your SIM.

Here’s how to get started with an eSIM:

1. Check device compatibility. Most newer smartphones support eSIM, including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series, Google Pixel 3 and later models, and many Samsung Galaxy models. Check your device settings for “eSIM” or “Digital SIM” options.
2. Choose a carrier plan. Contact your carrier or use an app like Airalo to find plans. Many major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer eSIM activation.
3. Download and activate. Scan a QR code from your carrier or use their app to download the eSIM directly to your device.

eSIM plans usually cost much less for international calls, texts, and data than regular SIM plans. However, they don’t come with business features like auto-replies or voicemail transcriptions. 

How calling without a SIM card differs from traditional services

SIM-free calling works over internet connections rather than cellular towers. This means you don’t need a physical SIM card, but you still have the same basic calling features. 

Internet-based calling sends your voice calls through data networks. This lets you make and receive calls from any device with an internet connection. Plus, it’s quicker to get started and significantly cheaper to maintain than traditional services.

Feature	Traditional SIM card	SIM-free calling
Monthly costs	$30-$80+ per month with contract commitments	$15-$30 per month with flexible plans
Setup	Carrier store visits are often needed to get a physical card	Download the app and start calling instantly
International calling costs	High roaming fees at $1-$5+ per minute	Affordable rates at $0.01-$0.10 per minute
Device flexibility	One device only	Works on multiple devices: phone, computer, tablet
Business features	Limited to basic calling and texting	Access CRM integrations, analytics, team management tools, and more
Network dependency	Works only in cellular coverage	Works anywhere with internet
Emergency calling	Full 911 support with location detection	Limited 911 support

Best phone services for calling without a SIM card compared

You have plenty of providers that let you call without a SIM to choose from, but which one is the right fit?

We’ve broken them down for you below:

Provider	Starting price	Unlimited calling to US & Canada	SMS, MMS to US & Canada	Shared phone numbers	Additional phone numbers
OpenPhone	$15 per user per month	✓	✓	✓	$5 per number per month
Google Voice	Free for personal use, $17 per user per month for business use	Unlimited calls to Canada from the US only	US only	Requires upgrade for ring groups only	X
Burner	$3.99 per month	✓	✓	X	✓
Line2	$7.99 per month	✓	✓	X	$14.99 per number per month
2ndLine	Free with ads	✓	✓	X	$4.99 per number per week
Verizon Second Number	$15 per number per month for existing customers	✓	✓	X	X

1. Quo (formerly OpenPhone): The best option to get a second phone number for businesses

Pros

• Local, toll-free, and vanity numbers are available
• Unlimited calls and texts to the US and Canada
• Shared numbers to split responsibility for incoming calls and texts
• Integrations with 7,000+ third-party apps, including HubSpot and Salesforce
• AI features for call transcriptions, summaries, and action items

Cons

• No verification through two-factor authentication*

*Nearly all virtual phone numbers share this problem. Companies like Facebook, Uber, and Google rarely let you authenticate accounts through a virtual phone number.

Quo is a VoIP phone service that can add a business number to your existing mobile phone. It’s easy to create a professional phone experience. You can set business hours, make custom voicemail greetings, and set up a phone menu so customers know when they can reach your team.

Here’s how you can make your business communications more efficient with Quo:

• Easily use Quo from your computer, laptop, or smartphone
• Save time texting with auto-replies, snippets, and scheduled messages
• Foster collaboration by letting your teammates comment on conversations internally 
• Catch up on conversations faster with call recordings and instant AI call summaries and transcriptions
• Automate manual workflows by integrating with your CRM, Slack, email, and 7,000+ tools with our Zapier integration
• Answer calls 24/7 with your AI voice agent Sona
• Surface business trends and competitor mentions with AI call tags

Don’t just take our word for it: Quo is the #1 business phone for customer satisfaction on G2. We make it easy to manage your business calls and texts without sacrificing the privacy of your personal number.

Ready to get a second phone number? Start a free seven-day trial, download the Quo app to your computer, iPhone, or Android device, and then start calling people directly through your WiFi connection.

Get started with one of these phone numbers

Or choose from thousands more local or toll-free numbers:

Key features of Quo

• One free local US or Canadian number or a North American toll-free number per user
• Free SMS and MMS support to the US and Canada
• Free calls to the US and Canada
• Shared numbers
• Call forwarding to phones and computers
• IVR or phone menus
• Text messaging automations like snippets, auto-replies, and scheduled messages
• OpenPhone AI voice agent Sona
• Call recording, both on-demand and automatic
• Voicemail-to-text transcriptions
• Integrations with Slack, Zapier, Make, Google Contacts, Jobber, HubSpot, and Salesforce
• Quo API to unlock more integrations

Quo pricing

Quo’s pricing offers three different plans for getting a second phone number. These include:

• Starter: $15 per user per month for shared phone numbers, voicemail transcriptions, free calls and texts in the US and Canada, and dozens of ways to streamline your business’s phone communication
• Business: $23 per user per month for an auto-attendant with IVR, call transferring, CRM integrations, analytics, and more advanced features
• Scale: $35 per user per month for AI call tags, dedicated onboarding, and priority chat and email support

2. Google Voice: Second phone number for Google Workspace users

Pros

• Unlimited calls
• Free number porting on the paid plan

Cons

• Business SMS support for US customers only
• No third-party integrations outside Google Workspace
• Requires a Google Workspace subscription to get paid plans

If you’re looking for a free second phone number for personal use, Google Voice’s free version may be a good fit. 

Personal users can get a Google Voice number for free and unlock unlimited calling and texting in the US using WiFi or your carrier’s plan. The free plan also comes with voicemail transcripts and call forwarding. But if you’re located outside the US, you can’t access this version of Google Voice. 

Google Voice does offer multiple plans that are available globally to business owners, but the features are limited. You get auto attendants and ring groups on the second-tier plan, but you can’t get toll-free numbers or caller ID. You also can’t access advanced messaging features like auto-replies, snippets, and scheduled messages.

Keep in mind, there aren’t integrations with tools outside your Google account. Google Workspace tools like Google Calendar, Google Meet, and Google BigQuery are the only integrations available.

So if you want a free second phone number app for personal use or a new number for buying and selling on Craigslist, Google Voice may be a solid choice. Otherwise, businesses should look elsewhere for a solution that has the features they need.

You can learn more about Google Voice’s pros and cons in our comprehensive guide.

Key features of Google Voice

• Calls to the US from any Google Voice number are included
• Unlimited text messaging in the US
• Ring groups with an upgrade
• Multi-level auto attendant with an upgrade
• Call recording with an upgrade

Google Voice pricing

For individuals, Google Voice is free.

For businesses that want a second phone number, you can choose from one of three Google Voice plans:

• Starter: $10 per user per month for up to 10 users, call forwarding, voicemail transcriptions, and unlimited texting
• Standard: $20 per user per month for unlimited users, auto-attendant, and desk phone support
• Premier: $30 per user per month for advanced reporting features, automatic call recording, and support for international users

Keep in mind that all Google Voice plans require a Google Workspace subscription, which starts at an additional $7 per user per month.

3. Burner: Second phone number option for multiple personal numbers

Pros

• Easy to delete phone numbers after use
• Spam filters
• Purchase multiple numbers at once

Cons

• No business features
• No integrations
• No call recording, transcripts, or summaries

Burner is a second phone number app that allows you to create a pseudo phone number. First, you purchase a number for personal use. Then, you can ditch it and get a new number. Yes, like the paid-for flip phones of the early 2000s.

The Burner app uses a VoIP call forwarding service to send voice calls and texts to your existing phone. Each number you buy comes with calling and messaging, picture messaging, caller ID, and the ability to block and mute contacts.

A few other features are worth mentioning here. Auto-reply texts come with every plan, which allows you to set boundaries for your time after hours. You can also create and ‘burn’ multiple numbers in your account, but be warned: some subscriptions only come with one number.

Unfortunately, those are the only ‘business’ features you get with a Burner account. You won’t have access to toll-free numbers, call recording, or third-party integrations.

But if you just want a second phone number for your personal life, this may not necessarily be a limitation.

Key features of Burner

• Unlimited calls and texts in the US and Canada
• Text message auto-replies
• Spam call filtering
• Occasional free trial in-app

Burner pricing

Burner offers 1, 3, and 10 monthly or yearly number subscriptions for its iPhone and Android apps. If you sign up through the web, you can choose from these pricing plans: 

• $3.99 per month for one number billed annually 
• $6.99 per month for one number billed monthly

You’ll need to download the mobile apps to see pricing options for more than one line.

4. Line2: Basic second phone number for businesses

Pros

• Unlimited calls and texts in the US

Cons

• No integrations
• No text message templates
• Buggy Android app, according to reviews

Line2 is a simple second phone number app designed for solo business owners. Like many other apps on this list, it offers the basic features you need to make calls — think call forwarding, call blocking, and voicemail transcriptions.

But Line2 isn’t great if you’re scaling your operations. You can’t turn on auto-replies for missed calls or share access to phone numbers, and there’s no way to get call transcriptions.

Other key features missing from Line2 include:

• Integrations
• Text message templates, or snippets
• AI message responses

Line2 is a solid upgrade from using your private phone number for business. But if you’re looking to expand your team, it doesn’t match up to other VoIP providers.

Key features of Line2

• Unlimited calling in the US and Canada
• Unlimited texting in the US
• Auto-attendant with an upgrade
• Call recording with an add-on or upgrade
• Voicemail transcriptions with an add-on or upgrade

Line2 pricing

There are two ways to pay for a second number through Line2:

• $9.99 per month billed monthly
• $7.99 per month billed annually

5. 2ndLine: Best free second phone number option

Pros

• Mobile phone and tablet support
• Offers international calling

Cons

• Ads run in the free version of the app
• No features built for business use
• No automation capabilities

Need a second business line for your cell phone or for personal use on your Android or Apple device? 2ndLine might be the right option for you. It offers free unlimited calls and texts in the US and Canada over WiFi or data and lets you make international calls at affordable rates. 

2ndLine may be a decent option if you’re a personal user who wants to keep costs low. But since this second number provider doesn’t offer shared numbers, CRM integrations, call transcriptions, or advanced messaging features, it may not be the best solution for business owners.

Key features of 2ndLine

• Unlimited free calls in the US and Canada
• Supports group messaging
• Call forwarding
• Voicemail recording
• Supports SMS and MMS

2ndLine pricing

You can download 2ndLine on your mobile phone for free. However, extra features that most businesses need require an upgrade or in-app purchase.

• Unlimited plan: $5.99 per week, $14.99 per month, or $69.99 per year for unlimited calls and texts, an ad-free experience, call forwarding, call recording, and anonymous calls

Other add-on options include:

• Additional numbers: $4.99 per week
• Change your number within the app: $14.99 one-time fee

6. Verizon Second Number: Best for using an eSIM with cellular plans

Pros

• Unlimited talk and text in the US, Canada, and Mexico
• Easy to switch between your primary and secondary numbers

Cons

• Requires a dual SIM device
• Requires an existing Verizon plan

Verizon’s Second Number service gives new and existing customers the option to add a second phone number to an existing device. The second number includes unlimited calling and texting within the US, Mexico, and Canada. However, if more than 50% of your usage is in Mexico or Canada over a 60-day period, Verizon may discontinue the service. 

To qualify, you need a primary number on an eligible plan and a device that supports dual SIM. Some features, such as visual voicemail, may not work on the second number. Downsides include slow customer support response times and a lack of business features, like call forwarding, auto-replies, and call recording. 

Verizon also offers One Talk, an add-on VoIP service for businesses. However, One Talk has unclear pricing, reliability issues, and extra costs for basic features like auto-receptionists. Additionally, you must purchase desk phones directly from Verizon. For many users, alternative VoIP services may offer better value.

Key features of Verizon Second Number

• Unlimited talk and text in the US, Canada, and Mexico
• Spam call filtering
• Works on your primary device

Verizon Second Number pricing

Verizon’s second phone number costs $15 per number. You’ll also need to pay for a primary number through one of their pricing plans. The following plans are for four numbers:

• Unlimited Welcome: $30 per number per month for unlimited talk, text, and 5G data
• Unlimited Plus: $45 per number per month for unlimited talk, text, and 5G Ultra Wideband data, plus 30 GB mobile hotspot data
• Unlimited Ultimate: $55 per number per month for unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband data, 60 GB mobile hotspot data, and unlimited calling and texting from 200+ countries

One Talk’s pricing starts at $15 per number per month in addition to these plans.

Mistakes to avoid when calling without a SIM card

No matter which provider you choose, don’t start an important call with a client without thinking about these common problems:  

• Not testing call quality before important calls. SIM-free calling depends on your internet connection, so always do a quick test call before.
• Ignoring data usage implications. Many users overlook how much data virtual services‌ use, which can lead to unexpected overage charges if you’re not on an unlimited plan.

• Overlooking emergency calling limitations. Understand your provider’s 911 support restrictions upfront. Emergency calls are limited on many VoIP services compared to traditional carriers since numbers aren’t tied to a physical location. 
• Choosing a provider based on cost alone. The lowest-priced providers might have unexpected costs. You may end up sacrificing call quality, reliability, or essential business features that your team‌ needs. 

How to choose the right SIM-free calling provider

Choosing the right SIM-free service provider comes down to a few common factors: 

• Number portability: Look for providers that offer free number porting so you can transfer your existing business number without confusing customers or losing important contacts.
• Service reliability: Check that your provider guarantees at least 99.9% uptime. Dropped calls and service outages can damage your professional reputation and cost you business.
• Integrations: Choose a service that connects with the tools you already use daily. These include your CRM, Slack, or email, so you can streamline workflows instead of juggling multiple platforms.
• Scalability: Pick a provider that makes it simple to add new users or numbers as your team grows, without a complex setup or expensive hardware.
• Customer support: Ensure your provider offers responsive support through multiple channels like live chat, email, and phone. 
• Security compliance: Verify that your provider meets industry standards for data protection and encryption. This is especially important if you handle sensitive customer information or work in regulated industries like healthcare. 
• Cost transparency: Look for clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, overage charges, or surprise costs that can blow up your monthly budget.

Quo: The best way to call without a SIM card

Quo makes calling without a SIM easy and reliable for businesses of all sizes. It offers clear call quality, unlimited calling to the US and Canada, and powerful collaboration features like shared numbers and team messaging.

Unlike other providers that charge you extra for hidden fees or limited features, Quo offers clear pricing starting at $15 per user per month. It includes everything you need, from AI call summaries to CRM integrations to free number porting.

Ready to ditch your SIM card and upgrade your business communications? Start your free seven-day trial with Quo today.

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