Phone number generators: types, uses, and how to choose
Phone number generator services are a relatively new niche.
This means the market hasn’t clearly defined what “generating phone numbers” actually means.
Some services simply generate random numbers—a random set of digits that look like a phone number but don’t act like one.
They’re free, but not really useful.
Others let you use publicly available numbers to receive messages, e.g., verification codes.
If you prefer, you can also obtain your very own private alternative number that allows you to receive calls and messages.
These are all fundamentally different services.
So, which one is right for you?
Let’s take a closer look at the available options to help you decide.
Types of phone number generators
When you hear the term “phone number generator,” what do you think of?
Your answer to this question will help narrow down which type of service is best for you.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of phone number generators.
| If you need… | Jump to: |
| …a fake phone number that looks legit but doesn’t actually work. | Random phone number generators / Fake phone numbers |
| …to register for a service that requires verification codes. | SMS verification tools |
| …a real phone number for long-term use for various online services, like online registrations, e-commerce, dating, etc. | Alternative numbers for online use |
| …a second, fully functional number for your online accounts, businesses, or similar. | Full-scope SIM functionality services |
Random phone number generators
| Brief description | Main use case | Pros and cons | Examples |
| These just create sequences of digits that look like phone numbers but can’t actually be used to talk or text, similar to making up a fake number on your own. | – You need a fake phone number that looks legit. – You want to register for a service that doesn’t require verification codes. | PROS: – Free – Quickly generates numbers that look legitimate CONS: – Only a set of digits – Not a real phone number – Cannot be used to send or receive messages | – Akto – Randommer |
These tools aren’t much different from rolling dice ten times.
What you get is just a randomly generated set of digits that resemble legitimate phone numbers.
But they’re not real phone numbers.
You can’t call or text these numbers, nor can you receive calls or messages yourself.
Using these tools won’t provide much value unless you want to register for a service that requires a phone number but doesn’t verify it later on.
Or, when you need an example of a phone number, like when showing a fake number in a blog post. Beyond that, you can’t do much more.
Moreover, if you’re looking for a quick way to generate numbers for marketing purposes, this isn’t the right method either.
Popular services:
SMS verification tools
| Brief description | Main use case | Pros and cons | Examples |
| These services allow you to use or “rent” phone numbers for receiving texts, but these numbers are public and can lead to privacy risks. | You need a phone number to register for a service that requires a verification machine. | PROS: – Free or reasonably priced – Fast and easy to use – No registration required – Wide selection of countries available CONS: – Numbers are not owned by you – Numbers are shared with other users – Some services display all numbers and messages publicly – May pose serious privacy risks to accounts created using these numbers – Can only be used to receive messages | – SMS-man – Quackr |
Here, things start getting interesting.
We’re not even sure what to call them.
These “public numbers” or “number rentals” are services that let you use their existing numbers for your personal purposes.
They don’t generate new numbers per se—it’s a bit like a friend who lets you use his number to sign up for a new website.
You’re not in control of the number, but you are allowed to use it to receive text messages for a limited time.
It’s great for quick, one-time actions, like registering for a service you don’t really trust and don’t want to share your private number with.
However, not all of these services are the same.
Some display numbers and the messages that come through publicly, like here. Anyone can use this number at any time, and all the messages are available through the website—visible to everyone.
It’s definitely not suitable for anyone who cares about privacy.
Other services are not that public—instead, they only let you use their numbers after you pay for it.
The messages are no longer displayed publicly, but the number can still be used by other people too. This adds a touch of privacy, but it’s still not completely private.
Popular services:
Alternative numbers for privacy-focused online use
| Brief description | Main use case | Pros and cons | Examples |
| These alternative numbers are a middle option between public numbers and full SIM cards. They let you receive calls and messages more privately and securely but don’t let you start conversations. | – Long-term use for various online services, like online registrations, e-commerce, dating, etc. – You want to hide your personal number from some audience. | PROS: – Private and protected – Fast and easy to useReasonably priced – Continuously usable – Can receive both calls and messages – Usable anywhere (nationwide and abroad) CONS: – Cannot make calls or initiate text conversations – Limited functionality – Limited availability (mostly only for US numbers) – May require an additional service, e.g., VPN software | Surfshark’s Alternative Number |
At this stage, you finally gain control.
Alternative numbers are a sort of midway solution between SMS verification tools and full-service SIM options—both functionally and financially. A great option if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution for online use.
In short, it’s a regular number that you own.
You use it through a platform, though—for example, your VPN.
You can normally receive both text messages and phone calls but you cannot make calls or initiate text conversations.
In other words, you get full functionality for incoming communications, but outgoing communications are restricted (you can only reply to messages you’ve already received).
Acquiring your own alternative number offers much more privacy than SMS verification tools and can be used indefinitely. You’re the only one with access to it.
This makes it a suitable option not just for registering new accounts, but also for using it as a true “alternative number” for purposes like freelancing gigs or managing business profiles.
Currently, such services are available only in the US, meaning you can only obtain a US number. However, the number can be used globally.
Popular services:
Full-scope numbers
| Brief description | Main use case | Pros and cons | Examples |
| These services operate like a regular mobile provider, offering full functionality for both incoming and outgoing communication but without prioritizing privacy. | You want a second, fully functional number for your online accounts, businesses, or similar. | PROS: – Offer full functionality of mobile numbers CONS: – Usually expensive or full of ads – Often lacks connection quality – Limited availability (mostly only for US numbers) | – Text Now – Google Voice |
We’ve covered the entire spectrum, from random digit generators to full-scope numbers.
The latter aren’t much different from regular mobile operators in terms of functionality.
The number you receive can handle both incoming and outgoing calls and messages, functioning as if you had a second SIM card.
The only thing that changes is the technology your calls are transferred through. Here, most of the services use VoIP—meaning, you need internet access, not a mobile network, to connect.
Other than that, the functionality remains the same.
However, such services come at a price.
The majority of services in this category have rather expensive subscription plans—starting at $10 per month, making them a rather expensive option for online use only.
There are free options too, but—
The ones that are free of charge make up for it by implementing numerous ads into their apps, often compromising quality at the same time.
Popular services:
FAQ
Can I generate my own phone number?
You can’t generate phone numbers by choosing each digit yourself. However, you can choose from a list of already existing numbers. Mobile operators offer this option when you buy a SIM card, and services like Google Voice also let you pick your own number.
How to generate a phone number for free?
If you’re in the US, Google Voice offers one free phone number for each account. You can also check out services like TextFree or TextNow, which provide almost complete SIM functionality for free. Some of these services even let you choose a number you like.
Can I create a virtual phone number?
That depends on what you mean by “virtual.” There are services like “vanity numbers” often used by businesses to make their phone numbers more memorable. You can also get an “alternative number,” which acts like a proxy number for online use. Alternatively, you can opt for an eSIM card, which offers all the functions of a regular SIM but is managed entirely online.
Is there an app to create a phone number?
There are many services that allow you to get new phone numbers online, often for free. You can’t choose the digits individually, but sometimes you can select your number from a pool of existing ones. This is a fast way to obtain a functional phone number for online use.
How can I get an easy phone number?
It depends on what you need the number for. If you’re registering for a service that requires an SMS verification code, there are services that specialize in receiving such codes. If you need a private number for online use only, consider Surfshark’s Alternative Number feature. For full SIM card functionality, services like TextNow are worth checking out.
