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Ghost vs Google Voice

Google Voice is free, and for a lot of people that settles it. It also needs an existing US mobile number to sign up, gives you one number linked to your Google account, and can take the number back if you stop using it. Here's when paying for Ghost makes sense.

  • Google Voice: free, one number, tied to your Google account
  • Ghost: $60 every 2 months, up to 5 numbers
  • Not linked to your Google account
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$60 every 2 months. Cancel anytime. No contracts.

Ghost app inbox with texts on a second number

See why thousands trust Ghost for their virtual phone number

4.6 out of 5· 7,752 ratings on

Best private app

Ghost is the best app by far I have come across keeping my real identity and information private. This app is great and it would be a total loss if taking away! I give 10 stars !…
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Great App for Privacy & Convenience

I've been using the Ghost Call and Message app for a while now, and it's honestly one of the best tools for keeping my personal number private. The interface is super simple, the calls connect fast…
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Privacy matters

When I'm meeting new people and I'm not really sure about what type of character they have I like to use this app…
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Ghost and Google Voice side by side

GhostGoogle Voice
Price$60 every 2 monthsFree. Starter $10/mo.
NumbersUp to 5 included1 per account
Idle numbersYours while your plan is activeFree numbers can be reclaimed after 3 months without calls or texts. Starter says numbers won't be reclaimed for inactivity.
Linked identityA Ghost accountYour Google account
Voicemail transcriptsYesYes
Business hours, auto-reply, signaturePer numberNot listed for personal plans
Numbers availableUS and CanadaUS (personal accounts)
App Store rating4.6 (7.7k reviews)4.3 (62k reviews)

Google Voice facts from workspace.google.com/products/voice and Google Voice Help, checked 2026-09-26.

Choose Google Voice if

  • You want a free number and will use it at least every few months.
  • You already have a US mobile number to verify with.
  • You're comfortable with the number being tied to your Google account.

Choose Ghost if

  • You want more than one number: separate numbers for dating, selling, and work.
  • You'd rather not link your second number to your Google identity.
  • You want a Canadian area code.
  • You want per-number business hours, auto-reply, and a text signature.

The reclaim rule

Google's help pages say a free Google Voice number can be reclaimed if you don't make calls or send texts for 3 months. That's fine for a number you use every week, and a real risk for one you printed on a listing or a business card and only use now and then. Google's paid Starter plan removes that rule. Ghost numbers stay yours for as long as your plan is active.

Ghost can't be used for 911 or emergency calls, so keep your regular line for those.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Google Voice alternative that isn't tied to my Google account?

Yes. Ghost numbers live in a Ghost account, not your Google account. You pick an area code and a number in the app.

Is Google Voice really free?

The personal Basic plan is free for US users with an existing mobile number. Google also sells personal plans from $10 a month.

Can I have more than one Google Voice number?

Google Voice gives one number per account. Ghost includes up to 5 numbers on one plan.

How much does Ghost cost?

$60 every 2 months. Cancel anytime. No contracts.

Keep reading

The best second phone number apps, comparedGhost vs TextNowA second phone number for your businessKeep your real phone number privateAll guides

Sources (checked 2026-09-26)

A second number that isn't your Google account

Pick an area code and get up to 5 Ghost numbers, kept apart from your Google account.

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