Updated October 2026

AvoCall vs Sideline

Choose Sideline if you want a paid US number whose calls run over your carrier network, you plan to bring an existing number with you, or a few people need to share one line. Choose AvoCall if you want to start free, want a Canadian number as well as US ones, or want every call and text to run over Wi-Fi or mobile data inside one app.

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AvoCall vs Sideline at a glance

Sideline, made by Pinger, is a paid app that adds a second US number to your iPhone or Android phone, with calls that use your carrier minutes by default.

AvoCall vs Sideline, feature by feature, as of October 2026
AvoCallSideline
Free planOffered in the Android app to eligible new accountsNo free plan or free trial. You are charged from the day you sign up
Paid plansAvoCall+: no in-app ads, unlimited US and Canada calls and texts (fair use policy applies), wallet-funded international calling, voicemail transcripts. See current price$14.49 a month, $69.99 for 6 months or $129.99 a year, billed through the App Store or Google Play. Team Sharing for up to 5 people is included
Phone numbersLocal US or Canada numbers. Pick an available number by area code or cityUS numbers in the contiguous states only. No Canadian or toll-free numbers. Pick by area code (iPhone can also search by city)
How you get the numberAn app on the iPhone or Android phone you already have. No second SIM or deviceAn app on your existing iPhone or Android phone. No SIM or eSIM
Calls over Wi-Fi or dataYes, every call runs over Wi-Fi or mobile dataCalls use your carrier minutes by default. An optional VoIP setting places calls over Wi-Fi or data
Texts and picture messagesTexts and picture messagesTexts, picture messages and group texts (up to 10 people). No picture messages to Canadian numbers
Voicemail transcriptionIncluded with AvoCall+. The free plan has audio voicemailIncluded with the subscription (English only)
International callsCalls to supported international destinations use wallet credit at the rate shown before you callLimited. Sideline's calling FAQ says +1 countries only; another help page lists Mexico (landlines), Singapore and India
Verification codesCompatibility varies by sender and is never guaranteedSupports over 8,000 short codes, but not Telegram or WhatsApp verification
Keeping your numberKept while you subscribe to AvoCall+. Free numbers can be released after a period of inactivityNever reclaimed while you subscribe
Bring your current numberNot currently offered. You pick a new numberFree porting in for US mobile and landline numbers. Porting out costs $19.99 unless you ported the number in
Sign-upVerify with your mobile number. No government ID checkResidents of the contiguous US with an active US carrier mobile number
AppsiPhone and AndroidiPhone and Android. Sideline Web is for texting only; no desktop app and no iPad app

Sideline details as of October 2026, taken from Sideline's own pricing and help pages (listed under Sources below). Plans and prices change, so check with Sideline before you pay.

Where Sideline is better

  • Calls use your carrier's voice network by default, so call quality does not depend on your data connection.
  • You can port an existing US number in for free. AvoCall does not currently offer porting.
  • Team Sharing lets up to 5 people use one Sideline number at no extra cost.
  • Sideline lists support for more than 8,000 verification short codes.

Where AvoCall is better

  • A free, ad-supported plan, so you can use a number before paying. Sideline has no free plan or trial.
  • Canadian numbers as well as US ones. Sideline offers US numbers in the contiguous states only.
  • Calls run over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so they don't use your carrier minutes or show up on your phone bill.

Who should pick which

Sideline

Pick Sideline if you want a paid US number whose calls ride your carrier's voice network, you plan to port an existing number, or a few people need to share one line. Sideline markets the app to professionals and small business owners as well as to people who want privacy.

AvoCall

Pick AvoCall if you want a second US or Canada number that starts free, runs entirely over Wi-Fi or mobile data, and lives in one app on the phone you already have. It suits online listings, dating, travel or a side hustle, whenever you would rather keep your main number to yourself.

AvoCall vs Sideline: FAQ

Is Sideline free?
No. As of October 2026 Sideline has no free plan or free trial. It costs $14.49 a month, $69.99 for 6 months or $129.99 a year through the App Store or Google Play. AvoCall has a free, ad-supported plan, and AvoCall+ adds more minutes and texts with no in-app ads.
Does Sideline use my cell phone minutes?
By default, yes. Sideline calls go over your carrier's network and appear on your phone bill, and an optional VoIP setting can use Wi-Fi or data instead. AvoCall calls always run over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Can I get a Canadian number on Sideline?
No. Sideline offers US numbers in the contiguous states only. AvoCall offers both US and Canada numbers, picked by area code or city.
Do I need a second SIM card or phone for AvoCall?
No. AvoCall is an app on the iPhone or Android phone you already have. Calls and texts run over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so there is no second SIM and no second device.
Can I get verification codes on an AvoCall number?
Verification-text compatibility varies by sender. Some services send codes to app-based numbers and some do not, so AvoCall never guarantees that a specific code will arrive.

Get a second number on the phone you already have

Pick a US or Canada number by area code or city, then call and text over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Start free, or choose AvoCall+.

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Sources

Sideline facts were checked on Sideline's official pages in October 2026. AvoCall facts come from avocall.net.