Perhaps you’re trying to sign up on a US online platform, receive text messages and OTPs from American services, or simply want a second number for privacy or business, having a US phone number can make a big difference — even if you’re in Nigeria.
The good news? You don’t need to travel or get a physical SIM. Today, several apps offer virtual US numbers you can use instantly for calls, texts, OTPs, and even WhatsApp.
In this guide, we compare the best free and paid apps that give you a US number — and explain how they work, which ones are reliable in Nigeria, and what to avoid.
A Quick Comparison of the Apps
| App Name | SMS? | OTPs? | Works in Nigeria? | Free Version? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PressOne Africa | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Fully compatible | ❌ Just ₦15,000/month | Entrepreneurs, US business setup, global business communication, calls, texts, OTPs |
| Google Voice | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Existing US residents |
| TextNow | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ Needs VPN | ✅ | Texting and calls |
| RingCentral | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ From $20/month | Businesses needing full VoIP suite |
| Skype | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | Voice/video calls, not OTPs |
| Grasshopper | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ From $14/month | Entrepreneurs and small teams |
| EasyRinger | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ From $10/month | Privacy-focused users |
| OpenPhone | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ From $15/month | Startups needing number + business tools |
| CallHippo | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ From $18/month | Global business communications |
| TextFree | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ May Need VPN | ✅ | Light personal use in the US |
| KrispCall | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ From $15/month | Cross-border messaging + WhatsApp/OTP usage |
Now, here’s a detailed review that puts things in perspective for you.
Best Apps to Get a US Phone Number (sorted by use cases, SMS & OTP compatibility, Nigerian Reliability)
1. PressOne Africa
Overview: A dedicated US number provider built specifically for Nigerian businesses and individuals who need a verified US line.
✅ Pros:
-
Supports sending and receiving of SMS and OTPs.
- Accepts Nigerian cards for payment.
-
Seamless onboarding, no VPN required.
- Very affordable at just ₦15,000/month
❌ Cons:
-
No free plan.
-
Geared more towards professional use.
✅ Best For:
- Nigerians who have existing businesses and clients in the United States.
- Registering a business in the US.
- Signing up on US online platforms.
PressOne Africa Features Designed for International Businesses
- Automated Greetings: Welcome callers with a professional message, even when you’re busy. Make a good first impression
- Call Routing/IVR: Direct customers to the right person or department easily.
- Call Transcription: Get a written record of your calls, perfect for keeping track of important details.
- Call Recording: Never miss a detail – record calls for training or reference.
- Call Integrations: Connect your phone system with your favorite CRM tools
- Call Analytics: Track call volume, duration, and other insights to improve your business.
- Call Notes: Jot down notes during calls to remember key points.
- Virtual: Take your U.S. number with you wherever you go.
- Voicemail-to-Email: Get your voicemails delivered straight to your inbox.
2. Google Voice
Overview: Google Voice is Google’s free virtual number service, available only to US users or those with workarounds.
✅ Pros:
-
Completely free.
-
Integrates with Google ecosystem (Gmail, Meet, etc.).
❌ Cons:
-
Setup requires a US phone number and VPN.
-
OTPs don’t always work.
-
Not reliable for Nigerian users.
✅ Best For:
- US residents who want an additional personal number.
3. TextNow
Overview: TextNow is a popular free US number app available via Android/iOS or web.
✅ Pros:
-
Free texting and calls.
-
Offers a decent user interface.
❌ Cons:
-
Doesn’t reliably receive OTPs.
-
Requires a VPN to access in Nigeria.
-
Ads on the free plan.
✅ Best For:
- Light casual usage, not for serious verification.
4. RingCentral
Overview: RingCentral is a premium VoIP system for businesses.
✅ Pros:
-
Strong enterprise features (video calls, extensions).
-
Works internationally with proper plans.
❌ Cons:
-
Expensive for solo users.
-
Overkill if you just need a US number.
✅ Best For:
- Remote teams and global businesses.
5. Skype
Overview: Skype, which retired in May 2025 was a Microsoft-owned platform more focused on VoIP calls.
✅ Pros:
-
Established reputation.
-
Number availability across countries.
❌ Cons:
-
Didn’t support OTP reliably.
-
Limited free features.
✅ Best For:
- Audio/video calls, not US-based verification.
6. Grasshopper
Overview: Grasshopper is a Virtual business number that is ideal for small teams.
✅ Pros:
-
Includes call forwarding, voicemail transcription.
-
Good customer support.
❌ Cons:
-
No free plan.
-
May require a workaround to use in Nigeria.
✅ Best For:
- Entrepreneurs looking for business-ready numbers.
7. EasyRinger
Overview: EasyRinger is a privacy-first virtual number provider.
✅ Pros:
-
Great for anonymity and global usage.
-
Supports SMS and call forwarding.
❌ Cons:
-
UI is not beginner-friendly.
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Paid only.
✅ Best For:
- Private use and security-conscious individuals.
8. OpenPhone
Overview: OpenPhone is a business-first phone solution with rich integrations.
✅ Pros:
-
Integrates with Slack, HubSpot, Zapier.
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Great for startups.
❌ Cons:
-
No free plan.
-
Requires foreign payment methods.
✅ Best For:
- Startups, freelancers, and digital teams.
9. CallHippo
Overview: CallHippo is a US number provider with business VoIP phone system features and extensive coverage.
✅ Pros:
-
OTPs and SMS supported.
-
Offers local and toll-free US numbers.
❌ Cons:
-
Steep learning curve.
-
No free tier.
✅ Best For:
- Cross-border sales and customer support teams.
10. TextFree
Overview: TextFree is a free texting app with an optional paid number.
✅ Pros:
-
Free plan available.
-
Simple to set up.
❌ Cons:
-
Limited OTP support.
-
May not work without VPN in Nigeria.
✅ Best For:
- Occasional texting, not account verifications.
11. Kripscall
Overview: Kripscall is a rising platform focused on affordable VoIP with global support.
✅ Pros:
-
Nigerian-friendly onboarding.
-
OTPs and WhatsApp supported.
❌ Cons:
-
Less known than competitors.
-
Fewer business features.
✅ Best For:
- Nigerians needing WhatsApp/OTP-ready US numbers.
Business Use Cases for a US Phone Number
1. Look Bigger: Get International Clients
Imagine you’re the owner of a travel agency, and you want to expand your customer base to the United States. You want to attract American customers who want a seamless travel experience to Nigeria, but you’re worried that your Nigerian phone number might give the impression that you’re a small, local business.
By getting an app for a U.S. number, you can make your business appear more established and international. Now, when American customers see your USA phone number on your website or marketing materials, they’re more likely to trust you and feel comfortable with your services
Benefits:
- Increased credibility: A USA phone number makes your business look more professional and established.
- Broader appeal: You can attract customers from the United States and other countries, expanding your market reach.
Example:
You get an app for a U.S. number for your Nigerian travel agency. You display this number on your website, marketing materials, and social media profiles.
Now, when American customers search for Nigerian travel agency online, they see your business with a USA phone number, making it more likely that they’ll choose you because you look credible.
By buying a USA phone number, you’re projecting a bigger presence, attracting international clients, and growing your business.
2. Gain An Edge Over Competitors
Mr Kingley is the owner of “Kingsley’s Fashion”, a Nigerian online clothing store in Abuja, competing with other local fashion businesses. He also has an e-commerce store and wants to stand out and attract more customers, especially from the United States.
Solution: Mr. Kingsley needs to buy a USA phone number.
By buying a USA phone number, he can distinguish his business from competitors who only have Nigerian phone numbers. This makes his business appear more international, professional, and customer-friendly.
Example:
Mr. Kingsley’s competitor, “Lagos Styles”, only has a Nigerian phone number. When American customers search for African fashion online, they’re more likely to choose Mr. Kingsley who now has a USA phone number because:
- He appears to have a local presence and is accessible to serve international clients.
- His USA phone number makes his business look more established and trustworthy.
- Customers feel comfortable calling or texting a familiar USA phone number.
By buying a USA phone number, you gain a competitive edge, making your business more attractive to international customers and standing out from competitors with only local phone numbers.
3. Gain Access To Business Tools On Exclusive US Platforms
What if some of the essential tools or resources needed to take your business to the next level are restricted to buying a USA phone number?
Some US business platforms, marketing tools, or e-commerce platforms only allow businesses with USA phone numbers to sign up or access advanced features.
By buying a USA phone number, you can:
- Meet the platform’s requirements and sign up for their services
- Access exclusive features and tools to grow your business
- Enhance your business’s credibility and reputation
When you buy a USA phone number, you gain access to exclusive US business tools and platforms, helping you grow your business and stay competitive.
4. Look Professional: Get Paid What You’re Worth
When an international client calls you on your PressOne USA phone number, they are first greeted with a warm professional automated welcome message. This signals to them that your business is a professional one and you are worth doing business with.
Let’s say you own a Nigerian fintech company, like “NairaPay” and you want to offer services to international clients, you also want to appear professional and trustworthy.
When you buy a USA Phone Number, your business looks more:
- Established
- Professional
- International
This helps international clients feel comfortable doing business with you and paying you what you’re worth.
Example:
NairaPay, a Nigerian fintech company, buys a USA phone number. When pitching services to an American client, NairaPay’s USA phone number gives the impression of a professional, international business. The client is more likely to:
- Trust NairaPay with their financial services
- Pay NairaPay’s rates without negotiation
- Recommend NairaPay to other international clients
By buying a USA phone number, NairaPay appears more professional, attracting international clients who pay what they’re worth.
5. Communicate Without Issues: Global Calls Made Easier
When communicating with international clients, you want clear and reliable voice calls to discuss important business matters.
Buying a PressOne USA phone number helps by ensuring:
- Superior voice call quality
- No lagging or delays
- No poor internet connection issues
This ensures that your calls with international clients are:
- Clear and concise
- Productive and efficient
- Professional and reliable
When you buy a USA phone number with PressOne, you enjoy superior voice calls, making communication with international clients easy, reliable, and professional.
Personal Use Cases for a US Phone Number
1. Contact Loved Ones Easily
Living far from loved ones can be tough. But with a USA phone number, you can stay close and connected easily.
Buying a USA Phone Number Helps
- Make and receive calls from the US as if you were there
- Get a local presence, even if you’re abroad
- Avoid high international calling rates
Example:
Let’s say you live in Lagos, you can buy a USA phone number to stay close to your family in New York, or anywhere in the U.S. With this new number, you can:
- Call your family and friends in the US without extra charges
- Receive calls from them as if you were in the US
- Feel closer to home, even from afar
2. Shop Like A U.S. Resident
Want to shop from US websites or stores, but face restrictions or high international shipping fees?
Buying a USA Phone Number Helps
- Get a local US phone number to match your US shipping address
- Complete online checkouts smoothly, without errors or blocks
- Access exclusive US deals, promo codes, and discounts
Example:
Joy, a Nigerian fashionista, buys a USA phone number to shop from her favorite US fashion websites. With her new number, Joy can:
- Complete online checkouts without issues
- Get free US shipping or discounts
- Access exclusive US sales and promo codes
3. Access Location-Restricted Entertainment
Want to stream your favourite shows, but even with your VPN, you still need a U.S. number? We’ve got you covered.
Sometimes geographical restrictions can block you from enjoying your favorite shows and movies. Many popular streaming platforms like Hulu, HBO Max, or Disney+ offer exclusive content only available in the US. Buying a USA phone number can be your key to unlocking this world of entertainment.
US Number FAQs
How can I get a US number that works in Nigeria?
To get a working US number in Nigeria, use a platform like PressOne Africa, which is built to support Nigerian users without needing a VPN or US address.
Can I use a US number for OTP and verification codes?
Only select apps support OTPs. PressOne Africa, RingCentral, OpenPhone, and Grasshopper are reliable options. Apps like TextNow or Google Voice often fail with OTPs.
Why isn’t Google Voice working for me in Nigeria?
Google Voice requires a US-based number for setup. It’s not officially supported in Nigeria and often needs a VPN + US billing method to work.
Are free US number apps reliable?
Free apps like TextNow or TextFree may offer numbers, but most don’t support OTPs, and reliability is low. For verified use, a paid service is usually necessary.
What’s the best US number app for Nigerian businesses?
PressOne Africa is built with Nigerian users in mind. It supports local payments, doesn’t require VPNs, and works with WhatsApp, banks, and more.
