Senior Writer: Paras Kela
Reading Time: 7 MinutesPublished : July 15, 2023Canada has one of the highest telecom prices globally. According to Moving 2 Canada, the average cost of a typical 2 GB cell phone plan is $74.42. In contrast, a similar plan costs $59.50 in the US and $22.35 in Australia. Therefore, if you need a telephone connection in Canada, especially with data, you might get discouraged by the high costs.
There is a solution to this issue, and that solution is a free Canada virtual number via VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. You can enjoy the benefits of a virtual number, cost-effective plans, and many other features by paying much less. Let’s consider how and why you should get a free VoIP phone number in Canada.
Top Benefits of a Canadian Phone Number
If your business operates in Canada or you are planning to expand there, you would need a Canadian phone number. As discussed above, this can be an expensive utility for your business. To avoid the cost, you can get a free Canada virtual number. There are many ways in which having a web-based Canadian phone number can help your business. Let us discuss some of them.
"If you're making international calls regularly, then it's time to get a Canada virtual number. This approach can help you build trust among your potential customers, gain credibility and appear local. "
1. Lower Costs
The most important reason for choosing a free virtual phone number in Canada is the cost. Other facilities like calling or messaging might have costs, but these costs are much lower compared to Canadian telecommunications costs. Moreover, you can save on infrastructure as you don’t need to install any lines or equipment.
2. Higher Accessibility
Since VoIP calling is internet-based, you can call from any location. Some providers even support calling via different types of devices, enhancing the accessibility and flexibility of the calling service. You can conduct your business even if unavailable via helpful features like call forwarding or voicemails.
3. More Than Just Calling
Most top free Canada virtual phone number providers offer more than just calling. Along with domestic and international calling, you can access functions like Messaging, Call Conferencing, Voicemail, IVR or Auto Attendant, Call Queuing, etc. Such business features let you manage your team’s functioning more efficiently.
4. Scalability
When using VoIP, you can easily add new lines, numbers, or extensions as your business grows. You don’t need a complex hardware setup, so scaling of communication capabilities is quick. Not having to invest significantly in infrastructure can also boost your business’s ability to grow.
Using a free Canada virtual number has many benefits for your business. You can also separate your personal and business phone numbers using VoIP. But before we discuss how to get a Canada virtual phone number free, let us look at the types of Canadian phone numbers.
Different Types of Canadian Phone Numbers
When getting a Canada virtual number free, you can opt for two types of phone numbers:
1. City Numbers
Different cities in Canada have unique 3-digit codes attached to the fronts of numbers. For example, Toronto’s code is 647, so a Toronto-based phone number will start with 647. This option is right for you if your business is in a particular city or you want to indicate to your callers that you are in a specific location.
2. Toll-free Numbers
Toll-free numbers are free for customers and are typically used for call centers or customer support. Some free Canada virtual phone number providers offer free toll-free numbers along with free city numbers, but some might charge for them. Toll-free numbers in Canada usually start with 800, 833, 844, 866, etc.
Regardless of which type of VoIP phone number you opt for, there is a straightforward step-by-step process that you can follow. We will look at these steps next.
How to Get a Free Phone Number in Canada?
Getting a free phone number in Canada is a simple process. You only need a device to make the call (a mobile phone, tablet, or computer) and an internet connection. Since Canada has reliable internet provisions, getting a virtual Canada number free is convenient. You can get a telephone number and make phone calls in four simple steps –
1. Sign Up
You can sign up for any VoIP/Wi-Fi-based calling service provider operating in Canada. There are several excellent VoIP service providers in Canada. The section after this will introduce you to some of the best apps for getting a free VoIP number in Canada.
2. Log In
Once you have signed up, you can log in to the app or website to use the virtual calling program. You can use multiple devices and modes of logging in, such as your mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
3. Select a Number
Once you log in, you will have the option of choosing your preferred telephone number. Several available alternatives will be there, and you can select the option you like from these phone numbers.
4. Call or Text
Once you have the number you prefer, the process is complete. You can call or message via that number. Based on the chosen plan and provider, you might also have access to other functionalities.
While the basic process of getting a free virtual number in Canada is similar across VoIP service providers, the specific features and pricing of the apps can differ. In the next section, we suggest our top five choices of VoIP callers for getting a free virtual phone number in Canada.
Comparison of Best Free Canadian Phone Number Apps
| Brand Name | Key Features | Pricing | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| DialerHQ |
|
| 10 days |
| CallHippo |
|
| 10 Days |
| OpenPhone |
|
| 7 days |
| Fongo |
|
| 7 days |
| TextNow |
|
| 14 days |
Best Free Canadian Phone Number Apps
You can choose from dozens of apps when it comes to selecting one for getting a free Canada virtual phone number. However, based on their features, pros, cons, and pricing, here’s our list of the five best free Canadian phone number apps:
1. DialerHQ
DialerHQ is a cloud-based phone system for SMB communication. You can easily get Canada virtual phone numbers from this app, along with additional exciting features. It offers free virtual phone numbers for professional as well as personal use. Within professional use, it offers both Business Calling and Call Center Solutions.
Features
- Integrations and webhooks with a large number of apps.
- Integrated IVR System
- Call Tracking
- Shared Inbox
- After Call Work, Smart Switch, etc.
Pros and Cons
- The software has a user-friendly Interface.
- High level of customization is possible.
- It is one of the most cost-effective calling apps.
- More safety features can be added.
- Occasional issues with coverage and call quality.
Pricing
As an enterprise-specific solution, DialerHQ caters exclusively to large teams or organizations. Connect with the DialerHQ sales team at [email protected] for personalized quotes, or start a free trial for first-hand experience.
2. CallHippo
CallHippo is a leading VoIP calling solutions provider globally and a great choice if you want a Canada virtual number free. It provides both Business Calling and Call Center solutions in 85+ countries. It provides your business with many exciting features and a city or toll-free number.
Features
- Auto Attendant
- Call Recording
- Custom Messages
- Call Forwarding
- Contact Management
- Call Hold, Call Barging, etc.
- Available on Android and iOS mobile devices.
- Calling and messaging are available.
Pros and Cons
- GlobalConnect feature pre-identifies the time zone to ensure international calls go at the right time.
- High levels of compliance and security.
- Dozens of integrations with other software and CRM solutions.
- The integration process can have issues.
- The user interface can be made more exciting.
Pricing
- The Basic Plan comes for free.
- The Bronze Plan comes for $16 per user per month.
- The Silver Plan comes for $24 per user per month.
- The Platinum Plan comes for $40 per user per month.
3. OpenPhone
OpenPhone is a hugely popular communication solutions provider that you can use to get a free virtual number in Canada. It encourages collaboration for better teamwork, using the phone number inboxes as workspaces. You can get either a city number or a toll-free number for free.
Features
- Call Recording
- Automated Voicemail
- Screen Sharing
- Voicemail Transcription
- Call Logs, Business Contact Management, etc.
- Available for Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS devices.
- Calling, messaging, and business features are available.
Pros and Cons
- Number Sharing, so different employees can use the same number for calling.
- Customizable Caller IDs.
- Unlimited calling and messaging to Canada and the US.
- Issues in porting the existing number.
- No customized ringtone.
Pricing
- The Standard Plan starts at $13 per user monthly, billed annually.
- The Premium Plan starts at $20 per user monthly, billed annually.
- The Enterprise Plan’s pricing is available by contacting their sales team.
4. Fongo
Fongo is a popular VoIP-based app for getting a virtual Canada number free. Although it comes with ads, you can pay a minor one-time charge to remove them permanently. Based out of Ontario, this communications provider offers users home and business communications solutions.
Features
- Runs on Android, ChromeOS, iOS, and macOS devices.
- Calling, Business Calling Services, SMS, and MMS are available.
- Call Forwarding
- Visual Voicemail
- Caller ID, Group Chat, etc.
Pros and Cons
- Free unlimited calls and unlimited SMS+MMS to any Fongo user.
- Multiple mobile, home phone, small businesses, and home internet plans.
- High mobility as it works on Wi-Fi, data, and its own internet network.
- No data/cellular and Wi-Fi handover, leading to call drops.
- No free calls or texts to territories or non-users.
Pricing
- Plans start at various rates.
- Fongo Mobile is completely free.
- The basic version of Fongo Works is free with paid add-ons. Its Pro version starts from $10 per month.
- Fongo Internet starts at $49 per month.
- Fongo Home Phone starts at $4.95 per month.
5. TextNow
TextNow is a great app to get a free Canada virtual number. It offers a Wi-Fi-based reliable calling option. You can get a brand new number or port your own phone number to this platform. Using a TextNow SIM card, you can get coverage on your Android or iPhone via one of the US’s largest wireless networks.
Features
- Works on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS operating systems.
- Allows customization of service type.
- Calling, SMS, and MMS are available.
Pros and Cons
- The platform provides free texting to 100+ countries.
- Unlimited free calls and messages within Canada and US.
- If offers cheap international calls.
- There is no call forwarding facility.
- Many times the ads interrupt app usage.
Pricing
- Starts at $0 for a phone number but with ads. Ad removal at $9.99 per month.
- International calling rates vary by country. Free calling is available for the UK and Mexico, but calls are $2 per min for China and ¢ 1.6 per minute for India.
- Data charges start at $8.99 per month.
Conclusion
Global businesses need fast, efficient communication at economical rates to be successful. In today’s competitive atmosphere, a free Canada phone number can give your business an edge by reducing expenses, increasing communication efficiency, and supporting the scaling of your operations.
So, whether you are already present in Canada or expanding your business there, a free VoIP number in Canada will be handy. We have discussed how to get a Canada virtual phone number free and which service providers are the best. You can now choose the operator and plan that best serves the interest of your business based on its goals and needs.
FAQs
Yes, you can get a virtual Canadian phone number quite easily. Several Wi-Fi and VoIP-based apps provide virtual phone numbers for Canada. Examples of such providers are OpenPhone, CallHippo, Fongo, TextNow, DialerHQ, etc. You can get your virtual telephone number from any of them for free.
Phone numbers in Canada follow the North American Numbering Plan. They have a country code (+1), a 3-digit area code, a 3-digit central office code, and a 4-digit station code. A Canadian phone number takes the form +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. There are 47 unique area codes in Canada—for example, 403 for Alberta, 306 for Saskatchewan, 613 for Ontario, etc.
There are many virtual phone number providers in Canada, and they charge different rates for supplying phone numbers. Some of the best ones provide a Canadian virtual phone number free of cost, and you can opt for one of these to reduce your communication expenses.
Paras Kela is an accomplished IT professional with 7+ years of industry experience, including 4+ years as a dedicated content writer. His expertise lies in crafting informative blogs on VoIP and cloud telephony, among other technical subjects. Outside his professional pursuits, he cherishes quality time with loved ones, indulges in watching documentaries, and finds solace in gardening.
Updated : February 21, 2024
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