Call forwarding, SMS apps or a Bluetooth mirror? An honest comparison

We make iTell, so take this with the appropriate grain of salt. But we've tried every other way of handling a second number ourselves, and each has a place. Here's what they really do.

Call forwarding

Your carrier sends calls for one number on to another.

• Good: no app, works anywhere, usually cheap.
• Not so good: calls only. You can't call out from the forwarded number, texts don't follow, and some carriers charge per minute.
• Best for: "I just don't want to miss calls while I'm away."

SMS-forwarding apps

An app on the phone with the SIM sends each new text on to you, over the internet.

• Good: texts reach you anywhere in the world.
• Not so good: both phones need data; messages usually pass through a third-party server; replies don't come from the right number; calls aren't covered.
• Best for: reading texts from a phone that's in another city.

Virtual second numbers

An app gives you a new number that works over the internet.

• Good: a second number without a second phone.
• Not so good: it's a *new* number, not the one you already have. Many banks and services refuse virtual numbers for verification.
• Best for: a throwaway number for listings or deliveries.

Carrying both phones

• Good: everything works, nothing to set up.
• Not so good: two phones to carry, charge and keep track of; the code is always on the other one.

iTell (Bluetooth mirror)

The Android phone keeps its SIM and stays in your bag; the iPhone shows its calls, texts and contacts over an encrypted Bluetooth link.

• Good: calls in and out with the real number, texts with history, one-tap codes, no internet and no server involved.
• Not so good: the phones must be within Bluetooth range; the Android phone needs Android 13+; call audio quality depends on the phone model.
• Best for: "Both numbers, one phone in my hand, every day."

Side by side

If you're often far from the second phone, forwarding or an SMS app may suit you better. If the second phone can live in your bag, iTell gives you everything with nothing in the middle. See how it works.