Comparison

Sideline vs WatchElements

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Sideline

This app provides a dedicated second phone number for private texting and calling. It offers features like unlimited SMS/MMS, custom voicemail, and auto-reply to help manage communications and keep conversations organized across devices.

Highlights
  • Second phone number with local area code
  • Unlimited SMS, MMS, and text messages
  • Custom voicemail with transcripts
  • Auto-Reply for missed calls
  • Split number across multiple devices
  • Transfer existing phone numbers
Features
Read full description

Sideline gives you a second phone number for calling and texting—so you can stay connected without sharing your real number. Get the app today to keep your personal number private. Whether you're working, selling online, or just want more control over who can reach you, Sideline makes it easy to separate your communications. Get a second phone number, send unlimited texts, and manage calls with powerful tools—all from one app. Sideline works over your carrier network (not VoIP), so your second number is as reliable as your first. Take control of your privacy and communication with Sideline. WHY SIDELINE? Protect Your Personal Number: - Get a second phone number for private calling and texting - Keep your real number separate and secure - Choose a local area code (or an area code of your choice) - Includes Caller ID and custom voicemail - Reliable cellular calling (not VoIP) Private Texting & Calling: - Send unlimited SMS and MMS messages - Use your second number for work, marketplace listings, or signups - Call and text without revealing your personal number - Access your number from multiple devices Stay in Control: - Auto-Reply sends instant responses when you miss a call - Custom voicemail with message transcripts - Port your existing number to Sideline - Block unwanted callers and manage contacts Smart Communication Tools: - Save and reuse frequently sent texts - Add notes to conversations and contacts - Stay organized without mixing personal and business messages USE SIDELINE FOR: - Private texting and calling - Work or business communications - Online buying and selling (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) - Protect your personal number FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is Sideline, and how does a second phone number work? Sideline is a second phone number app that lets you call and text from a separate number on your smartphone. Just download the Sideline app, and your Sideline number will work alongside your primary number, so you can keep personal and secondary communications separate without needing a second phone. Can I use Sideline for private texting and calling? Yes. Sideline is designed for private texting and calling, so you don't have to share your personal phone number with strangers and businesses. Use your second number for work, online selling, dating, or any situation where you want more privacy. Is Sideline reliable for calls and texts? Sideline uses your carrier's cellular network (not VoIP), which means your calls are clear and reliable—just like your regular phone number. You can send unlimited SMS and MMS messages and make calls with confidence. Can I choose or transfer my phone number? Yes. You can select a second phone number with an area code of your choice, or port (transfer) your existing number to Sideline. This makes it easy to keep a number you already use while gaining more privacy and features. Who is Sideline for? Sideline is for anyone who wants a second phone number to keep their personal number private and their communications organized—like professionals and business owners who don't want to carry a second phone, people buying and selling online who don't want to share their real number, freelancers who need to manage client communications—and anyone who values privacy and wants to control who can reach their real number. Do I need to provide a government-issued ID to create a Sideline account? No. You do not need to submit a government-issued ID to sign up for Sideline. Instead, you'll verify your account using two-factor authentication (2FA). DOWNLOAD SIDELINE TODAY Get a second phone number for private texting and calling. Stay connected—without giving out your personal number. LEGAL © 2026 Pinger, Inc. All rights reserved. The TextFree name, associated trademarks, and logos are trademarks of Pinger, Inc. or related entities. Terms of Service: https://www.sideline.com/terms-of-service/ Privacy Policy: https://www.sideline.com/privacy-policy/

About

WatchElements

Read full description

Displays information about the elements in the periodic table

Screenshots

Sideline4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Sideline at Free against WatchElements's $0.99. Sideline also leads on chart position (#23 vs unranked). WatchElements's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Sideline is free to download; WatchElements costs $0.99 up front. Sideline sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. WatchElements asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Sideline versus WatchElements: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSidelineWatchElements
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.4 (15K ratings) — better
Positive reviews34.8% of reviews
Number of ratings15K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscription
Best chart rank#23 — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size155 MB5 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperPinger, Inc.Paul Scott

Bugs and requests

Sideline

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Text messages not delivering properly
  • Missed call notifications not working
  • Billing and account management issues
  • Compatibility problems with VPNs and other apps

Requested features

5 requests
  • Ability to separate business and personal contacts
  • Web/desktop messaging functionality
  • Apple Watch app integration
  • Improved search and organization tools
  • More customization options

WatchElements

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Sideline

Subscriptions10
  • Sideline Standard EarlyAdopter$0.991 Month
  • Sideline Standard - Early User$2.991 Month
  • Voicemail to Text$2.991 Month
Show 7 more
  • No Ads$2.991 Month
  • Sideline Subscription$14.491 Month
  • Sideline - Monthly plan1 Month trial$14.491 Month
  • Sideline Pro – Monthly Plan7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • Sideline - 6-Month Plan7 Days trial$69.996 Months
  • Sideline$99.001 Year
  • Sideline - Yearly Plan1 Month trial$129.991 Year
None

WatchElements

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sideline free?
Sideline is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is WatchElements free?
WatchElements costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Sideline or WatchElements have ads?
Neither Sideline nor WatchElements shows ads.

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