# FreedomPop vs Sideline

The clearest difference is rating: Sideline at 4.4 against FreedomPop's 3.3. Sideline also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (15K vs 1.1K). FreedomPop's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (8.2 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sideline sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. FreedomPop asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sideline holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sideline has 15K ratings behind it against 1.1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of FreedomPop's written reviews are positive against 35% of Sideline's.

FreedomPop ships an update every 3 months, Sideline every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FreedomPop | Sideline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freedompop-calling-and-texting/id835399970/reviews) | **[4.4 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sideline-private-2nd-number/id1012032539/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.1K | **15K** |
| Positive reviews | 28.3% of reviews | **35.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#30** |
| Size | 101 MB | 163 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.2** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [STS Media, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/571070562) | [Pinger, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/299102705) |

## What reviewers say

### FreedomPop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freedompop-calling-and-texting/id835399970)

This app provides free calling and texting services, allowing users to get a new phone number from the US, UK, or Spain. It offers free domestic and international calls, HD-quality audio, and free SMS messaging, working over Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

**Highlights:** Free US, UK, Spain phone numbers, Free domestic calling, Free international calling, Free SMS texting, HD-quality calls, Works on Wi-Fi or cellular

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Affordable service
- 🔓 Free basic plan
- 💡 Useful as backup device
- 👍 Works well when it does

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable service
- 🔇 Poor call quality
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel/manage account
- 💰 Hidden/unexpected charges

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and bugs after updates
- Activation and number selection issues
- Missed calls and delayed text messages

**Requested features**

- Improve call reliability and quality
- Better account management and cancellation options
- Integrate with native phone dialer and messaging apps


### Sideline

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sideline-private-2nd-number/id1012032539)

**Currently charting:** #30 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app provides a separate phone number for calls and texts, allowing you to maintain privacy by not sharing your personal number. It offers features like unlimited texting, custom voicemail, and auto-replies, all while using your carrier's reliable network.

**Highlights:** Second phone number for private calls and texts, Unlimited SMS and MMS messaging, Customizable voicemail with transcripts, Auto-reply for missed calls, Choose or port a phone number, Reliable cellular calling (not VoIP)

**Features:** Siri integration

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sideline Standard EarlyAdopter | $0.99 | per month |
| Sideline Standard - Early User | $2.99 | per month |
| Voicemail to Text | $2.99 | per month |
| No Ads | $2.99 | per month |
| Sideline Subscription | $14.49 | per month |
| Sideline - Monthly plan | $14.49 | per month |
| Sideline Pro – Monthly Plan | $14.99 | per month |
| Sideline Pro – Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Sideline | $99.00 | per year |
| Sideline - Yearly Plan | $129.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 📞 Reliable call quality
- 💼 Useful for business/work
- 🔔 Customizable ringtones
- 📝 Convenient text messaging
- ⏱️ Efficient auto-reply feature

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔥 Frequent app crashes
- 🔇 Poor call quality/dropped calls
- 🤖 Unreliable automated features
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 🔍 Inability to manage contacts

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FreedomPop free?

FreedomPop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sideline free?

Sideline is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, FreedomPop or Sideline?

Sideline is rated higher. FreedomPop averages 3.3 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Sideline averages 4.4 from 15K ratings.

### Do FreedomPop or Sideline have ads?

Neither FreedomPop nor Sideline shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FreedomPop or Sideline?

FreedomPop ships an update every 3 months, and Sideline every 2 weeks. Most recently, FreedomPop was updated on November 1, 2026 and Sideline on November 5, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*