Sideline

Pros

Sideline works as a separate line on my phone. I use it as my business mobile number.

Cons

The name doesn't appear 99% of the time (only the number), even though the caller is listed in my contacts. Calls are not always clear. Doesn't have as many features as other competitors and less than TextFree, the free service offered through Pinger (Sideline's parent company). I have always paid for the service. Customer service is not the greatest.

Pros

I was able to stop using a landline and add it to my cell phone. I have my office phone with me at all times now and can manage when it is answered and set to away etc. Along with being 1/8th the price of the landline I can also text directly with people instead of using my personal number or a service.

Cons

There really haven't been any con's to the software. I think I have had a total of 3 calls that were of unacceptable quality in more than 3 years of use, and I cannot even guarantee that the poor quality of the call was because of sideline.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Sideline

Reasons for Switching to Sideline

Pros

The display/interface is clean and easy to navigate

Cons

It used to be a free service and now that’s not an option.

Pros

nothing they had no right to block my number because I made too many business calls

Cons

If you want to have every business contact you ever had if using side line for business blocked by sideline without telling you then use this company. You cant reach a person only emails and they repeat the same thing over and over they offer NOhelp

Pros

It gives you the ability to have an extra phone number to use while collections. It has all the capabilities as any other phone number, text mssgs, voice mssgs.

Cons

The increased the cost of the subscription. Other than that the product is great and offers great features for the price.

Pros

This product is cost effective. I would recommend it based on price only at this time.

Cons

I have been a loyal customer of Sideline since its inception, embracing the transition to a paid service with the understanding that existing customers would be Grandfathered at a rate of $69.99 per year. Unfortunately, this commitment has been breached, as evidenced by my recent charge of $129.99 plus tax on November 8, 2023. This review aims to address the significance of honoring agreements with customers and delve into the technical issues I have encountered since 2017, including problems with caller ID and the AI's functionality.

Sideline's failure to uphold the agreement to charge existing customers $69.99 annually is a breach of trust. The discrepancy between the promised Grandfathered rate and the actual charge of $129.99 plus tax erodes the foundation of customer satisfaction and trust. This not only reflects poorly on Sideline's commitment to its customers but also raises concerns about the transparency and integrity of its business practices.

The importance of honoring agreements cannot be overstated in a competitive market. Customers choose a service based on trust and reliability, and a breach of such agreements undermines these fundamental elements. This not only leaves existing customers disillusioned but also dissuades potential customers from trusting Sideline's commitment to fair and transparent dealings.

Since 2017, my experience with Sideline has been marred by persistent technical problems, significantly impacting the overall utility of the service. The caller ID function consistently fails to display the correct name or number, leading to confusion and potentially missed communications. Furthermore, calls often display incorrect phone numbers, further exacerbating the issue.

The AI feature, designed to enhance user experience, has proven ineffective. It fails to address queries accurately, often requiring multiple attempts to obtain a satisfactory response. This not only diminishes the efficiency of the service but also hampers the user's ability to rely on Sideline for effective communication.

These technical shortcomings have significantly diminished my overall perception of Sideline services. The breach of the agreement, coupled with persistent technical issues, raises concerns about the company's commitment to providing a reliable and customer-centric service. Such problems may not only tarnish existing customer relationships but also deter potential customers from choosing Sideline over competitors.

Sideline must prioritize resolving these issues promptly to salvage its reputation and maintain customer satisfaction. Addressing these technical drawbacks would not only enhance the user experience but also contribute to the overall improvement of the product. This, in turn, could lead to increased customer loyalty, positive reviews, and a more competitive position in the market.

Pros

The app is a free app with the potential to be really good if programmed correctly.

Cons

Customer service doesn't appear to respond in a timely fashion. Also, having a ticket management system that closes out a ticket after 3 days of inactivity without responding in said time is counterintuitive and frustrating to the user.

The app does not use a distinct dialer like Line2 or even Google Voice.

The app does not allow for the use of multiple lines coming in (even in the paid version). I am assuming this is for security purposes, but in some cases multiple lines are necessary.

Pros

I was willing to try this application because of the low cost and decent number of features. I like that I can have a separate number for business calls only.

Cons

Just about everything! The telemarketing calls that a business owner gets on a daily basis are insane. When using Sideline, as far as I've been able to tell, there is no way to block aggravating numbers. All calls made to your number are directed to a single phone number which makes it impossible to block unless you want to block your customer calls as well.

Pros

I like Sideline because it was easy to set up. Most importantly, I don't miss calls that come inbound and it has good texting features. Also they just added a new feature that allows users to send and receive texts from their desktop/laptop. A nice time saver for longer messages.

Cons

Wish the price was a little bit cheaper per month, maybe by like $3-5.

Pros

Sideline allows me to separate business from personal calls. I can have automatic out of office and other messages sent when clients call or text. I do not have to increase my phone data package to utilize the app but do need to be within wifi or data to accept and send calls or text.

Cons

The app does not always keep contacts saved names. So I will receive phone calls from regular clients but all I see is their number which I do not memorize. This is a glitch that does get annoying. Luckily, all contact info is stored on my phone directory. Sometimes, texts messages do not go through but I do not receive an error message.

Pros

It was ok when it was working initially. nothing much positive about sideline especially if it is not working

Cons

Suddenly stops working and no support to fix it. Most of the time Dumb robot answers your questions which does't make any sense. frustrating

Pros

Availability of a second phone line was needed so we began looking for a solution to a problem.

Cons

Sideline raised their monthly rate 50% overnight. No gradual increase, one swoop. Don’t we all wish we could raise our prices by 50% at one time? As a non-profit we work in a tight budget. Sadly, we’ll begin looking for an alternative service.

Pros

Price and phone call quality higher than Google Voice

Cons

Connectivity with contacts, glitches in system.

Pros

Once you have everything set up, the app pilots itself. It's pretty easy to use

Cons

Customer service is awful. There is no one to talk to personally, ever. If something goes wrong, it will stay wrong, for hours or days while they take their time to respond to your email for help. If you need to make a change in the app, it will not auto install. You will have to delete the app and log back in. No, I'm not joking. For every change. It's literally archaic. Good luck.

Pros

It appeared to be a good solution for my small business

Cons

On more than one occasion, people left messages, I saw the call listed, but there was no voicemail there. The developer had no explanation for the problem and could not fix it. I went back and forth many times with customer service. They were responsive but the problem was never fixed. In addition, when I tried to cancel my subscription, Google could not find the subscription agreement I purchased through Google Play, and I spent hours on the phone trying to stop the monthly charges. Sideline support referred me to Google, and Google referred me to Paypal. It was a ridiculous set of events not worthy of anyone's l-o-n-g amount of time spent.

Pros

When it works it's ok. But there are ongoing glitches about every 6 months. See below!

Cons

I have had sideline for 3 to 4 years. In the past there were some minor glitches but they were fixed pretty quick.. But right now, there is a major problem - Sideline signed me out of my app. I didn't know it, I received no notice of it. I've now missed 7 business phone calls over the past 5 days. I've also worked with Sideline for 5 days to try to resolve this issue. They seem unable to find a way for me to log in to my account. They keep telling me it's resolved&to dign in. But on my phone it is not resolved . It is a friggin mess right now and I am getting more upset by the day. If Sideline can't fix a Sideline issue than what good are they

Pros

We use Sideline to make sure EVERY incoming call receive an "Immediate Text Message Response". Sideline knows if it was a mobile phone calling in. This is so important in the "Service Industry". People call our main Ooma VOIP online posted tele numbers (we have eight)... the Ooma numbers forward to our head technician.... If the head technician cannot take the call, or is on another line, then the incoming caller receives an AUTO TEXT MESSAGE the minute they hand up. Very Very Cool. The text message has a tele-phone number fo an Alternate Tech, a link to our web site, and a message thanking them for calling.

Cons

NONE !!! NONE WHAT-SO-EVER
The people leaving negative reviews are (in our opinion) not very bright. The Last thing you want some inquiry calling you to do Is: "Google" something they are looking for (find you), make the call and then not get you for whatever reason. Why not put a friggin' text message (with alternate tapeable tel number), a message with links, and image in their face the minute they hang up. Way better than losing the customer to another Google search. Think Different ! We don't lose customers anymore. YEA Sideline.

Pros

It's an alternative to having a second cell phone.
Customers recognize the area code as somewhat local.

Cons

ADS in the form of a message, on my alerts it shows as if I missed a call or have a text message from prospective client. I understand that Sideline is constantly working for us users to find better ways to use the app, but I rather receive these BETA request and news and information in the form of a email.

Pros

This software works so well no one knows I use it as a second number. I love the way you can use the settings to add a picture in conjunction with an automated reply when you can't answer the phone.

Cons

It's a dummy number and there are other platforms that can't use the number to send bulk texts, etc.

Pros

Sideline make it very easy for me to neatly divide my work calls and texts from my friends. I work as a freelancer so it's super nice to know when an editor might be calling vs a friend. Being able to text from my second number is great as well.

I'm told you are also able to bring your number with you if you ever grow your business to the point of wanting a standard desk phone, which is a great feature, but I've not done it.

Cons

Very little. Works great and I have no complaints.

Pros

It allows our coaching staff to have a single contact # that they can call or more importantly text. This will reach our entire department at once and we are able to support

Cons

None for our needs. We may have a simple use of the product but it works exactly to what we need

Alternatives Considered

Pros

Very easy to set up and use. Serves perfectly for my needs.

Cons

Not sure about the cons. It's only hard to manage its payments through the iTunes on iPhone.

Pros

I was able to have a seperate line for my business. It was great when it was free. Thats about the only thing positive I can say. I switched over from another service hoping to get the same type of service. Boy was I wrong.

Cons

Since they switched to paid there is NOTHING different about the app or service. It is NOT worth . In fact, I have had nothing but issues and customer service is almost impossible to reach. They terminated my account and I lost my number because of their own billing issue. It has been near impossible to reach ANYONE to correct. When I have all they want is my credit card number to bill me and offer no resolution and not even a sincere apology for the BS.

When I asked about my number then conveniently they were closed. Seriously, I have the screenshots to prove all this. Unfortunately, it looks like I will have to change my business number and go with a different service. I will not give these people another cent unless someone does something to actually help AND offers a sincere apology.

Pros

Some of the best features for outside sales people or a group. Love the text and call auto reply options. I subscribed to the additional voicemail to text feature as well

Cons

You have to be sure you set up your phone correctly to ensure your voicemails go to the correct place. Sort of confusing

Pros

I started online dating about a year ago and found this to be great to create another phone number just for use when my date search. That way I did not have to worry about giving our my real phone number.

Cons

You must have a strong internet connection to properly answer calls. Otherwise, if you're traveling and going through low cellphone reception areas, you will not be able to take calls using this app.

Pros

I like that when you receive a sideline phone call it pops up like a phone call but it indicates that it is from your sideline line. It helps add an extra line and you can be longed into this on multiple devices. Great for adding a business line.

Cons

It is harder to navigate. Finding where you are to send out a message if you want to text seems not as easy as it should be.

Pros

I like the fact that you can have an additional phone number on your mobile number.

Cons

when I signed up it was free. I was using it for two years, I gave all my customers that number, then Sideline decided to start charging for their service. How could I change my business number now and let EVERYONE know?

Pros

What I like most about Sideline is the ability to have an alternate phone number right on my current mobile device that I use strictly for my business.

Cons

In using Sideline for 2 plus years the only issue or what I like least about it is that it doesn't populate the contact number to distinguish who always calling but I still love it.

Pros

This works with iphone and android. I give out this number to business clients. The best feature about Sideline is that you can block people and they have no idea that they've been blocked, and there is no extra cost for the blocking

Cons

I sometimes get errors when using Sideline

Pros

Sideline works like a charm! It never crashes, always connects, and makes my life easy.

Cons

Nothing! It keeps evolving and releasing convenient new features

Pros

I liked the fact I only had one phone. Ease of use.

Cons

I bought a new phone and had to transfer my app. I was unable to sign in, had multiple errors. I spent approximately 6 hours texting their help line back and forth. No one could figure out how to sign me into my account on my new phone. I did everything they told me to do to access my account without success. I lost hours of work, unknown amount of phone calls and messages missed. This is unacceptable.

Pros

I love that Sideline works just like my regular cell phone number. It's easy to use and you can text too, which is a plus!

Cons

The only con I can think of is that the caller ID rarely works so I do not know who is calling when I answer.

Pros

Free. Works pretty well. Call quality same as any phone. Offers texting and calls.

Cons

Must use regularly to maintain number. Terrible customer service. Had a few calls that were dropped or not properly connected. Numbers are HIGHLY prone to spam calls.

Pros

It was easy to have my current business number integrate with Sideline.

Cons

Sometimes, it can be hard to determine who is calling.

Pros

Sideline allows me to have a business line separate from personal line

Cons

I only wish I could do even more with it!

Pros

So far, this has been the best option for me to keep my phone number while overseas. I lost my sim card, so couldn't get anything US based but they were able to port my number. I had to deal with tech support and they were fantastic.

Cons

It's a little clunky, but I am adapting to it. I think I need a sim card in to use it for calls, which isn't ideal.

Pros

is easy to use, straight up, simple! I use Sideline whenever I don't want to waste money to text clients, with just the monthly payment you can text as many people as you want without getting a charge

Cons

I wish it had more options, maybe to save some auto-responses or mass texting but it does the job that is supposed to do

Pros

Sideline seemed like the obvious choice for me when I reviewed a few options for having a 2nd phone number for my business. I wanted to use the same phone for both my personal and business number and Sideline works seamlessly for me on my iPhone in that way. Was very easy to set up and configure, and I have had no issues with using it whatsoever.

Pros

That I don't have to change my cell phone number after moving into a new area to start my business. Added bonus, you can text from the number and now I can seperate all my business calls from my personal calls!

Cons

There is a delay when someone calls into me and I answer. I have to wait a few seconds. When a voicemail is left I can't dial back automatically, I have to go into the program to do so

Pros

I liked having two lines while carrying one cellphone!
I liked it being anonymous to the party I was making business with.
You choose the number and the area code.
Receive messages through the sideline number!

Cons

No cons actually I did not need it after my free trial expired but I will sure use it again if I ever felt the need for a second line.

Pros

I've been using Sideline for over a year and find it so functional. Unlike many of my friends who need an extra work phone number, I simply use this on my iPhone and do not need to carry extra hardware. Absolutely worth for the pro version!

Cons

Sometimes calls come up as missed or voicemails come up within the app notification, and sometimes they show up in my general phone notification. It's just confusing as I'm not sure if it's a personal or professional call.

Pros

This has cut my client cost down greatly. I don't have to have a seperate phone. The phone quality has been steadyand the texting is helpful with rescheduling!

Cons

There is this strange second message that you have to answer yes to for every call. I don't like the confirmation of the call button, but I understand it may help people who use there side line for more discreet dealings.

Pros

I like how I can customize so many features. Everything from voicemail greetings, to text message signatures. I can also totally cut off my availability. If I do not want to work, I can send calls to voicemail, enable text responder and turn off notifications!

Cons

Its not easy to share content to Sideline. The option is there, but when the message opens, it's blank.

Pros

Easy to use, helpful and convenient for a busy Mom

Cons

sometimes there can be an echo when talking on the phone

Pros

I could use my same personal phone with a buisness line that way I didn't need two phones.

Cons

The voice line some applications won't except your number if its a voip line .

Pros

I like the clear reception and the email notification is very helpful.I can screen the calls easily.

Cons

I would like a video chat option like facetime. The emoticons are a bit limited as well. I have droped calls on elevators and older buildings.

Pros

It was extremely easy to download the app and get it connected to my phone, and it was a breeze to set up!

Cons

Nothing - it worked perfectly and I didn't run into any issues using the app on my phone!

Pros

The software is very easy to use and navigate. The layout is intuitive and the process to obtain a number is simple.

Cons

It can be highly misused/abused by others who continuously create new phone numbers to harass others that have blocked them. Better safeguards should be in place to prevent this.

Pros

I liked the "concept" sadly so far no good.

Cons

Everything. The customer service offers 0 phone support and while they have text/chat the app and website use differnt vocabulary than the agents and there is a major communication problem. For example a rep at one point told me a port had failed then 30 minutes later sent me a text saying and i quote "Oops" refering to giving me the wrong information which lead to canceling the service incorrectly.

Pros

You don't need a separate phone or dedicated hardline, and it makes it easy to distinguish incoming calls.

Cons

Probably only a good solution if you're a small business owner or sole proprietor, otherwise a dedicated phone line and answering system would be more practical.