Compare
LineFerry and the alternatives.
If your carrier offers eSIM or Wi-Fi calling and your iPhone can use it, you may not need LineFerry. Here's an honest comparison.
| LineFerry | eSIM / dual SIM on iPhone | Carrier Wi-Fi calling | Call forwarding | Carrying two phones | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Works when the iPhone can't use the SIM | Yes | No | NoThe SIM must be in the iPhone. | Partly, or with conditionsNeeds another working number on the iPhone. | Yes |
| Keep your number and carrier | Yes | Partly, or with conditionsOnly if your carrier offers eSIM. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Texts on the iPhone | Yes | Yes | Yes | NoSMS usually isn't forwarded. | No |
| Callers see your number when you call | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| One phone in your pocket | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Calls abroad without roaming | Partly, or with conditionsWith remote calling, in development. | NoRoaming charges apply. | Partly, or with conditionsSome carriers allow it abroad. | Partly, or with conditionsInternational forwarding may be charged. | No |
| Setup effort | Partly, or with conditionsNeeds a rooted Android phone. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extra cost | Partly, or with conditions$3 a month, plus a spare Android. | YesUsually free, where offered. | YesFree, where offered. | Partly, or with conditionsForwarding fees may apply. | YesFree, but two phones to carry. |
YesPartly, or with conditionsNo
LineFerry is right for you if
- Your iPhone can't use your SIM
- Your carrier won't give you an eSIM
- You want texts and calls from a second number on one iPhone
- You're ready to root a spare Android phone
You probably don't need it if
- Your carrier offers eSIM and your iPhone can take it
- You only need calls, and call forwarding is enough
- You can't or won't root an Android phone