Recommend best place to get online phone number?

I've been using a VPN now for the past year or so and it's been helpful.
Now I'm also looking for any reliable legitimate sites where I can get an
online phone number (either paid or free, but this number should be dedicated
so that only I can use it). One of the purposes is for verification methods without using my real phone number. These days a lot of places are now asking
for phone numbers which is getting sort of creepy. I'd prefer to use a virtual number.

If you have any experience with this, could you recommend what places might
be good to take a look at?

Thanks.

 

Google voice?

 

I've heard about that but honestly not sure how it works?
Some have said it worked but others said they don't get any messages?

 

Google phone is fine. The messages come in via email. You can use a obiTalk and hook up a 'real' phone instead of a soft phone.
http://www.howtogeek.com/136959/how-to-switch-to-voip-and-ditch-your-home-phone-bill-forever/

 

Google Voice is awesome. I have mine linked up with my cell and anyone who calls my GV number it rings through on my cell.

What I like the most is the fact that I can block numbers with GV, if a number calls me that's a spammer, telemarketer or whatever, all I have to do is log in to my GV account, look through my call list (they are listed in time order) and there is are little buttons underneath each call/number - play, delete, block and I hit block and no more calls! It also keeps track of any voicemails or texts that come through on that number.

I like that I now don't have to give out my real cell number if I don't want to.

 

hmmm sounds like lots recommending google voice.

Maybe I'll see if that works?

 

Everything all have said about Google Voice is true - I haven't had a long distance bill, the sound is great and the price is right!

Also, as Dynamond says, it can be customized to your preferences.