Need to fax a form, but don’t have a fax machine? An app or online service can send documents from your phone or computer. Some also give you a number to receive faxes. Here are five options, depending on whether you fax once in a while or need a service you can use regularly. 

The comparison below is based on information published by the providers, not hands-on testing. Plans and prices can change, so check the current terms before signing up. 

1. Municorn Fax – Best for faxing from your phone 

If you need to fax a document while you’re away from a printer or computer, Municorn Fax App lets you do it from your phone. Scan a paper form with your camera or choose a file you already have, then send it through the app. You can also get a fax number to receive documents and a confirmation when a fax is delivered. 

The app works with common file types, including PDF, DOC, JPG, PNG and TIFF. You can import files from services such as Google Drive and Dropbox, and send faxes to more than 90 countries. 

You can try it with one free, one-page fax. After that, using the app requires a subscription. Plans include unlimited pages and a fax number; the price is shown in the app store before you subscribe. 

Worth knowing: It handles both sending and receiving in one app. If you only need to send a single document, compare the subscription with a service that charges per page. 

2. Fax.Plus – Best for a small free allowance 

Fax.Plus gives new users 10 free pages in total. That may be enough to try the service or send a short document. The free plan is for sending only and doesn’t include a number for receiving faxes. 

Paid plans include monthly page allowances and a fax number, with options for individuals and teams. If you expect to fax regularly, check how many pages each plan includes and what extra pages cost. 

Worth knowing: The free pages are a one-time allowance, not a monthly benefit. You’ll need a paid plan if you want to receive faxes. 

3. FaxBurner – Best for receiving a few faxes 

FaxBurner’s free plan can help when you’re waiting for a document and don’t need a permanent fax number. The provider says the free number lasts 24 hours. The plan includes up to 25 incoming pages per month and allows five outgoing pages in total. 

That could suit a short-term task, such as receiving a form. If you need the same number to remain active or expect to send more pages, FaxBurner offers paid plans with higher limits and a permanent number. 

Worth knowing: The free number expires after a day, so it won’t work well as a long-term contact number. 

4. Genius Fax – Best for pay-as-you-go sending 

With Genius Fax, you buy credits when you need them instead of signing up for a regular sending subscription. The cost per page depends on the size of the credit pack: buying one page costs more per page than buying a larger pack. 

Receiving faxes has a separate cost. You’ll need a personal fax number, which is charged monthly, plus credits for the pages you receive. 

Worth knowing: Pay-as-you-go can make sense if you fax only occasionally. Check the current price per page before sending a longer document, and remember that receiving costs extra. 

5. eFax – Best for trying a full-service plan 

eFax offers a seven-day free trial. According to the provider, you can send and receive up to 200 pages during the trial. You can use the website, email or mobile app, and the plans include a fax number. 

A trial gives you a chance to see whether the service fits your routine, especially if you need to both send and receive documents. Check the renewal terms when you sign up so you know what happens when the trial ends. 

Worth knowing: This is a trial, not a permanent free plan. You’ll need a paid plan to keep using the service and its fax number after the trial. 

How to choose a fax app 

Think about what you need before signing up: 

• Do you need to send, receive or both? Some free plans let you send a few pages but don’t include a number for incoming faxes. 

• How often will you fax? For occasional use, a free allowance or pay-as-you-go plan may be enough. If you fax regularly, compare the monthly page limits and extra-page fees. 

• Where are your documents? Check that the service works on your phone or computer and accepts the file types you use. 

• Will you send sensitive information? Read the provider’s security information and confirm that the plan meets your organization’s requirements. 

• Is there a trial? Find out when it ends and whether your subscription or fax number continues automatically. 

For sending and receiving from a phone, Municorn Fax App brings scanning, file imports and delivery confirmations together in one app. Fax.Plus offers a small free sending allowance, while FaxBurner may suit people who only need to receive a few pages for a short time.