A virtual phone number helps small businesses separate personal and work calls, create a more professional presence, and manage customer communication from any device. The best virtual phone number providers offer local, toll-free, vanity, and sometimes international numbers, along with call forwarding, voicemail, business texting, and routing tools.
Currently, my top pick is Grasshopper because its flat-rate plans make it easy for small teams to share business numbers without paying for each employee. It combines local, toll-free, and vanity numbers with straightforward call handling and unlimited users on select plans.
Here are my other selections for the best virtual phone number providers for small businesses:
Virtual phone number provider | Best for | Monthly starting price |
Best overall | $18 per account | |
Small-scale call centers | $19 per account | |
International communications | $30 per user | |
Affordability | $14 | |
Unified interactions | $23 per user | |
Regional calling | $19.95 per user | |
Call tracking | $23 per account |
Why should you trust us?
- What are the best virtual phone number providers for small businesses?
- Who is the best overall virtual phone number provider? Grasshopper
- Which VoIP provider is best for small-scale call centers? Talkroute
- Which VoIP provider is best for international communications? RingCentral
- Which virtual phone number provider is most affordable? eVoice
- Which VoIP provider is best for unified interactions? Nextiva
- Which virtual phone number provider is best for regional calling? Ooma
- Which virtual phone number provider is best for call tracking? 800.com
- How do you choose the best virtual phone number providers?
- Bottom line
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What are the best virtual phone number providers for small businesses?
To choose a high-quality virtual phone number for business communication, consider the following list of VoIP providers, their key features, and how I ranked them:
Virtual phone number provider | Number options | Key features | My rating (out of 5) |
Local, toll-free, and vanity |
| 4.35 | |
Local, toll-free, and vanity |
| 4.19 | |
Local, toll-free, vanity, and international |
| 4.15 | |
Local, toll-free, and vanity |
| 4.09 | |
Local and toll-free; existing vanity numbers can be ported |
| 3.99 | |
Local and toll-free |
| 3.89 | |
Toll-free, local, and vanity |
| 3.55 |
My expert opinion
I’ve found that most virtual phone number providers charge per user, but Grasshopper stands out by charging a flat monthly fee, making it ideal for teams that share phone numbers. With its highest-tier plan, I appreciate that teams can share four numbers and unlimited extensions, which helps simplify customer service workflows.
I can also add as many employees as needed at no extra cost on its unlimited-user plans. However, since Grasshopper lacks third-party integrations and unified communication features, I recommend RingCentral if you need access to a broader integration library, team chat, or video conferencing.
Grasshopper pricing
- True Solo: $18/user/month (or $14/user annually)
- Solo Plus: $32/user/month (or $25/user annually)
- Small Business: $70/user/month (or $55/user annually)
- Free trial: 7 days
Standout features
- Incoming call control: Customize call schedules and set up extensions based on your business hours. Prevent unwanted callers with call screening and call blocking.
- Mobile and desktop app: Use it for business calls and texts, keeping them separate. You can also view voicemails and call history.
- Virtual fax: Use your business number to receive faxes on the Grasshopper app or in your email.
My expert opinion
I chose Talkroute for small call center teams that prefer a low-cost virtual phone system over a full-fledged contact center platform. Unlike most virtual phone number providers, Talkroute stands out for its comprehensive call management capabilities, particularly in routing and forwarding incoming calls.
It also offers unlimited inbound and outbound calls to the US and Canada, so you can connect with local customers without worrying about per-minute domestic calling charges. However, although Basic includes call forwarding and routing, call menus and live transfers start with Plus, while recording and reporting require Pro. Solopreneurs who want a virtual receptionist on an entry-level business phone plan should consider Ooma.
Talkroute Pricing
- Basic: $19 per month for one user
- Plus: $39 per month with three users included
- Pro: $59 per month with 10 users included
- Enterprise: Contact sales for custom pricing for 20 or more users
- Free trial: Seven days
Standout features
- Multidigit extensions: Set up three- or four-digit extensions to route calls to the correct destination, play recorded messages, or send callers to voicemail.
- Call reporting and analytics: Detailed reports provide critical call information, such as date, time, duration, caller ID, and status. Use filtering options to retrieve specific call data.
- Call stacking: Accommodate multiple simultaneous calls and prevent busy signals on the caller’s end. Callers can hear hold music while waiting for someone to answer.
My expert opinion
RingCentral is my top choice for businesses that regularly engage with a global clientele. RingEX is an all-in-one business communications solution for calls, video conferencing, and team chat. It also integrates with hundreds of third-party applications, allowing users to extend the platform’s functionality.
Its international number options help businesses establish a local presence for customers abroad. Availability varies by country and number type, so I recommend checking coverage for the markets you serve before choosing a plan.
However, one major drawback of RingCentral is that its monthly starting price exceeds those of the other virtual number providers on this list. A more budget-friendly alternative is eVoice, which starts at $14 per month and includes unlimited calling to the US and Canada.
RingCentral pricing
- Core: $30 per user monthly, or $20 per user per month with annual billing
- Advanced: $35 per user monthly, or $25 per user per month with annual billing
- AI Customer Engagement Bundle with AIR: Contact sales for pricing
- AI Customer Engagement Bundle with AIR and ACE: Contact sales for pricing
AI Receptionist is an add-on for Core and Advanced and is included in the customer engagement bundles.
Standout features
- Visual voicemail: This feature displays your voicemails in a list, including key information such as duration, contact name, and a transcription. You can save the message, return the call, or select other responses.
- RingOut: Users with an unstable internet connection can make calls using a landline or mobile phone with a RingCentral phone number while keeping their personal number hidden.
- Team huddle: Host impromptu audio and video meetings where participants can come and go as they please. They can create huddle topics and hop in or out of the conversation.
My expert opinion
eVoice is the best virtual phone number provider for small businesses on a budget. Its entry-level Elite plan costs $14 monthly and includes unlimited US and Canada calling, number porting, advanced call handling, and multiple extensions. In my experience, this service suits solopreneurs who prefer a straightforward phone solution.
Elite Plus adds unlimited messaging within the US and Canada, making it the better fit if customers frequently contact you by text. I also like that the two plans provide a clear choice between a calling-focused service and one that also supports business messaging.
At the same time, eVoice lacks unified communication tools such as team chat and video conferencing. If you need those features, I recommend RingCentral as a better alternative, as it offers a complete cloud communications solution for voice calls, video meetings, and team messaging.
eVoice pricing
- Elite: $14 per month, or $12 per month with annual billing
- Elite Plus: $21 per month, or $19 per month with annual billing
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Elite Plus includes unlimited messaging within the US and Canada, subject to the provider’s terms and applicable messaging registration requirements.
Standout features
- Virtual number options: Choose a local, toll-free, or vanity number to give your business a recognizable identity. You can also port an existing number.
- Sequential ring: Direct incoming calls to multiple departments or team members in the order you prefer. The call continues through a series of phone numbers until someone picks up.
- After-hours greetings: When callers reach your business outside regular operating hours, play a prerecorded message. Use this message to create an away greeting that includes alternative contact methods.
My expert opinion
I recommend Nextiva as a cloud-based system for managing team and customer conversations in one place. Its apps bring calling, messaging, and collaboration tools together, with additional customer engagement channels available depending on your plan.
I included Nextiva in this guide because it includes a local business number and supports free number porting. If you want to keep your existing number, Nextiva can handle the transfer once you provide the required documents, such as a Letter of Agency and a recent bill.
For vanity numbers, Nextiva distinguishes obtaining a number from porting one you already own. If you want to choose a memorable toll-free vanity number directly through your phone provider, I recommend Grasshopper.
Nextiva pricing
- Core: $23 per user monthly, or $15 per user per month with annual billing
- Engage: $50 per user monthly, or $25 per user per month with annual billing
- Scale: $75 per user monthly
Core includes business calling, SMS, video meetings, team chat, and call routing. Engage adds features such as a toll-free number and minutes, advanced reporting, and inbound call center tools. XBert AI Receptionist is an add-on.
Standout features
- Phone presence: This feature displays the real-time phone status of employee extensions so you can quickly determine whether they are on a call. Status indicators include online, busy, and do not disturb.
- Team chat: Nextiva offers integrated messaging and video meeting tools that help employees collaborate across locations.
- Call flow builder: Nextiva provides a digital canvas for designing your automated phone menu. Configure your business hours, call routing, announcements, and extensions. Basic auto-attendant functionality is included in its phone service plans.
My expert opinion
Ooma stands out for offering unlimited calls beyond the US and Canada, including Mexico and Puerto Rico. This is why I recommend Ooma Office for businesses that regularly contact customers in those destinations.
Its business plans also include a virtual receptionist and other everyday call management tools, making it a practical choice for teams that want an office phone system without paying extra for basic call routing. However, voicemail transcription and more advanced features require an upgrade.
Ooma also offers a separate residential service, but its home phone plans should not be confused with Ooma Office. The home service requires hardware and applicable taxes and fees, but it does not provide free unlimited international calling. If your priority is obtaining international business numbers, RingCentral is the more comprehensive option.
Ooma pricing
Business phone plans
• Essentials: $19.95 per user monthly
• Pro: $24.95 per user monthly
• Pro Plus: $29.95 per user monthly
Home phone service
• Basic: No monthly service subscription charge after purchasing compatible hardware; applicable taxes and fees still apply.
• Premier: $9.99 monthly, plus applicable taxes and fees, for additional residential calling features.
Standout features
- Overhead paging: Integrate a compatible third-party paging system with your Ooma office phone. This is useful for delivering announcements throughout a workplace.
- Virtual receptionist: Create a schedule that sends calls to an automated menu, extension, or voicemail. Use the text-to-speech feature to create custom messages.
- Simultaneous ring: Customize call handling settings to allow multiple devices to ring when a user receives a call. Supported devices include analog, IP, and mobile phones.
My expert opinion
800.com provides virtual telephone numbers for businesses wanting to monitor and evaluate the success of their marketing campaigns. With its call tracking service, you can assign different ad channels to numbers and track the number of answered and missed calls, as well as unique callers, for each number.
Additionally, its vanity number search helps businesses find a memorable number for their advertising. I recommend 800.com when identifying which campaigns generate calls, as it matters more than having a broad set of team collaboration tools. But, if you need more extensive customer support workflows, consider Nextiva, which offers business phone and contact center solutions.
800.com pricing
- Startup: $23 per month, or $19 per month with annual billing; includes one number, one user, one extension, and 250 minutes.
- Small Business: $59 per month, or $49 per month with annual billing; includes three numbers, unlimited users and extensions, and unlimited minutes subject to the provider’s terms.
- Additional numbers: $15 each per month.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
Prices are per account. Voicemail transcription is included; full-call transcription is a separate paid feature.
Standout features
- Comprehensive inbox: Access your calls, texts, faxes, and voicemails from a single location. Use filterable categories to narrow your results.
- Whisper greeting: Add a whisper message to tracking numbers. Employees hear an audio recording identifying the source of the call, helping them prepare before answering.
- Call analytics: Collect and analyze data from your business phone calls to make decisions about marketing performance, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
How do you choose the best virtual phone number providers?
When comparing the top virtual phone number providers, it's essential to evaluate each platform's key features and the types of numbers it offers. For efficient call management, these providers allow you to set up multiple phone lines and offer extensive features, including call forwarding, custom greetings, and call routing rules.
At the same time, choosing a virtual phone number provider for your small business requires evaluating more than just numbers. You should also consider:
- Core Features: Go beyond basic call forwarding to include advanced features like IVR, voicemail-to-email/text, call blocking, recording, and analytics. Also, look into team collaboration tools such as shared call boxes, internal messaging, and call transfer/conferencing.
- Scalability & Flexibility: Ensure the provider supports growth by enabling easy addition of users, lines, and features. Verify integration with current business tools and compatibility with devices such as desk phones, mobile apps, and web browsers.
- Reliability & Call Quality: When selecting service providers, prioritize those with high uptime guarantees to ensure consistent availability. Additionally, look for providers that deliver HD voice quality for clear communication and have redundant systems in place to maintain continuous service.
- Cost & Pricing: It's important to analyze various pricing models, including tiered plans, as well as the minutes and features that are included. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs.
- Customer Support: Assess the available customer service options, including the support channels offered, their responsiveness, and the level of expertise demonstrated by support agents.
- Security & Compliance: For businesses in regulated industries, it is essential to verify that data encryption measures are in place and that they comply with applicable regulations, such as HIPAA and GDPR. Ensuring adherence to these regulations helps protect sensitive information and maintain privacy standards.
My method for evaluating the best virtual phone number providers
I used a scoring rubric to assess the best virtual phone number services. My rubric includes criteria such as providers’ subscription fees, types of phone numbers offered, call management features, and ease of use. I also consulted third-party review websites to see real users’ feedback.
Here is how I evaluated the top virtual phone number services:
I compared entry-level subscription plan costs with industry averages, giving higher scores for annual discounts, multiple plan options, free trials, and free plans.
I focused on the availability of local, toll-free, vanity, and international numbers, with higher points for free number porting, minute allowances, or unlimited minutes.
I evaluated niche capabilities such as call analytics, voicemail transcription, and call handling, with bonus points for unified communications features like video conferencing and team chat.
I assessed how easily users can secure different types of numbers and how intuitive the software interface is, regardless of technical know-how.
I evaluated the availability and responsiveness of support channels, including live chat, phone, email, and knowledge bases.
I based this score on the solution’s overall capabilities, value for money, and ease of use, as well as popularity among business professionals on third-party review sites.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best virtual phone number provider for small businesses?
Grasshopper is my best overall virtual phone number provider for small businesses because it offers local, toll-free, and vanity numbers, flat-rate pricing, unlimited users on select plans, and simple call handling tools. It is especially useful for entrepreneurs and small teams that want a professional business number without paying separately for every user.
What types of virtual phone numbers are available?
The most common types of virtual phone numbers are local, toll-free, vanity, and international. Local numbers help businesses establish a presence in a specific city or region, toll-free numbers let customers call without the usual long-distance charges, and vanity numbers use memorable words or number patterns for branding. International numbers help businesses establish a local presence in another country.
Can I keep my existing business number?
Yes. Many virtual phone number providers support number porting, which lets you transfer an eligible business number to a new provider. The process typically requires a recent phone bill, account details from your current carrier, and a completed authorization form. Keep your existing service active until the transfer is complete.
Bottom line
A virtual phone number lets business users define their identity and keep their work and personal communications separate. Whether you want a memorable business number or an international presence, you have options. Each provider has unique features, so evaluate your organization’s needs before choosing a service.
Overall, Grasshopper is my choice for the best virtual phone number provider for small businesses because it offers local, toll-free, and vanity number options with straightforward calling and texting tools. Higher-tier plans include unlimited users, making it particularly useful for teams sharing business numbers. Sign up for a seven-day free trial to explore the provider’s features.
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