The best virtual phone number providers for small business combine the right business number with dependable everyday call handling, useful messaging, and a bill your team can predict. KrispCall is our first shortlist option for small teams comparing international numbers, while Calilio is worth evaluating for its lower entry subscription. Choosing a virtual phone number for small business starts with your market, team size, and how customers contact you.
This 2026 comparison covers eight providers from our supported provider list: KrispCall, Calilio, RingCentral RingEX, JustCall, CallHippo, Ringover, Quo, and Grasshopper. Our virtual phone number services comparison covers number availability, total cost, calling and texting allowances, shared access, and number portability. A provider offering calls to a country does not necessarily sell local numbers there.
Key Takeaways
- Check that the exact number supports inbound calls, outbound caller ID, and the messaging functions you need.
- Compare the total account bill. A low per-user rate can require multiple paid seats, while a flat account plan can have number and extension limits.
- KrispCall and Calilio have entry subscriptions from $12 per user monthly with annual billing. Usage, number eligibility, and additional services still matter.
- Quo and Grasshopper are useful comparisons for US and Canadian numbers. International calling access is a separate question from international number inventory.
- Confirm porting, messaging registration, emergency calling arrangements, cancellation, and number retention before publishing a new business number.
Best Virtual Phone Number Providers: Quick Comparison
Prices below use USD and the providers' US offers where applicable. Annual prices are monthly equivalents, usually paid upfront. Taxes, usage, extra numbers, registration, and optional features may increase the total.
G2 Customer Ratings| Provider | Best Fit | Number Options | Pricing & Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo users and small teams comparing international numbers | US, Canada, UK and other country inventories; eligibility varies | $12/user/monthStarter · Annual billing; $15 monthlyOne user supported; Starter supports up to five. Demo; no standard free trial.Check Plans | |
| Budget-conscious teams with modest calling needs | International number options; confirm country, type and SMS capability | $12/user/monthStandard · Annual billing; $15 monthlyConfirm minimum seats and included number eligibility in your offer.Check Plans | |
| Growing businesses consolidating communications | Local, toll-free and vanity options; international inventory varies | $20/user/monthCore · Annual billing; US pricingConfirm seat count, term, trial eligibility and regional offer.Check Plans | |
| Sales and support teams needing CRM workflows | International local number inventory; two eligible numbers per account | $29/user/monthTeam · Annual billing; $39 monthlyMinimum two licenses: $58/month equivalent annually. Trial terms apply.Check Plans | |
| Teams comparing calling and regional number configurations | Country and number-type availability require a number-specific check | Confirm regional quoteStarter page displays $18/user/month; selector and billing terms varyBasic has a six-month free platform period; numbers and usage can cost extra.Check Plans | |
| Teams sharing a main number with room to upgrade | Talk includes one shared local or toll-free company number | $19/user/monthTalk · 12-month commitment; $29 monthlyMinimum three users: $57/month equivalent on the committed rate. Confirm trial plan.Check Plans | |
| Small teams sharing US and Canadian conversations | US/Canadian local and North American toll-free numbers | $15/user/monthStarter · Annual billing; $19 monthlySeven-day trial. One eligible new or ported number per user.Check Plans | |
| Solo professionals and teams wanting account-based pricing | US and Canadian numbers; local, toll-free and vanity options | $14/account/monthTrue Solo · Annual billing; $18 monthlyTrue Solo: one user, number and extension. Seven-day trial.Check Plans |
What Is A Virtual Phone Number For Small Business?
A virtual phone number is a telephone number managed through a hosted service rather than being permanently tied to one physical telephone line. Customers dial a normal number; the provider routes the call to an app, a team, or a configured forwarding destination.
A virtual business phone number can help you separate business and personal phone numbers while using the same supported smartphone. Several colleagues may handle one main number, or employees may each have a direct number. Sharing a number does not automatically mean unlimited users or simultaneous calls.
How Does A Virtual Phone Number Work?
You subscribe, choose or port an eligible number, configure business hours and routing, and answer calls on supported devices. For app-based VoIP calling, your internet connection and device settings affect the experience. Forwarding to an external mobile or landline can introduce additional charges.
Texting is a separate capability. A number that receives voice calls may not support SMS, MMS, short-code messages, or the specific verification service you want to use.
How We Compared These Virtual Number Services
We reviewed official pricing, plan descriptions, number information, and G2 customer feedback. Our selection prioritizes small-business affordability, number suitability, practical call handling, team access, and the cost of growing beyond the entry plan.
These are editorial recommendations based on documented features and buying fit. We have not run a standardized hands-on call-quality benchmark across all eight services. The order is a starting shortlist; a solo US consultant and a team needing several countries' local numbers can reasonably choose different providers.
1. KrispCall: International Number Options With A Low Entry Seat Price
KrispCall is worth shortlisting when you want a business number and shared communication workspace without starting with a large team contract. Its pricing lists Starter for up to five users and allows an individual to subscribe. The included number choice covers eligible US, Canadian, and UK numbers; other countries can require separate fees and documentation.
Useful Features To Evaluate
- Browser and mobile calling access.
- Shared communication context through its Unified Callbox.
- Country-specific number purchasing and eligible number porting.
Pricing And Limitations: Starter is $12 per user monthly with annual billing or $15 on monthly billing. The current plan cards list eligible calling and SMS allowances, while the FAQ also describes pay-as-you-go usage. Request a written allowance and rate schedule for your routes. Call recording and advanced workflows can require a higher plan.
Who Should Shortlist It: A sole proprietor, freelancer, or small team comparing business numbers in several markets. Confirm the actual area code, number type, inbound capability, outbound caller ID, and messaging before purchase. The standard offer has no free trial; its refund policy applies to subscription charges subject to its terms.
Read our KrispCall review for more context.
2. Calilio: An Affordable Starting Point For Modest Calling Volumes
Calilio is a candidate for a small business that needs an online phone number, routine calling, and room to add more functionality later. Its Standard subscription has a lower published entry price than several sales-focused platforms. International number options should be checked individually rather than assuming all advertised countries have the same inventory or features.
Useful Features To Evaluate
- Virtual-number purchasing and porting options.
- App-based calling and business call management.
- Published Standard calling and SMS bundles for eligible US/Canada traffic.
Pricing And Limitations: Standard is $12 per user monthly annually or $15 monthly. The pricing FAQ lists one included virtual number, 300 calling minutes split into 200 outgoing and 100 incoming, and 200 SMS split equally by direction. These bundles apply to eligible US/Canada numbers and traffic; excess usage draws from the wallet. Confirm the included number's country and any minimum licenses.
Who Should Shortlist It: A startup or budget-conscious small business with predictable, relatively light usage. Ask for an example invoice using your real inbound and outbound mix. A country appearing in a number catalogue does not establish support for every SMS or verification use case.
Read our Calilio review for more context.
3. RingCentral RingEX: A Broader Phone Platform For A Growing Business
RingCentral RingEX is a candidate when your virtual business number is part of a larger communications decision. It combines business calling with messaging and collaboration, and supports local, toll-free, and vanity number choices. A growing company may prefer that broader platform to assembling several separate communication tools.
Useful Features To Evaluate
- Business numbers within the RingEX phone platform.
- Desktop and mobile communication access.
- Additional number options and international services subject to region and eligibility.
Pricing And Limitations: US Core pricing starts at $20 per user monthly with annual billing. Confirm monthly pricing, seat assumptions, additional number rental, messaging allowances, and the features enabled on Core. CRM connections, advanced routing, analytics, or AI services may change the required package or total bill.
Who Should Shortlist It: A growing small business that wants a phone platform it can administer across staff and locations. Compare the administration work and full seat cost with a simpler shared-number service. This recommendation concerns RingEX; RingCX contact-center pricing and ratings are separate.
4. JustCall: Calling And Messaging Connected To Sales Or Support Work
JustCall is worth evaluating when the business number needs to connect with CRM records, sales activity, or customer support workflows. Its Team plan provides a starting point for business calling and integrations. Businesses buying primarily a second number should compare the two-license commitment with simpler single-user alternatives.
Useful Features To Evaluate
- Business calling and messaging with CRM integration options.
- International local-number inventory subject to eligibility.
- Separate sales-dialing packages for teams that later need outbound campaigns.
Pricing And Limitations: Team is $29 per user monthly with annual billing or $39 monthly, with at least two licenses. That makes the license floor $58 monthly equivalent annually or $78 monthly on monthly billing. Current documentation includes two eligible numbers per account, one for JustCall and one for Sales Dialer, each within the stated $6 number-cost limit. Extra numbers and usage can add to the bill.
Who Should Shortlist It: At least two people who need communication activity connected to customer records. Demonstrate logging, ownership, and callbacks in your CRM. Do not buy a higher dialer plan solely to obtain an ordinary business number.
Read our JustCall review for more context.
5. CallHippo: Flexible Configurations That Need An Itemized Quote
CallHippo is worth comparing when you want to configure business numbers alongside calling, messaging, and team features. Its pricing page separates ordinary office calling from higher-volume operations. Start by identifying the correct product family and regional configuration for your business.
Useful Features To Evaluate
- Desktop and mobile access on the published entry feature list.
- Business hours, voicemail, and click-to-dial.
- Higher plans for more routing, reporting, and CRM requirements.
Pricing And Limitations: The current office-plan page displays Starter at $18 per user monthly, alongside regional, currency, team-size, and billing controls. Ask for a written quote that fixes those inputs and identifies number rental and allowances. Basic's platform fee is waived for the first six months; continued service then requires upgrading to Starter. Numbers and usage can still be chargeable during the introductory period.
Who Should Shortlist It: A small team prepared to compare the complete configuration rather than a headline price. Confirm the minimum account commitment and whether your exact number supports the needed channels. Ask for the month-seven bill as well as the introductory bill.
6. Ringover: A Shared Main Number For Teams Of Three Or More
Ringover is a candidate for a small team that shares a main company number and may later need more advanced routing, CRM connections, or coaching. Its current US pricing uses Talk as the entry phone plan. Talk and Business should be compared as different feature packages.
Useful Features To Evaluate
- Talk includes one shared local or toll-free company number.
- Business-hours handling, greetings, and call logs on the published Talk list.
- Business adds a number per user and more advanced team functions.
Pricing And Limitations: Talk displays $19 per user monthly with a 12-month commitment or $29 monthly, excluding taxes, with at least three users. The committed license floor is therefore $57 monthly equivalent. Individual lines are listed as an add-on. Business is $49 per user monthly on the committed rate and also has a three-user minimum.
Who Should Shortlist It: A team of at least three that can use a shared main number. A solo buyer should compare the full minimum charge carefully. Confirm number availability, messaging charges, required integrations, and which trial plan is supplied before committing.
Read our Ringover review for more context.
7. Quo (formerly OpenPhone): Shared US And Canadian Calling And Texting
Quo, formerly OpenPhone, is a strong shortlist option for small teams that want US or Canadian numbers and shared conversation context. It offers local and North American toll-free numbers rather than a broad catalogue of local numbers around the world. Employees accessing the service from elsewhere does not change that inventory.
Useful Features To Evaluate
- One eligible new or ported local or toll-free number per user.
- Shared conversations and voicemail transcripts.
- Higher-tier call handling, analytics, and CRM integration options.
Pricing And Limitations: Starter is $15 per user monthly annually or $19 monthly. Additional numbers are listed at $5 monthly each. US/Canada calling and messaging are subject to fair use; international usage is separate. Messaging registration and recurring fees can apply. Business, which lists HubSpot and Salesforce integrations, is $23 per user monthly annually or $33 monthly.
Who Should Shortlist It: A small team serving US and Canadian customers that values shared calling and texting. Compare the entry plan with the transfer, menu, and CRM features you actually need. A seven-day trial helps assess the workflow; it is not a permanent free plan.
8. Grasshopper: Simple Number Separation And Account-Based Plans
Grasshopper suits solo professionals and small teams that want a dedicated business identity without paying for a large communications suite. Its numbers are limited to the US and Canada. That number-inventory limit does not mean international outbound calling is categorically unavailable; ask about the destinations and charges you need.
Useful Features To Evaluate
- Local, toll-free, and vanity number options, subject to availability.
- Business greetings, extensions, voicemail, and call handling.
- Account-based packages, including a higher plan with unlimited users.
Pricing And Limitations: True Solo starts at $14 per account monthly with annual billing or $18 monthly and includes one user, one number, and one extension. Solo Plus starts at $25 annually or $32 monthly, with one number, three extensions, and unlimited users. Check texting registration, add-on charges, and the limits attached to each package.
Who Should Shortlist It: A solo operator or small service team needing straightforward call handling. Compare CRM and reporting requirements before choosing it for a sales operation. The seven-day trial gives you a chance to test the apps and call flow before moving your main number.
Which Type Of Virtual Business Number Do You Need?
Local Or Geographic Numbers
A local virtual phone number carries an area code associated with a place. It can be useful for a business serving that market, but it does not establish that the business has a physical office there. Check address and identity requirements before ordering.
Toll-Free Numbers
A virtual toll-free number for small business can suit a company serving a wider market. A virtual 800 number is one example; other toll-free prefixes may also be available. The business may pay for inbound usage, and reachability can vary by the caller's country or network. A toll-free number is not automatically free for your business to operate.
Mobile Numbers
A virtual mobile number is a number type, not a promise that you receive a physical SIM or full mobile-carrier functionality. Confirm voice, SMS, MMS, sender restrictions, and porting support for the exact country and number.
Vanity Numbers
A vanity number uses a memorable pattern or spelling. It can be a local or toll-free number; it is not a separate underlying routing technology. Check availability, additional purchase fees, and ongoing rental before printing it on marketing materials.
Using A Business Number On Your Personal Cell Phone
A second phone number for business can give a freelancer or entrepreneur a separate customer contact number without buying a second handset. With a supported virtual phone number app for business, you can handle work calls through the app and keep your personal number for private conversations. Check which number appears when you call back from the app versus your phone's ordinary dialer.
Do You Need A SIM Card Or Separate Phone?
An app-based virtual number generally works without a separate SIM card for that business number. You still need a compatible device and internet access through Wi-Fi or mobile data. A second mobile line or SIM is a different service: compare cellular coverage, emergency calling arrangements, messaging, and team access before deciding.
Shared Access For Remote Teams
Virtual phone numbers for small teams can let colleagues handle one main line from supported devices in different locations. For a virtual phone number for remote business, test notifications, handoffs, time-zone routing, and access removal when someone leaves. If you need a shared SMS inbox for small business, demonstrate which colleagues can see and reply to each conversation.
Choosing US, UK And International Business Numbers
For a US virtual business phone number, compare the desired area code, toll-free options, calling allowance, and texting activation. For a UK virtual business phone number, confirm whether you need a geographic or mobile number and what documentation is required. The same provider can offer different capabilities for different number types.
When comparing international virtual phone number providers, request the exact country, number type, rental, activation requirements, and available channels. A provider's country count does not prove that your preferred area code is in stock or that the number can receive verification codes.
How To Choose The Best Virtual Phone Number Provider
- Start with customer locations. List required countries, area codes, number types, and languages. Separate number inventory from outbound calling destinations.
- Define the call flow. Decide who answers, how many people can answer simultaneously, and what happens during busy periods and outside business hours.
- Specify messaging. Ask about two-way SMS, MMS, shared replies, registration, segment billing, and any channel-specific restrictions.
- Price the actual team. Include seat minimums, manager access, additional numbers, required upgrades, and external forwarding.
- Demonstrate integrations. If you need a virtual phone number with CRM integration, make a call, receive a callback, and inspect the customer record. For a business number with HubSpot integration or Salesforce integration, verify the specific connector, logging, and plan entitlement.
- Check continuity. Confirm porting eligibility, outage routing, account recovery, export, and how you retain or port the number when leaving.
For overseas communication, our international VoIP calling guide helps separate number availability from destination pricing. If recording is essential, compare call recording features, access permissions, and retention on the exact plan.
Virtual Business Phone Number Cost: Rental, Users And Usage
A business phone subscription and a rented number are different cost components. Some plans include an eligible number; others charge rental separately. The entry subscriptions in this shortlist include offers around $12–$29 per user monthly on annual or committed rates, but that range does not represent a complete account bill.
Total monthly cost = licenses or account plan + extra number rental + chargeable calling and forwarding + messaging and registration + required add-ons + taxes and fees.
Example: A Solo Professional
Grasshopper True Solo's $14 monthly equivalent is $168 for a year before taxes and extras. KrispCall Starter or Calilio Standard at $12 monthly equivalent is $144 per user for a year before extra charges. These are subscription comparisons, not identical feature or usage bundles.
Example: A Three-Person Team
Quo Starter is $45 monthly equivalent for three users with annual billing, or $540 annually before extras. Ringover Talk is $57 monthly equivalent for the three-user minimum, or $684 for a year before extras. Quo lists an eligible number per user, while Talk lists one shared company number. Compare the actual number layout alongside cost.
Monthly Plans And Pay-As-You-Go Usage
A pay-as-you-go virtual phone number may still involve a recurring platform subscription and number rental. Likewise, monthly billing does not automatically mean a service has no contractual commitment. For a virtual business number without a long-term contract, confirm the minimum term, notice period, renewal, and port-out conditions in the written offer.
Costs That Can Be Easy To Miss
- Inbound toll-free charges, international calls, and forwarded call legs.
- Additional local, mobile, or toll-free number rental.
- Messaging registration, carrier fees, and messages charged by segment.
- CRM integration tiers, recording, storage, AI usage, and paid support.
- Annual prepayment, renewal rates, porting fees, and cancellation terms.
Get the itemized quote before comparing affordable virtual phone number providers. A cheap virtual business phone number advertised at a few dollars monthly may still require a paid phone-system subscription. Compare the virtual phone number monthly cost using the same number type, user count, destinations, and usage assumptions.
Benefits And Limitations For Small Businesses
Where A Virtual Number Helps
A virtual business number can keep personal contact details private, give colleagues access to a common business line, and support consistent greetings and office hours. It also lets a distributed team handle customer conversations through supported apps.
Where You Need To Plan Carefully
App-based calls depend on connectivity, devices, notifications, and configuration. Number inventory and documentation vary by country. Texting may need separate activation, while some services reject VoIP numbers for verification. A local area code does not guarantee better answer rates or immunity from spam labeling.
Ask the provider to explain emergency calling availability, address configuration, and outage arrangements for your locations. Keep a suitable alternative for situations where your internet connection or the hosted service is unavailable.
How To Set Up A Virtual Phone Number
- Choose the required number type, country, and calling features.
- Confirm the full price, eligibility documents, and messaging capabilities.
- Create the business account and secure administrator access.
- Purchase a number or submit an eligible port with matching account information.
- Configure users, business hours, greetings, routing, and voicemail.
- Complete any required messaging activation before relying on texting.
- Test incoming calls, outgoing caller ID, transfers, messages, and after-hours routing on actual staff devices.
- Publish the number once the workflow works and the port is confirmed.
Keep the existing service active until the transfer is completed and verified. Ask both providers how to avoid losing access to the number during the move. If you later add outbound campaigns, our auto dialer guide explains how that feature differs from a standard virtual number.
Which Provider Should Your Small Business Shortlist?
- Solo user comparing international options: start with KrispCall and Calilio, then verify the exact number and expected usage.
- Growing business consolidating communications: assess RingCentral RingEX against your administration and collaboration requirements.
- Sales or support team with CRM needs: compare JustCall, CallHippo, and the relevant higher Ringover plan using a real customer workflow.
- Shared US/Canadian calling and texting: compare Quo's entry and Business features.
- Simple solo or account-based setup: compare Grasshopper's True Solo and Solo Plus limits.
Choose the smallest plan that meets the real call flow, then test it with the people and devices that will use it. Price one realistic month of traffic before agreeing to a longer commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Virtual Phone Number Provider For A Small Business?
KrispCall and Calilio are useful starting points for lower entry subscriptions and international number requirements. RingCentral RingEX fits a broader communications decision, JustCall fits CRM-focused teams, and Quo or Grasshopper may suit US/Canadian number needs. Your exact number, workflow, and total bill should decide the final choice.
Can I Get A Virtual Phone Number Without A Physical Office?
Often, but requirements vary by country and number type. Some numbers need a qualifying local address, business registration, or identity documents. Confirm eligibility before paying; remote app access does not remove number-assignment requirements.
Can A Virtual Number Receive Text Messages?
Some can. Verify inbound and outbound SMS, MMS, registration, and supported destinations for the exact number. Voice capability and a general messaging feature list do not establish that every number is text-enabled.
Can I Use A Virtual Number With WhatsApp Business Or OTP Verification?
Do not assume compatibility. Acceptance depends on the receiving service, number type, prior number history, and activation rules. Ask about the specific use case, but keep account recovery on a method accepted by the service you rely on.
Can I Keep My Existing Business Number?
You may be able to port an eligible number. The provider must confirm the country, type, carrier information, documentation, charges, and expected timing. Keep the old service active until the port is complete and tested.
Can Several Employees Use The Same Business Number?
Many business phone systems support a shared business phone number or routing to several people. Check paid-user requirements, simultaneous calls, shared messages, permissions, and which employee owns the follow-up. A shared number does not automatically include unlimited seats.
Can I Get A Free Virtual Phone Number For Business?
An included number generally comes with a paid subscription. A trial or temporary platform promotion is different from a permanent free business service. CallHippo Basic currently has a six-month introductory platform period, with number and usage costs to check and an upgrade required afterward.
Can A Small Business Buy International Virtual Numbers?
Some providers sell numbers in several countries, subject to inventory and eligibility. Quo and Grasshopper focus on US and Canadian numbers. Calling foreign destinations, employing staff overseas, and purchasing a local foreign number are separate capabilities.
How Much Does A Virtual Business Phone Number Cost?
Separate the user subscription or account plan from number rental and usage. This shortlist includes entry annual subscriptions from $12 per user monthly and an account-based solo plan from $14 monthly equivalent. Add extra numbers, chargeable calls, messaging, registration, and taxes to calculate your own total.
Can I Use A Virtual Business Number On My Personal Phone?
Yes, where the provider offers a compatible app. You can answer work calls on the same device while using a separate business number. Test outgoing caller ID, notifications, and business hours so personal and business calls are handled as intended.
Should I Choose A Local Or Toll-Free Business Number?
A local number can suit a business serving a particular city or region. A toll-free number can suit a wider service area, but check inbound charges and reachability. Choose based on customer locations and the complete cost rather than assuming one type is always better.
Do I Need A SIM Card Or A Second Phone?
A supported app-based virtual number generally does not require a second handset or a separate SIM for that number. Your device needs internet access. Check the provider's device requirements and calling arrangements before replacing an existing phone service.
What Happens To My Number If I Cancel The Service?
Ask the provider to confirm its port-out process, account requirements, and number-release policy before cancelling. If you want to keep the number, arrange and verify an eligible transfer first. Cancelling before the transfer is complete can put continued access to the number at risk; do not assume it will be held for you.
Do I Need An Auto Dialer With A Virtual Phone Number?
No. A virtual number supports a business calling identity; an auto dialer automates parts of outbound dialing. Buy dialing automation only if your workflow needs it and confirm the relevant plan, usage charges, and campaign requirements.
What Customers Say About Everyday Use
G2 customer feedback can help shape a trial, but experiences vary by account, devices, and configuration.
RingCentral RingEX: Consolidation And Configuration
A G2 reviewer dated October 2, 2026, rated RingEX 4.5/5 and praised bringing calling, messaging, and integrations into one interface. The same reviewer found some advanced settings harder to locate and noted that costs can rise with users and features. Use that feedback to test administration and price the required package.
Quo: Ease Of Use And Connectivity
G2's review summary highlights ease of use, support, and straightforward business communication, while also identifying reports of connection problems. Test calls on your actual network and confirm what happens when an app is closed or notifications are restricted.
Grasshopper: Useful Business Calling, With Support Concerns To Check
Accessible G2 feedback includes praise for calling and messaging, alongside complaints about app freezes, dropped calls, cancellation, and customer service. These are customer opinions rather than a measured failure rate. During the trial, test the apps and ask for the cancellation and number-porting process in writing.
