The Best Virtual Phone Number Services for Remote Businesses in 2024
What Is a Virtual Phone Number Service for a Business?
Since the pandemic era, almost all businesses have had to work remotely without being prepared for such a challenge, and reliable corporate communication via different messengers and social media platforms turned out to be a lifeline saving a small company from going bankrupt. A few years later, the need for reliable business communication is still strong. Remote businesses want to have a stable phone/text line of communication with potential and current clients as well as partners. This is when a virtual phone number service can become quite handy.
A good virtual number service (VNS) gives you a phone number that is not attached to any particular SIM card, mobile device, or landline. This number operates through online and cloud-based apps. Thanks to this virtual number line, you can make and accept calls, and send/receive SMS messages no matter where you actually live.
This feature of VNS can be quite helpful for businessmen who travel frequently with daily professional interactions in various countries/time zones. Another user case is the remote businesses that want to preserve their local presence while supporting international communication with clients/partners/suppliers worldwide.
Standard landline phone numbers have to be linked to a certain location, but virtual phone numbers can work without being associated with any place. A business with such a service connection can contact its clients all over the world. The situation when you talk with a client from Japan while using your dedicated virtual phone number United Kingdom on hold is quite realistic and easy to use.
VNS can also be good when you need another number for two-factor authentication control and verification codes, or just for communication without any landline/local restrictions.
Reasons to Use a Virtual Phone Number for Personal and Business Use
1) Personal Use
They change the way you can handle important tasks such as logging into your bank account, resetting passwords, setting up two-factor authentication, and approving payments – all without needing to be physically in the same place. To receive SMS codes for confirming financial transactions, virtual numbers are a simple solution if roaming services don’t work or aren’t provided.
2) Business Use
Acting as local contact points, a good VNS creates a feeling of international accessibility and friendliness for your business regardless of its actual location. This easy-to-use communication method can positively affect the customer’s confidence and commitment. Virtual numbers also make worldwide transactions easier when dealing with sales right during the calls or logistical support. Also, they offer a consistent way to communicate with clients from all over the world at the same time.
For small businesses, using a virtual phone number brings big advantages. It lets them maintain professional communication without needing more devices, which helps to lessen costs. Businesses can set up a local image in many areas, boosting trust and availability for customers. Virtual numbers also make it easy to manage calls. This includes forwarding, voicemail, and auto-attendants that help handle customer questions efficiently.
Additionally, these numbers are useful for working from a distance because they let employees remain connected no matter where they are located. The flexibility and ability to expand virtual phone numbers offer a perfect solution for small businesses that want to increase and adjust according to the changing requirements of communication without spending too much money.
Are you still confused? Then it is worth checking this YouTube video explaining how VNS and VoIP technologies work.
Types of Virtual Phone Numbers
- Local numbers. They imitate like they are connected to a real geographical location, helping remote businesses to set up a local identity in a specific region;
- Toll-free numbers. They usually start with 800, 888, or similar prefixes, being free of charge for incoming callers. It is a good option for hotlines and sales departments;
- Vanity numbers. If you want to have a “beautiful” looking phone number for a business that clients can easily remember visually, then you should also appeal to a VNS provider;
As you decide on a VNS provider, it’s important to think about which features of this service will match your business requirements.
How to Choose the Best Virtual Phone Number Provider for Business?
The main task of a reliable virtual phone number provider is to help you separate business and personal calls on a single device or corporate network. You will get an extra phone number to share with your clients and partners while keeping your private number undisclosed. By the way, you can improve your private status online by using dedicated proxies offered by the suitable tool Proxifier.
Also, a good virtual phone number provider usually offers such useful features as call routing, multi-line control, and voicemail.
When picking the best provider for virtual phone numbers keep focusing on such criteria:
- The price is the most important factor at this point;
- Estimate how simple it is to understand and use the picked VNS features;
- Check the support of different basic and advanced call management features – call forwarding, screening, and phone number blocking;
- And the support of the virtual phone number extensions for call routing;
- The support of multiple lines in more pricey plans if you are going to upscale your remote business;
- The support of Auto-Attendant to greet and route callers automatically with pre-recorded messages;
- The Online Customer Support so you could always assess and feedback about the call/text quality;
The most important advice here – it is better to choose the virtual phone number services that have a reputation for being up most of the time and providing clear call quality, particularly in those world areas where you intend to use them.
The Best Features of VNS You Should Look For:
- Call forwarding and routing;
- Voicemail-to-email transcription;
- Auto-attendant and IVR (Interactive Voice Response);
- Call recording and analytics on the platform’s dashboard;
- Integration with CRM and other business tools;
- The mobile app is preferable;
- The support of virtual number porting;
- Cheap SMS texts and voicemails;
What are other features you may need for your remote business? Feel free to discuss here or along with Reddit users.
Top Virtual Phone Number Services for Remote Businesses in 2024
There are literally dozens of international VNS providers you ought to test before deciding on a service for your remote business. Compare the features, prices, pros and cons.
1) RingCentral a.k.a. RingEX
RingCentral is a comprehensive cloud-based platform with many products including RingEX. It is a phone system suitable for businesses of small and medium sizes.
Key features:
- Unlimited calling and SMS;
- Video conferencing;
- Team messaging;
- Integrations with popular business tools;
- Advanced call management;
This service offers many advanced features, a suitable mobile application, and reasonable pricing for startups. It can be recommended only for small/medium businesses because higher-tier plans are too expensive for large companies.
2) Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a user-friendly virtual phone system designed for solopreneurs and small businesses.
Key features:
- Easy setup with no hardware required;
- Custom greetings;
- Call forwarding and routing;
- Voicemail transcription;
- Desktop and mobile apps;
- Free trial;
The major drawback – it is only available for U.S. and Canadian users. However, it is very affordable and easy to use for solopreneurs or very small businesses/startups.
3) Nextiva
Nextiva offers a feature-rich VoIP solution with a focus on reliability and customer service for small remote businesses.
Key features:
- Unlimited voice and video calls;
- Team collaboration tools;
- CRM integration;
- Advanced analytics;
- Auto-attendant features;
Most users who tried this VNS service appreciate its excellent uptime, good customer support, and many useful features. However, their dashboard’s user interface is a bit too much to comprehend for total beginners. A good option for small businesses.
Also, you can choose such services as Google Voice, Ooma, Dialpad, Freezvon, Vonage, Phone.com, Line2, or Aircall. They are quite popular and recommended by most VoIP specialists and remote business owners.
Check the following comparison table of the top 11 VNS providers you can use for your remote business in 2024 and beyond.
| VNS Service | Starting Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
| RingCentral | $ 20/user/month | Small and medium enterprises | Comprehensive unified communications |
| Grasshopper | $ 18/user/month | Small businesses | Simplicity and ease of use |
| Nextiva | $ 25.95/user/month | Scalable small businesses | Reliability and customer support |
| Google Voice | $ 12/user/month | Google Workspace users | Google ecosystem integration |
| Ooma | $ 19.95/user/month | Hybrid setups | Flexible hardware/cloud options |
| Dialpad | $ 15/user/month | Tech-forward companies | AI-powered features |
| Vonage | $ 14.99/line/month | International businesses | Global calling features |
| Phone.com | $ 12.74/user/month | Budget-conscious SMBs | Pay-as-you-go plans |
| Line2 | $ 15.99/month | Mobile-first businesses | Powerful mobile functions |
| Aircall | $ 40/3 licenses/month | Call centers | Advanced call center features |
| Freezvon | $ 50/1000 U.S. minutes/month | Remote businesses | Advanced call features |
What do you think about the best virtual phone number providers and services in your area? What would you prefer to choose to boost the productivity and management of your remote business?
How to Use a Virtual Phone Number – Basic Steps
Follow the exact instructions of your VNS provider and make sure to read their FAQ section or manual after installing the required software online or using the online app/cloud-based platform.
In 99% of cases you will have to do such steps:
- Once you have done this step, select the country and city along with the type of number (like local, mobile, etc.) that is required for your usage;
- Then, make arrangements for your virtual number to direct all the calls/texts toward the device you prefer (cell phone, desk phone, or computer);
- Make sure that voicemail and greeting messages are set up just like you need it for your business;
- Eventually, use the service provider’s dashboard to control call redirection, screening and alerts;
In this way, you can effectively use a virtual phone number to improve your business communication and keep a professional image.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best virtual phone number service in my country?
So many reliable virtual phone number providers work internationally. We have covered a few services in our guide before. Your task as a business manager or owner is to choose the service with an unlimited calls/texts plan for your country. Usually, this can be achieved thanks to the VoIP tech. For example, you can check the OpenPhone service that offers cost-effective plans for building an advanced corporate communication network.
How much does a virtual phone number cost?
It also depends on the country. The price range for such services can vary drastically as it depends on the mobile communication provider, features, and country of the number. For example, in the United States, the cost can be around $ 1 every month or even more than $ 50 per month for numbers that support advanced functions like call forwarding, SMS ability, and international calling features. Many services provide different tiers for their premium customers.
Can I choose my virtual phone number?
Certainly, most premium virtual phone number services permit their clients to choose phone numbers on their own. It denotes that you can choose an area code or vanity number that can voice a particular word or phrase.
Can I use my virtual phone number for business internationally?
Yes, virtual phone numbers function wherever you possess an internet connection, not only in places where mobile networks can be found. This feature is very beneficial for people who travel often and companies that focus on global markets because it allows them to communicate easily without the need for traditional mobile networks while also saving on international fees.
Conclusion
Nowadays when more and more businesses and startups tend to save on office rent, virtual phone number providers have become quite in demand. They can drastically help your remote business develop a phone/text line with clients around the world at a reasonable cost. Also, you can protect your data while maintaining seamless business-related communication. Hopefully, our guide will help you choose the most suitable virtual phone provider for your remote business.
