When we first started scaling our online businesses, managing phone calls was a real headache. Our team was juggling personal phone numbers, missing important calls, and struggling to maintain a professional image. We knew that we needed a better solution.
After testing dozens of virtual business phone number apps, we finally settled on Nextiva. It struck the perfect balance of professional features and ease of use while being scalable enough to grow with us.
But we understand that different businesses have different needs. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide based on our real-world experience and testing with the best virtual number app solutions.
So, let’s look at the best virtual business phone number apps on the market. We’ll share their key features, pros, cons, and why we ultimately chose each option for our recommended list.
Best Virtual Number Apps: Our Top Picks
No time to read? Don’t worry. We’ve summarized our top business phone number app solutions in the handy table below:
🏆 | Name | Best For | Starting Price /user/mo |
---|---|---|---|
🥇 | Nextiva | Overall Best Virtual Business Number | $30 |
🥈 | Zoom Phone | Video Conference Integrations | $10 |
🥉 | Grasshopper | Solo Entrepreneurs | $14 |
4 | Ooma Office | Hybrid Phone Setup | $19.95 |
5 | Google Voice | Free Virtual Number | Free (paid plans start from $10) |
6 | Phone.com | International Calling Rates | $12.74 |
7 | Freshcaller | Pay-As-You-Go Option | Free (paid plans start from $15) |
Want to learn more about each virtual number app? Keep reading to find more information and see which one truly suits your needs.
How We Review the Best Business Phone Number Apps
Finding the right business phone system can be overwhelming – especially when every provider claims to be the best. That’s why we’ve spent countless hours testing these services to help you make the right choice.
First, we specifically looked at how quickly you can get started. For example, Nextiva provides both a toll-free and local number right from the start.
We also paid close attention to voice quality and connection stability. During our testing, we noticed how services like Phone.com include speed testing tools to ensure optimal call quality.
Next, we evaluated essential capabilities like a virtual receptionist, voicemail, call routing, mobile and desktop apps, call recording, and call analytics.
Christina Harris from Awesome Motive sums up why having these features is important:
Christina Harris – Video Content Manager at Awesome MotiveUsing a great business phone system makes your company seem larger and also creates a great user experience for your customers. Sending calls quickly to the right people, having a professional voicemail, and tracking call analytics allows you to provide professional and confident customer service.
Other than that, we looked beyond the advertised price to understand the real cost. For instance, Freshcaller’s pay-per-minute model works great for unpredictable call volumes, while Google Voice offers a genuinely free option for basic needs.
When Do You Need a Virtual Business Phone Number?
As our online businesses grew, we quickly learned that customers want multiple ways to reach out. While email and live chat are useful, many customers still prefer talking to a real person on the phone.
A virtual business phone system solves this problem. It allows your team to handle calls from any device, whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, or desk phone. You can easily share one number among different team members and manage everything through a simple app.
Best of all, a virtual phone number app gives you professional features like call routing, recording, and voicemail without the hassle of traditional phone systems. Plus, you can take business calls from anywhere on your personal cell phone with an internet connection.
Why Trust WPBeginner?
WPBeginner is a team of seasoned professionals who have worked extensively in WordPress, digital marketing, and eCommerce for 16+ years. We don’t just test these tools—we use them daily in our own businesses.
Plus, we’ve always kept our users’ needs at the heart of what we do. We listen to our readers to understand what they really need in a phone system. This knowledge, combined with our hands-on experience, allows us to recommend solutions that truly match both business requirements and budget constraints.
Want to learn more about our testing process? Check out our editorial guidelines.
That being said, let’s take a look at some of the best virtual business phone apps that you can use.
1. Nextiva – Best Overall Virtual Business Number
Nextiva stands out as the most comprehensive business phone number app we’ve tested, offering enterprise-level features that are actually easy to use. Our positive experience using Nextiva for our online business has made us stick with the service for years.
We’ve talked about our experience in more detail in our Nextiva review.
Getting started with Nextiva is refreshingly simple. They provide both a toll-free number and a local phone number right from the start. Since everything is cloud-based, our team members can just download the Nextiva app on their preferred device, and they’re ready to handle calls.
We particularly appreciate the user-friendly web-based admin panel. It’s where we manage all our business phone settings, from setting up business hours to configuring team extensions.
Pros of Nextiva:
- During our testing, the HD voice quality remained consistently clear across all devices.
- The call routing system can handle after-hours calls flawlessly.
- Local phone number feature to help you establish trust with customers in different states.
- We found the integrations with HubSpot, Salesforce, and Microsoft Teams to be seamless.
- Include features like voicemail transcription and auto-attendant.
- In our experience, their mobile app has been reliable on both iOS and Android.
Cons of Nextiva:
- We’re not fans of the limited unlimited calling range (US, Canada, and Puerto Rico only).
- There can be long wait times for customer support.
- While we rarely experience issues, some users report that call quality depends heavily on having a strong internet connection since it’s a VoIP service.
Pricing: Plans start at $30 to $60 per user per month. Each plan includes essential features like a business phone system, website live chat, and video conferencing. WPBeginner readers can get a special 44% discount using our exclusive Nextiva coupon code.
Why we recommend Nextiva: We’ve been using Nextiva in our business for years, and it’s handled our growth perfectly – from small-team to enterprise-level operations.
2. Zoom Phone – Best Video Conference Integration
If you’re looking to combine your business phone system with video conferencing, then Zoom Phone is an excellent option. After trying many similar services, we found Zoom works best for teams working both remotely and in the office.
Setup couldn’t be easier. You simply pick your plan, choose your numbers, and you’re ready to make calls through the same Zoom interface you might already be using for video meetings. They offer both U.S. and Canada-based numbers, plus toll-free options.
The real strength lies in its integration with Zoom’s broader toolkit. Beyond basic calling features, you get access to collaborative tools like virtual whiteboards and seamless calendar integration, features that can improve team communication.
Pros of Zoom Phone:
- Their unified interface combines phone, video conferencing, and chat seamlessly.
- Smart call routing keeps communication flowing smoothly.
- Team collaboration features go beyond standard phone capabilities.
- Desktop and mobile apps feel polished and responsive.
- We absolutely love the calendar integration with Google and Microsoft 365, which makes scheduling calls effortless.
Cons of Zoom Phone:
- The metered international calling fees can be a real pain point for some users.
- Some users have complained about the slow support.
- The full feature set might be overwhelming for phone-only users.
- There are occasional issues with lag and connectivity.
Pricing: Plans range from $10 to $20 per user per month. All plans include a US and Canada number, multiple device support, one management portal, and domestic SMS and MMS.
Why we recommend Zoom Phone: It’s the ideal choice for organizations that need their virtual phone number system to work seamlessly with video conferencing. Overall, it’s perfect for today’s hybrid work environment.
3. Grasshopper – Best for Solo Entrepreneurs
For small business owners who want to keep their personal and business calls separate, Grasshopper offers the simplest solution we’ve tested. We appreciate how it turns any device into a professional business line without a complicated setup.
All you need to do is choose your virtual number (local, toll-free, or vanity), download the app, and you’re ready to handle business calls on your existing devices. We particularly like how you can manage everything through the mobile or desktop app.
The service focuses on essential features that small businesses actually need. During our review, we found its call management tools, like auto-attendant and call forwarding, work exactly as advertised – no unnecessary complications.
Pros of Grasshopper:
- Setup took us less than 5 minutes, perfect for non-tech users.
- The virtual receptionist feature can handle calls professionally.
- Call forwarding and routing work well.
- Their mobile app feels smooth and reliable.
- Unlimited minutes come standard with every plan.
Cons of Grasshopper:
- If you want to make an outgoing international call, you need to make a $500 deposit.
- Some basic features, like call analytics, are locked behind the Pro plan, which can be frustrating.
Pricing: Plans range from $14 to $80 per month. The starter plan includes one phone number and one user extension.
Why we recommend Grasshopper: It’s the perfect solution for solo entrepreneurs and small teams who need a professional phone presence without the complexity of enterprise systems.
4. Ooma Office Phone – Best Hybrid Phone Setup
Ooma Office gives you both the flexibility of a virtual phone system and a traditional desk phone. While other providers focus solely on virtual solutions, we found Ooma excels at bridging cloud communication with physical office phones.
If you want to learn more, you can read our comprehensive Ooma review.
With Ooma, you get the best of both worlds: use their mobile and desktop apps for virtual calls or connect a traditional desk phone to your virtual number. They’ll let you port your existing number or provide a new one, and they even throw in a free toll-free number.
In our opinion, what stands out about Ooma is their practical approach to business communication. Features like Caller Info Match, which automatically pulls contact details from LinkedIn and Google, and customizable hold music make daily operations smoother.
Pros of Ooma:
- We love how it includes unlimited calling to Mexico, not just the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
- Sells their own business office phones and accessories.
- Custom hold music and messages add a professional touch.
- Caller Info Match automatically pulls contact details from LinkedIn and Google.
- User-friendly Chrome extension to make a call, send text messages, view call logs, and more.
Cons of Ooma:
- In our opinion, their mobile app feels slightly outdated.
- The starter plan doesn’t come with a desktop app.
Pricing: Plans start at $19.95 to $29.95 per user per month. All plans include a virtual receptionist, a mobile app, and unlimited calling in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
Why we recommend Ooma: It’s great for businesses that want the flexibility of a modern virtual phone system while having the option to use traditional office phones.
5. Google Voice – Best Free Virtual Number Option
Google Voice is the best virtual number app for people looking for a free solution. In our testing, we found it especially useful for solopreneurs already using Google’s ecosystem.
The setup is typical Google simple. Individual users can grab a free virtual number and start making calls to the US and Canada immediately.
What we particularly like is how it integrates with other Google tools – your Calendar, Meet, and even Google Fi all work together seamlessly.
The free plan keeps things basic but functional. While you won’t get fancy features like auto-attendant, you do get essential tools like voicemail transcription and text messaging capabilities that most free services don’t offer.
Pros of Google Voice:
- We love that the personal plan is actually free, not just a trial.
- Google Assistant integration makes hands-free calling a breeze.
- Includes voicemail transcription.
- Integration with other Google apps feels natural.
- Call quality has been consistently reliable in our testing.
Cons of Google Voice:
- During our research, we found that Google Voice is not available in all countries.
Pricing: Free for personal use. Pro plans start from $10 to $30 per user per month.
Why we recommend Google Voice: It’s the perfect free entry point into professional virtual phone numbers for individuals and small businesses already invested in Google Workspace.
6. Phone.com – Best International Calling Rates
Phone.com caught our attention with their unique approach to international calls. Unlike other providers that charge premium rates, they treat several European countries and Canada as local calls, significantly reducing costs.
What impressed us during testing was their AI-powered Answer Bot, which can check for spam calls and route calls to the right team member. We also love the speed test software, which helps ensure call quality by checking upload speeds, jitter, and ping rates.
The service is also excellent for healthcare providers. All plans are HIPAA-compliant, and features like secure video conferencing for up to 100 users make it ideal for telehealth consultations.
Pros of Phone.com:
- You can pay US local rates to numbers in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.
- Speed testing tool to improve call quality.
- We like that HIPAA compliance comes standard with all plans, which is not common in other services.
- Video background templates for video calls.
Cons of Phone.com:
- The customer service team is not as good as other companies.
- Common features in other solutions, like call recording, require a higher-tier plan.
Pricing: Plans range from $12.74 to $27.19 per user per month. All plans include video conferencing, mobile and web apps, and at least one business phone number.
Why we recommend Phone.com: Phone.com offers the most cost-effective virtual phone number app for businesses making frequent international calls or requiring HIPAA compliance.
7. Freshcaller – Best Pay-As-You-Go Option
Freshcaller offers a virtual business phone number service with flexible pay-per-minute pricing. You can start with unlimited agents on the pay-per-minute plan, add temporary staff for busy periods, and only pay for what you actually use.
All the essential call center tools are included, whether you need basic voicemail or advanced features like call monitoring and team reporting.
Pros of Freshcaller:
- Day Pass feature to add temporary agents for busy seasons.
- We love the flexibility to use our own carrier.
- Call monitoring to help with remote team training.
- Routing automation to direct calls to the right agent.
- You can purchase phone numbers from 90+ countries.
Cons of Freshcaller:
- The platform can be slow based on our testing and some user reviews.
- Some users have said the pricing-per-minute costs can add up quickly, especially if you make frequent international calls.
- It doesn’t allow you to customize much.
Pricing: In addition to the monthly charges for your business phone number and call rates, you need to get a free plan or a paid subscription, which ranges from $15 to $69 per user per month.
Why we recommend Freshcaller: If your call volumes go up and down throughout the year, Freshcaller’s pay-as-you-go pricing means you’ll only pay for what you use while still getting professional features.
What Is the Best Virtual Phone Number App?
After testing dozens of business phone systems, we recommend Nextiva as the best overall virtual phone number app. We’ve been using it in our business for years, and it continues to impress us with its balance of features and usability.
What makes Nextiva stand out is how it combines enterprise-level features with a straightforward setup. Whether your team prefers using smartphones, laptops, or desk phones, you get professional tools like call routing, auto-attendant, and voicemail transcription without any technical hassle.
While Nextiva is our top choice, both Zoom Phone and Grasshopper offer compelling alternatives.
Zoom Phone excels at video conference integration, making it perfect for hybrid teams. Meanwhile, Grasshopper provides an excellent solution for solo entrepreneurs who want to separate personal and business calls.
Note: We also looked into many other virtual phone number apps that are not listed in this article, like RingCentral, 8×8, eVoice, and others. However, we decided it wasn’t best to include them in this showcase because we don’t want to cause choice paralysis.
Video Tutorial
If you’d like to see our video review of these virtual business phone services, then just watch the clip below:
We hope this article helped you find the best virtual business phone app for your business. You may also want to see our guide on how to get a free business email address or our expert picks of the best email marketing services for small businesses.
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Mrteesurez
Thanks for this well researched information on these virtual phone numbers apps. Is the number specific to a particular location or will I able to generate the virtual one for my region through these app ?
WPBeginner Support
You would want to check with the Apps support for if they currently have the availability for your region as there can be some fluctuation in what numbers are available.
Admin
Mrteesurez
Ok, thanks for you reply. I want to know this so that I can sure it support my location before opt in for it. I will check the documentation of each to know what location each support.
thanks for your answer.
Peter Iriogbe
You are such a great researcher and a writer. Thanks for this info but I want to ask, can one get a virtual phone number of another country as his/her business number? For example, if someone lives in Canada, can the person get a phone number in the US?
WPBeginner Support
You would want to check with the service you plan to use for their current availability.
Admin
Ahmed Omar
Thank you for this insightful overview of the best virtual business phone number apps! Managing business calls efficiently is crucial, and your detailed recommendations provide a valuable resource for both new and established business owners.
I’ve personally experienced the challenges of using a personal phone number for business and can attest to the importance of maintaining privacy and scalability.
I appreciate the inclusion of free options like Google Voice, especially for individuals and solopreneurs. I will give it a try
WPBeginner Support
You’re welcome, we hope our list is helpful as you consider the options available
Admin
ivrking87
Hey, there WPBeginner team!
First, thank you for writing this article on the best virtual business phone number apps. As someone who runs a small business, I’m always looking for tools that can make my life easier and help me better connect with my customers. Your article has given me some great options to consider.
What stood out about this article was the variety of options you included. I appreciate that you highlighted some of the most well-known virtual phone number apps and introduced me to newer alternatives that I had not heard of before. It’s always helpful to have a range of choices to find the app that best suits my needs and budget.
Another thing I appreciated was the fact that you included both free and paid options. As a small business owner, I’m always conscious of my expenses and try to keep costs as low as possible. While I’m willing to pay for a service if it’s truly necessary, it’s always nice to have free options to explore first. Thank you for taking the time to research and compile this list – it’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their business’s communication capabilities.
WPBeginner Support
You’re welcome, glad you found our list helpful!
Admin
Joanne
Thank you for thus information. When using any of these options and obtaining a virtual number, can I choose which number I manage through the app? I am trying to keep my current physical number for business snd then use my new virtual number as my new personal number.
WPBeginner Support
You would need to check with the support for the app you plan to use for the options that are available for them.
Admin
Caesar S
Hi, please edit and put a note that with Google Voice, if a phone number has ever been associated with a Google Voice number, and then discontonnected from Google Voice number, the phone number will forever not be able to obtain a Google Voice number again.
It’s in their policy.
Thanks, Caesar.
WPBeginner Support
Thank you for letting us know this information
Admin
Maite Rivera
Yes, I found out the hard way! So aggravating.
Stephen Hamilton
It is also really important for a local business to have a phone number with an area code for their city. Google looks at your phone number with SEO to see who is actually local.
WPBeginner Support
Thanks for sharing your input
Admin
Raisul Islam
Thank you so much for the Information. Helps a lot
WPBeginner Support
You’re welcome
Admin