A virtual phone number lets you and your team make and receive calls on the same business line across multiple devices—including smartphones, desktops, tablets, and VoIP desk phones. Instead of sharing your personal number, you use a professional business number that can route and manage calls, texts, and voicemails wherever you are, with better control over greetings, hours, and analytics.

The Top 8 Best Virtual Phone Number Companies in 2025

  • Nextiva — Best Overall Virtual Phone System for reliability, ease of use, and scaling from solo to enterprise
  • RingCentral — Best for Advanced Communication Features and deep integrations
  • Ooma — Best for Remote and Hybrid Teams that need quick setup and intuitive apps
  • CallHippo — Best for Custom Vanity Numbers and brand-forward calling
  • Talkroute — Best for Small and Midsize Call Centers that want simple, powerful routing
  • 800.com — Best for Affordable Toll-Free Numbers and nationwide reach
  • Google Voice — Best Free Option for Solopreneurs and side hustles
  • eVoice — Best for Built-In Faxing and flexible call forwarding

Below, you’ll find what makes each provider stand out, who it’s best for, and the key features to consider before you choose.

Nextiva — Best Overall Virtual Phone System

Having a local number builds instant trust—customers are more likely to call a number that feels “just around the corner.” With Nextiva, you can create a presence in any city with virtual local and toll-free numbers while running everything from a single unified app.

Nextiva combines VoIP calling, video meetings, team messaging, texting (SMS/MMS), and digital faxing in one interface. Features like auto attendants, call queues, call park/transfer, voicemail to email/transcription, and multi-level IVR are straightforward to set up, and the system works on iOS, Android, web, and compatible desk phones.

Setup is fast and fully cloud-based—no special wiring. You can port existing numbers, add new local or toll-free numbers, and manage users and permissions in minutes. As you grow, you can add advanced capabilities like call recording, analytics dashboards, and CRM integrations without switching platforms.

Highlights worth noting:

  • Unified calling, texting, video, and team chat in a single app
  • Multi-level auto attendants and call queues for professional routing
  • Number porting, E911 support, and granular user permissions
  • Integrations for CRM and help desk tools to surface caller context
  • Scales cleanly from a single user to fully distributed teams

No matter how big your team gets or where people are located, Nextiva gives you an easy, reliable way to build trust, manage calls, and centralize business communications.

RingCentral — Best for Advanced Communication Features

RingCentral delivers a robust unified communications platform for teams that want more than voice. Beyond business calling, you get HD video meetings, persistent team chat, task management, and a large ecosystem of integrations to connect your phone system to the rest of your stack.

Admins can spin up departments, extensions, and routing rules quickly. You’ll find tools like a smart auto-receptionist, shared lines, live transfer, voicemail transcription, IVR menus, call queues, monitoring, and analytics—managed from a powerful web dashboard with role-based access.

Standout capabilities include:

  • Unlimited domestic calling and texting with local or toll-free numbers
  • Multi-level IVR, call queues, whisper/barge/monitor, and cloud PBX
  • Cross-platform apps (desktop, mobile, browser) with persistent chat
  • Internet faxing, voicemail to email, and advanced analytics
  • Dozens of integrations—including CRM, help desk, and productivity suites

RingCentral offers multiple tiers so you can start small and layer on advanced tools as you grow. If your team needs collaboration, automations, and enterprise-grade controls alongside calling, RingCentral is among the most feature-complete options.

For very small teams with simple needs, the depth here may feel like overkill—but for fast-scaling businesses, the extra power pays off in workflow efficiency.

Ooma — Best for Remote and Hybrid Teams

Ooma is ideal for small and midsize teams split between home and office. The apps are simple, the setup is quick, and you can port your existing numbers or provision new local/toll-free lines during signup.

Ooma’s core features cover the essentials: virtual receptionist, multi-level auto-attendant, ring groups, call queuing, business texting, call logs, voicemail to email/transcription, and digital faxing. The desktop and mobile apps keep everyone connected without extra hardware.

Why it works well for distributed teams:

  • Fast, no-IT deployment and intuitive user onboarding
  • Flexible call routing and business hour rules
  • Video meetings and call recording on higher-tier plans
  • Easy number porting plus support for local and toll-free presence

If you’re building a flexible or distributed team, Ooma keeps communication unified without adding complexity. Start with a new number or bring your own and scale on your terms.

CallHippo — Best for Custom Vanity Numbers

CallHippo stands out for memorable vanity numbers—like 1-800-FLOWERS-style lines that boost brand recall and response rates. Its search tool makes it easy to find, purchase, and activate vanity numbers that align with your brand or service.

Beyond branding, CallHippo includes the call-handling tools growing teams need: IVR menus, smart routing and distribution, live transfer, call recording, power dialer for outbound teams, and real-time analytics. You can segment by department or campaign to keep performance organized.

Plans range from basics to enterprise-grade controls. For most, the mid-tier options deliver the best value—unlocking call forwarding, monitoring, whisper/barge, and richer reporting without enterprise overhead.

If brand visibility is a priority and you want a professional number customers remember, CallHippo makes the process straightforward.

Talkroute — Best for Small and Midsize Call Centers

Whether you run a remote support team or a compact in-house call center, Talkroute gives you the control to keep call flow organized and responsive without heavy IT lift.

Core call-center features—call queuing and stacking, forwarding, live transfers, and multi-extension management—come standard. You can also set dial-by-name directories and granular business-hour rules, so callers reach the right person quickly.

Talkroute supports:

  • Two-way texting (SMS/MMS) and automated messaging
  • Call recording, caller ID, and activity tracking
  • Customizable user permissions and team-based routing
  • Support for toll-free, local, and vanity numbers

You can make and receive calls on mobile apps, desktop, or in the browser—no special hardware required. A free trial and live demos are available so you can validate features and call quality before committing.

Multiple pricing tiers make it easy to start small and upgrade as volume grows. Mid-tier plans typically add more users and numbers plus analytics and integrations for better oversight.

800.com — Best for Affordable Toll-Free Numbers

800.com specializes in toll-free virtual numbers, perfect for businesses that want national accessibility and a polished, customer-friendly presence. Toll-free numbers eliminate caller charges, which can increase inbound volume and trust for sales and support lines.

Key features include call forwarding and routing rules, call recording, voicemail-to-email, call notes, call blocking, fax-to-email, reporting, caller ID, SMS support, and instant call notifications. Plans are straightforward, with options that include set minute allotments and an unlimited-minutes tier.

All plans support monthly or annual billing with savings for annual commitments. There are no setup fees, and you can cancel if the fit isn’t right—making it an easy way to test toll-free for your brand.

For teams that rely on inbound calls, 800.com offers a fast, affordable route to launch toll-free numbers and measure performance.

Google Voice — Best Free Option for Solopreneurs

If you’re a freelancer or solopreneur who needs a professional number without new overhead, Google Voice is a great no-cost option for personal use. Choose a local number, then call, text, and get voicemails across devices with automatic transcription and spam filtering.

Useful features include cross-device syncing, call forwarding and blocking, custom greetings, manual call recording, and lightweight collaboration via Google’s apps. It integrates naturally with Gmail and Google Calendar for scheduling and notifications.

For organizations on Google Workspace, business-grade Voice tiers add multi-user support, number porting, advanced administration, and expanded service areas—with three paid tiers (Starter, Standard, Premier) billed per user/month.

While it isn’t designed to replace full call-center tools, Google Voice delivers exceptional value for solos and very small teams that prioritize simplicity.

eVoice — Best for Built-In Faxing and Call Forwarding

If your business still relies on fax—common in real estate, healthcare, and legal—eVoice combines a virtual phone system with easy digital faxing and dependable call forwarding. You also get business texting, voicemail transcription, and full mobile support so you can work from anywhere.

Other helpful features include custom studio-recorded greetings, call scheduling and redirection, a virtual receptionist/auto-attendant, an outbound calling app with business caller ID, and 24/7 support. The platform keeps setup simple and pricing transparent, with annual discounts and a trial or money-back window to test it risk-free.

eVoice is a solid pick if you need modern calling plus dependable faxing without piecing together multiple services.

How to Find the Best Virtual Phone Number Company for You

The right provider depends on your use case, features, scalability, and budget. Think about where you’re starting today, what your team will look like in 12–24 months, and which workflows need phone, SMS, and video all in one place. Use the criteria below to narrow your shortlist.

Use Case

Solopreneurs and freelancers typically don’t need a full UCaaS platform—lightweight options like Google Voice are often enough. Small and midsize teams benefit from routing rules, analytics, and integrations found in systems like Nextiva, RingCentral, Ooma, or Talkroute. If you’re running campaigns or want branded numbers, consider CallHippo; for national accessibility, add a toll-free line via 800.com; if fax is non-negotiable, eVoice is built for it.

Plan for growth: choose a system that lets you add users, numbers, and features without migrating. Look for clear upgrade paths and admin controls that won’t require a full rebuild later.

Type of Virtual Phone System

Virtual phone systems fall into three buckets: app-only tools, cloud-hosted VoIP, and fully unified communications platforms. App-only tools can be fine for temporary or personal use, but businesses usually get better reliability, call quality, and long-term flexibility with cloud VoIP or UCaaS platforms that centralize calling, texting, and video.

If you’re building a team, prioritize platforms that support desk phones and softphones, offer QoS controls, and provide analytics so you can see what’s working and where you’re missing calls.

Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers (like 800, 888, 877, etc.) remove the cost for callers and make your brand feel more accessible nationwide. Most providers offer toll-free options, but specialists like 800.com provide simpler pricing, additional lines, and clearer reporting for campaigns and support desks.

Confirm whether minutes are pooled across users, whether there’s an unlimited-minutes plan, and how overage pricing works. For marketing, ask about call tracking and attribution so you can link performance to campaigns.

Extensions and Routing

For multi-department organizations, smart routing is critical. Features like multi-level IVR, ring groups, time-of-day routing, geographic routing, and failover rules help callers reach the right person without a live operator. Systems like Nextiva, RingCentral, and Talkroute offer granular controls and call queue management for support and sales teams.

Ask about call monitoring (listen/whisper/barge) for coaching, and verify that analytics expose abandoned call rates, average handle time, and service levels so you can staff appropriately.

Setup Process

Modern systems are designed for no-code setup, but complexity varies. Check what’s required for activation, number porting, and user onboarding. Providers with guided onboarding, live chat, and migration support reduce downtime when you switch.

If you’re porting numbers, ask about timelines, temporary forwarding during transition, and any fees. Also verify E911 configuration, CNAM (caller ID name), and 10DLC/A2P registration for business texting to ensure messages are delivered reliably (as of February 1, 2025, carriers fully filter unregistered local-number traffic).

Security, Compliance, and Reliability

For regulated industries, confirm compliance options (like HIPAA-eligible features) and data retention controls. Ask about encryption in transit, call recording storage, SSO, user roles, and detailed audit logs. On reliability, look for published uptime targets, status pages, and clear SLAs.

Costs and Fees

Pricing typically depends on users, numbers, minutes, and features (recording, analytics, advanced routing). Clarify what’s included, how taxes/fees are applied, and whether you’ll pay extra for international calling, additional toll-free minutes, or premium support. Annual plans often reduce per-user costs if you’re ready to commit.

Virtual Phone Number Implementation & Migration Checklist

Choosing a provider is only half the job—the rest is configuring your numbers, routing, compliance, and reporting so you never miss a call. Use this practical, step-by-step plan to launch (or migrate) your virtual phone system with confidence and minimal downtime.

Step-by-Step Setup

  1. Map your call flows. Sketch how calls should route during business hours and after-hours (sales, support, billing, emergencies). Note failover rules if a line is busy or an agent is offline.
  2. Choose numbers and presence. Decide on local, toll-free, or vanity numbers by use case (sales vs. support) and region. If you’re migrating, list all numbers to port and their current carriers.
  3. Verify E911 details. Add accurate emergency addresses for each user/desk phone. Test the provider’s E911 verification to avoid compliance issues.
  4. Register messaging. Complete business texting registration (10DLC/A2P). As of February 1, 2025, unregistered local-number traffic is filtered by carriers, so finish registration before campaigns go live.
  5. Stand up your auto-attendant. Create a concise main greeting (10–15 seconds). Build menu options, time-of-day routing, and holiday schedules. Keep options to 5 or fewer to reduce abandonment.
  6. Build ring groups and queues. Group agents by skill or department. Set max queue size, music/messages, overflow rules, and wait-time announcements to set expectations.
  7. Set permissions and roles. Limit access based on responsibilities (admins, supervisors, agents). Turn on SSO if available and require MFA for admins.
  8. Enable voicemail and transcripts. Standardize greetings; route transcripts to shared inboxes or Slack/Teams channels for faster follow-up. Add call recording where allowed.
  9. Integrate your stack. Connect CRM and help desk tools to surface caller history and auto-log activities. Sync calendars for presence-based routing.
  10. Pilot with a small group. Launch to 3–10 power users first. Collect issues for a week (call quality, missed calls, routing gaps), then roll out to everyone.
  11. Train and document. Create quick-reference guides for forwarding, warm transfer, conferences, and voicemail. Record a 10-minute video walkthrough for new hires.
  12. Set SLAs and KPIs. Define target answer time, abandonment rate, and first-call resolution. Build dashboards and weekly emailed reports.

Launch Readiness Checklist

  • Number porting timeline confirmed. You have LOAs submitted, temporary call forwarding in place, and a cutover window outside peak hours.
  • Business hours and holidays configured. After-hours goes to voicemail, an on-call group, or a specific emergency line with clear instructions.
  • QA calls tested. Place test calls from mobile and landline, in and out of region, to confirm IVR paths, queue behavior, and failover.
  • Texting verified. Send/receive SMS/MMS to multiple carriers; confirm opt-out (“STOP”) and help (“HELP”) responses function correctly.
  • Recording and retention policy set. Know when you can record, how long you’ll retain files, and where they’re stored.
  • Analytics live. Dashboards show call volume by line, answer speed, abandoned calls, and agent availability. Reports are scheduled to key stakeholders.

By treating your phone system like a product launch—clear routing, documented processes, and measurable targets—you’ll reduce missed calls, speed up responses, and create a more professional experience for every caller.

The Top Virtual Phone Number Companies in 2025

  • Nextiva — Best Overall Virtual Phone System for most teams
  • RingCentral — Best for Advanced Communication Features and enterprise-grade controls
  • Ooma — Best for Remote and Hybrid Teams that want fast, simple deployment
  • CallHippo — Best for Custom Vanity Numbers and brand recall
  • Talkroute — Best for Small and Midsize Call Centers with clear routing and queues
  • 800.com — Best for Affordable Toll-Free Numbers and campaign tracking
  • Google Voice — Best Free Option for Solopreneurs and very small teams
  • eVoice — Best for Built-In Faxing and straightforward forwarding