The Best US Virtual Phone Number Providers
Gone are the days when you need a physical location and a copper wire to set up a phone number. With Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), you can easily acquire a US virtual phone number that can be accessed with an internet-capable device.
With a number of excellent providers to choose from, getting your USA virtual phone number can be done in a matter of minutes. Wondering who the best virtual US phone number providers are? Read on to learn more about US virtual phone numbers and the best providers.
What Is a US Virtual Phone Number?
When you’re receiving a phone call from a virtual US phone number, you likely won’t have any idea. The caller ID will show up just the same as a traditional phone number. So what’s the difference between a traditional phone number and a virtual phone number?
With a traditional phone number, you need a telephone line or a mobile phone. The phone number is based on your physical location, or in the case of a cell phone, the location where you signed up for service. In order to make and receive phone calls, you need the right hardware.
A USA virtual phone number, however, is not location dependent, nor does it require the use of a landline or mobile phone. Instead, virtual phone numbers conduct calls using VoIP service. All you need to make a phone call is an internet connection and an internet-capable device, such as a tablet or computer. The advantage to this is that you can make and receive calls from just about anywhere. Additionally, you have some control over the phone number itself. You can get a US virtual phone number with an area code outside of your physical location. This can be especially helpful when branching out into a new market without a physical office.
Types of Virtual Phone Numbers in the US
When it comes to a USA virtual phone number, there are a few different kinds to choose from. The right one will depend on the unique needs of your business.
- Local US virtual phone numbers: A local phone number begins with a three-digit area code based on region. With a virtual phone number, you can opt for a local number in a different city or state.
- Toll-free numbers: These phone numbers are free to call from any US phone number. Toll-free numbers begin with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888.
- Vanity numbers: Vanity numbers are a special kind of toll-free number. They usually spell out up to 7 letters of a word or phrase that is easy for the caller to remember. A couple of famous vanity numbers include 1 (800) FLOWERS and 1 (800) CONTACTS.
- Virtual mobile number: A virtual mobile number looks like a typical cell phone number. One of the benefits of a virtual mobile number is that it allows employees to make customer calls safely without giving customers their personal information. Employees can share a single virtual mobile number, taking calls as they are available.
Benefits of Using a Virtual US Phone Number
Using a USA virtual phone number comes with a number of benefits. Here are some of the top benefits of virtual US phone numbers:
- Purchase less hardware: Because you can make calls and send texts from any internet-capable device, you don’t need to purchase specific hardware. Instead, you can use laptops, computers, and tablets that you already own.
- Assign working hours for each phone number: With a virtual phone number, you can program hours of operation for specific phone numbers. For example, you might set your office phone number to be open from 9 to 5 and your tech support line to be open 24/7.
- Save money: Traditional landline phone service can be pricey, especially when it’s time to add more lines. With a US virtual phone number, you’ll pay much less per month, saving you money. Virtual phone numbers are affordable even for small and medium businesses.
- Work remotely: In the age of remote working, being able to communicate with coworkers working from home is essential. With a virtual US phone number, all you have to do is log onto your provider’s app to make and receive work-related phone calls wherever you are.
- Utilize integrations: Most virtual US phone number providers offer integrations with other popular software. Being able to access all of your apps in one location helps you work more efficiently.
What to Look for in a US Virtual Phone Number Provider
There are a lot of US virtual phone number providers out there, but not all of them are the same. Here are some of the things to look for when choosing a virtual phone number provider:
- Security: Security breaches are a major concern. Finding a provider with robust security features will give you peace of mind.
- Call quality: The quality of the call can affect your ability to communicate effectively. Look for providers with high call quality.
- Multiline management: Multiline management allows you to use one device for multiple lines. This can be especially helpful for employees using their personal phones to answer work calls.
- Price: Look for a provider that fits your budget. Some, like Google Voice, offer free plans, with more features available with a paid subscription.
- Admin features: As an administrator, access to data and analytics can help you manage your business more effectively. Other admin features to look for include call routing, call recording, and call screening.
- Synced communications: With a US virtual mobile phone number, you can sync your communications across a number of devices. This makes communication with your coworkers and customers seamless, no matter where you happen to be.
Top US Virtual Phone Number Providers
When it comes to US virtual phone number providers, you’ve got a lot to choose from. We’ve put together a list of the top virtual US phone providers to help make your decision easier.
Nextiva
Nextiva comes in at the top of our list for many reasons. Nextiva offers a complete communications platform with price points for just about any business size. With highly-rated customer service, reliability, and a huge variety of features, Nextiva is simply one of the best virtual phone number providers in the US. Prices start at $18.95 per user.
Features:
- Third-party integrations like Zendesk, Sugar CRM, and Microsoft Outlook
- Highly-rated customer support
- Chat and messaging features for instant employee communication
- Send SMS messages from your USA virtual phone number
- Call routing, call forwarding, and call recording
- Auto attendant and interactive voice response (IVR)
- Faxes and voice messages delivered to your email
- Conference calling
- Video calls
- Call Pop, which brings up relevant customer information during a call
Pros:
- High-definition call quality for clear communication
- All features can be easily accessed through the NextivaONE app
- Robust analytics and reporting
- Multiple price tiers and service options
- Compatible with iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and macOS
Cons:
- Nextiva doesn’t have offer a free plan
Vonage
Vonage, which offers voice, text, and video service, is another one of the most popular virtual phone number service providers. Vonage is highly scalable, with plans accessible for small-to-medium businesses as well as enterprise level. Prices start at $13.99 per user.
Features:
- Virtual Receptionist
- Click-to-Dial
- Paperless Fax
- Voicemail to Email
- Call monitoring
- Call Follow Me
- Divert call
- Voice and video conferencing
Pros:
- Third-party integrations for a number of popular CRMs
- Easy-to-use app
- Scalability of service
Cons:
- Limited customer support
- Some compatibility issues with software
Ooma
If you’re a small-to-medium business without an IT department, Ooma is a great option for your US virtual phone number. Ooma is easy to set up and has a free plan as well as affordable plans with more features. Prices start at $19.95 per user.
Features:
- Virtual Receptionist
- Full-feature app
- HD call quality
- Call forwarding
- Call monitoring
- Voicemail monitoring
- Second line
- Backup number
- Ring groups
- Hold music
- Digital fax
Pros:
- Works just as easily with a desk phone as it does with mobile devices
- Easy setup with auto-configuration technology
- Excellent customer support, with live chat, email support, and a dedicated business support line
Cons:
- Limited features on the basic plan
- Extra purchase to add WiFi
Zoom Phone
You probably know about Zoom’s video conferencing platform, but did you know that Zoom Phone offers virtual US phone number service for businesses? Zoom Phone has an affordable starting price at $10 per user. Make phone calls, send SMS messages, and even access Zoom’s video platform with Zoom Phone.
Features:
- Shared voicemail
- Call delegation
- Integration with Zoom meetings
- Voicemail to text
- Virtual receptionist
- Customizable hold music and greetings
- Call queues
- Ring groups
- Spam prevention
- Third-party integrations
Pros:
- Affordability
- Extremely scalable
- High customer satisfaction
Cons:
- Lower security
- Limited customer support
Google Voice
Another one of our top choices for US virtual phone number providers is Google Voice. With Google Voice, you can obtain a USA virtual phone number for free or choose a paid plan for more features. Prices start at $10 per user. Google Voice is user-friendly and both fast and easy to deploy.
Features:
- Real-time analytics
- Custom greetings
- Call screening using Google AI
- Call routing
- Call groups
- Seamless integration with Google apps
- SMS messaging
- Voice calls
- Audio conference calls
- Call recording
- HD quality
- Voicemail to email
Pros:
- Noise cancellation
- Scalable
- Easy to use
Cons:
- No toll-free numbers
- Fewer features than other providers
Acefone
Acefone is an easy-to-customize virtual US phone number provider with prices starting at $12.99 per user. Acetone’s mobile app makes working remotely simple, allowing you to make and receive calls anywhere you have WiFi.
Features:
- Dedicated customer service 24/7
- All-in-one admin portal
- Number porting
- HD audio
- 99.99% uptime
- Realtime reporting
- SMS over VoIP
- Call announcement
- Call twinning
- Custom voicemail message
- Conference calls
- Automated reports
- Ring groups
- Call barge
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Integrations with over 20 third-party apps
- Feature-rich
Cons:
- No contact database syncing
- You may need to contact support for setup
Finding the Right Virtual US Phone Number for Your Business
With a virtual US phone number, you can conduct your business from anywhere you have internet access. Benefits of a USA virtual phone number include security, the ability to work remotely, and cost savings. The right provider for you depends on the features you need as well as your budget.
Need help finding the right US virtual phone number provider for your business? OneStop Communications can help. We work with the nation’s top providers, such Nextiva, Vonage, AT&T, and more. We’ll help you find the right provider at the right price. We’re based in Atlanta and serve the entire area. In fact, we serve all of the southeast including Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Auburn, Montgomery, and more!
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