While running your small business, you've likely found yourself wishing for a dedicated business-only phone system that will allow you and your employees to reliably communicate without using your personal cell numbers.
But unlike large call centers, hospitals and corporations, you don't need an expensive on-premise system equipped with hundreds of physical phones. So what are you to do?
Enter virtual phone services. By pairing the customization and professionalism of on-premise systems with the convenience and flexibility of a cloud-based platform, virtual phone services are an ideal solution. Here are the best ones for small businesses like yours.
5 Best Virtual Phone Services for Small Businesses
Ready to stop using your personal line for business calls? Consider using one of these top-tier virtual phone services for small businesses.
1. Grasshopper
Unique in its ability to add a business line and virtual phone system to your existing personal phone, Grasshopper is one of the most convenient virtual phone services available to small business owners.
Its benefits include:
- A seven-day free trial, with no credit card required
- Multiple pricing tiers to choose from
- Mobile and desktop apps
- 24/7 U.S.-based support
- Unlimited minutes with all plans
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Wi-Fi calling
- Business texting
- Virtual fax
- Virtual receptionist
- Call transfer and holding functionality
- Complete incoming call control
- Detailed call reports
- Option to choose either a local, toll-free or customized number
- Extensions that forward to the number of your choice
- Custom greetings
- Voicemail transcription
2. Google Voice
With its simple, easy-to-use format and handy integrations, Google Voice is a solid choice for business owners on a budget. However, keep in mind that the version of Google Voice designed specifically for businesses also requires a Google Workspace subscription.
Its benefits include:
- Several pricing plans
- Mobile and desktop apps
- 24/7 support
- VoIP and Wi-Fi calling
- Texting capabilities
- Integration with Google Calendar and Google Meet
- Usage reporting
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail transcription
3. Phone.com
If you're looking for an all-in-one virtual phone service, Phone.com is a top candidate. With calling, texting, video conferencing and more, Phone.com's system is ready to go right out of the box.
Its benefits include:
- Tiered pricing plans (the cheapest plan has a limited number of minutes)
- Mobile and desktop apps
- 24/7 support
- VoIP and Wi-Fi calling
- SMS texting
- Fax from phone
- Call routing
- Voicemail transcription
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance
4. MightyCall
Already use business-oriented programs like Zoho CRM, Salesforce and Zapier? Then the virtual phone service MightyCall might be a good choice for you. With its growing number of integrations with third-party software, MightyCall makes it easy to keep your current workflow intact. Just keep in mind that several of its integrations are only available for mid- and high-tier plans.
Its other benefits include:
- A seven-day free trial
- Three pricing plans to choose from (the lowest-tier plan has a limited number of call minutes and texts)
- Mobile apps (no desktop app available as of 2022)
- VoIP and Wi-Fi calling
- Text messaging
- Incoming call settings
- Voicemail transcription (mid- and high-tier plans only)
5. UniTel Voice
Last but not least is UniTel Voice, a reliable virtual phone service that offers many features small businesses will find useful.
Its benefits include:
- Four available pricing plans (the least expensive plan has a limited number of call minutes)
- Mobile apps (desktop app not available for lowest-tier plan)
- U.S.-based support
- VoIP and Wi-Fi calling
- Call transferring
- Voicemail to email
- On-hold music
- Unlimited call handling
- Fax functionality
- Call tracking and logs
Virtual Phone Service FAQs
Got questions about using a virtual phone service for your small business? We've got answers.
What Is the Cheapest Virtual Phone Service?
If you're looking to spend the least amount of money possible on a virtual phone service, you can't go wrong with Google Voice. With its cheapest plan costing just $10 per month as of 2022, it's a no-frills solution that won't break the bank. But remember, you'll also need a Google Workspace subscription — those start at $6 per user per month.
Why Use a Virtual Phone Service?
There are many reasons why small businesses may choose to use virtual phone services, but some of the most common include:
- Separation between work and personal communication
- More professional appearance
- Greater customization options
- Reporting that makes it easy to gather key insights
- Flexibility to make calls from any device
- Improved productivity and automation
- Low cost compared to on-premise systems
How Do I Get a Virtual Phone Line?
How you go about getting your own virtual phone number depends on the provider you choose. In most cases, you can simply enter a few basic personal details and create a user account in order to get started.
Streamline Your Business with a Virtual Phone Service
If you're sick of receiving business calls on your personal phone, missing important calls because no one was around to answer and struggling to remember who called at what time, a virtual phone service can make your life easier and take your small business to the next level.
Even better, it costs a fraction of what you'd pay for an on-site phone system. Visit our partner Grasshopper to get your affordable virtual phone service set up today.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.
Carrie Buchholz-Powers
Carrie Buchholz-Powers is a Colorado-based writer who’s been creating content since 2013. From digital marketing to ecommerce to land conservation, she has experience in a wide range of fields and loves learning about them all. Carrie is fond of history, animals and beauty in equal measure. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, playing video games and exploring Colorado's prairies and mountains with her husband.
