Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by Joy Kyalo
Remote work has become more popular after the COVID-19 pandemic with the advanced technology making it easier for business owners and entrepreneurs to tap into the international market regardless of their location. To make this process seamless, businesses have to utilise modern communication technology such as virtual phone numbers.
Virtual phone numbers use technologies that do not require the use of SIM cards and can establish communication over a long distance. Virtual phone numbers use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a technology that uses a stable internet connection making it an effective solution for international business owners.
For example, if you have a fashion business overseas and want to expand to the UK, you will need a UK virtual number to maintain local communication with your customers without having to set up a storefront in the UK. This option is much more affordable, as it uses local call rates instead of incurring international call charges.
How to get a UK virtual phone number? There are many virtual phone number providers where your business can obtain it. We will highlight the best virtual phone number providers in the UK and what to look for when choosing the number. But first, let us understand what a virtual phone number is.
Key Takeaways
- UK virtual phone numbers help businesses connect locally with UK customers from anywhere in the world.
- VoIP technology reduces costs while enabling flexible, remote-friendly business communication.
- Essential features like call forwarding, recording, analytics, and security improve business efficiency.
- BusinAssist offers an affordable, reliable UK virtual phone number solution for growing businesses.
What is a virtual phone number?
A virtual phone number uses VoIP technology to make and receive calls as long the device is connected to a stable internet. this number is not linked to a SIM card or copper wires like the traditional landline phones.
These numbers can integrate with third-party devices such as desktops, smartphones, tablets, or even laptops. Depending on the service provider, the numbers can be used via an app or software and have built-in features to streamline the operations of a business.
These numbers can make local calls in the UK at the normal call rate regardless of whether you are located overseas or abroad. For instance, if you are located in Canada and have a business in Cambridge, you can directly call customers in that area using the location’s area code (01223) and only be charged the basic rate which can vary but generally is around 16p per minute.
There are different types of UK virtual mobile numbers which include:
Local numbers: These numbers have specific cities or region codes
Toll-free numbers: These numbers allow customers to call your business without incurring any costs. They start with 0800 or 0808.
Vanity numbers: These are custom numbers that spell out a word or phrase using the letters on the phone keypad. This makes it memorable and easy to remember.
Now that you understand what a virtual phone number is, let us look into why you need one as a business before we delve into the best virtual phone number providers in the UK.
Why do you need a virtual phone number?
Maintain a local connection: A UK virtual phone number helps business owners maintain a local connection with their customers and also stakeholders in the UK. Coming with the flexibility of receiving and making calls from anywhere in the world, it enhances the confidence and trust of your customers to be associated with your business.
Affordability: You will save much money when purchasing a UK virtual number since they are affordable and unlike international calls, you will only incur local rates when making a call. Making international calls can be expensive especially if you are using traditional phone services. with a virtual mobile number, all you need is a stable internet connection and you will incur local rates.
Maintain professional image: Having a phone number that is dedicated to only your business matters, enhances the professional image of your business. This makes it easier for you to separate your personal from business calls ensuring you never miss a call.
The virtual phone numbers also come with personalized greetings in the name of your company signaling to your customers that you value their effort and experience in fostering your business’s professional image.
Ensures effective remote work: UK virtual phone numbers bring about effective communication without the need to have a physical office in the UK. It gives business owners the flexibility of operating from anywhere they want while maintaining effective communication with modern technology.
What features should you look into when choosing a UK virtual number?
Before we look into the service providers in the UK, let us understand the features you should look into when purchasing a UK virtual number. Features may vary from one provider to another, however, there are some which are custom in every phone number.
Clear voice quality:
Voice quality is essential when it comes to communication. When looking for a UK virtual phone number ensure the voice quality is clear and good to ensure seamless communication. Voice distortion and poor voice signal will bring about poor communication and loss of business opportunities.
Auto-attendant:
As a business owner, this feature is important to ensure your customers select the service and department they want instead of long waiting to talk to a customer service who will later direct them to the right department or person. The auto-attendant features greet callers and direct them to the right department depending on the service or help they want.
This feature redirects incoming calls to any phone number or device to ensure calls are never missed. If you are out of the office, incoming calls can be forwarded to your personal phone regardless of where you are.
Voicemail:
If unavailable, the voicemail feature helps your callers leave messages that you can listen to and return the call when in the office or as fast as you can. This feature ensures all the calls are returned maintaining credibility with your customers.
Call recording:
This is an innovative feature for businesses since it keeps accurate records of business information for later evaluation. In the UK, it is legal to record phone calls for business purposes when data protection rules are followed. This ensures the business is able to make informed decisions in how they offer their services to customers and improve their operations.
Enhanced security:
A robust security feature is essential, especially for business owners who want to keep their personal phone numbers private. This feature ensures that your company’s sensitive information is not leaked.
Call analytics:
Being able to measure and analyse sales and marketing is important. This feature helps business owners make informed decisions according to the insights and identify the flaws of their business and where it needs improvement.
What are the best virtual phone number providers in the UK?
1. BusinAssist
BusinAssist is the best UK virtual phone number service provider, helping business owners expand their business in the UK and maintain local connections. As a UK company formation service provider, they understand communication technology that is better for international business owners and features that will ensure seamless communication without any obstacles.
The virtual number can be used via an app, Android or IOS, and also comes with a free range of services that includes SMS to email, voicemail to email, call recording, call diverting, and more. With BusinAssist’s virtual mobile numbers, you are guaranteed reachability since it uses Hutchison 3, one of the largest mobile networks in the UK and a globally recognised network.
The virtual numbers are pretty affordable catering for small businesses and enterprises. It comes in two packages, standard and premium packages which are £52.00 and £105.00 annual price respectively.
Pro Tip: Businesses Choosing a UK Virtual Number
Choose a UK virtual phone number provider that offers a reliable UK network, essential call features, and clear pricing. This ensures smooth communication, scalability, and better customer trust as your business grows.
2. RingCentral
If you are looking for a service provider that offers diverse features and many integrations, RingCentral is the best UK virtual phone number provider for your business. RingCentral virtual phone number has over 250 integrations and software that support multiple devices.
Additionally, it has diverse features such as multi-level interactive voice response and live reports. This virtual phone number is best for complex businesses and business owners can get it from as low as £17.99 per month.
3. Avoxi
One essential thing about Avoxi virtual numbers is that they are adjustable and expand with work. It has a tailor-made VoIP solution and software that combines analytics and machine learning into voice usage and performance.
Avoxi has various package solutions that cater to any size of business including basic, connect, standard, advanced, and premium. The prices differ depending on the location and the type of area code you want.
4. Phonexa
If your business is looking to invest in a UK virtual mobile number for marketing purposes, then Phonexa is the best provider for you. Their numbers come with a performance marketing automation where business owners can synergize their call campaign performance with their other marketing endeavors.
They offer local, toll-free, and vanity virtual phone numbers. They have different packages such as Lite, Premium, and Enterprises which costs £250, £500, and £1,000 per month respectively. Depending on the package you choose, you will also incur a setup fee.
5. Virtual landline
They offer both toll-free and local UK virtual phone numbers. Their virtual services come with an outbound call app and have a buzz box feature that provides in-house conversion of any existing landline into a virtual phone number.
6. Call Hippo
CallHippo has a user-friendly platform that comes with a wide range of features like call analytics, power dialer, and many more. Their virtual phone system leverages AI to simplify a business’s operations. Their pricing comes in various plans such as Bronze, Silver, and Platinum at $18, $30, and $42 respectively.
There you have it, the best virtual phone number providers in the UK. It is important to do market research and analysis to understand the features your business needs to choose the right service provider.
Getting a UK virtual number from BusinAssist, the best virtual phone number service provider in the UK is a pretty straightforward process. You simply have to choose the package, fill out your personal information, and make payment. Just as simple as that. Your phone number information and details on using the App will be sent to your email. From there, you can maximise all the features to streamline your business operation.
For more information on the UK virtual phone number, contact us at info@businassist.com.
FAQs
Q: How does a virtual phone number work?
Ans: Virtual phone numbers use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which allows them to make and receive calls over a stable Internet connection. Unlike traditional landlines, virtual numbers are not linked to a SIM card or copper wires. Instead, they can be used via an app or software on any device.
Q: Where can I get a virtual phone number?
Ans: Many service providers offer virtual phone numbers. You can obtain a UK virtual phone number from online services like BusinAssist. All you have to do is choose a plan, create an account, choose your area code, and download the app.
Q: How much does a virtual phone number cost?
Ans: The price of a virtual phone number differs from one service provider to another. Virtual phone numbers that BusinAssist offers range from £52.00 standard package to £105.00 premium package annually.
Q: Can a virtual phone number receive SMS?
Ans: Virtual phone numbers can receive and send SMS and MMS online through a web application or platform without needing a SIM card.
Q: Are virtual phone numbers safe?
Ans: Virtual phone numbers come with an enhanced security feature that offers robust security to business owners who need to secure their phone numbers.
Q: Are virtual phone numbers legal?
Ans: Virtual phone numbers are legal as long as they are used for legitimate purposes.
Read Also:
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- Google Voice Alternative UK: Why BusinAssist Is the Smarter Choice
- What is Call Forwarding? A Complete Guide to How It Works
- UK Phone Number Format: A Complete Guide for Businesses
- 0207 Numbers and 0203: A Detailed Guide and Difference
Joy is a content writer at BusinAssist with 6+ years of experience in content marketing and social media strategy. She specialises in company formation and virtual operations, guiding entrepreneurs through global markets with clarity, drawing on her marketing and PR background. Business Assist with BusinAssist – your business success partner.