How to choose the best virtual landline in the UK

A virtual landline gives you a local 01 or 02 number that rings on your mobile or computer instead of on a phone line. Lots of UK providers offer one, and on the surface they look alike. This guide covers what actually separates them, so you can pick the right one for how you work. If you are new to the idea, start with what a virtual landline is.

1. How do you answer calls?

Some services only forward calls to your mobile. That works for incoming calls, but when you ring a customer back, they see your mobile number.

Others give you an app that makes and receives calls with the landline number itself, so customers only ever see the business number. If keeping your mobile number private matters, look for an app that can call out with your landline number.

2. Can you choose your area code and number?

You want a number local to the customers you serve. Check that you can pick the area code, and ideally the number itself, rather than accepting whatever is assigned. If you serve the whole country, check whether 033 numbers are offered.

3. What does it really cost?

Compare the full monthly cost, not the headline price. Things to check:

• Setup fees for the number.
• Per-minute charges for forwarded calls, which some services add on top of the monthly fee.
• Extras such as voicemail, call recording or working hours, which some providers charge for separately.
• Contract length: is it month to month, or 12 months or more?
• Annual discounts, if you know you will keep the number.

4. Can you control when it rings?

A business number that rings at 10pm is a business number you will want to switch off. Look for working hours you can set per day, with voicemail outside them, and voicemail you can pick up from your phone.

5. Does it work with how your customers contact you?

More customers now message rather than call. Check whether you can register WhatsApp Business on the number, so customers can call or message the same local number.

6. Can you try it first?

A free trial lets you check call quality, the app and the setup on your own phone before you pay.

Our checklist

Where Digital Numbers fits

Digital Numbers was built for sole traders, freelancers and small businesses that work from their mobile. You choose your area code and number, and the app makes and receives calls with it. Call forwarding, working hours and voicemail are included, and it works with WhatsApp Business. It is £7.99 a month or £79.99 a year, with no setup fee, no contract and a 7-day free trial.

Common questions

What is the best virtual landline in the UK?

The best one is the one that fits how you work. For most small businesses that means an app that calls out with the landline number, a choice of area code, working hours and voicemail included, no contract, and a free trial to test it first.

How much should a virtual landline cost?

Compare the total monthly cost, including any setup fee and per-minute charges for forwarded calls. Digital Numbers is £7.99 a month with forwarding, voicemail and working hours included and no setup fee.

Do I need a contract for a virtual landline?

Not necessarily. Many services, including Digital Numbers, are month to month, so you can cancel at any time.

Can I keep my virtual landline number if I change phone?

With an app-based service, yes. The number belongs to your account, not your handset, so you sign in to the app on your new phone.