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A virtual phone number is a telephone number handled by a calling service that routes calls to connected devices or phone systems rather than being tied to one physical handset. You may answer on a smartphone, computer, or compatible desk phone, depending on the service. The label alone does not tell you whether the number supports incoming calls, outgoing calls, text messages, emergency calling, or transfer to another provider.
What is a virtual phone number?
It is a number delivered through a service that directs communications to one or more endpoints. The number is not itself a phone; the service behind it determines how calls are placed, received, and routed. Many virtual-number services use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which carries voice over internet networks, but the terms are not interchangeable guarantees of specific features.
For example, Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission defines a VoIP number in its 2025 regulation as a number used for telecommunications services that let end users call and receive calls from the Kingdom’s licensed public networks using IP networks. That is a jurisdiction-specific regulatory definition, not a universal definition of every product marketed as a virtual number.
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How do virtual phone numbers work?
A provider connects the number to a service and routes calls to supported devices or a phone system. That could mean an app on a smartphone or computer, call forwarding to another number, or a business system that distributes calls among staff. A physical office phone may work too, but it must be compatible with the service.
#1 Best Overall
- The Ooma 2603 entry-level IP phone makes it easy for people to interact and maximize productivity. Supports 3 lines and 5-way audio conferencing for easy conference calls.
- This phone only works with the award-winning Ooma Office phone service. Plans start at $19.95/user/month and include 50+ features. Upgrade to get features like Videoconferencing, Call Recording, CRM Integration and more.
- If your work environment gets loud at times, you’ll appreciate this phone’s noise shield technology to reduce background sounds. That, coupled with Ooma’s VoIP technology, will make sure your calls are crystal clear.
- Work from anywhere using the Ooma Office desktop and free mobile app. Make and take calls from your business number on the go, send messages and more.
- With Ooma Office, you can select a new phone business number or keep an existing one. Give your business a nationwide presence with a toll-free number—it’s free and includes 500 minutes of inbound calls each month.
VoIP services do not all handle calls the same way. Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, groups them into four broad modes:
- Peer-to-peer: calls between users within an application community.
- VoIP Out: calls from the internet to the public telephone network.
- VoIP In: calls received from the public telephone network.
- VoIP In and Out: both incoming and outgoing calls between the service and the public telephone network.
A provider may allocate an ordinary geographic number or a VoIP number. Check the specific service rather than assuming that having a virtual number automatically means you can call and receive calls through the public telephone network.
Rank #2
- Immersive 3D Experience: Put on our VR headset and enter the breathtaking world of immersive 3D virtual reality. 90°-110° FOV wide field of view makes it compatible with almost all smartphones to bring you a fully immersive visual 360 experience, allowing you to enter another dimension in games, movies and virtual tours.
- Ergonomic Design for Maximum Comfort: Enjoy all-day comfort with the TECKNET VR Headset. Featuring an adjustable headband and soft nose rest, it fits all head shapes and sizes perfectly. Weighing only 268g, its lightweight design and breathable soft foam mask reduce pressure and enhance airflow, allowing for extended gaming and viewing sessions without discomfort.
- Universal Compatibility: Our VR glasses support smartphones with 4.7-7.2 inch screens. It's compatible with iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11/Pro/Max/Mini/Xs Max/XR/X/Xs, 8, 8 plus, 9, 9 plus, SE, for Samsung S23/ 22/ 21 Ultra/ S22/ S21/ S20/S10/ S10e/S10 Plus/S9/ S9 Plus/S8 Plus/Note 20/10 Plus/Note 10/ 9/8/A20e/A50 Google Pixel, Android etc. Mobile phones with a screen size of 6.2 inches or larger can have the screen frame removed for usage. This feature allows for a perfect fit and improved heat dissipation.
- Eye Protection & Myopic Usable: Our VR goggles are equipped with blue light protection lenses, which block harmful blue light and can relieve eye fatigue and protect your eyes. With a dual independent lens, adjustable pupil distance and focal length, it perfectly matches your focal length and reduces aberration. Support naked eye viewing for people with myopia within 600°. Even if you use it for a long time, it will not cause eye strain, giving you the best 3D immersive experience possible.
- Eye Protection & Myopic Usable: Our VR goggles are equipped with blue light protection lenses, which block harmful blue light and can relieve eye fatigue and protect your eyes. With a dual independent lens, adjustable pupil distance and focal length, it perfectly matches your focal length and reduces aberration. Support naked eye viewing for people with myopia within 600°. Even if you use it for a long time, it will not cause eye strain, giving you the best 3D immersive experience possible.
What devices and features can you use?
Many services let users handle calls through apps on smartphones or computers. Some also support desk phones, forwarding, voicemail, or business routing features. The exact combination depends on the provider, plan, market, and compatible equipment. For instance, Google documents business features such as ring groups and multi-level auto attendants; these are capabilities of its service, not standard features of every virtual number.
Before choosing a service, confirm whether it supports the functions you need:
Rank #3
- [How to claim your eSIM] After purchasing, please go to the "Jethro Mobile" homepage & fill out a request to get your eSIM QR code by email quickly.
- [Reliable Coverage] Access high-speed 5G/4G LTE service using T-Mobile's network across the US, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- [Unlimited Talk & Text] Call and message as much as you want—keep in touch without worrying about overages.
- [Easy Activation] Set up your service online or by phone and get a local U.S. number within minutes or keep your existing one.
- [Unlimited International Calling] Call family and friends in Canada, Japan, and Mexico anytime from the U.S., with no extra fees.
- Incoming calls, outgoing calls, or both
- SMS or MMS, if you need text messaging
- Apps, computers, and any desk phones you plan to use
- Call forwarding, ring groups, voicemail, or automated attendants
- Number availability in your country and the number type you need
What should you know about emergency calls?
Emergency calling is not uniform across VoIP services. Ask the provider whether emergency calls are supported, how you register the service address, and how to update that address if you move. Internet or power outages may also prevent a service from working, and some providers may require equipment.
The North Carolina Department of Justice advises consumers to check 911 limitations and address requirements, and to consider the effects of power and internet outages. Its guidance applies to North Carolina consumers; rules and provider obligations differ elsewhere. Ofcom’s 2007 statement provides historical UK regulatory context, not a current global rule.
Rank #4
- [How to claim your eSIM] After purchasing, please go to the "Jethro Mobile" homepage & fill out a request to get your eSIM QR code by email quickly.
- [Reliable Coverage] Access high-speed 5G/4G LTE service using T-Mobile's network across the US, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- [Unlimited Talk & Text] Call and message as much as you want—keep in touch without worrying about overages.
- [Easy Activation] Set up your service online or by phone and get a local U.S. number within minutes or keep your existing one.
- [Unlimited International Calling] Call family and friends in Canada, Japan, and Mexico anytime from the U.S., with no extra fees.
Can you keep your existing phone number?
Sometimes. Number portability—the ability to keep a number when changing providers—depends on the country, number type, service, and provider eligibility. Ofcom describes portability as a regulated facility in the UK. Saudi Arabia’s 2025 regulation includes VoIP numbers within the fixed-service portability scope and specifies procedures for that jurisdiction.
Do not assume a particular number can be transferred just because it is virtual. Check eligibility with both the current and prospective providers and consult the applicable local rules before switching.
Best Value
- Immersive 3D Experience: Put on our VR headset and enter the breathtaking world of immersive 3D virtual reality. 90°-110° FOV wide field of view makes it compatible with almost all smartphones to bring you a fully immersive visual 360 experience, allowing you to enter another dimension in games, movies and virtual tours.
- Ergonomic Design for Maximum Comfort: Enjoy all-day comfort with the TECKNET VR Headset. Featuring an adjustable headband and soft nose rest, it fits all head shapes and sizes perfectly. Weighing only 268g, its lightweight design and breathable soft foam mask reduce pressure and enhance airflow, allowing for extended gaming and viewing sessions without discomfort.
- Ergonomic Design for Maximum Comfort: Enjoy all-day comfort with the TECKNET VR Headset. Featuring an adjustable headband and soft nose rest, it fits all head shapes and sizes perfectly. Weighing only 268g, its lightweight design and breathable soft foam mask reduce pressure and enhance airflow, allowing for extended gaming and viewing sessions without discomfort.
- Eye Protection & Myopic Usable: Our VR goggles are equipped with blue light protection lenses, which block harmful blue light and can relieve eye fatigue and protect your eyes. With a dual independent lens, adjustable pupil distance and focal length, it perfectly matches your focal length and reduces aberration. Support naked eye viewing for people with myopia within 600°. Even if you use it for a long time, it will not cause eye strain, giving you the best 3D immersive experience possible.
- Eye Protection & Myopic Usable: Our VR goggles are equipped with blue light protection lenses, which block harmful blue light and can relieve eye fatigue and protect your eyes. With a dual independent lens, adjustable pupil distance and focal length, it perfectly matches your focal length and reduces aberration. Support naked eye viewing for people with myopia within 600°. Even if you use it for a long time, it will not cause eye strain, giving you the best 3D immersive experience possible.
How to compare virtual phone services
- Check location and number type. Confirm the provider offers the number type you need in your country.
- Confirm calling direction. Verify whether the service supports incoming calls, outgoing calls, or both.
- Check messaging and devices. Ask whether SMS or MMS is included and whether your phone, computer, or desk phone is supported.
- Review emergency calling. Confirm availability, address registration, and what happens when internet or power is unavailable.
- Compare routing tools. Check whether you need forwarding, ring groups, voicemail, or auto attendants, and whether the plan includes them.
- Verify number transfers. Ask about porting both into and out of the service for your number type and country.
- Calculate total cost. Check charges per user, number, and usage; pricing can vary by country, number type, and capability. Verify current prices and availability with the provider.
Also read the service terms for contract length, automatic renewal, cancellation rules, and limits on any “unlimited” calling offer. Provider features, pricing, and number inventory can change.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
