Comparison Guide
Compare virtual landline options in the UK
"Virtual landline" covers several different products, from a simple call divert to a full cloud phone system. Here's how the main options differ, what they cost and who each one suits.
At a Glance
The four options side by side
| Option | Own UK number | Rings a team | Out-of-hours routing | Hides your mobile | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call-forwarding number service | Low monthly fee, often plus per-minute divert charges | ||||
| Second number app on your mobile | Very low, per number | ||||
| Traditional BT landline | Line rental plus call charges, usually on contract | ||||
| Cloud phone system (Biz Phones) | From £19/user/mo, calls included |
Key Differences
What each option is really like
Call-forwarding number service
Best for: Sole traders who just need one number diverted
Cheap to start, but outbound calls still show your personal mobile and there's no team routing.
Second number app on your mobile
Best for: Testing the idea before committing
Fine for one person, but calls die with your phone battery and there's nothing to hand over to staff.
Traditional BT landline
Best for: Businesses with a permanent staffed office
Tied to one address, and the PSTN switch-off means analogue lines are being retired anyway.
Cloud phone system (Biz Phones)
Best for: Trades and small teams who answer calls on the move
Your business number rings the whole team on mobile or desk phone, with voicemail-to-email and out-of-hours routing.
Go Deeper
Read more on the option you're weighing up
Provider comparisons
Biz Phones vs bOnline, Vonage, RingCentral and more.
More about provider comparisonsPhone systems for trades
Built for life on the tools and in the van.
More about phone systems for tradesFAQ
Choosing between the options
A virtual landline is usually just a number that forwards somewhere. A cloud phone system includes the number plus the features around it — ringing several people at once, out-of-hours routing, voicemail-to-email, call recording and reporting.
Not sure which option fits?
Tell us how your calls come in and we'll recommend the simplest setup.