In an era where remote work, global clients, and digital communication define the modern business landscape, having a reliable virtual phone number service is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a startup founder, freelancer, small business owner, or growing enterprise, virtual phone systems with call forwarding and VoIP integration give you the flexibility to communicate from anywhere while maintaining a professional presence.
TLDR: Virtual phone number services let you manage business calls from anywhere using VoIP technology and intelligent call forwarding. They provide local or toll-free numbers, mobile apps, advanced routing, and CRM integration. Top options include RingCentral, Grasshopper, Nextiva, OpenPhone, 8×8, and Vonage. Choosing the right one depends on your budget, team size, and feature needs.
Below, we explore six of the best virtual phone number services that combine call forwarding and VoIP integration, along with a comparison chart to help you make the right choice.
Contents of Post
What Is a Virtual Phone Number Service?
A virtual phone number is a cloud-based number that isn’t tied to a specific physical phone line or SIM card. Instead, it routes calls through the internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. This allows incoming calls to be forwarded to mobile phones, desk phones, laptops, or even multiple devices simultaneously.
- Call forwarding: Automatically route calls to different devices or team members.
- VoIP integration: Make and receive calls via the internet.
- Advanced features: Voicemail to email, call recording, auto attendants, CRM integrations, and analytics.
1. RingCentral
Best for: Growing businesses and enterprises
RingCentral is one of the most well-known names in cloud communications. It offers robust VoIP capabilities paired with intelligent call forwarding features, making it ideal for teams that need reliability and scalability.
Key Features:
- Local, toll-free, and international numbers
- Multi-level auto attendant
- Advanced call routing and forwarding rules
- Video meetings and team messaging
- CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho)
RingCentral’s strength lies in its all-in-one platform. Businesses can manage phone calls, video conferencing, and internal messaging within a single dashboard. The call forwarding rules are highly customizable, allowing for time-based routing, simultaneous ringing, and department-specific call flows.
Drawback: Pricing can be higher compared to simpler solutions.
2. Grasshopper
Best for: Entrepreneurs and small businesses
Grasshopper focuses on simplicity. If you want a professional phone number without complicated setup, this is a strong contender.
Key Features:
- Toll-free and local numbers
- Call forwarding to mobile devices
- Custom greetings
- Voicemail transcription
- Mobile and desktop apps
Unlike more complex VoIP systems, Grasshopper is designed for small teams that primarily forward business calls to personal phones. It doesn’t overwhelm users with enterprise-level tools but provides enough features to establish a professional brand image.
Drawback: Limited integrations compared to competitors.
3. Nextiva
Best for: Customer-focused businesses
Nextiva combines VoIP calling with powerful customer communication tools. Its call forwarding system is highly flexible, making it suitable for customer support teams and service-oriented companies.
Key Features:
- Unlimited nationwide calling
- Call queuing and intelligent routing
- VoIP desk phone compatibility
- CRM and helpdesk integration
- Team collaboration tools
Nextiva shines in scenarios where call volume is high. Its intelligent routing ensures customers reach the right department quickly, reducing hold times and improving satisfaction.
Drawback: Advanced analytics features may require higher-tier plans.
4. OpenPhone
Best for: Startups and remote teams
OpenPhone has gained popularity among startups for its clean interface and collaborative features. It blends modern usability with practical VoIP functionality.
Key Features:
- Shared phone numbers for teams
- Call and text messaging in one app
- Customizable call forwarding
- Slack and CRM integrations
- Affordable pricing tiers
What makes OpenPhone stand out is its collaborative approach. Multiple team members can handle calls and messages from the same number, making it ideal for sales or support teams working remotely.
Drawback: May lack some enterprise-grade telephony options.
5. 8×8
Best for: International businesses
8×8 offers a comprehensive cloud communications platform with global coverage. It provides virtual numbers in numerous countries and seamless VoIP integration.
Key Features:
- International virtual numbers
- Global call forwarding
- Unlimited international calling (selected plans)
- Call recording and analytics
- Video conferencing
For businesses operating across borders, 8×8 simplifies communication by offering regional numbers that enhance local presence while centralizing call management.
Drawback: Setup may be more complex than entry-level solutions.
6. Vonage
Best for: Businesses seeking customization
Vonage Business Communications is known for flexibility and scalability. Its VoIP system integrates well with business applications and provides dynamic call forwarding features.
Key Features:
- Local and toll-free virtual numbers
- Smart call forwarding rules
- Mobile and desktop apps
- API integrations
- Call monitoring and recording
Vonage is especially attractive for tech-savvy businesses that want to integrate telephony deeply into their workflows using APIs.
Drawback: Some advanced features are add-ons.
Comparison Chart
| Service | Best For | Call Forwarding | VoIP Integration | International Numbers | Ideal Team Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RingCentral | Enterprises | Advanced routing | Full VoIP suite | Yes | Medium to Large |
| Grasshopper | Entrepreneurs | Basic forwarding | App-based calling | Limited | Solo to Small |
| Nextiva | Customer Service Teams | Intelligent routing | Full VoIP suite | Yes | Small to Large |
| OpenPhone | Startups | Custom forwarding | App-focused VoIP | Limited | Small to Medium |
| 8×8 | Global Businesses | Global routing | Enterprise VoIP | Extensive | Medium to Large |
| Vonage | Custom Workflows | Smart routing | Advanced VoIP | Yes | Small to Large |
How to Choose the Right Service
When selecting a virtual phone number provider, consider the following:
- Scalability: Will the system grow with your business?
- Integration: Does it connect with your CRM and productivity tools?
- Ease of use: Is the interface intuitive?
- Pricing: Are advanced features included or extra?
- Support: Is customer service reliable and responsive?
If you’re a solo entrepreneur, simplicity may outweigh advanced routing capabilities. For international operations, global coverage and multilingual support are critical. Meanwhile, larger teams often benefit from advanced analytics and call management features.
Final Thoughts
Virtual phone number services with call forwarding and VoIP integration have transformed how modern businesses communicate. They provide flexibility, professionalism, and control—without the limitations of traditional landlines.
From the enterprise-grade capabilities of RingCentral and 8×8 to the streamlined simplicity of Grasshopper and OpenPhone, there’s a solution for every business need. By assessing your operational goals, team structure, and growth plans, you can select a service that keeps your communication efficient, scalable, and future-ready.
In today’s competitive environment, the right virtual phone system isn’t just a convenience—it’s a strategic advantage.