Virtual landline guide
What Is a Virtual Landline? UK Guide for Small Businesses
A virtual landline lets you use a UK landline number without a physical phone line. In practice, most services work in one of three ways: call forwarding, VoIP/app-based calling or SIM-native delivery. This guide explains the differences, typical UK pricing and how to choose the right setup for your business.
Key benefits of a virtual landline
Look more established
Use a UK landline number for a more professional presence, especially if you run the business from your mobile.
Work from anywhere
Route calls to your mobile, multiple devices or a team without needing to sit next to a desk phone.
Keep your number
In many cases you can port your existing landline so customers keep calling the same business number.
What is a virtual landline?
A virtual landline is a UK landline number that is not tied to a physical copper line or a fixed address. Calls to that number are then routed somewhere else, such as a mobile, desk phone, VoIP app or team.
Important
“Virtual landline” is an umbrella term. Two providers can both sell a virtual landline but deliver calls in completely different ways. That delivery method is what drives call quality, reliability, setup effort, features and total cost.
How a virtual landline works
In the UK, most virtual landline services fall into one of the categories below. The right choice depends on how you work: mobile-first, desk-based or as a multi-user team.
1) Call forwarding
Incoming calls are forwarded to your chosen mobile or landline. This is usually the easiest setup, but can create a two-leg call and may involve forwarding charges.
2) VoIP or app-based calling
Calls are handled over the internet via an app or VoIP desk phone. This can offer more features, but depends on Wi-Fi, data quality and app reliability.
3) SIM-native delivery
Calls are delivered like normal mobile calls via a SIM/eSIM. This is often the best fit for businesses that work primarily on mobile and want the least friction.
How a Virtual Landline (call forwarding) Works
Simple call forwarding — nothing changes on your mobile
Your customer dials your landline
They call your business number
We send the call to your mobile
Forwarded instantly to your existing mobile
Your mobile rings as normal
Answer on your existing mobile phone as a normal call
Customers see your landline
Not your personal mobile number
Virtual landline UK pricing
Pricing varies because providers bundle different things: number rental, minutes, forwarding, users, features and implementation. Use the table below as a rough guide and compare it against how your business actually uses calls.
| Type | Typical cost | What you usually get | Hidden costs to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic forwarding | ~£5–£15 / month | Number rental and simple divert rules | Forwarding charges, per-minute rates, setup fees |
| VoIP systems | ~£10–£30+ / user / month | Users, features, apps, softphones, call routing | Extra numbers, add-ons, implementation, support tiers |
| SIM-native | ~£10 / user / month | Landline identity on mobile plus native calling | Optional data bundles or extra user costs |
Tip
Ask providers exactly how calls are delivered and what happens when you want to make outbound calls. Two services with similar prices can be very different in practice.
Comparison: forwarding vs VoIP vs SIM-native
This is the fastest way to see which setup best matches your business.
| Feature | Call forwarding | VoIP / app-based | SIM-native |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works without an app | Yes | Usually no | Yes |
| Reliability on mobile | Medium | Variable | High |
| Outbound landline caller ID | Usually no | Usually yes | Yes |
| Best for mobile-first businesses | Good | Often poor | Best |
| Setup effort | Low | Medium to high | Low |
How to choose a virtual landline provider
Before you buy, check these seven things. They usually decide whether the service feels easy or becomes a pain.
1) Delivery method
Is it forwarding, VoIP/app-based or SIM-native? This is the biggest decision.
2) Total call costs
Check monthly fees, forwarding rates, bundles and any hidden setup or add-on costs.
3) Outbound caller ID
Can you show your landline number when calling out, or is it inbound only?
4) Number porting
Can you move your existing number across, and what will that cost?
5) Call handling
Do you need ring groups, business hours, IVR, recording or more than one user?
6) Mobile experience
If your business runs from mobile, do not underestimate how much app friction affects day-to-day use.
7) Support and onboarding
Ask how setup works, what is self-serve and what happens if you need help.
Mobile-first tip
If your business lives on mobile and you are tired of VoIP app issues, choose a setup designed to work as close to the native dialler experience as possible.
Virtual landline FAQs
These are the most common questions people ask when choosing a UK virtual landline service.
What is a virtual landline? v
A virtual landline is a UK landline number (01/02/03) that is not tied to a physical phone line. Calls are typically forwarded to a mobile, handled via a VoIP app or delivered through a SIM/eSIM setup.
How much does a virtual landline cost in the UK? v
Basic services often start around £5–£15/month, while VoIP systems can be £10–£30+ per user per month. Some providers also charge per-minute rates, call forwarding fees or extra setup costs.
Do I need broadband for a virtual landline? v
If your virtual landline uses VoIP apps or a VoIP phone system, yes. If calls are forwarded to a mobile or delivered through a SIM-based setup, you do not need broadband for the call itself, although mobile signal or WiFi Calling may still matter.
Can I keep my existing landline number? v
Usually yes. Most UK providers support porting your existing landline number, subject to eligibility, lead times and any porting fees.
Can I make outbound calls showing my landline number? v
Sometimes. It depends on the provider and delivery method. Many basic call-forwarding products are inbound only, while VoIP and SIM-native services are more likely to support outbound caller ID showing your landline number.
Is a virtual landline the same as VoIP? v
No. Some virtual landline services use VoIP, but others rely on simple call forwarding or a mobile-native SIM-based setup. The term virtual landline describes the number and service model, not one specific technology.
Can multiple people answer the same virtual landline number? v
Yes. Many providers support hunt groups, ring groups or multi-user routing. The exact features vary by product and price point.
Will a virtual landline work abroad? v
Often yes, but it depends on the setup. VoIP services work wherever you have suitable data or Wi-Fi, while SIM-native services depend on roaming coverage and provider rules.
Want a simple virtual landline for your business?
If you want a UK business landline that rings on your existing mobile without apps or a full VoIP setup, ONSIM Virtual Landline is the simplest place to start.
Disclaimer: Pricing ranges are indicative and based on research as of March 2026. Actual costs vary by provider, configuration and usage. If your use case is specialist or regulated, make sure the provider meets your operational and compliance requirements before buying.