Virtual landline guide
Virtual Landline UK (2026): Best Options, Prices & How It Works
A virtual landline lets you use a UK landline number (01/02/03) without a physical phone line. In practice, most services are either call forwarding or VoIP/app-based. This guide explains the differences, typical UK pricing, and how to choose the best option—plus a newer approach that works natively on your mobile (no app, no VoIP).
Key benefits of a virtual landline?
Look established
Use a UK landline number for a more professional presence—ideal for small businesses and mobile teams.
Work from anywhere
Route calls to your mobile, multiple devices, or a team—no need to stay near a desk phone.
Keep your number
In many cases you can port an existing landline to a virtual service so customers keep calling the same number.
What is a virtual landline?
A virtual landline is a UK landline number that isn’t tied to a physical copper line or a fixed address. Calls to the number are routed (forwarded or delivered via VoIP/SIM) to a mobile, desk phone, app, or team of users.
Important
“Virtual landline” is an umbrella term. Two providers can both sell “virtual landlines” but deliver calls in completely different ways (forwarding vs VoIP vs SIM-native). The delivery method is what determines call quality, features, reliability, and cost so be careful when comparing two very different services even if they share the same name.
How a virtual landline works (3 most common types)
In the UK, most virtual landline services fall into one of the categories below. It's often best to choose based on how you work: mobile-first, desk-based, or multi-user teams.
1) Call forwarding (divert to mobile)
Incoming calls are forwarded to your chosen destination number (often a mobile). This is the simplest setup, but can create a two-leg call that impacts cost and quality.
2) VoIP / app-based calling
Calls are handled over the internet via an app (softphone) or VoIP desk phones. Great for features, but relies on Wi-Fi/data and app reliability which can be hit or miss.
3) SIM-native delivery (no app)
Calls are delivered like normal mobile calls (native dialler), while also presenting a landline number. Best for businesses that live on mobile, want maximum reliability and sim-plicity (please excuse the pun).
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 a lot because providers bundle different things (number rental, minutes, forwarding, VoIP seats, features). Use the table below as a rough guide to costs - you can also view a list of the top virtual landline providers in the UK.
| Type | Typical cost | What you usually get | Hidden costs to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic forwarding | ~£5–£15 / month | Number rental + divert rules | Forwarding charges, per-minute rates, peak vs off-peak pricing |
| VoIP systems | ~£10–£30+ / user / month | Users, features, apps/softphones | Extra numbers, call bundles, add-ons, implementation fees |
| SIM-native | £10 / user / month | Landline ID on mobile + native calling | Data bundles (only applicable if you want to replace primary sim). |
Tip
If you’re comparing providers, ask exactly how calls are delivered (forwarded, VoIP/app, or SIM-native) and whether outbound calls can present the landline number if that's important to you.
Best virtual landline options in the UK (2026)
The “best” option depends on your working style. Here’s a practical shortlist of what to choose and why.
Best for mobile-first businesses
Choose a solution that works natively on mobile (no app) if you’re out and about, want reliable call quality, and prefer the normal phone dialler experience.
Best for teams & call routing
Choose a VoIP phone system if you need multi-user extensions, advanced call flows, analytics, and integrations (CRM/helpdesk).
Best for simplest setup
Choose basic call forwarding if you just want calls diverted to a mobile and don’t need advanced features, just confirm total call costs.
See ONSIM Virtual LandlineComparison: forwarding vs VoIP vs SIM-native
This table is the fastest way to decide what suits your business.
| Feature | Call forwarding | VoIP / app-based | SIM-native (no app) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works without an app | Yes | No (typically) | Yes |
| Reliability on mobile | Medium | Poor (data/Wi-Fi dependent) | High (native call path) |
| Call quality | Medium | Variable (network dependent) | High |
| Outbound caller ID shows landline | No | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-user routing | Basic | Strong | Strong (but requires multiple users) |
| Setup | Low effort | High Effort | Low effort |
How to choose a virtual landline provider
Before you buy, check these 7 things. These are the exact factors that typically make or break the experience.
1) Delivery method
Is it call forwarding, VoIP/app-based, or SIM-native? This drives reliability, quality, and cost.
2) Total call costs
Look beyond the monthly fee: per-minute rates, forwarding charges, and bundles matter.
3) Outbound caller ID
Can you reliably present your landline number on outgoing calls?
4) Number porting
Can you port your existing landline? What’s the lead time and fee?
5) Call handling
Do you need business hours, IVR/menus, call recording, or ring groups?
6) Team needs
For multiple users, VoIP systems or sim native usually win.
7) Support & setup
Ask how onboarding works, what’s self-serve, and what support SLAs look like.
Mobile-first tip
If your business runs from mobile and you’re tired of VoIP/app issues, choose a solution designed to work with the native dialler. That’s typically the most “invisible” experience for day-to-day calls.
Virtual landline FAQs
The questions below match common UK searches (and help you win extra SERP real estate via FAQ schema).
What is a virtual landline? v
A virtual landline is a UK landline number (01/02/03) that isn’t tied to a physical phone line. Calls are typically forwarded to a mobile, handled via a VoIP app or applied directly to a SIM/eSIM.
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/month. Some services also charge per-minute call rates or call forwarding fees.
Do I need broadband for a virtual landline? v
If your virtual landline uses VoIP apps or a VoIP phone system, yes—good internet is imperative. If calls are delivered natively via forwarding or a SIM-based approach, you don’t need broadband but do require mobile signal (or WiFi Calling).
Can I keep my existing landline number? v
Usually yes — most providers support porting (transferring) your existing UK landline number, subject to eligibility and porting fees/lead times.
Can I make outbound calls showing my landline number? v
Some providers support this, but it depends on how the service is delivered (forwarding vs VoIP vs SIM-native). With SIM-native setups, outbound calls can present the landline caller ID.
Is a virtual landline the same as VoIP? v
Not always. Many virtual landlines rely on VoIP, but some are simple call-forwarding services. The key difference is whether calls are handled over the internet (VoIP/app) or routed as normal calls.
Can multiple people answer the same virtual landline number? v
Yes — many services can ring multiple devices (hunt groups), route by time of day, or offer multi-user phone systems. The exact options vary by provider.
Will it work abroad? v
Typically yes, but it depends on the setup. VoIP solutions work wherever you have data/Wi-Fi (as long as it's not blocked in that country). SIM-native solutions work wherever your SIM has coverage (roaming rules apply).
Want a virtual landline that works like a normal mobile call?
If you want a professional landline number without apps or VoIP reliability issues, ONSIM can deliver calls natively—so it feels like a regular phone call, just with your landline number.
Disclaimer: Pricing ranges are indicative and based on research as of Feb 2026 and vary by provider and configuration. For regulated or specialist use cases (e.g. call recording compliance), ensure the provider meets your specific requirements. If in doubt always discuss your requirements with the provider prior to signing up for services. Our team will be happy to give advice based on your business needs.