What is a virtual phone number? It’s a number that doesn’t have a direct connection to a telephone line, meaning it essentially exists in the cloud. If you purchase virtual phone number services, you’ll have additional numbers to use as contact information without needing to buy multiple phones or SIM cards.
Virtual numbers have many benefits depending on their use. Some people use them as business contact details to appear more professional or to make it look like they’re based in a different location. Others use a service like SMS-BUS to claim virtual numbers for account verification across different websites.
The possibilities are highly diverse – but there are things to consider before you buy a virtual phone number. This guide will walk you through the top five considerations so you’ll always make the right decision and get the best virtual number for your needs.
1. What’s the point of your virtual number?
Your first consideration is the purpose of the virtual phone number. What’s the point of it and what will you use it for? Someone who wants a virtual phone number to put down when registering with a website will need a different service from someone who’s looking for a virtual business number.
Why? Because the main features you need will change depending on the point of this number. We’ll talk more about the features at another point – for now, think about why you want a virtual phone number. This will quickly point you in the right direction to find the relevant service providers. It also stops you from possibly overpaying for a service with lots of features you’ll never use.
2. How much does the virtual number service cost?
Virtual number services will have different costs and fees associated with them. Some will have a pay-as-you-go business model. This is how SMS-Bus works. You buy a virtual phone number and top up the balance to receive texts online. As a result, you only ever pay when you need the number – it also opens the opportunity to buy lots of different numbers and top up their balances when required.
Other virtual number services will involve monthly/yearly subscription fees. You purchase a service with lots of bells and whistles, giving you a virtual phone number to use for the duration of your contract. It’s similar to how you’d pay for a cell phone contract or a telephone line.
There are three key things to think about when you look at these costs:
- How much can you afford to pay?
- What are you paying for?
- Are there any hidden fees?
If you have a budget, you’ll need to find virtual phone number services that fit within your price range. Then, it becomes a case of comparing the services and looking at what you pay for. In other words, what are you getting for the price of this service? It’s an easy way to distinguish the best services from the rest – if two providers offer the same rates, but one gives you access to more features, then that’s obviously the better value service.
Lastly, be sure you know of all the fees associated with the virtual phone number. Will you be charged for going over your limit on texts or minutes? Are there additional fees for specific features? Will they charge extra if you want to close your account early?
3. What features are you looking for?
Think back to why you’re buying a virtual phone number – what will you use it for? This instantly determines the must-have features of a service like this.
For example, let’s say you want to create an Etsy account and need a virtual number for verification purposes. Your desired features are fairly limited; all you’re looking for is SMS forwarding. You simply need a number to forward the verification SMS to, allowing you to type the code into your Etsy account.
In situations like this, there’s no need to overpay for virtual phone number services with loads of additional features. You won’t use them, so it’s best to pick a more affordable and basic option with SMS forwarding.
With that being said, what if you want to buy virtual phone number services to set up a business? You don’t want to receive calls to your personal phone number and would like a more professional number instead. Consequently, you’ll be looking for extra features, such as:
- Call forwarding to a virtual assistant
- Dedicated voicemail
- Speech-to-text email forwarding
- Professional business number extensions
The list can go on, but it all depends on what you need. This will mean the best virtual phone number service for one person might not be the best for someone else. Make a list of all the essential features you’re after to help narrow down the options.
4. How easy is the virtual number to use?
Nobody wants a complicated service. Virtual phone numbers should be easy for anyone to use. With SMS Bus, you control everything from our website. It’s super simple: purchase your virtual phone number, receive SMS messages, and view these messages online. You don’t need an extra phone, and you don’t need to download any bulky software.
The easier a virtual number is to use, the better it will be. Of course, this partially comes down to your experience and tech-saviness. If you’ve used virtual numbers in the past and have no issues using different software applications, then it won’t matter as much to you.
5. Does the service have positive reviews?
Lastly, always check a service provider’s reviews before you buy virtual phone numbers. Look at what other people have to say about the company and the virtual numbers. Are the reviews generally positive? If so, you know this is a service you can trust. Pay attention to what people say in their reviews as well – are they talking about scams, privacy, and anything else like that? Do they mention the features or how easy the service is to use?
You’ll learn a lot about a service by checking the reviews – and this could, ultimately, sway your decision.
Key benefits of buying a virtual number
You’ve seen the top five things to consider when buying a virtual phone number, but why might you buy one? More specifically, what are the key benefits of purchasing a virtual number? While some benefits may depend on the reason you’re getting a number, all virtual phone numbers provide these advantages:
- Improved Privacy – Using a virtual phone number means you keep your number secret. It’s solely for people you trust, meaning you get to remain private while operating online. This is particularly beneficial if you sign up for services or create online shopping accounts. Retailers won’t have access to your proper number, so your data remains behind closed doors.
- Avoid Spam – Following on from above, virtual phone numbers are the perfect antidote to spam SMS messages. A lot of companies ask for phone verification these days, but then they spam you with marketing messages. It’s painfully annoying, and a virtual number solves this problem for good.
Use the virtual number when creating accounts, and all the SMS messages go directly to it. You’ll see them online rather than getting them sent to your phone and clogging up your messages. It means you don’t walk around with your phone buzzing every five minutes as another company sends you news of a “great deal.” - Bypass Geographical Restrictions – Virtual phone numbers work excellently alongside VPNs. Everyone knows that a VPN provides access to websites and services that were previously blocked in your location. You can watch things like UK Netflix from the US or join websites that aren’t available where you live. However, many VPNs run into a roadblock when these services ask for SMS verification. They detect that your number isn’t from the right country and will stop you from creating an account.
Having a virtual number from the country in question will mean you get the verification code and can create the account. When paired with a VPN, a virtual phone number will let you bypass all geographical online restrictions. - Prevent Cons & Scams – It’s easy to run into con artists online who send dodgy links to your phone number. You may accidentally click one from your phone, which downloads malware and compromises your data.
With a virtual phone number, any links or messages get sent to your online inbox. Computers are built with better anti-malware software than a lot of phones and can stop you from opening a dodgy link. Therefore, you’ve avoided a massive scam, and your data is protected.
Buy virtual phone number services today
Are you looking to buy virtual phone numbers? Check out the offerings at SMS Bus today! We stock a wide range of virtual numbers across all countries and territories. Not to mention, we sell numbers for specific apps like Whatsapp, Telegram and Discord. Buy your virtual number from us and benefit from future loyalty discounts and a highly affordable service.
English 
Chinese 
Russian