Option #1: Get a Business Number Through a Major Phone Provider<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOf course, you can just order a business number through one of the big guys (i.e., AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile). You just go online or call and ask for one of their many \u201cBusiness Plans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of their reliability, this is often the way to go for medium-sized businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But before you do, let\u2019s consider your use case and the logistics of how you plan to actually use your new business numbers. Do you want to purchase new, separate, dedicated cell phones for you and your staff? Or would you like your staff to try to use their existing personal phones while adding a separate line to them?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While T-Mobile and Verizon offer their own app or hardware-based workarounds to accommodate adding multiple lines to one device, currently AT&T does not. So for AT&T you may need to keep the first scenario in mind, which many businesses and employees may prefer despite the inconvenience of two separate devices.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a quick review of business plan options and pricing in 2026 with the three major carriers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nNote: <\/strong>Listed prices are an approximation, and are subject to change based on things like your geographical area\u2019s availability and updated pricing.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nAT&T Business Unlimited<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n~$30-60+ per month, per line (with at least six lines)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As of this writing, AT&T offers four (4) tiers of business plans:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Standard 3.0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Advanced 3.0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Premium 3.0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ultimate 3.0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
AT&T\u2019s Business Plan offers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Unlimited talk, text, and data (though the \u201cStandard\u201d Plan may throttle data after 75GB)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 5G<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cSecurity\u201d features<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- At least 5GB of mobile hotspot data (standard definition video streaming)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The higher tiers offer more data, higher-quality video streaming, and additional services like Latin American roaming, free international passes, and \u201cTurbo\u201d priority network connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
T-Mobile Business Unlimited<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n~$21-41+ per month, per line (with at least six lines)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As of this writing, T-Mobile offers three tiers of business plans:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Super Mobile<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Core Mobile<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ProMobile<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
T-Mobile\u2019s base Business Plan offers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Unlimited text and talk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 50GB data (and 5GB in Mexico and Canada)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 5GB hotspot data<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cScam shield\u201d and secure Wi-Fi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Higher-tier plans include more data (unlimited in the top two tiers), \u201cimproved\u201d scam protection, in-flight Wi-Fi, and satellite internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Verizon \u201cMy Biz\u201d Plan<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n~$65+ per month, for one line<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Verizon is a little different, in that it offers a single plan with add-on features, not tiers. The more lines you add, the cheaper the monthly fee per line gets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you turn on auto-pay, the base costs* are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- 1 Line: ~$65<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2 Lines: ~$55 per line<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 3 Lines: ~$40 per line<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 4 Lines: ~$34 per line<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 5+ Lines: ~$29 per line<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n*Prices are subject to regional and national changes. Check their website for the most up-to-date pricing in your area.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Verizon\u2019s base Business Plan includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Unlimited talk, texting, and data<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 5GB mobile hotspot data<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Call filter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Canada + Mexico talk\/text\/data\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
ADD ONS: For anywhere between $5-$15+ per line, you can add stuff like:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Google Workspace with Gemini AI ($16 per month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- International calling ($10 per month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Discounted long-distance calling by region ($5 per month, per region)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unlimited cloud storage ($10 per month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- And more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why you SHOULD do this: <\/strong>\u00a0A number serviced through a major phone provider relies on cellular service and is not internet-bound (like we\u2019ll see with VoIP numbers) or landline-based. Coverage from major wireless carriers is generally more consistent based on their ownership of vast amounts of telecommunications infrastructure globally and carrier partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThese numbers and plans also typically perform better in the areas of international calling, but rates and roaming charges can stack up fast. (Some online phone services don\u2019t even offer international calls!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Business numbers serviced by major providers will invariably also be tied to your geographic location, which can help build trust signals in the case that you are a local business. (People\u00a0recognize their own area codes!)\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why you SHOULDN\u2019T do this: <\/strong>Above all, cost<\/strong>!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst, you typically need to invest in an expensive business-tier phone plan and maybe even new cell phones for each of your staff, depending on which carrier you choose. Plus, there\u2019s often a hefty minimum to the number of lines these plans require, making this an option more for larger-scale companies. (Your Etsy shop probably doesn\u2019t need a minimum of five phone lines. Your new corporate office might.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSecond, you almost certainly don\u2019t get to choose what the digits will be. In some cases, that really matters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThird, whether you\u2019re adding onto an existing plan or not, you\u2019re subject to whatever deals, contracts, or processes a major carrier happens to be offering in your specific area, and during a specific time window.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.numberbarn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1f73893b-0204-445d-b23c-38bc27d31371.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAlso worth noting<\/strong>, if you go with one of the smaller phone providers or MVNOs (e.g., Mint Mobile, Boost, etc.), while they \u201cpiggyback\u201d on the major carrier networks, things like customer support, technical assistance, and wireless coverage<\/a> may be less dependable. This could be especially bad for national or even multi-regional businesses. (It may still be worth comparing and contrasting these companies\u2019 current deals, if you do happen to have reliable coverage everywhere you need it.)
<\/p>\n\n\n\nOption #2: VoIP Internet Number Subscriptions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you searched online for \u201cbusiness number\u201d or \u201cfree business number,\u201d congrats, you\u2019re now rich<\/em> in websites trying to sell you internet number subscriptions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cVoIP\u201d stands for \u201cVoice over Internet Protocol.\u201d In short, it\u2019s a type of phone number that operates using a broadband internet connection, as opposed to a physical phone line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The benefit of a VoIP number in a business context <\/strong>is that you can theoretically<\/em> get one for as little as free, or a few bucks, and they often come enhanced with nifty online dashboards, features, and tools. They\u2019re frequently a go-to for bulk number orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe<\/strong> downsides<\/strong>, in a business context, are plenty. First and foremost, VoIP numbers are completely internet-dependent. So if you\u2019re business staff is on-the-go at all, this factor alone can complicate things. Additionally, they have a slightly higher risk for security vulnerabilities than a traditional landline or completely wireless system. And if network traffic gets too heavy, call quality can suffer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso, depending on where you get the number from, you might not be able to personalize your business number in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many VoIP phone providers \u2013 too many to list, in fact. Some of them include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Ring Central<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Google Voice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Grasshopper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Vonage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zoom Phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- OpenPhone\/Quo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What VoIP subscriptions for business numbers typically get you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf we listed every single plan for every single VoIP provider detailing every single nuance, this article would be around 500 pages.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What we can <\/em>do is synthesize how these offerings generally work, as well as explain their pros and cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTypical VoIP Business Plan Structures:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- VoIP plans often run on a \u201csubscription<\/strong>\u201d fee.\n
\n- These typically begin with \u201cFree\u201d or \u201cBasic\u201d Tiers featuring heavy restrictions, followed by Business Tiers that feature, frankly, must-have features for most businesses. They\u2019re often called \u201csubscriptions\u201d in addition to \u201ccontracts,\u201d yet they can be fairly similar to your personal phone\u2019s contract.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- With VoIP numbers, you frequently are marketed access to broader Customer Relationship Management (CRM) <\/strong>tools, versus what the major phone providers give you (at least, out of the box).\n
\n- This often includes things like voicemail management<\/strong>, caller ID features<\/strong>, auto attendant menus<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>(i.e., \u201cPress \u20181\u2019 for\u2026\u201d, extensions, etc.), call-back features<\/strong>, internal team messaging<\/strong>, scheduling<\/strong>, SMS\/texting<\/strong>, and lots more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These typically come in the form of an app, or through logging into an account via a browser.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How much are VoIP subscriptions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nVoIP subscription tiers for companies like Grasshopper, Ring Central, Google Voice and more range pretty widely, from ~$15 to ~$50+ a month<\/strong>, sometimes to hundreds of dollars per month. In some cases they come technically free with a trial, or under severely limited accessibility.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nMany VoIP number companies charge per line, instead of, or in addition to, their service tiers. That means your true cost will directly correlate to the size of your company.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSo for example, on one end of the spectrum, Google Voice<\/a> grants you a free, randomly generated number for immediate use on your phone or computer simply by making an account. (You can lose the number if it has 90 days of inactivity, so don\u2019t put it on any marketing content unless you know you\u2019re ready to use it.) That number will have limits for where it can call and who can call it, and will be tied to your Google account and Google ecosystem. You can upgrade it to a more expensive tier for better service.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeanwhile, for a VoIP company at enterprise-scale like Ring Central<\/strong>, you will likely need to get a quote after doing a call or interview, and that price will be based on your specific business\u2019 scale. (Some VoIP companies have non-mandatory consultation options too.)<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn average, with any digital phone number company, you\u2019re probably going to be paying roughly the same as a personal phone plan, per month \u2014 at minimum<\/strong>. In some cases, you\u2019ll additionally be paying per line, per tier, or both. (The \u201cfree business number\u201d stuff is typically only for the absolute most \u201csoloponeur\u201d scenario imaginable.)<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy you SHOULD do this: <\/strong>A quick and low-cost-tier digital number is just what the doctor ordered for those just-starting-out businesses, especially if you don\u2019t need to worry too much about 24\/7 internet connectivity, complex customer needs, or brand perception. (Sometimes, you\u2019re only doing this so people don\u2019t see your personal number on a billboard!)<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor enterprise bulk number orders, the higher cost business tiers may be the most viable option, especially compared to buying dozens of lines through Verizon, for example. (And for the physical cubicle desk phone scenario, hosting landlines would cost thousands of dollars, versus hundreds for VoIP numbers.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since VoIP subscription models tend to place emphasis on CRM tools, they can be appealing as straight-out-of-the-box solutions, if the contract you sign checks all the boxes you need, and you can afford it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why you SHOULDN\u2019T do this: <\/strong>For business use, there are many cases where it isn\u2019t any cheaper to buy a digital number versus a cell or landline (also known as \u201cwireline\u201d number). There are many cases where it would cost considerably more, in fact.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nVoIP numbers are obviously also subject to a strong internet connectivity framework, which means if the internet or power goes out, typically, so does your business. (Internet-based coverage can also mean you are subject to cyber security concerns.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital number solutions also require compatible infrastructure (relative to a literal phone), so depending on your scenario, they might require an IT department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also worth noting that with some VoIP companies, you can choose your digits, including 1-800-style vanity numbers (aka toll-free vanity numbers), (though you will be limited by the offerings that specific company has in their inventory) and then you can<\/em> port over<\/a> your preferred phone numbers to your preferred provider or carrier.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nOption #3: Phone Number Marketplace Activation (~$10+ for a Real Business Phone Line)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nUsing a phone number marketplace to grab a number of your choice to go with any plan of your choice is what we\u2019re calling \u201cthe goldilocks option.<\/strong>\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s kinda like a hybrid of all of the above, the happy medium between getting the benefits of a business plan through a major carrier, but with most of the flexibility and features of a VoIP number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.numberbarn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-1024x516.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNumberBarn.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow does NumberBarn work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe fundamental difference with this type of business number is that with an online marketplace like NumberBarn, you don\u2019t need any new devices, you aren\u2019t locked into any contract and you still get affordability and scalability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While NumberBarn phone numbers are technically considered \u201cwireline,\u201d they also have VoIP features and functionality. So you have plethora of different ways to use a NumberBarn phone number. You can pick the phone number you want, <\/em>complete with custom patterns or spellings to reinforce your brand and marketing. Then you can use NumberBarn\u2019s ultra-budget friendly plans to make your phone number work exactly the way you need it for whatever stage your business is in.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nMaybe you haven\u2019t even formally launched yet, and you\u2019re just exploring options for having a business number. You could find your perfect business number, purchase it at NumberBarn and then choose NumberBarn\u2019s \u201cparking\u201d option to save it for later, when you\u2019re ready to add more functionality with it or port it (transfer it) elsewhere.
Once you\u2019re ready to start using the number, the simplest and most cost-effective option for most brand-new small businesses is just to activate the standard call forwarding<\/a> plan at $6.99 a month. You can send incoming business calls directly to your existing cell phone with callers only seeing your business number that they dialed.<\/strong> When someone calls your phone using your business number, you\u2019ll appear to them as that entity, while your personal calls remain the same as before.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTo activate a new business number online:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Search<\/a> for the exact digit(s) you want (or start by picking the area code or toll-free code you want).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Purchase a phone number that fits your budget (as low as $9.95).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pick a plan.\n
\n- Port<\/a> the number to your personal phone plan (this can take up to 10 days, depending on your provider).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stay with NumberBarn (see plan options below).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019re also choosing <\/em>the digits themselves, so your business plan can include a 1-800 (toll-free), or local vanity number of your choosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGiven that the fees associated with setting up a marketplace number are just a few dollars and one-time fees, this ends up being a considerably<\/em> cheaper option in many<\/em> business cases, with much of the same value of VoIP and major phone provider options.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPrice plans:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPorting: <\/strong>FREE if you port away within 30 days of purchasing (otherwise your account will default to the Number Parking plan).<\/p>\n\n\n\nNumber Parking: <\/strong>From $2.99\/month per number, with lots of extra features like call logs, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCall Forwarding Plans: <\/strong>From $6.99\/month per number for 600 minutes (which most plans will fall under) to $19.99\/month per number for unlimited minutes. Includes auto attendant menu options to forward to up to ten different phone numbers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nBusiness Plans: <\/strong>Starting at $9.99\/month for one user with one phone number and unlimited minutes. For larger businesses, each additional phone number is $9.99\/month and each additional user is $4.99\/month.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd keep in mind that all of these plans are non-contractual, so you can cancel at any time and\/or take your number to any other provider of your choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do the features of a NumberBarn Business number compare to VoIP features?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDepending on where you are at with your business needs, NumberBarn\u2019s basic call forwarding plan has plenty of features for a brand new business. When you\u2019re ready to expand, NumberBarn Business Line<\/a> offers features like after-hours call scheduling and routing, the ability to send incoming calls to multiple users at once (called simultaneous ring), unlimited forwarding minutes and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s a snapshot of NumberBarn\u2019s standard call forwarding plans compared to a Google Voice internet-dependant number:<\/p>\n\n\n\nFeatures<\/strong><\/th>NumberBarn<\/th> Google Voice<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Call Forwarding<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td> \u2705 Yes (limited options)<\/td><\/tr> Call Recording<\/strong><\/td>\u274c No<\/td> \u2705 Yes (paid only)<\/td><\/tr> Mobile App<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Yes (iOS\/Android)<\/td> \u2705 Yes (iOS\/Android)<\/td><\/tr> Phone Number Parking<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td> \u274c No<\/td><\/tr> Porting In\/Out<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td> \u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr> SMS\/Text Messaging<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Yes (Add-on for $1\/mo)*\u00a0<\/td> \u2705 Yes (U.S. numbers only)<\/td><\/tr> Toll-Free Numbers<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td> \u274c No<\/td><\/tr> Vanity Numbers (Custom #\u2019s)<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td> \u274c No<\/td><\/tr> Voicemail<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Yes (email transcription)<\/td> \u2705 Yes (web transcription)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>*1 to 1 text messaging is available only through the NumberBarn app due to industry regulations. NumberBarn can offer industry-compliant, robust business SMS through its sister company, String. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/pre>\n\n\n\nWhy you SHOULD do this: <\/strong>You get the tangible benefit of a business plan without the contract, more consistency than an internet-dependent VoIP service, power-packed features at budget-friendly prices, and lots of versatility to use your business number in a way that grows with your company\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can choose the digits you want, at the price point you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can take minutes to set up. You don\u2019t need any quote or business assessment. (Tip: For NumberBarn, look for phone numbers with the label \u201cGET IT NOW\u201d for faster activation and immediate use with NumberBarn\u2019s plans. Activating and porting away can take up to two weeks depending on the type of phone number you choose.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need to keep your number, but reduce your monthly obligations, you can \u201cpark<\/a>\u201d your number. Call logs show you who\u2019s called and when, and you can even add voicemail (with transcription) for just $2\/mo, and texting for $1\/mo to parked numbers. So if you just need an quick, cheap, public-facing phone number without enabling calling, parking is a great option. No contracts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: <\/strong>Listed prices are an approximation, and are subject to change based on things like your geographical area\u2019s availability and updated pricing.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n ~$30-60+ per month, per line (with at least six lines)<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of this writing, AT&T offers four (4) tiers of business plans:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n AT&T\u2019s Business Plan offers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The higher tiers offer more data, higher-quality video streaming, and additional services like Latin American roaming, free international passes, and \u201cTurbo\u201d priority network connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ~$21-41+ per month, per line (with at least six lines)<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of this writing, T-Mobile offers three tiers of business plans:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n T-Mobile\u2019s base Business Plan offers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher-tier plans include more data (unlimited in the top two tiers), \u201cimproved\u201d scam protection, in-flight Wi-Fi, and satellite internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ~$65+ per month, for one line<\/p>\n\n\n\n Verizon is a little different, in that it offers a single plan with add-on features, not tiers. The more lines you add, the cheaper the monthly fee per line gets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you turn on auto-pay, the base costs* are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n *Prices are subject to regional and national changes. Check their website for the most up-to-date pricing in your area.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Verizon\u2019s base Business Plan includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ADD ONS: For anywhere between $5-$15+ per line, you can add stuff like:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why you SHOULD do this: <\/strong>\u00a0A number serviced through a major phone provider relies on cellular service and is not internet-bound (like we\u2019ll see with VoIP numbers) or landline-based. Coverage from major wireless carriers is generally more consistent based on their ownership of vast amounts of telecommunications infrastructure globally and carrier partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These numbers and plans also typically perform better in the areas of international calling, but rates and roaming charges can stack up fast. (Some online phone services don\u2019t even offer international calls!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Business numbers serviced by major providers will invariably also be tied to your geographic location, which can help build trust signals in the case that you are a local business. (People\u00a0recognize their own area codes!)\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why you SHOULDN\u2019T do this: <\/strong>Above all, cost<\/strong>!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, you typically need to invest in an expensive business-tier phone plan and maybe even new cell phones for each of your staff, depending on which carrier you choose. Plus, there\u2019s often a hefty minimum to the number of lines these plans require, making this an option more for larger-scale companies. (Your Etsy shop probably doesn\u2019t need a minimum of five phone lines. Your new corporate office might.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, you almost certainly don\u2019t get to choose what the digits will be. In some cases, that really matters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Third, whether you\u2019re adding onto an existing plan or not, you\u2019re subject to whatever deals, contracts, or processes a major carrier happens to be offering in your specific area, and during a specific time window.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div> Also worth noting<\/strong>, if you go with one of the smaller phone providers or MVNOs (e.g., Mint Mobile, Boost, etc.), while they \u201cpiggyback\u201d on the major carrier networks, things like customer support, technical assistance, and wireless coverage<\/a> may be less dependable. This could be especially bad for national or even multi-regional businesses. (It may still be worth comparing and contrasting these companies\u2019 current deals, if you do happen to have reliable coverage everywhere you need it.) If you searched online for \u201cbusiness number\u201d or \u201cfree business number,\u201d congrats, you\u2019re now rich<\/em> in websites trying to sell you internet number subscriptions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cVoIP\u201d stands for \u201cVoice over Internet Protocol.\u201d In short, it\u2019s a type of phone number that operates using a broadband internet connection, as opposed to a physical phone line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefit of a VoIP number in a business context <\/strong>is that you can theoretically<\/em> get one for as little as free, or a few bucks, and they often come enhanced with nifty online dashboards, features, and tools. They\u2019re frequently a go-to for bulk number orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The<\/strong> downsides<\/strong>, in a business context, are plenty. First and foremost, VoIP numbers are completely internet-dependent. So if you\u2019re business staff is on-the-go at all, this factor alone can complicate things. Additionally, they have a slightly higher risk for security vulnerabilities than a traditional landline or completely wireless system. And if network traffic gets too heavy, call quality can suffer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, depending on where you get the number from, you might not be able to personalize your business number in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many VoIP phone providers \u2013 too many to list, in fact. Some of them include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If we listed every single plan for every single VoIP provider detailing every single nuance, this article would be around 500 pages.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n What we can <\/em>do is synthesize how these offerings generally work, as well as explain their pros and cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical VoIP Business Plan Structures:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n VoIP subscription tiers for companies like Grasshopper, Ring Central, Google Voice and more range pretty widely, from ~$15 to ~$50+ a month<\/strong>, sometimes to hundreds of dollars per month. In some cases they come technically free with a trial, or under severely limited accessibility.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many VoIP number companies charge per line, instead of, or in addition to, their service tiers. That means your true cost will directly correlate to the size of your company.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So for example, on one end of the spectrum, Google Voice<\/a> grants you a free, randomly generated number for immediate use on your phone or computer simply by making an account. (You can lose the number if it has 90 days of inactivity, so don\u2019t put it on any marketing content unless you know you\u2019re ready to use it.) That number will have limits for where it can call and who can call it, and will be tied to your Google account and Google ecosystem. You can upgrade it to a more expensive tier for better service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, for a VoIP company at enterprise-scale like Ring Central<\/strong>, you will likely need to get a quote after doing a call or interview, and that price will be based on your specific business\u2019 scale. (Some VoIP companies have non-mandatory consultation options too.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n On average, with any digital phone number company, you\u2019re probably going to be paying roughly the same as a personal phone plan, per month \u2014 at minimum<\/strong>. In some cases, you\u2019ll additionally be paying per line, per tier, or both. (The \u201cfree business number\u201d stuff is typically only for the absolute most \u201csoloponeur\u201d scenario imaginable.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why you SHOULD do this: <\/strong>A quick and low-cost-tier digital number is just what the doctor ordered for those just-starting-out businesses, especially if you don\u2019t need to worry too much about 24\/7 internet connectivity, complex customer needs, or brand perception. (Sometimes, you\u2019re only doing this so people don\u2019t see your personal number on a billboard!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n For enterprise bulk number orders, the higher cost business tiers may be the most viable option, especially compared to buying dozens of lines through Verizon, for example. (And for the physical cubicle desk phone scenario, hosting landlines would cost thousands of dollars, versus hundreds for VoIP numbers.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since VoIP subscription models tend to place emphasis on CRM tools, they can be appealing as straight-out-of-the-box solutions, if the contract you sign checks all the boxes you need, and you can afford it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why you SHOULDN\u2019T do this: <\/strong>For business use, there are many cases where it isn\u2019t any cheaper to buy a digital number versus a cell or landline (also known as \u201cwireline\u201d number). There are many cases where it would cost considerably more, in fact.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n VoIP numbers are obviously also subject to a strong internet connectivity framework, which means if the internet or power goes out, typically, so does your business. (Internet-based coverage can also mean you are subject to cyber security concerns.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Digital number solutions also require compatible infrastructure (relative to a literal phone), so depending on your scenario, they might require an IT department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also worth noting that with some VoIP companies, you can choose your digits, including 1-800-style vanity numbers (aka toll-free vanity numbers), (though you will be limited by the offerings that specific company has in their inventory) and then you can<\/em> port over<\/a> your preferred phone numbers to your preferred provider or carrier.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a phone number marketplace to grab a number of your choice to go with any plan of your choice is what we\u2019re calling \u201cthe goldilocks option.<\/strong>\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s kinda like a hybrid of all of the above, the happy medium between getting the benefits of a business plan through a major carrier, but with most of the flexibility and features of a VoIP number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NumberBarn.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The fundamental difference with this type of business number is that with an online marketplace like NumberBarn, you don\u2019t need any new devices, you aren\u2019t locked into any contract and you still get affordability and scalability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While NumberBarn phone numbers are technically considered \u201cwireline,\u201d they also have VoIP features and functionality. So you have plethora of different ways to use a NumberBarn phone number. You can pick the phone number you want, <\/em>complete with custom patterns or spellings to reinforce your brand and marketing. Then you can use NumberBarn\u2019s ultra-budget friendly plans to make your phone number work exactly the way you need it for whatever stage your business is in.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe you haven\u2019t even formally launched yet, and you\u2019re just exploring options for having a business number. You could find your perfect business number, purchase it at NumberBarn and then choose NumberBarn\u2019s \u201cparking\u201d option to save it for later, when you\u2019re ready to add more functionality with it or port it (transfer it) elsewhere. To activate a new business number online:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re also choosing <\/em>the digits themselves, so your business plan can include a 1-800 (toll-free), or local vanity number of your choosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given that the fees associated with setting up a marketplace number are just a few dollars and one-time fees, this ends up being a considerably<\/em> cheaper option in many<\/em> business cases, with much of the same value of VoIP and major phone provider options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Price plans:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Porting: <\/strong>FREE if you port away within 30 days of purchasing (otherwise your account will default to the Number Parking plan).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number Parking: <\/strong>From $2.99\/month per number, with lots of extra features like call logs, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Call Forwarding Plans: <\/strong>From $6.99\/month per number for 600 minutes (which most plans will fall under) to $19.99\/month per number for unlimited minutes. Includes auto attendant menu options to forward to up to ten different phone numbers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Business Plans: <\/strong>Starting at $9.99\/month for one user with one phone number and unlimited minutes. For larger businesses, each additional phone number is $9.99\/month and each additional user is $4.99\/month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And keep in mind that all of these plans are non-contractual, so you can cancel at any time and\/or take your number to any other provider of your choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on where you are at with your business needs, NumberBarn\u2019s basic call forwarding plan has plenty of features for a brand new business. When you\u2019re ready to expand, NumberBarn Business Line<\/a> offers features like after-hours call scheduling and routing, the ability to send incoming calls to multiple users at once (called simultaneous ring), unlimited forwarding minutes and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a snapshot of NumberBarn\u2019s standard call forwarding plans compared to a Google Voice internet-dependant number:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why you SHOULD do this: <\/strong>You get the tangible benefit of a business plan without the contract, more consistency than an internet-dependent VoIP service, power-packed features at budget-friendly prices, and lots of versatility to use your business number in a way that grows with your company\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can choose the digits you want, at the price point you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can take minutes to set up. You don\u2019t need any quote or business assessment. (Tip: For NumberBarn, look for phone numbers with the label \u201cGET IT NOW\u201d for faster activation and immediate use with NumberBarn\u2019s plans. Activating and porting away can take up to two weeks depending on the type of phone number you choose.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need to keep your number, but reduce your monthly obligations, you can \u201cpark<\/a>\u201d your number. Call logs show you who\u2019s called and when, and you can even add voicemail (with transcription) for just $2\/mo, and texting for $1\/mo to parked numbers. So if you just need an quick, cheap, public-facing phone number without enabling calling, parking is a great option. No contracts!<\/p>\n\n\n\nAT&T Business Unlimited<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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T-Mobile Business Unlimited<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Verizon \u201cMy Biz\u201d Plan<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nOption #2: VoIP Internet Number Subscriptions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What VoIP subscriptions for business numbers typically get you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How much are VoIP subscriptions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Option #3: Phone Number Marketplace Activation (~$10+ for a Real Business Phone Line)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow does NumberBarn work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019re ready to start using the number, the simplest and most cost-effective option for most brand-new small businesses is just to activate the standard call forwarding<\/a> plan at $6.99 a month. You can send incoming business calls directly to your existing cell phone with callers only seeing your business number that they dialed.<\/strong> When someone calls your phone using your business number, you\u2019ll appear to them as that entity, while your personal calls remain the same as before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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How do the features of a NumberBarn Business number compare to VoIP features?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/strong><\/th> NumberBarn<\/th> Google Voice<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Call Forwarding<\/strong><\/td> \u2705 Yes<\/td> \u2705 Yes (limited options)<\/td><\/tr> Call Recording<\/strong><\/td> \u274c No<\/td> \u2705 Yes (paid only)<\/td><\/tr> Mobile App<\/strong><\/td> \u2705 Yes (iOS\/Android)<\/td> \u2705 Yes (iOS\/Android)<\/td><\/tr> Phone Number Parking<\/strong><\/td> \u2705 Yes<\/td> \u274c No<\/td><\/tr> Porting In\/Out<\/strong><\/td> \u2705 Yes<\/td> \u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr> SMS\/Text Messaging<\/strong><\/td> \u2705 Yes (Add-on for $1\/mo)*\u00a0<\/td> \u2705 Yes (U.S. numbers only)<\/td><\/tr> Toll-Free Numbers<\/strong><\/td> \u2705 Yes<\/td> \u274c No<\/td><\/tr> Vanity Numbers (Custom #\u2019s)<\/strong><\/td> \u2705 Yes<\/td> \u274c No<\/td><\/tr> Voicemail<\/strong><\/td> \u2705 Yes (email transcription)<\/td> \u2705 Yes (web transcription)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table> <\/pre>\n\n\n\n