A virtual US phone number offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for businesses looking to expand their reach and connect with US customers. Not only does it provide a local US identity, enhancing credibility, but it also improves customer experience by allowing customers to call using a familiar area code. This makes it easier for customers to reach out and get in touch, potentially leading to increased business opportunities.

The flexibility of virtual numbers is another significant advantage. They can be used from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing businesses to stay connected to their customers and operations, regardless of their location. This can be particularly beneficial for remote teams or businesses with a global presence.

By avoiding the expenses of traditional phone lines, such as monthly fees, equipment costs, and long-distance charges, businesses can save money on their communication costs. This can be especially helpful for startups or small businesses with limited budgets.

To get a virtual US number, you'll need to choose a reputable provider, select a number that aligns with your target market, set up an account, and activate the number. Consider additional features like call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, SMS messaging, call analytics, and integration with other business tools to enhance your communication capabilities.

When selecting a provider, research reputable options and compare pricing, features, customer support, and reliability. By carefully considering these factors, you can find a provider that best suits your business needs and helps you achieve your communication goals.

How to Get a US Phone Number from Anywhere

A Quick and Easy Process

Getting a US phone number for your business is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. We guide you through the steps, the basic process:

Creating Your LimePhone Account

1. Sign Up: Visit the LimePhone website and create an account. You'll need to provide basic information such as your name, email address, phone number, and password.
2. Select Your Number: Once your account is created, you can choose your desired US phone number. LimePhone offers a wide range of area codes and even allows you to select a specific number in virtually any city or state in the United States.
3. Complete the Process: After selecting your number, review the details and complete the signup process. You'll likely be asked to provide payment information to activate your new number.
4. To activate your number, you’ll receive a quick 2 minute call from the LimePhone team to verify your details.

Benefits of a Virtual US Phone Number

• Flexibility: One of the key advantages of a virtual US phone number is its flexibility. You can use your number from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to stay connected to your business and customers regardless of your location.
• Professionalism: A US phone number can enhance your business's credibility and professionalism. It gives your business a local US presence, even if you operate remotely or internationally.
• Convenience: Making and receiving calls and texts with a virtual US phone number is incredibly convenient. You can use your number on your computer, smartphone, or any device with an internet connection.
• Cost-Effective: Virtual phone numbers are often more affordable than traditional landlines or cell phones. You can avoid the expenses associated with equipment, monthly fees, and long-distance charges.

By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily obtain a US phone number to enhance your business operations and connect with customers in the United States.

Here are 6 US phone number providers to consider:

With so many VoIP providers offering US phone numbers, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here's a breakdown of some top contenders and their unique features:

Comparing the best US phone number providers

LimePhone: A Budget-Friendly VoIP Solution

LimePhone stands out as a cost-effective option for businesses seeking a powerful and user-friendly communication platform. Its competitive pricing and comprehensive feature set make it a compelling choice for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations without breaking the bank.

Affordability Meets Functionality

LimePhone offers unlimited inbound calling for all users, allowing you to focus on conversations without worrying about overage charges. Additionally, LimePhone's global reach allows you to connect with clients and partners worldwide.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Unlimited inbound calling: Focus on conversations, not surprise charges.
• Global reach: Connect with clients and partners worldwide.
• Effortless texting: Stay in touch with clients and colleagues.
• Additional phone numbers: Expand your business reach and establish a local presence.
• Transparent pricing: Understand exactly what you're paying for.

Additional Features

Beyond the basic plan, LimePhone offers a variety of additional features to cater to the needs of growing businesses:

• Shared phone numbers: Collaborate seamlessly with your team.
• Call recording: Track calls for quality assurance and legal purposes.
• Voicemail transcriptions: Convert voicemail messages into text.
• Auto-replies: Set up automated responses to common inquiries.
• Call forwarding: Route calls to different numbers or devices.
• Call waiting: Handle multiple calls simultaneously.
• Web2text: Convert web forms into text messages.
• Click2call: Make calls directly from web pages or contact lists.
• Call CRM integration: Integrate with your CRM system for seamless customer management.
• Forward calls and SMS to Slack: Streamline communication within your team.
• Meeting scheduler: Schedule meetings and appointments directly from your phone.

Experience LimePhone's Simplicity

LimePhone is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. With its intuitive interface and straightforward features, you can quickly get started and start using LimePhone to improve your communication.

Sign up for a free trial today and discover how LimePhone can transform your communication strategy and propel your business forward.

Additional Benefits

• Flexible pricing: Choose a plan that suits your business needs and budget.
• 24/7 customer support: Get assistance whenever you need it.
• Secure and reliable platform: Protect your sensitive data with LimePhone's robust security measures.
• Scalability: Easily adapt your plan as your business grows.
• Integration with popular tools: Connect LimePhone with your favorite business applications.

LimePhone's Pricing

• Personal Plan ($5/month): Includes one free new local or toll-free phone number, unlimited outbound calls to USA/UK, 1 user, unlimited inbound calls, and 40+ powerful features.
• Team Plan ($18/month): Includes everything in the Starter plan, plus one free number from any of the 16 countries, unlimited local outbound calling in 36 countries, 5 users, answer calls with auto-attendant, send bulk SMS messages, and more.
• Business Plan ($55/month): For growing businesses with unlimited users and advanced API. Includes everything in the Team plan, plus unlimited users, 5 US/UK phone numbers, business messaging with registration, and more.

Choose the plan that best suits your business's needs and budget. LimePhone offers a variety of features and pricing options to cater to businesses of all sizes. By choosing LimePhone, you're investing in a communication solution that can help you improve your productivity, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive business growth.

OpenPhone

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OpenPhone is more than just a business phone app; it's a collaborative communication platform designed for ease of use. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make it a joy to work with.

Key Features and Benefits

• Free calling, SMS, and MMS messages: Enjoy unlimited domestic communication without additional charges.
• Affordable international calling and texting: Expand your reach with competitive rates for international calls and texts.
• Shared inboxes and internal threads: Collaborate seamlessly with your team on shared phone numbers.
• Voicemail transcriptions: Save time and effort by converting voicemail messages into text.
• Call recording: Track calls for quality assurance, training, or legal purposes.
• Auto-replies: Automate responses to customers outside of business hours or during busy periods.
• Call summaries: Quickly review call highlights for better context and collaboration.
• AI-suggested message responses: Get AI-generated reply options for efficient communication.

Shared Phone Numbers

OpenPhone's shared phone numbers allow your team to delegate tasks, solve problems together, and communicate seamlessly. With shared numbers, you can:

• Assign unlimited team members to the same number.
• Collaborate asynchronously or in real time on customer communications.
• Leave internal notes for your teammates.
• Make and receive calls or texts without extensions or call routing.

Flexible Phone Number Options

Every team member receives one free US, Canadian, or toll-free number when they sign up. You can easily add additional numbers at any time for just $5 per month, regardless of your plan.

Advanced Texting Features

OpenPhone offers convenient texting features that can save your team time and effort:

• International texting: Easily send and receive texts to international numbers without additional costs.
• Scheduled messages: Automate responses to common inquiries and save time.
• Snippets: Create templates for frequently used messages to streamline communication.

AI-Powered Features

OpenPhone's AI-powered features can enhance your communication efficiency:

• Auto-replies: Automatically respond to customers with pre-written messages.
• Call summaries: Quickly review key points from recent calls.
• AI-suggested message responses: Get AI-generated reply options tailored to your conversation.

Key Features Summary

• Team phone numbers
• Three-way calling
• Warm transfer
• Local and toll-free business phone numbers
• Integrations with email, Slack, and Zapier
• Auto-attendant (IVR) and call routing  
• Snippets (canned responses)
• Text and group messaging
• Shared contacts

Pricing Plans

• Starter: $15 per user per month for unlimited calls and texts in the US and Canada, shared numbers with up to 10 teammates, auto-attendants, scheduled texts, and more.
• Business: $23 per user per month for group calling, call transfer, logs and analytics, HubSpot CRM integration, unlimited shared users, and more.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for dedicated account management and tailored solutions.

Google Voice

Google Voice is a popular communication tool that offers a range of features, including voice calls, text messaging, and voicemail. While it's a great option for personal use, it has limitations when it comes to business use.

Free Version Limitations

The free version of Google Voice is not intended for business use and lacks essential features such as phone menus, shared access, and toll-free numbers. Additionally, it's only available in the US, which can be a limitation for businesses with a global presence.

Google Voice for Business

For businesses seeking a more robust solution, Google Voice offers a business phone system integrated with Google Workspace. This provides access to additional features and integrations, but comes with limitations and costs.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly integrate with Google Docs, Google Calendar, and Google Meet for a unified communication experience.
• Call routing: Customize call routing rules to direct calls to the appropriate team members or departments.
• Custom greetings: Create personalized greetings for callers to provide a professional and welcoming experience.
• Voicemail transcriptions: Convert voicemail messages into text for easy review and analysis, saving time and improving efficiency.
• Multi-level auto attendants and ring groups: Organize your incoming calls efficiently and direct them to the appropriate team members or departments.

Pricing and Limitations

• Google Workspace subscription: You must have a Google Workspace subscription to use Google Voice for Business, which starts at $6 per user per month.
• No toll-free numbers: Google Voice for Business does not support toll-free numbers, which can be a limitation for businesses that rely on toll-free numbers to establish a professional presence.
• Limited shared phone numbers: You can link external numbers, but you're limited to six per account. This may be insufficient for businesses with multiple team members or locations.
• Pricing tiers: Google Voice for Business offers three pricing tiers: Starter, Standard, and Premier. Each tier provides different features and benefits, so carefully evaluate your business needs to select the most suitable plan.
• Additional costs: Be prepared for additional costs associated with Google Workspace and any necessary upgrades.

While Google Voice can be a valuable tool for personal use, it may not be the best option for businesses with complex communication needs. The limitations of the free version and the additional costs associated with Google Voice for Business make it less suitable for growing businesses or those requiring advanced features. Consider your specific requirements and explore other options that may better align with your business needs and budget.

TextNow

TextNow is a popular communication app that offers free texting and calling services. Whether you need a secondary phone number or a budget-friendly way to stay connected, TextNow provides a convenient solution.

Pros:

• Free phone number: Enjoy a free US or Canadian phone number without any upfront costs.
• International calling and texting: Connect with people worldwide at affordable rates.

Cons:

• Ad-supported: The free version includes ads, which can be intrusive for some users.
• Voicemail transcriptions require upgrade: Access voicemail transcripts for an additional fee, which can be inconvenient for those who rely on this feature.
• Not built for businesses: TextNow is primarily designed for personal use and may lack advanced features or integrations needed for business purposes.
• Only available in US and Canada: Restricted to US and Canadian users, limiting its accessibility for those outside these regions.

How TextNow Works

TextNow is a WiFi texting app that allows you to make and receive calls. If you need to send texts without WiFi, you can purchase a TextNow SIM card for an additional fee.

TextNow's free calling and texting service is ad-supported, but you can upgrade to an Ad-Free Lite plan for a small monthly fee. Additionally, your phone call recipients don't need to have TextNow installed on their device, allowing you to directly call their cell phone or landline.

Limitations and Considerations

Unfortunately, TextNow is only available in the US and Canada. If you're located outside these regions, you'll need to use a VPN to sign up. Additionally, there's a risk of losing your phone number due to inactivity unless you pay an extra fee to 'lock in' your number. You can also upgrade to a Premium Number to protect your number from deactivation.

Key Features of TextNow

• Free phone number (fees apply to premium numbers; you must unlock your iPhone or Android to use the mobile app)
• Voicemail transcription (requires upgrade)
• Incoming caller ID (requires upgrade)
• International calling and texting (requires the purchase of credits)  

TextNow Pricing

TextNow is free to use with ads. To make calls without WiFi, you first need to purchase a SIM card. Then you have the option to purchase three data bundles:

• Month Pass: $39.99 for one full month of unlimited talk, text, and data
• Hour Pass: $0.99 for 60 minutes of unlimited talk, text, and data
• Day Pass: $4.99 for 24 hours of unlimited talk, text, and data

Additional plan options from TextNow include locking in your number and removing ads from their app:

• Lock in Number: $1.99 per week
• Ad-Free+: $6.99 per week

Overall, TextNow is a suitable option for individuals seeking a free or low-cost way to make and receive calls and texts. However, it may not be the best choice for businesses or those with specific requirements.

RingCentral

RingCentral is a well-established unified communications platform that offers a range of features, including sales intelligence, video meetings, and virtual event tools. It's a comprehensive solution that can cater to the needs of businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

Key Features and Benefits

• Desk phone support: Ideal for businesses with physical offices, RingCentral provides desk phone support, allowing you to maintain a traditional phone system while benefiting from modern communication features.
• Advanced video meetings: Host meetings with up to 100 participants (with the Advanced plan), making it a great choice for team collaboration and virtual events.
• Third-party app integrations: Seamlessly connect RingCentral with other business tools you use, such as CRM systems, project management software, and marketing automation platforms.
• Voicemail transcriptions: Convert voicemail messages into text for easy review and analysis, saving you time and improving productivity.
• Team messaging: Collaborate effectively with your team members through built-in messaging features, making communication more efficient and streamlined.
• Call recordings: Track calls for quality assurance, training, or legal purposes. Call recordings can help you monitor agent performance, identify areas for improvement, and resolve customer disputes.
• IVR: Implement interactive voice response systems to automate call routing and provide a better customer experience.

Pricing and Limitations

While RingCentral offers a range of features, it's important to consider the following limitations and pricing considerations:

• SMS limits: The basic plan includes limited SMS messages per user per month. If you rely heavily on text messaging, you may need to upgrade to a higher tier plan.
• Toll-free minutes: The basic plan includes limited toll-free minutes. If you frequently use toll-free numbers, you may need to consider additional costs or upgrade to a plan with unlimited toll-free minutes.
• Storage limits: Call recordings and other data may be subject to storage limitations, even with upgrades. If you need to retain call recordings for an extended period, you may need to explore additional storage options.
• Pricing tiers: RingCentral offers multiple pricing tiers, with higher tiers providing additional features and benefits. Carefully evaluate your business needs and budget to select the most suitable plan.
• Limited features on basic plan: The basic plan may not include all the necessary features for growing businesses. As your business expands, you may need to upgrade to a higher tier plan to access advanced features.

Choosing the Right RingCentral Plan

• Core: $20 per user per month for unlimited calls in the US and Canada with business SMS and more.
• Advanced: $25 per user per month for video meetings with voicemail transcriptions, automatic call recording, CRM integrations, and more.
• Ultra: $35 per user per month for additional storage and device analytics and more.

RingCentral is a versatile unified communications platform that can be a good fit for businesses of all sizes. However, it's important to carefully consider your specific needs and budget before choosing a plan. By understanding RingCentral's features, limitations, and pricing options, you can make an informed decision and select the plan that best aligns with your business goals.

Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a great choice for startups and micro-businesses seeking an affordable and easy-to-use communication platform. Its pricing plans are designed to cater to the needs of small businesses, offering flexibility and value.

Key Features and Benefits

• Unlimited users on the Small Business plan: Enjoy the flexibility of adding as many team members as needed without additional costs.
• Affordable extensions: Pay just $3 per extension per month, making it easy to expand your team and communication capabilities.
• Voicemail transcriptions: Convert voicemail messages into text for easy review and analysis.
• Call forwarding: Route calls to different numbers or devices.
• Virtual fax: Receive and send faxes directly through your Grasshopper number.
• Call blasting (additional $10 per month): Send mass calls to a list of contacts.
• Auto-replies (only to first-time callers): Set up automated responses to incoming calls.

Limitations and Considerations

While Grasshopper offers valuable features, it's important to consider its limitations:

• Limited productivity features: Grasshopper may lack advanced features like AI text messages and internal threads, which can be essential for streamlining communication and collaboration within larger teams.
• Outdated platform: The user interface and overall platform experience may feel outdated compared to more modern VoIP solutions.
• No call recording: If call recording is a crucial feature for your business, Grasshopper may not be the best option.

Pricing Plans

Grasshopper offers three pricing plans:

• True Solo: $14 per month for one user, one phone number, and one extension.
• Solo Plus: $25 per month for unlimited users, one phone number, three extensions, call transfers, and simultaneous call handling.
• Small Business: $55 per month for unlimited users, four phone numbers, and unlimited extensions.

Grasshopper can be a suitable option for small businesses with limited budgets and basic communication needs. However, its limitations in terms of features and scalability may make it less suitable for larger businesses or those with more advanced communication requirements. It's essential to carefully evaluate your business needs and consider other alternatives before making a decision.

Why Your Business Needs a US Phone Number

Establish a Local Presence

A US phone number can significantly enhance your business's credibility and legitimacy in the American market. By providing a local US number, you demonstrate a commitment to serving US customers and create a sense of familiarity and trust.

Reduce Costs

Using a US phone number can help you save on international calling fees when communicating with US-based customers. Whether you're located in another country or simply working remotely, a US number allows you to call US customers directly without incurring additional charges.

Improve Customer Engagement

US customers are more likely to answer calls from recognizable US area codes. By selecting a local phone number in specific cities with a large concentration of your target customers, you can increase the likelihood of them picking up your calls.

Enhance Call Quality

A US phone number can improve call quality by eliminating the issues associated with long-distance calls, such as ping and jitter. This ensures clear and reliable communication with your US customers.

Protect Privacy

A US phone number can provide a layer of privacy for your business and team. By sharing a second phone number with your customers, you can protect your personal or main business line while directing callers to your customer support number.

Avoid the Pitfalls of Free Options

While many international businesses consider using a free Google Voice number to reach US customers, this is not a viable option. You cannot create a free Google Voice account without already having a US phone number to verify it.

The Power of Virtual Phone Numbers

Getting a US phone number is a straightforward process with the right virtual phone number provider. Instead of dealing with traditional phone services, setting up expensive infrastructure, or waiting for implementation, you can use virtual US phone number services to get a US business phone number much faster.

A US phone number can be a valuable asset for your business, providing numerous benefits in terms of credibility, cost savings, customer engagement, call quality, and privacy. By choosing a reputable virtual phone number provider, you can easily obtain a US number and start connecting with US customers effectively.

Get Started with LimePhone: Your All-in-One US Phone Number Solution

Essential Features for Modern Businesses

LimePhone offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to meet the needs of today's businesses and streamline your communication processes:

• Shared numbers: Collaborate seamlessly with your team using shared phone numbers. This allows multiple team members to access and manage the same phone number, improving efficiency and communication.
• Unlimited calls and texts: Enjoy unlimited (*Subject to Fair Usage Policy) domestic communication within the US and Canada. This means you can make and receive calls and texts without worrying about overage charges, providing you with peace of mind and flexibility.
• Call recording: Track calls for quality assurance, training, or legal purposes. Call recordings can help you monitor agent performance, identify areas for improvement, and resolve customer disputes.
• CRM integrations: Connect LimePhone with your favorite CRM software, such as HubSpot. This integration allows you to sync contacts, log calls, and track customer interactions seamlessly, improving your sales and customer service efforts.
• And more: Benefit from additional features such as voicemail transcriptions, call forwarding, auto-replies, and team messaging. These features can help you save time, improve productivity, and enhance your overall communication experience.

Experience LimePhone for Free

Ready to experience the power of LimePhone? Sign up for our 14-day free trial and see how it can transform your business communication. This trial is available for businesses.

During your free trial, you'll have access to all of LimePhone's core features, allowing you to:

• Make and receive calls and texts (Limited in number for trial) with a US phone number.
• Collaborate with your team using shared numbers.
• Explore advanced features like call recording and CRM integrations.
• Experience the ease of use and intuitive interface of the LimePhone platform.

Once your trial ends, you can easily upgrade to a paid plan that best suits your business needs.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to streamline your communication and enhance your business operations. Get your US number today!

US Phone Number FAQs

Is there a way to get a US number without a US address?

Yes, with LimePhone, you can purchase US numbers without an address. However, for security reasons, you'll need to verify your identity. Please note that due to recent regulations, you may need business identification or a Canadian or US address to text from a local number to other US numbers. For more information, refer to our US carrier registration guide.

Is there a way to get a free US number?

You can get a free US phone number through LimePhone with our 14-day trial available for businesses. Once you've confirmed LimePhone is a good fit for your team, you can register for our Team plan at $18 per month and includes 5 users. If you're looking for a completely free option for personal use, consider ad-supported apps like TextNow for texting.

How can I get a US number in Canada?

The process for getting a US telephone number varies by virtual phone number provider, but with LimePhone, you can obtain a US number in Canada in minutes. Simply create an account, choose your preferred local number, and provide your credit card information. During your free 14-day trial, we'll place a temporary hold on your card for identity verification.

What is the format of a US phone number?

A US phone number is a 10-digit number formatted as (NYX)-NZZ-XXXX:

• Area code: The first three digits indicate the area code.
• Central office code: The next three digits signify the office code.
• Line number: The last four digits identify the specific number assigned to a user.

When calling a US number from outside North America, you'll need to dial the country code +1 or 001.

How much does a virtual number cost?

Virtual number costs vary across different providers. A starting plan for a virtual phone system typically ranges from $15 to $25 per user per month. Mid-range VoIP phone systems can cost between $25 to $50 per user per month. LimePhone has all the features of aMid-range VoIP phone systems for only $5 per month.

If you plan to use your virtual number for texting, you'll need to pay for A2P 10DLC registration, which involves additional fees. Check out this article to understand A2P 10DLC.

US Carrier Registration For Users Using LimePhone For Personal Use

Small Business Guide to A2P 10DLC Registration

Are virtual phone numbers legal?

Yes, virtual phone numbers are legal in the US and Canada. Many individuals use them as a second phone number, and businesses use them for support and sales needs.

Get your US Phone number in minutes with LimePhone and experience the difference.

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