Cheapest Way to Get a UK Virtual Number
UK virtual numbers range from approximately £1 per month for technical SIP configurations to £15–20 per month for fully managed app-based solutions. The cheapest option is not always the right one — this guide explains the tradeoffs.
The Cheapest Route: SIP Providers
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) providers offer UK virtual numbers at very low cost — sometimes as little as £1–5 per month. Examples include Sonetel, Zadarma, VoIP.ms and Gradwell.
The catch: SIP providers give you credentials that you must configure manually in a compatible softphone app (such as Zoiper or Linphone) or a hardware IP phone. There is no "plug and play" setup. You need to understand concepts like SIP server addresses, codecs and NAT traversal, or be willing to learn.
- Cost: £1–5/month
- Setup difficulty: High — requires technical configuration
- Reliability: Depends on your choice of softphone and network
- Support: Limited — mostly community forums and documentation
Middle Ground: Managed Call-Forwarding Services
Services like Virtual Landline (£4.50/month) assign you a UK number and forward calls to your existing mobile number. No app is required — calls ring your regular phone like any other incoming call.
This works well for UK-based users. If you are abroad, call forwarding may incur international charges or not work at all depending on the tariff. It also means calls arrive on your personal mobile number rather than separately.
App-Based Managed Solutions
Providers like BluePhone (£15/month) go further: they assign you a UK number and deliver calls via a dedicated native app using VoIP. No forwarding needed, no international charges, and calls are received through the app regardless of where you are in the world.
This is the most expensive category but the simplest to use and the most reliable for international reception. BluePhone is positioned as a simple managed option for users who need guaranteed worldwide reception without any technical configuration.
Cost vs Simplicity vs Reliability
| Option | Cost/month | Setup | Works abroad | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIP provider (DIY) | £1–5 | Complex | Yes | Variable |
| Call forwarding | £4–8 | Easy | Limited | Good (UK) |
| Managed app (BluePhone) | £15 | Very easy | Yes | Good |
Who Should Use Which Option
- Tech-comfortable users who want minimum cost → SIP provider + free softphone app
- UK-based users who want simplicity → call-forwarding service like Virtual Landline
- International users who need reliability and ease → managed app like BluePhone
BluePhone — the simple managed option
£15/month · No technical setup · Works worldwide · Unlimited incoming calls
Get Started at bluephone.co.uk →