Want your business to feel like a part of the community? A local phone number is one of the easiest ways to establish trust and make sure people pick up when you call. Customers are far more likely to answer when they recognize the area code instead of seeing a random toll-free or out-of-state number.
You can still get a local number there even if you’re not based in a certain city. Whether you’re expanding into a new market or want to appear more local, virtual phone services, make it easy to choose any area code you want—without needing a physical office.
A local number isn’t just great for customer trust—it also helps with SEO. Search engines consider local phone numbers when ranking businesses, making it easier for people in that area to find you online. And the best part? You don’t need a landline or a second phone. You can buy, rent, or forward a local number straight to your cell phone or computer.
In this guide, we’ll cover why a local number matters, how it compares to a toll-free number, the best providers, and how to get one set up in just a few minutes.
1. Best Local Phone Number Providers Compared
There are plenty of ways to get a local business phone number, but not all providers are the same. Some are built for solo entrepreneurs who just need a simple way to manage calls, while others offer full-fledged VoIP systems with team collaboration features. And if you’re looking for a custom, easy-to-remember number, there are providers for that, too.
Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
1) Virtual Phone Number Providers – Simple & Affordable
If you just need a local business number without the hassle of extra hardware, virtual phone number providers are a great option. These services let you pick a local number, forward calls to your cell phone, send texts, and even set up voicemail—all from an app or online dashboard.
Key Features:
- Local, toll-free, and vanity number options
- Call forwarding, texting, and voicemail
- Quick and easy setup—no special equipment needed
Best For:
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses that need a professional business number without the high cost or complexity.
Examples:
- Unitel Voice – Affordable and built for small businesses
- Grasshopper – Virtual numbers with call forwarding and voicemail
- GoDaddy Conversations – Business texting and call management
- Google Voice for Business – Simple, cloud-based phone service for businesses
- eVoice – Virtual business numbers with voicemail transcription
2) Business VoIP Providers – More Features, More Flexibility
If you’re running a growing business or have a remote team, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services give you a local number plus a bunch of advanced features. These platforms work over the internet and often include team messaging, video calls, and integrations with CRM tools.
Key Features:
- Local business numbers with scalable plans
- Voice and video calls, plus team collaboration tools
- Integrations with CRMs and other business apps
Best For:
Businesses that need a reliable, feature-rich phone system that works from anywhere.
Examples:
- Dialpad – AI-powered VoIP with voice and video
- Talkroute – Easy-to-use VoIP with call routing
- OpenPhone – VoIP built for startups and small teams
- Nextiva – Full-featured VoIP with CRM integrations
- RingCentral – Enterprise-grade VoIP with team messaging
- 8×8 – Scalable phone system for remote businesses
3) Vanity Number Specialists – Custom Numbers for Branding
If you want a memorable local number for branding or marketing, vanity number providers specialize in selling custom, easy-to-remember phone numbers. These numbers can help make your business stand out and be more recognizable to customers.
Key Features:
- Search and buy unique vanity numbers
- Options for both local and toll-free numbers
- Ability to transfer your number to another provider
Best For:
Businesses that want a standout number for advertising and branding.
Examples:
- NumberBarn – Buy and transfer vanity numbers
- RingBoost – Large selection of custom numbers
- PhoneNumberGuy – Buy a port local vanity numbers
Best Local Business Number Providers Compared
Note: This data was collected from the independent third-party review site Trustpilot. Here’s a deeper look at the best business number providers of 2026.
2. Where Can You Get a Local Vanity Number?
A vanity number is a phone number that’s easy to remember and great for branding—think (312) FLOWERS for a florist in Chicago or (415) 555-HELP for a local handyman. A custom local number like this can help your business stand out, make your marketing more effective, and build trust with customers.
Even though vanity numbers are more commonly associated with toll-free numbers, you can also get a local vanity number with a custom area code. This gives you the best of both worlds: a number that’s easy to recall and instantly recognizable as local.
1) Best Places to Buy a Local Vanity Number
If you’re looking for a custom local number, here are the top providers that specialize in vanity numbers:
- NumberBarn – Search, purchase, and transfer local vanity numbers
- RingBoost – Large selection of custom local phone numbers
- PhoneNumberGuy – Find, buy, and port local vanity numbers
2) How to Choose the Right Vanity Number
When picking a local vanity number, keep these tips in mind:
- Make it easy to remember – Simple words or number patterns work best.
- Keep it relevant to your business – Choose something that aligns with what you do.
- Check availability – The best numbers get taken fast, so act quickly if you find a good one.
- Think about long-term branding – A great vanity number can become a core part of your business identity.
Setting up a local vanity number is easy, and once you have one, you can forward calls to your cell phone, VoIP system, or office phone—so you never miss a call from a potential customer.
3. Buying vs. Renting a Local Phone Number
When getting a local phone number for your business, you’ll come across two options: buying a number outright or renting one through a service provider. Both have pros and cons, depending on your business needs and budget.
1) Buying a Local Phone Number
Buying a local number means you own it, and you can transfer it to any provider whenever you want. This option is great if you want full control over your business number and don’t want to be locked into a specific service.
Pros:
- You own the number permanently
- Can be transferred to different providers
- Great for branding and long-term stability
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- You still need a service provider to activate and use it
2) Renting a Local Phone Number
Renting a number is the most common option. When you sign up with a virtual phone service or VoIP provider, they assign you a local number that you use for as long as you keep paying for their service.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Comes with features like call forwarding, voicemail, and texting
- Easy setup—no need to purchase and transfer a number
Cons:
- You don’t technically own the number
- If you cancel your service, you may lose the number
- Some providers don’t allow number transfers
3) Which Option is Best?
For most businesses, renting a local number through a virtual phone service is the best option. It’s affordable, flexible, and comes with all the features you need to run your business. But buying a number might be worth considering if you plan to invest heavily in branding and ensure long-term control over your business number.
Either way, getting a local number is quick and easy—you just need to decide which route makes the most sense for your business.
4. How Do Virtual Local Numbers Work?
A virtual local phone number is just like a regular local number—except it isn’t tied to a physical landline. Instead, it runs on the internet, allowing you to make and receive calls from anywhere using your cell phone, laptop, or VoIP device.
How It Works
- Pick a Local Area Code – Choose a number with a local area code that matches the city you want to target.
- Set Up Call Forwarding – Route incoming calls to your cell phone, office phone, or a VoIP system.
- Use Mobile App – Use your smartphone to manage calls, texts, and voicemails from anywhere.
- Scale as Needed – Add multiple local numbers or set up extensions for different team members.
Benefits of a Virtual Local Number
- Appear Local Anywhere – A local number makes you look like you are even if your business isn’t physically based in a city.
- Keep Work & Personal Calls Separate – Use a business number without needing a second phone.
- More Features Than a Landline – Call forwarding, voicemail, auto-attendants, and texting are standard.
- Work from Anywhere – Answer calls on the go without being tied to a desk phone.
Virtual local numbers are the fastest and easiest way to get a local presence without the cost and hassle of traditional phone lines. Whether you’re a small business, a freelancer, or expanding into new markets, they let you connect with local customers effortlessly.
5. FAQs on Getting a Local Phone Number
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common ones about getting a local business phone number.
1) How Much Does It Cost to Get a Local Phone Number?
The cost of a local business number depends on the provider and the features you need.
- Virtual phone services (like Unitel Voice, Grasshopper, and eVoice) start at around $10–$30/month and include call forwarding, voicemail, and texting.
- VoIP business phone systems (like RingCentral or Nextiva) can cost between $20 and $50 per month per user, depending on the features.
- Vanity numbers or premium local numbers may have a one-time purchase fee ranging from $50 to several thousand dollars, depending on availability.
2) Can I Get a Local Business Number Without a Landline?
Yes! Most businesses today use virtual phone numbers or VoIP services, which work over the internet. These services let you get a local number without needing a landline or office phone system.
3) How Do You Forward a Local Business Number to Your Cell Phone?
Most virtual phone services and VoIP providers allow you to forward your local business number to your personal cell phone.
- You can set up call forwarding through the provider’s app or online dashboard.
- Some services also offer auto-attendants that let you direct calls to different team members.
- Many providers let you text from your local number, so customers never see your personal number.
4) Can I Get a Local Phone Number in a Different City?
Yes! You don’t have to be physically located in a city to get a local number there. Many businesses get local numbers in multiple cities to establish a presence in different markets. Just choose a provider that offers local numbers in the area code you want.
5) What Are the Benefits of Having a Local Phone Number for Marketing & SEO?
A local phone number isn’t just good for customer trust—it also helps with SEO.
- Google prioritizes businesses with local phone numbers in search results, making it easier for people to find you.
- Customers are more likely to call a local number than a toll-free or out-of-state number.
- Using a number with a matching area code increases conversions if you’re running local ads.
6) How Do I Port an Existing Local Number to a New Provider?
If you already have a local business number and want to switch providers, you can port (transfer) your number.
- Check with your new provider to make sure they support number porting.
- Keep your current number active until the porting process is complete.
- The transfer usually takes a few days to a week. Some providers charge a one-time porting fee, while others include it for free.
