// bonline alternative
A lighter bOnline alternative
// the short answer
bOnline is a full VoIP phone system aimed at teams, priced per user from around £7/user/mo with fair-use caps on “unlimited” calling. LineHQ is a better fit if you just want a UK number that rings your existing mobile — priced per package not per seat, no desk phone, no contract, from £4.99/mo.
bOnline is a capable small-business VoIP platform built around softphones, desk phones and per-user seats. If that’s more phone system than you need, LineHQ takes the lighter route: a professional UK number that forwards to the phone you already carry. Here’s how they compare.
Last reviewed July 2026
| LineHQ | bOnline | |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Virtual number + call handling | Full VoIP phone system |
| How you take calls | Forwards to your existing mobile/landline | VoIP app or desk phone |
| Pricing model | Per package (number + minutes) | Per user / per seat |
| From | £4.99/mo | £7/user/mo (Starter) |
| “Unlimited” minutes fair-use caps | No — clear included minutes + prepaid overage | Yes — fair-use policy applies |
| Desk phone needed | No | Optional / included on some plans |
| Contract | None — rolling monthly | Check current terms |
| Best for | Sole traders & small teams on mobile | Office teams wanting softphones/desk phones |
Competitor details were researched from public sources in July 2026 and may have changed — check the provider’s own website for current pricing and terms. LineHQ details are ours.
Frequently asked questions
What’s a good bOnline alternative for a small business?
If you don’t need a full desk-phone VoIP system, LineHQ is a lighter bOnline alternative: a UK number that forwards to your existing mobile, priced per package rather than per user, with recording and voicemail-to-email included and no contract, from £4.99/mo.
How is LineHQ different from bOnline?
bOnline is a full VoIP phone system with softphones, desk phones and per-user pricing. LineHQ is a virtual-number and call-handling service that rings your existing phone, priced per package — simpler and usually cheaper for a sole trader or small team that just needs a professional line.
Does LineHQ have fair-use caps on minutes?
No. Rather than “unlimited” minutes with a fair-use policy, LineHQ gives each package a clear number of included forwarding minutes and bills any overage transparently from a prepaid wallet — every call itemised to the penny.
Do I need a desk phone with LineHQ?
No. There’s no hardware to buy or install — your LineHQ number forwards to the mobile or landline you already have.
Sources
Try LineHQ
A UK number that rings your existing mobile, with recording, voicemail-to-email and a receptionist. From £4.99/mo, no contract, cancel anytime.