// virtual landline alternative
A Virtual Landline alternative for UK sole traders
// the short answer
Virtual Landline is a strong fit if you want a local, national or freephone number with a forwarding-led single-user setup. LineHQ is worth comparing when you need a shared business number, business-hour rules, routing for more than one person and call follow-up from one place. Compare the plan details and how calls reach your team, rather than assuming either service is the cheaper or more capable option.
Both services let a small business publish a UK number and direct incoming calls elsewhere. The important difference is how a caller gets handled after that: one owner, a sequence of targets, or a team sharing the line. Virtual Landline single-user plans and its separate Office product have different capabilities, so check the product and plan you are comparing.
Last reviewed October 2026
| LineHQ | Virtual Landline | |
|---|---|---|
| Main approach | UK business number and inbound call handling, priced per package | Single-user virtual-number and forwarding plans; Office is a separate team product |
| Starting point | From £4.99/mo for number rental and voicemail allowance; forwarding usage depends on package | Starter listed at £4.50/mo including VAT, with no included minutes, as reviewed in October 2026 |
| Number choices | Local, 03, 0800 or 07 numbers | Local, national and freephone options; check current availability and plan detail |
| Hours and voicemail | Business-hour rules and voicemail-to-email | Time-of-day routing and voicemail-to-email |
| Several people answering | Eligible Reception and Scale packages can ring several people sequentially or together | Single-user plans can add up to three divert numbers, sequential by default; simultaneous ringing is an Office feature |
| Call recording | Consent-backed recording with retention that varies by package | Single-user app recordings are stored locally; Virtual Landline Office has central recording options |
| Forwarding costs | Pay As You Go forwarding is charged separately; higher packages include allowances | External diverts use included minutes or top-up credit, under the current terms |
| Best fit | A business number shared by a small team that wants practical routing and follow-up | A single user who wants a number-first, forwarding-led setup and can grow into Office if needed |
Competitor details were researched from public sources in October 2026 and may have changed — check the provider’s own website for current pricing and terms. LineHQ details are ours.
Frequently asked questions
Is LineHQ a Virtual Landline alternative?
Yes. Both can give a UK business a number that routes calls away from a physical line. Virtual Landline is a sensible option for a forwarding-led single-user setup. LineHQ is a useful alternative when the number needs to be shared, follow opening hours or send missed-call information to the team.
When is Virtual Landline the better fit?
Choose Virtual Landline when its current single-user plan, number type and forwarding allowance suit one owner. Its published plans include local, national and freephone choices, time-of-day routing, voicemail-to-email and up to three divert numbers. For a team, compare its separate Office product as well as LineHQ.
Can both services route calls outside business hours?
Yes. Both publish time-based call handling and voicemail options. The practical question is what should happen next: send the caller to voicemail, ring a fallback person, or hand the call to a team. Set that out before comparing prices.
Are forwarded calls included at no extra cost?
Not necessarily. With LineHQ, Pay As You Go forwarding is charged separately and higher packages include defined allowances. Virtual Landline says a divert to a phone outside its service uses included minutes or top-up credit. Check the current plan and the destination you will use before deciding.
What should I check before moving a number?
Keep the existing service live until a port completes, then check the supplier terms for notice, fees and any services tied to the line. Virtual Landline states that its cancellation and porting terms vary with the account and timing. LineHQ can assess eligible UK numbers before a transfer is started.
How should a sole trader compare the cost?
Compare the full working setup: monthly number charge, VAT, forwarding or app usage, included minutes, the number of people who need to answer, and any add-ons. A low starting price is only useful if it covers the calls and hand-off your customers need.
Try LineHQ
A UK number with recording, voicemail-to-email and a receptionist, from £4.99/mo — Pay As You Go mobile forwarding at 7p/min. No contract, cancel anytime.