Compare VoIP and Virtual Phone Numbers & Systems
We’re going to compare virtual phone numbers and VoIP phone numbers and systems. Both have pros and cons. Read on to find out more about them before you decide which one you should get. You will learn how they work, as well as other useful information.

Price
Traditional wired communication services are pricier than VoIP and virtual phone numbers/systems. This is because no expensive equipment is required with VoIP and virtual phone systems. When compared to traditional services, you can save up to 50% with VoIP and virtual phone numbers and systems.
Network
Furthermore, VoIP systems route calls via the internet. Examples of VoIP platforms include Viber, Skype and Whatsapp. Virtual numbers/systems use private networks that are supported by data centers to route calls to landlines or mobile devices.
The Difference
VoIP provides people with a way to make and receive calls via the internet. It doesn’t involve touching traditional phone networks. Virtual phone systems are a bit different. They are services that use VoIP as a starting point.
That is basically the difference between the two. Now you’re probably wondering how these two stack up against each other when it comes to reliability, features and so forth. We’ll compare the two in various capacities below.
1. Features - You can use VoIP platforms to make and receive calls via the public internet and that is their main feature. Virtual phone number systems have many business-friendly features. Such features include call transfer, call recording, forwarding, conferencing and much more.
2. Phone Number Availability - Standalone numbers are usually given to you when you use VoIP services. However, the phone number usually can’t be ported. This is a disadvantage for those who want to choose their phone number and transfer it at a later date to a different provider.
Virtual phone systems allow you to choose your phone number. You can even choose a toll-free number or a UIFN number. Not only that, but you can choose to transfer your number at any time you wish.
3. Outbound/Inbound Calling - VoIP systems have the upper-hand with this. Virtual phone systems do let you forward calls to a landline or mobile device at a lower rate than traditional phone providers, but you have to have an existing device. VoIP systems allow you to receive and make calls without an existing landline or cellphone.
4. Reliability - The quality of the public internet connection determines the quality of VoIP calls. In other words, if you have poor internet connection, then you’ll have poor VoIP calls. This isn’t the case with virtual phone systems because data centers are involved in the transmission process. In other words, virtual phone numbers and systems tend to be far more reliable than VoIP services, but this isn’t always the case.
5. Room For Growth - When it comes to growth, you can’t go wrong with either a VoIP system or virtual system because they are both flexible in that regards. However, if you want to grow as much as possible, then you should choose a virtual phone service. Just make sure you research what both types of services offer because at first glance, the VoIP services and virtual phone systems can look the same.
A good example of what we’re talking about is the Cloud PBX system that is offered by many North American business VoIP providers. This system allows people to add extensions, right from an online portal. Not only that, but you can change call forwarding settings within a few seconds. If you want to make a change, you will be able to do it right there and then.
However, this isn’t the case with most VoIP services, such as Skype. We’re not saying those services are bad, but they don’t offer the same scalability that virtual phone systems provide. With that said, you can decide which service you should give a try, but make sure to research both services before making a decision.