What is VoIP?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, allows you to make and receive calls using the Internet. There are different types of VoIP ranging from software (such as Skype), allowing you to make calls from your computer, services (like Vonage) that function as a traditional landline and use your current phone. While home VoIP services are compatible with your analog phone, business VoIP services usually require buying optimized VoIP equipment.
What Virtual Phone?
virtual phone is a niche service that routes calls to a phone or device of your choice. Essentially, a virtual phone service is that you assign a virtual phone number and provide you with options to answer calls to and from that number. This means you can assign your business number "to any phone you want, including your smartphone without having to give your personal telephone number. The customer simply calls your virtual phone number The purpose of a service Virtual phone is to help make entrepreneurs and small businesses - which could be worked from a home office - appear larger and more professional by providing a business voicemail, custom greetings, phone menus . programmable and more another advantage of a virtual phone service is that you can define your business hours If someone calls your business number after your designated hours, they will be directed to your business' voice mail. - . Something that is hosted by the virtual phone service
How do the two differ?
The main difference between VoIP and virtual phone is where you are able to place and receive calls, VoIP calls require a fixed device as a desk phone, while the phone calls virtual can be routed to a number of your choice. So if you are looking for a phone service itself for all of your office, a virtual phone service is not an ideal option. On the other hand, if you are someone who works at home or on meeting with customers or shopping most of the day, a virtual phone service is probably your best bet since you can have all calls to your cell phone.
Which VoIP and virtual phone are the best?
Regarding the selection of a VoIP or a virtual phone service provider, depending on your needs as a company. Some of the biggest names for VoIP services like central ring, and Nextiva BroadVoice, offer plans that you can customize to your business needs. Read our VoIP business critical for details on these and other options.
Moreover, the virtual phone services like Phone.com and eVoice offer complete packages that include many features to help you create the image of a larger company. Visit our virtual phone reviews to find the best service for your small business.