Virtually Local vs SwitchboardFREE
Comparing two UK virtual number providers on real-world value — not just headline prices.
SwitchboardFREE has positioned itself as a budget-friendly entry point into virtual numbers, with a headline price of just 99p per month. They offer features such as call routing, queuing, auto-attendant, call recording, voicemail-to-email and on-hold music. For businesses exploring their first virtual number, the low entry price is undeniably eye-catching.
However, it is important to look beyond the headline. SwitchboardFREE's 99p plan is extremely limited — it essentially provides a virtual number with minimal minutes and restricted functionality. For any meaningful business use, you will need to step up to their standard plans starting from around £5 per month, at which point the pricing advantage largely evaporates.
One area where Virtually Local has a notable edge is in its outbound calling app. Virtually Local's iOS and Android app lets you make outgoing calls that display your virtual number on the recipient's caller ID — a feature SwitchboardFREE does not currently offer. For businesses that need to make as well as receive calls from their virtual number, this is a significant practical difference. Virtually Local also provides access to over 600 UK area codes, giving businesses a wider choice of genuinely local numbers across the country.
Competitor data correct as of 06/03/2026. Pricing and features are subject to change — please verify directly with the provider.
Virtually Local vs SwitchboardFREE: Side-by-Side
| Category | Virtually Local | SwitchboardFREE |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (inc. VAT) | £4.95/mo | 99p/mo (very limited) |
| Included Minutes (Entry Plan) | 150 mins | Minimal |
| UK Area Codes | 600+ | 01/02 & 0333 |
| Number Porting | Free | Available |
| Outbound Calling App | Yes (iOS & Android) | Not available |
| Call Recording | Included | Available |
| Voicemail to Email | Included | Included |
| Setup Fees | None | None |
| Contract Required | No — cancel anytime | No |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS & Android) | No dedicated app |
| Online Portal | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Transparency | All-inclusive, VAT included | Headline 99p price is misleading |
SwitchboardFREE Pricing vs Virtually Local Pricing
Virtually Local Plans
| Plan | Price | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Virtually Essential | £4.95/mo | 150 inbound minutes |
| Virtually Essential+ | £6.95/mo | 300 inbound minutes |
| Virtually Business | £9.95/mo | 1,500 inbound minutes |
| Virtually Unlimited | £18.95/mo | Unlimited inbound minutes |
SwitchboardFREE Plans
| Plan | Price | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 99p/mo | Minimal | Extremely limited — essentially just a number with very few minutes. |
| Standard Plans | From £5/mo | Varies | Feature set improves at higher tiers. |
SwitchboardFREE's 99p plan is heavily restricted. Feature-rich plans with comparable functionality to Virtually Local start from around £5/mo or higher.
Virtually Local's Essential plan begins at just £4.95 per month with 150 inbound minutes included and free setup — making it one of the most competitively priced virtual landline services in the UK. With no long-term contracts and the ability to upgrade at any time, Virtually Local offers flexibility that SwitchboardFREE cannot match at the same price point.
SwitchboardFREE: Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
How Virtually Local Compares
Where SwitchboardFREE falls short, Virtually Local delivers. With over 600 UK area codes, free setup, outbound calling via the app, and plans from just £4.95 per month, Virtually Local addresses the key limitations highlighted above — giving you better features and better value without the compromises.
The Verdict: Virtually Local vs SwitchboardFREE
The comparison between Virtually Local and SwitchboardFREE ultimately comes down to what you actually get for your money, rather than what the headline price suggests. SwitchboardFREE's 99p entry point is attention-grabbing, but in practice, this plan is too limited for anything beyond the most basic call forwarding. The minutes are minimal, the features are restricted, and most businesses will quickly find they need to upgrade.
Once you move to a SwitchboardFREE plan with comparable features to Virtually Local's Essential plan — including a healthy allowance of minutes, call recording and voicemail-to-email — the cost is similar or higher. At that point, Virtually Local's transparent £4.95 per month (including VAT) with 150 included minutes looks like a far more honest proposition. You know exactly what you are paying and exactly what you are getting from day one.
Virtually Local also pulls ahead on two important fronts. First, the outbound calling app: being able to call customers from your virtual number, rather than your personal mobile, is invaluable for maintaining a professional image. SwitchboardFREE does not offer this. Second, Virtually Local provides access to over 600 UK area codes, significantly more than SwitchboardFREE's selection. If you need a local number for a specific town or region, the chances of finding exactly the right area code are much higher with Virtually Local.
For UK businesses that value transparent pricing, generous included minutes and the ability to both make and receive calls from their virtual number, Virtually Local delivers better real-world value than SwitchboardFREE's initially tempting but ultimately limited offering.
Frequently Asked Questions
SwitchboardFREE does offer a plan at 99p per month, but it is extremely limited in terms of included minutes and features. For a plan with usable business features comparable to Virtually Local's Essential plan, you would need to move to their standard plans starting from around £5 per month.
No. SwitchboardFREE does not currently offer a dedicated outbound calling app. Virtually Local provides an iOS and Android app that lets you make calls displaying your virtual number as the caller ID, which is a key advantage for businesses that need to call customers from their business number.
Virtually Local offers over 600 UK area codes, giving you an extensive choice of local numbers from across the country. SwitchboardFREE offers local 01/02 numbers and national 0333 numbers, but their range of geographic area codes is more limited.
Yes. Virtually Local offers free number porting, allowing you to transfer your existing virtual number from SwitchboardFREE. There is no charge for the porting process, and our team handles the transition to minimise disruption to your business.
For small businesses that need a reliable virtual number with a solid feature set, Virtually Local's Essential plan at £4.95/mo (inc. VAT) with 150 included minutes represents better value than SwitchboardFREE's feature-restricted 99p plan. When you factor in the outbound calling app and 600+ area codes, Virtually Local provides a more complete business communications solution.
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