US Phone Number
US Phone Number services give small businesses instant local credibility with American customers and dramatically cut international calling costs. Without one, entrepreneurs abroad often see lower answer‑rates and lost sales.
This guide shows the fastest, most cost‑effective way to secure a U.S. number and maximize its value.
Why Your Business Needs a US Phone Number
A dedicated U.S. line makes you look local, reachable, and professional the moment prospects check your contact page.
- Build customer trust
Local area codes feel “neighborly,” so callers answer more often and stay on longer. - Cut dialing barriers
U.S. customers avoid international prefixes or long‑distance fees—just one familiar number. - Separate work & life
Route the new line to your mobile or app, keeping personal calls off business hours. - Save on call costs
Forwarding and outbound VoIP minutes are charged at U.S. local rates, not pricey international tariffs. - Look bigger instantly
A toll‑free 800 number signals nationwide reach even if you run a solo operation abroad. - Answer anywhere
Cloud routing lets you pick up at the office, home, or while traveling—with one consistent caller experience.
Types of US Phone Numbers: Local vs. Toll‑Free
You can choose geographic or nationwide reach—each type suits different growth goals.
- Local numbers
Ten‑digit lines tied to a city code such as 212 (New York). Ideal for hyper‑local trust and SEO listings. - Toll‑free numbers
Prefixes 800/888/877 etc. Let anyone in the U.S. call you free; you pay the inbound minutes.
Many firms combine both: a city line for local marketing and an 800 hotline for national support—balancing cost and coverage.
How to Get a US Phone Number
Everything happens online; setup usually takes under ten minutes.
- Pick a provider
Compare pricing, call quality, and features. Sonetel offers a no‑risk trial for most U.S. numbers. - Create an account
Submit basic ID and a valid address (any country) to satisfy telecom rules. - Choose your number
Search by state, city, or toll‑free prefix; monthly plans start around $1.79 with multi‑year prepay at Sonetel. - Configure forwarding
Send calls to your mobile, SIP phone, or Sonetel app; adjust caller‑ID and voicemail. - Test & launch
Place a live call in and out to confirm audio clarity and correct routing.
Popular Providers Compared
The table below highlights cost and standout features of leading options for solo entrepreneurs and small teams.
| Provider | Starting Monthly Cost* | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Sonetel | $1.79 (36‑mo) / $1.99 (monthly) | Lowest entry price, AI call summaries, global sign‑up, free trial on most numbers. |
| Google Voice | $10 (with Workspace) | Unlimited U.S. calling & SMS; best if you already pay for Google Workspace. |
| OpenPhone | $15 (annual) | Modern apps, unlimited U.S./CA calls & texts, CRM integrations, AI transcripts. |
| Grasshopper | $26 (annual; Solo) | Unlimited minutes, multiple extensions, 30‑day money‑back; no AI tools. |
*Pricing checked July 2025; always verify current rates. Sonetel remains the most affordable entry point, while rivals bundle unlimited minutes or texting at higher monthly fees.
Advanced Features to Maximize Value
Modern cloud providers add productivity tools that turn every call into actionable data.
- Interactive Voice Response
Route callers with “Press 1 for Sales” menus—professional greetings without extra hardware. - Voicemail to email
Audio and text transcripts arrive in your inbox for quick scanning. - AI call summaries
Sonetel’s AI call summaries capture key points and next steps automatically. - Customer call analysis
Get coaching feedback and sentiment scores through customer call analysis. - Recording & compliance
Enable on paid plans to archive calls—handy for training and dispute resolution. - SMS & integrations
Send/receive texts (provider‑dependent) and sync logs to CRMs like HubSpot.
Conclusion: Start Winning U.S. Customers
A U.S. phone number removes the psychological and cost barriers that stop American prospects from calling overseas companies.
Pick a provider, activate your line, and publish it on your site—your next buyer might be dialing within hours.
Need more detail? See our step‑by‑step guide to a virtual phone number in the USA.