At a glance
| Criterion | Virtual number (business use) | AI voice agent (Alyas) |
|---|---|---|
| Problem solved | Separating work and private calls on a single phone | Getting calls answered that you cannot take |
| Number | Dedicated number in the app, porting an existing number sometimes possible | You keep yours: the agent receives the calls your line forwards to it |
| When you do not answer | Customisable voicemail, transcription depending on the plan | The AI converses, answers questions and notes contact details |
| Availability | Available or unavailable mode to set, sometimes schedulable | On forwarded calls, evenings and weekends included |
| Forwarding | To another number, depending on the plan's options | Transfer to a single number, when the caller asks |
| SMS | Often included or optional | No |
| Appointments | Generally no | Google Calendar or Cal.com |
| Cost | Subscription for the number, varying by country and options | Monthly subscription with call hours included (see the Pricing page), 10-day trial, no card |
What a virtual number solves
A virtual number separates what is professional from what is personal without carrying two phones. You get a dedicated contact number, availability hours and, depending on the plan, customised voicemail, SMS and call forwarding.
It does not make anyone answer, though: if your hands are full, the caller reaches voicemail, and only those who leave a message can be called back.
What an AI voice agent adds
An AI agent answers in your place: it replies to common questions from your information, notes the name and contact details, offers an appointment in Google Calendar or Cal.com and sends you a transcript and a summary. It says from the start that it is an AI.
In the case described here, you keep your number and forward to it the calls you do not take.
Combining them
The simplest case is to keep your virtual number for your clients and forward to Alyas only the missed calls, or those that arrive outside the hours you are available. Check that your app or operator allows forwarding on no answer to an external number.
Our verdict
To separate work from private life, a second number is the right tool. If you miss calls because your hands are full, the number alone is not enough: Alyas brings an AI agent that answers, informs and books appointments. The two can be combined by forwarding only the missed calls to Alyas.
Frequently asked questions
Does a virtual number answer calls?
No: it routes the call to your phone or to voicemail. Answering the caller requires a person or an AI agent behind it.
Can you forward missed calls from a virtual number to Alyas?
Yes, if the app or operator allows forwarding on no answer to an external number. Check this option before committing.
Does Alyas replace my business number?
No: in this use case you keep your number and Alyas receives the calls you forward to it.