--- title: "Best Softphone Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best VoIP Softphones Software for your organization. Compare top VoIP Softphones Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/best-softphones-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Softphone Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Softphone Software of 2026 Updated August 23, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 85 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 85 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### Product: RingEX [RingEX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/) 4.24 [(1205)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/reviews/) Best for:Small businesses ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary RingEX is a cloud-based business communications solution that offers tools for Messaging, Video and Phone. Core features of the solution include conferencing, auto-recording and unlimited long-distance and local calling. RingEX is a fully integrated mobile-based phone system that helps keep employees connected via a variety of business and personal devices including smartphones, tablets, desktops and phones. The RingCentral mobile app is integrated with the phone system and keeps employees connected to customers and colleagues from anywhere. Additionally, RingCentral integrates with basic email platforms and other applications such as Salesforce CRM, Box, Dropbox and Google Docs. RingEX gets businesses up and running within minutes. All phones are ready for immediate use and setup. Users can manage their own phone preferences without IT help.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/) ### What users love - Flexible calling and device options - Intuitive and simple interface - Rich feature set and customization ### To take in mind - Slow and unhelpful support experience - Inconsistent call reliability and bugs - Opaque contracts and hidden fees ### Best rated features: Virtual Call Center 5.0 Multi-Channel Communication 5.0 Event Triggered Actions 5.0 Monitoring 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Virtual Extensions 1.0 Role-Based Permissions 2.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/#key-features) ### Core $30.00/month $20/month when paid annually. ### Advanced $35.00/month $25/month when paid annually. ### Ultra $45.00/month $35/month when paid annually. [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: Ultatel Cloud Business Phone System [Ultatel Cloud Business Phone System](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/) 4.66 [(41)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary ULTATEL enables people to work together and get the information they need to do their best work, anywhere they are. Our cloud platform brings together phone, video, messaging, texts and business apps, allowing people to connect, meet, and exchange information on any device. We are passionate about using our technology and experience to help businesses address the challenges that matter to them, with an enterprise-grade platform that delivers exceptional service and 99.999% uptime.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/) ### Best rated features: Call Transcription 5.0 Activity Dashboard 5.0 Call Conferencing 5.0 Two-Way Audio & Video 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Collaboration Tools 3.0 Communication Management 3.0 Online Voice Transmission 3.4 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/#key-features) ### Essential $18.00/month Ideal for: Teams & businesses needing reliable, high-quality calling with core AI insights like voicemail transcription and basic call analysis to enhance communication efficiency. Focus on: Crystal-clear voice, essential messaging, and foundational AI to understand your conversations better.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Premium $24.00/month Ideal for: Businesses seeking robust collaboration tools, deeper call intelligence through a broader AI suite, and enhanced productivity features for everyday operations. Focus on: Advanced call management, integrated AI for sentiment & topic analysis, and seamless team collaboration across devices.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Ultimate $34.00/month Ideal for: Organizations requiring the most advanced AI capabilities for comprehensive conversational intelligence, enterprise-grade control, premium integrations, and top-tier support. Focus on: Maximizing operational efficiency with a full suite of AI tools, real-time analytics, extensive customization, and strategic communication insights.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: Ringover [Ringover](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ringover-profile/) 4.71 [(884)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ringover-profile/reviews/) Best for:Small businesses ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Ringover is the no.1 business phone system that gives you unlimited calls to 110 countries, video conferencing, SMS and group messaging, call recording, call whispering and more features focused on improving your teams productivity. No expertise needed. Integrate Ringover with major CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive etc.) or with your helpdesk tools in just a few clicks. With Ringover, your professional communications are possible anywhere in the world - all it takes is an internet connection. Greatly scaling up in growth and adopted by over 10,000 users, Ringover is on track to become THE leader in European Cloud telephony, primed for rapid international development in the markets for Spain and the United Kingdom.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ringover-profile/) ### What users love - Centralized call tracking and tools - Intuitive interface and setup - Responsive and helpful support team ### To take in mind - Inconsistent audio and device issues - Lag and slow response times - Frequent disconnections and instability ### Best rated features: Contact Database 5.0 Call Scheduling 5.0 Call List Management 5.0 Electronic Signature 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Monitoring 2.8 Call Tagging 3.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ringover-profile/#key-features) ### Smart $29.00/month This plan provides all-in-one calls, video & chat. ### Power $54.00/month This plan offers analytics, productivity and integrations. ### Advanced $64.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ringover-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: CTM [CTM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/) 4.65 [(159)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/reviews/) Best for:Features ### Pricing availability Free trial: Not available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary CTM is a conversation analytics software designed to provide tracking and insights for sales and marketing teams. It helps organizations analyze campaign performance and customer interactions to support data-driven decision-making. Businesses, marketing agencies, and sales departments use the platform to gain visibility into customer engagement and optimize their processes. The software includes AI-powered conversation intelligence that analyzes call recordings, transcriptions, and live conversations to extract customer insights. It connects calls, chats, form submissions, and texts to specific advertisements using tracking numbers and dynamic number insertion, enabling accurate lead attribution. Features include lead management with geo, weight, and skill-based routing, a customizable softphone system, and workflow automation tools to streamline sales processes. Reporting tools offer both high-level summaries and detailed campaign and conversion data. The platform adheres to security standards, including SOC 2 compliance, and supports regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, HITECH, GDPR, and CCPA. It offers sub-account structures, white-label options, and custom billing features for agencies managing client accounts.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/) ### Best rated features: Call Tagging 5.0 Campaign Scheduling 5.0 Performance Management 5.0 Data Security 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Multi-Touch Attribution 2.8 Call Scripting 3.0 File Transfer 3.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/#key-features) ### Product: Global Call Forwarding [Global Call Forwarding](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/) 4.89 [(54)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Global Call Forwarding is a provider of toll-free, international, and local phone numbers. Buy virtual phone numbers from more than 160 countries globally. Forward incoming calls from these numbers to any location in the world. Stay connected with local and global customers, no matter where your office is located. Use cloud communication tools to make remote working and telecommuting easy and efficient. Global Call Forwarding is trusted by thousands of businesses around the world. Owned and run by United World Telecom (founded in 1996), they have years of experience in the industry.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/) ### Best rated features: CRM 5.0 Access Controls/Permissions 5.0 Contact Management 5.0 Call Tracking 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Contact Database 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/#key-features) ### Basic $7.95/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: OnSIP [OnSIP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/) 4.73 [(78)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary OnSIP Hosted OnSIP Hosted VoIP by Junction Networks is a cloud-based phone solution that offers businesses across various industry verticals PBX feature such as auto attendants and voicemail-to-email. Unified communications (UC) applications are also available such as a browser-based UC client (My.OnSIP) that allows employees to make and receive calls, instant message (IM) co-workers, update presence information and manage voicemails. Third-party softphones on mobile devices can also be used as PBX extensions. OnSIP Hosted PBX supports integrations with Zendesk, Salesforce.com, Microsoft Outlook and Highrise and features application programming interfaces (APIs) for custom integrations. OnSIP Hosted PBX provides services according to different plans. With the pay-as-you-go plan, businesses pay for the applications that they request. With the per seat plan, businesses pay a flat fee for bundled PBX applications for their employees. Support is available via phone, FAQs and other online resources.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/) ### Best rated features: Contact Database 5.0 Call Logging 5.0 Queue Management 5.0 Online Voice Transmission 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/#key-features) ### Basic $49.95/month Built for users with a lower call volume ### Unlimited $18.95/month All-in-one business phone system with free desk phones [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: AVOXI [AVOXI](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/avoxi-profile/) 4.80 [(59)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/avoxi-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary AVOXI is a global communications provider specializing in cloud-based contact center and virtual number solutions. Their platform is designed to enhance customer engagement and streamline business operations through features like voice services, call tracking, and comprehensive analytics. AVOXI caters to businesses looking to optimize international communication and provides tools for workforce management and customer interaction. They offer scalable solutions that are particularly beneficial for companies in need of flexible, reliable telephony infrastructure to support global connectivity.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/avoxi-profile/) ### Best rated features: Role-Based Permissions 5.0 Real-Time Reporting 5.0 Mobile Access 5.0 Call Reporting 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/avoxi-profile/#key-features) ### Launch $0.00 This is a free plan that starts at $0. ### Contact $19.99 Advanced analytic plan that starts at $19.99 per user. ### Engaged Enterprise $39.99 Management plan that starts at $39.99 per user. [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/avoxi-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: VirtualPBX [VirtualPBX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/) 4.72 [(38)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary VirtualPBX gives you a complete business phone system for $15/user/month with every feature already included. No confusing plans. No feature gates. No surprises. Just smarter voice for your business, whether your team is at a desk, on the road, or working from home. Add AI FrontDesk whenever you're ready for intelligent 24/7 call handling, and grow into advanced messaging or contact center capabilities as your needs evolve. Most importantly, you're backed by knowledgeable, U.S.-based support from people who genuinely know the platform and understand small business. Because having the right technology is important—but having the right people behind it matters too.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/) ### Best rated features: Online Voice Transmission 5.0 Sentiment Analysis 5.0 Interaction Tracking 5.0 Softphone 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/#key-features) ### Smarter Voice $15.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: TalkChief [TalkChief](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/talkchief-profile/) 4.94 [(18)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/talkchief-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary TalkChief isn't just a business phone system; it's your partner in enhancing communication for call centers, startups, enterprises, and nonprofits. Designed to simplify interactions across remote teams and with customers, TalkChief focuses on user-friendly features that prioritize your unique needs. Imagine a world where spam numbers and bots are effortlessly blocked, where each agent has their own caller ID, and where welcoming inbound calls is a personalized experience. TalkChief brings this vision to life, making communication smoother and more human. Key features such as automated notifications, call recording, interactive voice response (IVR), and skill-based routing empower you to navigate communication challenges effortlessly. Dive into detailed reports, track key performance indicators (KPIs) on intuitive dashboards, and use filters to easily find specific conversations. With TalkChief, administrators have the tools to tailor communication strategies for maximum impact. Managers can take advantage of dynamic call routing, directing calls to team members based on language, location, and other individual traits. This personalized touch ensures that your team operates at its best. TalkChief doesn't just stop at communication; it integrates seamlessly with third-party helpdesk, collaboration, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This interconnected approach ensures that your communication ecosystem aligns perfectly with your existing tools and processes. Available through convenient monthly or annual subscriptions, TalkChief provides robust support via FAQs, live chat, a knowledge base, and various online resources. It's more than a business phone system; it's a personalized communication solution tailored to elevate your business experience.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/talkchief-profile/) ### Best rated features: Softphone 5.0 Call Conferencing 5.0 Employee Activity Monitoring 5.0 Multi-Channel Management 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/talkchief-profile/#key-features) ### Essential $8.00/month All what your startup need to start making calls ### Growth $13.00/month A flexible voice solution that fits modern business needs ### Professional $17.00 Advanced solution to boost productivity and performance [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/talkchief-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: Unitel Voice [Unitel Voice](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/unitel-voice-profile/) 4.55 [(65)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/unitel-voice-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Not available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Unitel Voice is the business builder's phone system. It lets you run your business from anywhere using any device. Easy to set up and use. Backed by amazing customer support that understands that busy small business owners don't have time for overcomplicated tech. - Built for Business Builders - Run your business from anywhere - Not overcomplicated or overpriced - Amazing USA-Based Support Unitel Voice enables startups and small businesses to look and sound like Fortune 500 companies by adding a toll-free business number to the existing home, office, or cell phone. Unitel Voice stands out because of its dedicated customer service and network reliability. The platform allows organizations to stay connected and know when a customer is calling so they can provide professional answers. Key features of Unitel include call recording, call transferring, SIP trunks, virtual auto attendant, audio conference bridge, call logs, unlimited call handling, call blasting, call announcement, on-hold music, and call blocking.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/unitel-voice-profile/) ### Best rated features: Video Conferencing 5.0 Automated Attendant 5.0 PBX 5.0 Real-Time Reporting 5.0 ### Worst rated features: SMS Messaging 3.8 Fax Management 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/unitel-voice-profile/#key-features) ### Product: Zoom Phone [Zoom Phone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoom-phone-profile/) 4.52 [(244)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoom-phone-profile/reviews/) Best for:Video Conferencing ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Zoom Phone is a VoIP solution designed to help businesses in education, finance, healthcare and government sectors connect and communicate with team members on a unified interface. It offers a central administrator portal, allowing managers to modify phone numbers, view call details and monitor call quality. The platform supports an advanced encryption standard (AES) 256-bit algorithm that lets teams secure voice calls and media across various session initiation protocol (SIP) devices. Zoom Phone enables administrators to transfer, forward, record, block and hold calls using Android and iOS mobile applications. Additionally, teams can switch between voice and video conferencing, manage call queues and secure login via single sign-on. Zoom Phone lets businesses integrate the system with several third-party applications such as Google Drive, Salesforce, SharePoint, Slack and more. Pricing is based on monthly and annual subscriptions and support is extended via FAQs, help center, training videos and other online measures.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoom-phone-profile/) ### Best rated features: PBX 5.0 Computer Telephony Integration 5.0 Virtual Call Center 4.8 Voice Mail 4.8 ### Worst rated features: Contact Management 2.8 Multi-Channel Communication 3.0 SIP Trunking 3.6 IVR 3.7 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoom-phone-profile/#key-features) ### US and Canada Metered $10.00/month Pay as you go. ### US and Canada Unlimited $15.00/month Unlimited regional calling. ### Global Select $20.00/month Choose from 40+ countries and territory. [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoom-phone-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: Cloud Softphone [Cloud Softphone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/) 4.70 [(10)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Acrobits is a cloud-based softphone solution, which helps small to large businesses configure, develop and deploy communications applications in real time. Key features include QR code scanning, customizable branding, push notifications, web callback and analytics. The solution enables employees to set up call forwarding to phones for the unavailable hours and transfer or receive files from multiple sources. Acrobits helps users upload contact details from phones, detect web phone numbers and send text messages to customers. With its VoWiFi feature, agents can initiate encrypted voice and video calls over a wireless connection. Acrobits offers API-based integration, which helps developers modify the existing system with IP telephony functionalities. It comes with a mobile application for iOS and Android. The solution is available on a monthly subscription and support is provided via email and documentation.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/) ### Best rated features: File Sharing 5.0 Call Monitoring 5.0 Third-Party Integrations 5.0 Access Controls/Permissions 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Chat/Messaging 4.0 Alerts/Notifications 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/#key-features) ### Generic Full Featre App $69.00/month Non-branded softphone app with incoming and outgoing calls. This is the option for those wanting to offer incoming calls and have access to all possible features, including push notifications, video calls, and business features like transfers and conferencing. The price of this option consists of a monthly flat fee and a per-user license fee, the exact numbers depend on the specific features you pick.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### White Label Softphone $549.00/month Create your own fully branded VoIP app and release it to your customers under your company name! With this option, you will receive app installation packages which you can submit to Apple App Store and Android Google Play.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Generic App for Outgoing Only $144.00/month Non-branded softphone app only for making calls. With this option, you get an app for a flat fee, with no per-user costs. It's suitable for VoIP providers who wish to offer cheap outgoing calls to a large number of customers.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/acrobits-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: UniVoIP [UniVoIP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/officeconnect-profile/) 4.65 [(20)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/officeconnect-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Cloud Voice for Microsoft Teams from UniVoIP Why Use Microsoft Teams as a Phone System? ● You already have M365, so maximize your existing Microsoft investment - and cut costs drastically. ● True Unified Communications - business calling, collaboration, chat, and video, all on one seamless app. With Cloud Voice for Microsoft Teams, you get Native Voice calling within the Teams client, with no learning curve or complexity, and no need for 3rd-party equipment or plug-ins. ● Future-proof your technology. New features are being added to Teams continuously, with no forklift upgrades needed. What are the Benefits of Microsoft Teams as a Phone System? ● Utilize a cost-effective Cloud Voice solution to connect to the PSTN and use Teams for external calling. ● Eliminate the need to purchase and maintain expensive desktop phone equipment. Use PCs, smartphones and tablets instead - or minimize expense by purchasing a few native Teams phones for strategic people. ● Conduct business in one place and on one Teams client: chat, collaborate, conference, video, and call: True Unified Communications! Why Use UniVoIP’s Cloud Voice for Microsoft Teams? ● Additional important features are overlayed, such as Analog, Faxing, Paging, SMS, and Contact Center. ● A purpose-built platform and dedicated network for Microsoft Teams, making UniVoIP’s solution scalable, efficient and cost-effective, while eliminating integration issues and limitations. ● Fully cloud-native solution. No need for 3rd-party add-ons, equipment, or plug-ins. ● Native Microsoft Teams client Voice calling via any device, empowering users to be truly available, accessible, and manageable from anywhere. ● Easy and rapid activation and deployment. Our industry-first Automated Onboarding allows users to get activated within minutes, as opposed to days or weeks. ● Free ongoing 24/7/365 U.S.-based support.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/officeconnect-profile/) ### Best rated features: Computer Telephony Integration 5.0 Automatic Call Distribution 5.0 Call Logging 5.0 VoIP Connection 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/officeconnect-profile/#key-features) ### Basic $7.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/officeconnect-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: Vodia PBX [Vodia PBX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/vodia-profile/) 4.69 [(16)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/vodia-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Vodia PBX is a hybrid VoIP PBX solution that caters to businesses in industries like healthcare, education, call centers and hospitality. It helps them to manage communications within organizations and with external clients. The solution can be deployed on-premise or hosted in the cloud. For hosted PBX licenses, Vodia supports multi-tenancy operation which allows users to manage several organizations through a single instance of the software. Users can integrate a number of hardware and software components including softphones, mobile phones, email services and text messaging, as well as a number of extensions. Other features include auto-attendants, call recording, mailboxes, automatic call distribution, conference calling, park orbiting and paging. Communication with Voida PBX is encrypted based on TLS and SRTP. It also supports ZRTP end-to-end encryption. Services offered are priced based on extensions and PBX features. Support is available via phone, email and through an online ticket portal.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/vodia-profile/) ### Basic $145.00/year [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/vodia-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: Tragofone [Tragofone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/tragofone-profile/) 5.0 [(6)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/tragofone-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Tragofone stands at the forefront of modern communication solutions, offering a highly adaptable VoIP softphone application designed specifically for enterprises seeking efficient, remote-friendly tools. Built on robust WebRTC technology, this platform transforms how teams collaborate by providing crystal-clear audio and video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing across multiple devices. Whether you're managing a distributed workforce or enhancing customer interactions, Tragofone delivers a seamless experience that integrates effortlessly with existing systems. At its core, Tragofone is a SIP-based softphone that supports legacy servers without requiring complex configurations. This compatibility ensures businesses can upgrade their communication infrastructure without overhauling their current setups. The app's auto-provisioning feature simplifies deployment, allowing administrators to manage thousands of SIP accounts remotely. Users can configure extensions on smartphones or desktops in minutes, enabling on-the-go connectivity via 4G, 5G or WiFi networks. Push notifications activate the app only when needed, preserving battery life and boosting reliability for mobile users. One of Tragofone's standout offerings is its white-labeling capability, perfect for telecom operators, ISPs, and MVNOs. Customize the interface with your branding—logos, colors, and domains—to create a bespoke app that aligns with your identity. This not only strengthens brand loyalty but also opens new revenue streams through reseller models. For enterprises, on-demand customization lets you tailor features like UI controls, encrypted channels, or QR-code logins to fit specific workflows. Security is paramount in Tragofone's design. With TLS encryption, SRTP support, and two-step verification, all communications remain protected against threats. The platform also includes advanced call analytics, tracking metrics such as duration, drop rates, and quality across devices and networks. This data empowers managers to optimize performance, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. Integration with popular CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, and Pipedrive streamlines operations, while MS Teams compatibility extends VoIP features into your collaboration ecosystem. Tragofone excels in team collaboration tools, featuring group chats, 3-way audio conferencing, call transfers, holds, and visual voicemails. Emergency call handling and network handoff ensure uninterrupted service, even in fluctuating connectivity scenarios. Multi-tenancy support allows service providers to handle multiple clients from one backend, with distinct settings for each. Balance management and multilingual options further enhance usability for global teams. Real-world success stories highlight Tragofone's impact. Centralix in Italy praises its seamless onboarding and post-sales support, noting reliable in-office and remote performance. Ubefone in France credits the app for transforming telecom services with superior call quality and customizations. In Brazil, Vox City appreciates user-friendly features like text chat and video calls, requiring no technical expertise. WeCloudit in the Netherlands values its stability for direct VoIP calls on mobile devices. Loquantur in the US highlights quick setup via QR codes and encryption. Wocom in Jamaica reports streamlined operations and one-step onboarding. Cedarview in Nigeria lauds its tailored VoIP solutions for the local market. Easy Solutions in the Netherlands commends the Werk Tel App's interface and ongoing enhancements. iTechstro in Singapore notes resolved PBX compatibility issues, leading to smooth integrations. Recognized by platforms like SaaSHub and Techimply, Tragofone is channel-focused, fostering shared success with partners.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/tragofone-profile/) ### Best rated features: Mobile Access 5.0 Voice Mail 5.0 Access Controls/Permissions 5.0 Alerts/Notifications 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Video Conferencing 2.0 Real-Time Reporting 3.0 Call Center Integration 3.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/tragofone-profile/#key-features) ### Basic Custom Pricing available upon request Enjoy enterprise-grade security, seamless connectivity, and advanced features at affordable prices. Our flexible pricing plans meet the needs of growing businesses and large enterprises.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/tragofone-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/tragofone-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: Telzio [Telzio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/telzio-profile/) 4.54 [(35)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/telzio-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Telzio is a cloud communications provider that offers small business phone system. It includes trunking that allows professionals to connect calls with the phone network so businesses don’t have to look for a third-party SIP provider. The key features include call management, account management, conferencing and voicemail. The Call flow feature enables professionals to route incoming calls to available team members. Managers can create visual flow charts to track routing process to ensure organized workflows. The solution is priced on pay-as-you-go model with no monthly or annual subscriptions. The pricing suits the needs of small businesses and startups. The platform can be integrated with third-party solutions such as Vtiger, Zapier, Stripe, Google Analytics and Webhooks that helps users with additional features and modules. Its phone system includes PBX applications, such as an auto attendant, conferencing calling and hold music.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/telzio-profile/) ### Best rated features: Call Conferencing 5.0 Call Screening 5.0 Interaction Tracking 5.0 Call Queues 5.0 ### Worst rated features: SMS Messaging 2.0 Call Reporting 3.0 Third-Party Integrations 4.0 Real-Time Reporting 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/telzio-profile/#key-features) ### Basic $50.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/telzio-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: RingRx [RingRx](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/450761-RingRx/) 5.0 [(1)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/450761-RingRx/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary RingRx is a phone system designed for modern healthcare providers. It supports healthcare professionals with HIPAA-compliant voice, text, fax, and video communication software. The system caters to solo providers, practices and clinics, as well as hospitals and enterprises in the healthcare industry. RingRx offers an advanced phone system with features such as call routing, call queues, phone number portability, and audio conferencing. It also includes secure texting capabilities to speed up crucial communications with patients and the healthcare team. The system is highly customizable, with options for personalized onboarding, API integration, workforce collaboration, and custom setup to fit the unique needs of each healthcare organization. In addition, RingRx provides easy, secure video calling capabilities for virtual consultations. This user-friendly platform is designed to make video calls more accessible for both patients and practitioners, while adhering to the highest privacy and security standards.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/450761-RingRx/) ### Best rated features: Messaging 5.0 Patient Engagement 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/450761-RingRx/#key-features) ### RingRx Lite $15.00/month A complete business phone system for any sized practice. ### RingRx Grow $19.00/month Business-class phone, fax, and text built to streamline your practice operations and remove administrative burdens.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/450761-RingRx/#pricing-and-plans) ### RingRx Clinic $25.00/month Enterprise-class communication solution built to support the growing needs of established practices and hospitals... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/450761-RingRx/#pricing-and-plans) [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/450761-RingRx/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: metricVOICE [metricVOICE](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/metricvoice-profile/) 5.0 [(1)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/metricvoice-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Cloud Hosted Phone, VoIP & UCaaS- metricVOICE by Fastmetrics. Smarter communications from $15 per month. Connect how you work, where you work. Secure single sign-on for calls, texting, video conferences, presence and integrations to business tools. Works across devices. Managed service backed by LIVE USA SUPPORT IN THE BAY AREA. (Speak to a real person every time). Three metricVOICE tiers to choose from, based on your needs. We offer essential calling and UCaaS features, complete business phone systems or advanced integrations, analytics and voice recognition. Free desk phone options across all 3 metricVOICE tiers, or simply use apps or web phones from a browser. Key benefits of cloud hosted metricVOICE; - Unlimited free calls to the USA and Canada - Free mobile apps, web phones or desk phones - Calls, video conferencing, texting, voice to email - from browser, app or desktop - Online access for simple user / admin control - Integrate apps, tools and CRMs like MS Teams, Salesforce, Zoho, Gmail, Outlook - Unify offices and remote workers - SIP compatible / eliminate costs of on-premise PBXs - Suite of business telephony features, for a flat service fee... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/metricvoice-profile/) ### Best rated features: Alerts/Notifications 5.0 Call Routing 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/metricvoice-profile/#key-features) ### Essentials $15.00/month Business VoIP & UCaaS ### Growth $25.00/month Essentials + SMS / MMS, online faxing, call recording & reporting ### Enterprise $39.00/month Growth + advanced features, integrations & analytics. Priority support [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/metricvoice-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: PiPcall [PiPcall](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/pipcall-profile/) 4.42 [(12)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/pipcall-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary PiPcall is a VoIP phone system for the everywhere office that delivers consistency and quality calls in any location on any device. PiPcall offers you a vastly more agile and interconnected workforce at a fraction of the price. Here are just some of the benefits: Greater flexibility - Staff can make work calls anywhere they work on their preferred device. Save costs - Call packages start at £5.00 per month. It’s easy to scale - You’re never stuck in a contract. As you grow, you can add more users or remove users without fear of being stuck in a long term contract. Mobile app - The PiPcall mobile app calls over the mobile voice network, not Wi-Fi or mobile data so you can make high quality calls wherever you are.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/pipcall-profile/) ### Best rated features: Voice Mail 5.0 Call Monitoring 5.0 Online Voice Transmission 5.0 Alerts/Notifications 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/pipcall-profile/#key-features) ### Mobile+ £15.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/pipcall-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: CloudTalk [CloudTalk](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cloudtalk-profile/) 4.42 [(269)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cloudtalk-profile/reviews/) Best for:Value for money ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary CloudTalk is an AI-powered, cloud-based call center solution designed for modern sales and customer support teams. It simplifies both inbound and outbound communication by bringing everything together in one intuitive workspace. With 80+ advanced calling features and 80+ CRM and helpdesk integrations — including HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive — CloudTalk empowers teams to automate daily workflows, enhance productivity, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Enjoy global coverage in 160+ countries, crystal-clear call quality, and AI Conversational Intelligence that transforms every call into valuable insights. Trusted by over 4,000 companies such as Nokia, Glovo, and Valutico. Start your FREE 14-day trial today and experience the future of AI-driven calling.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cloudtalk-profile/) ### Best rated features: Conversion Tracking 5.0 Unified Communications 5.0 Automated Routing 5.0 Reporting & Statistics 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cloudtalk-profile/#key-features) ### Lite $19.00/month ### Essential $29.00/month ### Expert $49.00/month Get this plan at 50$/month with annual subscription. [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cloudtalk-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: GoTo Connect [GoTo Connect](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2766-GoTo-Connect/) 4.47 [(671)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2766-GoTo-Connect/reviews/) Best for:Ease of use ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary GoTo Connect is the all-in-one phone, meeting and messaging software built for SMBs. It boasts an enterprise-class phone system with 100+ features with inclusive minutes for local, long distance & international calls; video and audio conferencing with screen share for up to 250 people; and messaging for 1:1, Group Chat, Team channels, file sharing, plus SMS for external messages. GoTo Connect brings communications together with the best admin tools on the market, #1 customer-rated support, and a full suite of customer engagement tools including webinars and contact center— all delivered on the most reliable platform, while priced to give incredible value.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2766-GoTo-Connect/) ### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support - Flexible remote phone access - Cost-effective communication solution ### To take in mind - Inconsistent call handling experience - Clunky and unintuitive navigation - Confusing and slow billing processes ### Best rated features: Virtual Call Center 5.0 Purchasing & Receiving 5.0 Audio/Video Recording 5.0 Real-Time Reporting 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2766-GoTo-Connect/#key-features) ### Phone System Custom Pricing available upon request ### Customer Engagement Custom Pricing available upon request ### Complete CX Custom Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2766-GoTo-Connect/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: Zoiper [Zoiper](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoiper-profile/) 4.35 [(113)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoiper-profile/reviews/) Best for:Features ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Zoiper is an on-premise and cloud-based softphone solution that caters to service providers, call centers, VoIP integrators, mobile operators and businesses that require softphones independent of their service provider. It aggregates contacts from various sources such as Outlook, Windows, Android, iOS and all incoming calls to create an address book. Text, voice and video communications are encrypted to prevent eavesdropping. Zoiper can be integrated with customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, Outlook and Thunderbird plugins. The system also incorporates number recognition. Users can combine Zoiper’s dialer with other VoIP service providers or they can have multiple providers for different destinations in order to get a price bargain for each region. Zoiper provides its own software development kit (SDK) for integrating its functionalities with any hardware or software. Other features include auto-answering, provisioning, call recording, jitter buffers, clock skew compensation and delay reduction. Support is provided via online forum and email.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoiper-profile/) ### Best rated features: Data Import/Export 5.0 Customizable Branding 5.0 Multi-Channel Communication 5.0 Call Center Management 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Chat/Messaging 1.8 Reporting & Statistics 2.7 Voice Mail 3.0 Conferencing 3.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoiper-profile/#key-features) ### Zoiper 5 Pro €49.95one time There are no VAT charges on the software. 1-99 licenses costs € 49.95 and more than 99 licenses need contacting the company.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoiper-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoiper-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: XTIUM UCaaS [XTIUM UCaaS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ip-phone-system-profile/) 4.37 [(49)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ip-phone-system-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Not available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Evolve IP is a cloud-based IP phone and collaboration solution suitable for businesses with over 50 employees. It caters to multiple industries including credit unions, financial services, health care, legal, restaurants and veterinary. It offers cloud computing and communication features that manage virtual desktop, disaster recovery, cloud call centers and phone systems. Primary features include call control, enterprise voice management, unified messaging and instant messaging, It provides users with voice servers, business collaboration tools including video, chat, web conferencing and screen sharing. It offers integration with multiple third-party solutions such as Outlook, Lync, Google Apps and Salesforce. It is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Android and iOS mobile support is also offered. Customer support is offered via email and over the phone. Other help options include remote assistance, blogs, knowledge base and resource library.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ip-phone-system-profile/) ### Best rated features: CRM 5.0 Contact Management 5.0 Call Routing 4.6 Voice Mail 4.4 ### Worst rated features: Reporting/Analytics 2.0 Call Recording 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ip-phone-system-profile/#key-features) ### Product: Revenue.io [Revenue.io](https://www.softwareadvice.com/transcription/ringdna-profile/) 4.28 [(18)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/transcription/ringdna-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Revenue.io is a VoIP solution that helps sales teams by providing voice communication and an automated dialer. It is a cloud-based platform that bridges the gap between conversation intelligence and organizational telephony. Designed for businesses of all sizes, Revenue.io offers solutions including a conversation AI; a sales prospecting tool; CTI that automates log calls; an inbound sales tool and sales coaching. Revenue.io provides insights and reports to managers through call-log automation. The platform enables call routing to the right representatives on the basis of conversations, prospect data and marketing sources. In addition to this, Revenue.io also features contact previews, single-line dialing, click-to-call, DialNext, IVR and dialer call recording. Revenue.io integrates with Salesforce and support is offered via phone, email, a knowledge base and an online community.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/transcription/ringdna-profile/) ### Best rated features: Call Tagging 5.0 Collaboration Tools 5.0 Content Management 5.0 Video Chat 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Communication Management 1.0 For Sales Teams/Organizations 3.0 Performance Management 3.0 Campaign Management 3.5 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/transcription/ringdna-profile/#key-features) ### Basic $95.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/transcription/ringdna-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Product: Ring4 [Ring4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ring4-profile/) 4.11 [(18)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ring4-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Ring4 is a cloud-based telephony solution that helps small to midsize businesses create virtual sim cards, international or local corporate phone numbers and personal lines. Key features include Wi-Fi calling, messaging with emojis, number porting and anti-spamming. Ring4 comes with an admin console, which allows businesses to manage and organize phone lines across multiple locations. Professionals can utilize the recording, texting and customizable voicemail functionalities to collaborate and communicate with teams or customers. Additionally, users can generate phone numbers using area codes of cities in the USA. Ring4 provides mobile applications for Android and iOS devices for entrepreneurs to dial or receive calls, block unwanted calls and more, even from remote locations. The solution is available on monthly subscriptions and support is extended via email, live chat and other online measures.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ring4-profile/) ### Best rated features: Call Recording 4.0 Call Transfer 4.0 Voice Mail 4.0 Caller ID 4.0 ### Worst rated features: Call Routing 1.0 Video Conferencing 1.0 Call Monitoring 1.0 Contact Management 1.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ring4-profile/#key-features) ### For Teams $9.99/month The plan costs $8 /user /month when paid annually. It offers a 7-day free trial as well. ### For Individuals $9.99/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ring4-profile/#pricing-and-plans) 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/best-softphones-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/best-softphones-comparison/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/best-softphones-comparison/?page=4) ## Popular Comparisons [ Ringover vs RingEX ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/vs/ringover/)[ 3CX vs GoTo Connect ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/2766-GoTo-Connect/vs/4936-3cx-phone-system/)[ LiveAgent vs Aircall ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/aircall-profile/vs/liveagent/)[ Zoom Phone vs Grasshopper ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/grasshopper-profile/vs/zoom-phone/)[ JustCall vs CTM ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/vs/justcall/)[ Bria vs Zoiper ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/xlite-profile/vs/zoiper/) ## Your Guide to Top Softphone Software, November 2023 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Softphone products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [LiveAgent](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/liveagent-profile/) - [Ringover](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ringover-profile/) - [Squaretalk](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/innitel-predictive-dialer-profile/) - [ULTATEL Cloud Business Phone System](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/) - [Global Call Forwarding](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/) - G12 Communications - [Acefone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-communication/acefone-profile/) - [Ricochet360](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ricochet360-profile/) - [OnSIP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/) - [CallTrackingMetrics](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/calltrackingmetrics-profile/) - [GoTo Connect](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/goto-connect-profile/) - [RingCX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/ringcentral-contact-profile/) - [JustCall](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/justcall-profile/) - [3CX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/3cx-phone-system-profile/) - [CloudTalk](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cloudtalk-profile/) - [Aircall](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/aircall-profile/) - [Grasshopper](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/grasshopper-profile/) - [OpenPhone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/openphone-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. With the vast number of VoIP softphone products on the market, choosing the right solution for your phone system can be daunting. (Technically, all softphones are for [VoIP service](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/business-phone-service-comparison/), since they’re essentially software for placing calls over the Internet.) To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled this guide. We’ll outline the common features of softphones and give a rundown of popular products to help you make the right decision for your business. We’ll look at: [What Is a VoIP Softphone?](#WhatIsaVoIPSoftphone) [Common Functions of VoIP Softphones](#CommonFunctionsofVoIPSoftphones) [Benefits of VoIP Softphones](#BenefitsofVoIPSoftphones) [Vendor Landscape](#VendorLandscape) [Crucial Considerations for Buyers](#CrucialConsiderationsforBuyers) ## What Is a VoIP Softphone? The name says it all: software phone. Softphones are software applications that run on devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets etc.) with Internet connections and allow you to make and receive calls. Softphones are thus designed for Internet phone service, commonly known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), rather than traditional phone service. A VoIP softphone is perhaps easiest to understand when compared to an IP phone i.e., a hardware office phone designed to make calls over the Internet using a [business VoIP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/) service rather than traditional land lines. Both IP phones and softphones serve as endpoints to which VoIP phone systems connect calls, but one is software and the other is hardware. Some businesses choose to deploy softphones rather than hardware phones as phone system extensions. For instance, if your employees work remotely, it makes more sense to connect the phone system to applications on their laptops than to desk phones in an office they rarely see. Additionally, you can deploy softphones alongside desk phones and connect the same extension to both endpoints. This gives your employees more flexibility in their communications options. Softphone-only deployments are gaining in popularity and can also help keep the costs of switching to VoIP down, since IP phones can be expensive. ## Common Functions of VoIP Softphone Software VoIP softphones often include the following core capabilities:

Voice calling

The key functionality of softphones. Make and receive calls through your Internet connection.

Video calling

Place and receive video calls on devices with cameras. (Note that video calling is not the same as video conferencing, which frequently requires a more advanced application.)

Call history

Track incoming and outgoing calls.

Voicemail

Let callers leave voice messages when you’re not available. Listen to voice messages and return calls.

On-demand call recording

Users can frequently initiate on-demand call recording from the softphone user interface (UI).

Directory of contacts/presence

Just like your smartphone, a softphone has a directory of contacts. The difference is that softphones also generally display which contacts are currently online (a feature known as presence).

Call transferring

Softphones allow you to transfer calls to contacts in your organization.

Click-to-dial

Because softphones are installed on your device, they allow you to click on links on web pages and in emails in order to place calls automatically, without touching a keypad or picking up a receiver.

More advanced softphones offer a smorgasbord of features beyond these basic capabilities, and are known as unified communications (UC) clients. Generally, these clients are offered directly via the vendor of your phone system or [UC system](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ucaas-comparison/), whereas softphones are commonly offered by third-party vendors. If you’re just looking for basic inbound and outbound calling capabilities, a softphone will generally be enough, while UC clients are for supporting advanced communications like multi-party video conferencing on smartphones and tablets. ## Benefits of VoIP Softphones There are many benefits of choosing a softphone over, or in addition to hardphones: - **Reduce costs by reducing hardware.** Softphone software gives you the option to forego traditional office phones. You’ll save money by not having to buy extra hardware in the first place. - **Integrate with computer systems.** Because softphones use your local computer network, they also integrate with your existing computer-based systems. Many softphone applications, including the ones mentioned above, can integrate with contact databases such as Outlook, Thunderbird and Mac address books. Softphones with click-to-dial allow you to place calls from your customer relationship management (CRM) software, Web browser or accounting system. This is a highly useful feature for call center agents and other employees that have to place lots of outbound calls (e.g those in accounts receivable). - **Place calls through Wi-Fi.** Normally, when you make a call with your cellphone, it goes over a cellular network and you have to pay per-minute rates as well as prohibitively expensive roaming fees if you’re out of range of your providers’ network. Softphones allow you to place calls over a Wi-FI internet connection, so you bypass the cellular network and avoid per-minute rates and roaming charges. You still need to pay for the data connection or the Wi-Fi connection unless it’s public. This feature results in significant savings for employees who travel abroad frequently. ## The Vendor Landscape There are both free and paid softphones on the market. To help you determine which softphone solution is right for you, let’s take a look at a few popular products. **3CX.** [3CX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/3cx-phone-system-profile/) offers both cloud and on-premise business phone systems. Manage calls from your desktop and use your computer to make and receive calls. 3CX has softphones for both Windows and Mac, and it includes native Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) apps for Android and iOS. _3CX softphone for Mac_ **Bria X-Lite.** One of [Bria X-Lite’s](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/xlite-profile/) most attractive qualities is that it’s free. Several softphone vendors offer “freemium” versions that may have only limited functionalities and/or be supported by ads. Bria X-Lite includes functionalities for voice and video calls, instant messaging and voicemail support. This free solution is meant to act as a stepping stone to the paid option, Bria 4. It is compatible with Windows and Mac systems. _Bria X-Lite softphone, video calling and chat_ **Zoiper.** Another notable option on the market is [Zoiper](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoiper-profile/). Along with voice and video calling, it offers call recording, call transfer and auto-answering. It also has native conferencing, so you can conduct conference calls without relying on a third-party service. It works on Windows, Mac and Linux systems. _Zoiper video calling_ ## Crucial Considerations for Buyers **Free vs. paid softphones.** Many softphone vendors offer what are called “freemium” clients (e.g., Bria X-Lite) to encourage customers to eventually pay to upgrade. Some freemium products rely heavily on advertisements within the application to stay free. These clients can work well for smaller companies or companies with limited needs. However, larger enterprises or those seeking more complex functionalities will need a more advanced client. Phone system/headset compatibility. The #1 factor that should guide your choice of a softphone is compatibility. The softphone needs to be supported by your phone system, so check with your vendor or your vendor’s channel partner about this issue. Most major vendors list compatible softphones on their websites or in product literature. Additionally, if you’re planning to use the softphone in conjunction with a headset in a call center environment, you need to ensure that the softphone is also compatible with the specific brand of headset you’re using. **Softphone platforms.** Softphones are trending toward OS agnosticism. Users want apps that run on Windows, Mac and Linux, as well as on smartphone operating systems such as Android and iOS. Thus, many providers are now offering their products on many different platforms, and they’re developing mobile clients. ### Related Softphone Software - [Call Center Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/) - [Mobility Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/mobility/) - [Remote Work Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/remote-work/) - [Telephony Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/computer-telephony-integration-comparison/) - [VoIP Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/)