Softphones for Windows range from basic models that allow you to make audio and/or video calls and send texts to full-blown call center features and business tool integrations. Below, we’ll discuss the best softphone apps for business – including individual apps and softphone services bundled into Voice over IP (VoIP) phone systems. We’ll also deep-dive into features and pricing – all to nail that perfect solution for your team.

1. What is a softphone app?
2. How does softphone software work?
3. Why should your business switch to a VoIP softphone?
4. The list of best softphones
5. Softphone apps comparison
6. Top 15 Softphone for Windows: Overview
7. How we ranked these 15 best sip softphones
8. Key Windows softphone features
9. Pros and cons of softphone apps
10. How to choose a softphone service
11. Verdict: what is the best softphone for business?

What is a softphone app?

“Softphone” is short for “software phone” – an application that runs on your phone, tablet, or computer (laptop or desktop) to place calls over the internet. The app itself looks like an onscreen virtual dial pad (think the dialer on your smartphone) and usually has additional functionality to manage calls. Softphone applications aren’t standalone products – they need a VoIP or PBX phone system to function.

How does softphone software work?

It takes just three essential “ingredients” to make softphone software work on practically any device, and one optional choice.

1. Internet-powered device – you and your team will need a computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone – practically any internet-powered device, as long as it’s equipped with a microphone and speakers. Softphone platforms don’t work with regular desk phones.
2. Internet/Wi-Fi connection – the app won’t work without a stable connection to the internet. Whether this is cable internet, mobile, or Wi-Fi is up to you to decide, but the connection in your primary work location must be fast and reliable.
3. VoIP/PBX subscription – You always need to pair the app with a Voice over IP subscription. Many of these providers have native softphone software so you can just get one for the price of two. However, if you don’t like your phone system’s native dialer, there are lots of apps by external providers. In this case, always double-check compatibility with your Voice over IP or PBX provider before buying.
4. Optional: headset – if you have lots of calls coming in or want to improve audio and speaking quality, we suggest using an external professional headset. However, this is optional since all apps will work with your default device speakers and mic.

Why should your business switch to a VoIP softphone?

With a VoIP softphone, your team is free to make and receive business calls away from the office desk phone. Access to your entire business communications is available in the cloud, on desktop and mobile apps. As a result, your business totally eliminates the need for call center hardware and saves thousands of dollars while gaining unprecedented mobility.

The list of best softphones

Now that you have an idea about the product you need, here’s the list of best softphone apps for business that we’ll be exploring in detail in the rest of the post.

1. MightyCall
2. Linphone
3. 3CX 
4. Grasshopper
5. ZoiPer
6. RingCentral
7. Bria
8. MicroSIP
9. Ooma Office
10. Phone.com
11. Sipnetic
12. Line2
13. MizuTech
14. CloudTalk
15. 8×8

Softphone apps comparison

Top 15 Softphone for Windows: Overview

1. MightyCall

MightyCall is an all-inclusive deal – a business phone system for businesses of all sizes that provides local, toll–free and vanity numbers and over 30 calling features and integrations. It also comes with one of the best softphone apps for business already built in. This completely eliminates the need for office desk phones. Remote teams can make and receive calls with no extra hardware, right from their laptop or mobile phone.

First impressions

MightyCall combines a feature-rich business communications system with a sleek, easy-to-use softphone client. The system is compatible with most standard softphones for Windows as well as softphones for Mac. Setup is easy in both cases.

Should you not want to pay anything extra for a softphone system, MightyCall comes with its own webphone accessible in all browsers, and a mobile softphone app. Any team member connected to your account can make and receive business calls straight from their PC/laptop or mobile phone without downloading any third-party software.

Pricing (all per user/per month):

• Free trial: $0
• Business: from $15
• Enterprise: from $150

OS

• Web: all
• Mobile: Android/iOS

Features

• Local, toll-free, vanity business numbers
• Audio calls
• SMS/MMS
• Conference calls
• Standard and Multi-Level IVR
• Business hours call routing
• Call recording
• Auto attendant
• Call forwarding
• Caller ID and CNAM
• Voicemail-to-text
• Call analytics

And lots more.

Integrations

MightyCall offers native integrations with Hubspot, Salesforce, and other CRM platforms. You can also connect MightyCall with over 1500 business apps on Zapier and to WhatsApp Business. All integrations are free on Business and Enterprise plans.

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Mid-sized and small businesses

Customer service

MightyCall is prized for its live customer service, available via live chat, phone, and email. Plus, free help is always available to all clients with phone system setup, integrations, and any questions they may have.

User reviews:

G2 rating: 4.5

2. Linphone

Linphone is a free open-source softphone app for making voice and video calls over the internet and using texting. Developers can modify and even rebrand Linphone or book those services from the product development team. This makes it a flexible solution for enterprise clients.

First impressions

A free product with all the basic call management features, it’s definitely one of the best softphone apps for small business. Linphone’s softphone for business will be a nice fit for anyone who needs an out-of-the-box calling solution, especially for calling from laptops/PC.

Pricing

Free open source product

OS

• Desktop: Windows/Mac
• Mobile: Android/iOS

Features

• Audio/video calling
• Chat/messaging
• Call forwarding
• Call and chat history
• File sharing
• Contacts
• Call recording

Integrations

Linphone for desktop integrates with web browsers

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Businesses in need of free solution; clients looking for a modifiable open-source product

Customer service

According to users, problems may arise with after sales and it’s recommended to use chat for customer service.

User reviews:

G2 rating: 4.1

3. 3CX Softphone

3CX softphone is a solution for knowledgeable businesses looking for an annual subscription plan. The service runs in the Cloud on all operating systems, but as a desktop softphone for Windows only. Compatibility includes Windows 10, 8.1, 8, or 7 SP1, with 10 preferred. 3CX does offer a constantly developing web client and useful Chrome extensions.

First impressions

If you have previous experience of using softphone applications and are looking for a best softphone windows product, 3CX is the no-hassle product to buy and get on with your business day. However, note that the product’s pricing model is unique among competitors: it’s based on the number of simultaneous calls a business handles.

Pricing

• Free plan for up to 10 users
• Pro version – from $145/year for 4 simultaneous calls and unlimited users

OS

• Desktop: Windows
• Web: all OS
• Mobile: Android/iOS

Features

• Audio/ Video calls
• Messaging
• Auto attendant (1 on the free plan)
• Ring group (1 on the free plan)
• Call history
• Call recording (only Pro plan)
• Call Queues (only Pro plan)

Integrations

Includes WhatsApp integration on the free plan. Additional Microsoft 365 integration on the Dedicated Pro plan.

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Small businesses that use a softphone for Windows

Customer service

Support with 3CX setup and troubleshooting is available through several channels: email, phone, and chat.

User reviews:

G2 rating 4.4

4. Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a business phone system that comes with desktop and mobile dialers that can be used to place calls online. As a long-standing Voice over IP provider, Grasshopper softphone apps come with standard virtual telephony features.

First impressions

Pricing

• Solo: $29/mo up to 3 user extensions
• Partner: $49/mo up to 6 user extensions
• Small business: $89/mo for unlimited users

OS

• Desktop: Windows, MacOS
• Web: All browsers
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

• Business phone numbers
• Audio calls
• Messaging
• Conference calling
• Call forwarding
• Call handling
• Virtual Receptionist
• Virtual faxing
• Voicemail and voicemail transcription (add-on)

Integrations

Grasshopper has no native integrations with CRM systems. It can integrate with these programs only through Zapier or API.

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Mid-size teams with a need for standard calling functionality

Customer service

Their website suggests using the FAQs and Documentation to solve problems. If this doesn’t fit your criteria, there’s an option to “Call Support” at the end of relevant FAQ articles.

User reviews:

G2 rating: 4

5. ZoiPer 5

ZoiPer is a popular softphone for business. It’s available on all popular platforms and devices and is best known for high audio and video quality, fast technology, and powerful functionality on the pro plan.

First impressions

ZoiPer 5, the service’s latest product, offers a free plan. But as the company itself suggests, this product is for non-commercial use and offers no functionality beyond audio calls.

Companies should look into buying the ZoiPer 5 license which, for a one-time fee, gives access to calling features. If you already have a business phone number, are familiar with softphone applications, and need a lifetime license without subscription fees, this is one of the best softphones for you.

Pricing

Non-commercial use: Free
ZoiPer Pro: $49.95 per license/ one-time purchase

OS

• Desktop: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Web: All browsers
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

With Pro license:

• Audio/Video
• Instant Messaging
• Call history
• Call forwarding
• Voicemail
• Click-to-call
• Auto-answer
• Event rule handling
• Call recording

Integrations

Premium version: Microsoft Outlook

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Small businesses with previous experience of using softphone software

Customer service

Support for technical issues is available only through the contact form on the Zoiper website. When you fill out the form, it creates a ticket which is then attended to within one business day according to Zoiper.

User reviews:

G2 rating 4.4

6. RingCentral

Ringcentral is one of the veteran virtual phone number providers. Like most enterprise-level virtual telephony platforms, it comes with its own softphone system. However, the features of this phone system and its pricing model are designed for large businesses.

First impressions

While the platform offers some advanced functionality, its small business plan is one of the priciest and most minimalistic in the industry. A team of 3 would pay almost $90 per month for just…100 talk minutes included! CRM integrations are available only on the premium $45 monthly per-user plan.

Pricing

Essentials plan – $29.99/mo per user
Standard – $37.99/mo er user
Premium – 44.99/mo per user
Ultimate- $59/99/mo per user

OS

• Desktop – Windows, MacOS
• Web – all
• Mobile – Android, iOS

Features

• Business phone numbers
• Voice calls
• Video calls (only on Standard plan and above)
• SMS
• Voicemail to text
• Internet fax (only on Standard plan and above)
• Conferencing (only on Standard plan and above)
• Video meetings with up to 200 people (only on Premium plan and above)
• Extensions up to 8-digit (only on Premium plan and above)
• Call recording (only on Premium plan and above)
• Real-time analytics (only on Premium plan and above)
• Hot desking (only on Premium plan and above)
• Advanced call handling (only on Premium plan and above)

Integrations

Integrations vary based on plans: no integrations on Essentials plans, Microsoft 365, Google, and Slack integrations on Standard plans, CRM integrations (Salesforce, Zendesk, etc.) and industry-specific integrations (Canvas, Smarsh etc.) on Premium ($44.99/mo/user) plans.

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Large teams/companies; enterprise clients

Customer service

The company offers 24/7 support on Standard plans and above

User reviews:

G2 rating 3.9

7. Bria

Bria (formerly X-Lite) is another top softphone compatible with most virtual telephony including MightyCall. Bria offers four solutions for different-sized businesses or individuals. Bria Solo Free and Bria Solo are made for freelancers and solopreneurs, while Bria Teams is the solution for multiple users.

First impressions

Compared to its competitors Bria Solo Free has extremely limited functionality. Their paid plans, though, are on the lower-pricing end and are a good starter deal to make/receive calls from laptops and mobile phones, with multi-device and multi-platform support, and a chance to upgrade later.

Pricing

Bria Solo Free: Free
Bria Solo: $2.95/mo, for single users only
Bria Teams: $4.95/ mo

OS

• Desktop: Windows, MacOS
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

•  Audio calls
• Video calls (not available on Bria Solo Free plan)
• Call transfer (not available on Bria Solo Free plan)
• Call waiting (not available on Bria Solo Free plan)
• Call blocking (not available on Bria Solo Free plan)
• Messaging (only for Bria Teams)
• Screen sharing (only Bria Teams)
• File sharing (only Bria Teams)
• Call recording (only Bria Teams)

Integrations

Contact management is available on Bria Solo plans and higher. Available services:

• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Office
• Apple Mac address book
• Google Workplace suite
• LDAP active directory

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Solopreneurs and small teams

Customer service

According to some reviewers, customer support may be difficult to reach.

User reviews:

G2 rating: 4.4

8. MicroSIP softphone

Another free, open-source softphone provider, presently available for Windows OS users. Some of its most attractive characteristics are the features provided for free and its lightweight presence on your hard drive (>2.5MB) and RAM usage (>5MB).

First impressions

MicroSIP is a lightweight, simple softphone for Windows only (Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/ Windows 10). It’s a great fit if you need a free dialer to go with your existing virtual phone system, and for remote workers and entrepreneurs who need a non-hardware tool for making and receiving business calls out of the office.

Pricing

Free

OS

• Desktop: Windows
• Mobile: No

Features

• Voice calling
• Video calling
• Voicemail
• Call forwarding
• Messaging
• Contact
• Presence indicators (if supported by SIP server)
• Call history
• Call recording

Integrations

Not available

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Remote workers and small teams

Customer service

The company doesn’t handle inquiries on setting up the account, SIP, and connection problems. These problems, according to their website, should be addressed to your service provider.

User review

G2 rating: 4.2

9. Ooma Office

Ooma Office is a comprehensive, high-rated business telephony service for offices. Generally speaking, Ooma is different from other providers in this list: its product doesn’t really need a computer to function. Ooma sells separate hardware – IP desk phones to go along with its service, though it also offers a softphone for PC.

First impressions

At first glance it seems Ooma Office is built around desk phones and IP adaptors that would connect a standard office to a virtual phone system and avoid call forwarding to computers or mobile phones. However, on the Pro plan, Ooma does offer native softphone software.

Pricing

• Essentials: $19.95 per user per month
• Pro: $24.95 per user per month
• Pro Plus: $29.99 per user per month

OS

• Desktop: Windows, MacOS (desktop app on Office Pro and above only)
• Mobile: Android/iOS

Features

• Business phone numbers
• Audio calls
• Virtual receptionist
• Virtual fax
• Call forwarding
• Call park
• Ring groups
• Extensions
• Multi ring
• Call recording (on Pro plans and above)
• Video conferencing (on Pro plans and above)
• Call queue (on Pro plans and above)
• Voicemail
• Voicemail transcription (on Pro plans and above)

Integrations

Salesforce integration is available only on the highest-tier plan, Ooma Office Pro Plus.

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Small business office use

Customer service

Support is available via documentation manuals and phone 24/7.

User reviews:

G2 rating: 4.5

10. Phone.com

Phone.com is a virtual phone system offering phone numbers, call routing features, and functionality to place calls via internet-powered devices. Their softphone application is built around the Cloud software and mobile experience and doesn’t include a desktop calling app.

First impressions

The company boasts that it designed the product for small businesses with an eye on cost-effective service. However, on all plans, including Pro, it offers only 1 business phone number per user included. The service has a web panel and mobile app that function as a dialer. The mobile app has user-friendly UI with a simple, easy-to-use menu of features.

Pricing

• Basic: $14.99/mo/user
• Plus: $19.99/mo/user
• Pro: $29.00/mo/user

OS

• Web: all
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

• Business phone numbers
• Audio
• Video conferencing
• Messaging
• Business hours
• Auto attendant
• Voicemail and transcription (the latter on Pro plan only)
• Call routing
• Fax from phone
• Call recording (on Pro plan only)
• CRM integration (on Pro plan only)
• Call analytics (on Pro plan only)

Integrations

The Pro Plan includes integrations with AllProWebTools CRM, Chrometa time tracking, Zoho, office suite, and Zapier. However, there are no native integrations with the most popular CRM like Hubspot and Salesforce, PipeDrive, etc.

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Small business, solopreneurs

Customer service

The website boasts 24/7 service via live chat, email, and phone.

User reviews:

Rating on G2: 3.3

11. Sipnetic

Sipnetic is a free and ad-free softphone application. It may be used with your VoIP, PBX, or enterprise telephony provider. Currently available only for Android, it boasts quite an interesting set of features for a freebie, which makes it applicable as a softphone for business.

First impressions

Sipnetic UI is slick and modern and resembles apps like Skype. The contact list has presence indicators, so you can view contacts that are online. The app supports calling in 3G/4G and WI-FI. It is available in several languages. It can also be easily configured via QR code.

Pricing

Free

OS

• Mobile: Android
• Desktop: no
• Web: no

Features

• Audio/video calls (audio in a variety of codecs)
• Instant messaging with voice chat
• Multiple SIP accounts
• Multiple calls
• On Hold
• Attended transfer
• Experiential walkie-talkie mode
• Echo cancellation
• Encryption

Integrations

Integrates with system contacts

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Work from home, freelancers

Customer service

As on most free apps, customer support isn’t generally available. The only contact on their website is a general email address.

User reviews:

Google Play rating: 4.0

12. Line2

Line2 does what it says: provides a second, separate phone line for business. As a basic business phone line, you can count on it to replace office hard phones and start making business calls from its mobile and desktop apps. It may not have one of the best VoIP softphones, but it’s a no-fuss starter option for solopreneurs and very small businesses.

First impressions

Unlike all of the above services, Line2 is totally minimalistic. It offers only a single plan, billed monthly or annually, at a more attractive price. The plan comes with unlimited calling in the USA/Canada, unlimited SMS/MMS, and basic PBX features.

Pricing

$15.99/mo when billed monthly or $13.75/mo when billed annually

OS

• Desktop: Windows, MacOS
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

• Business phone numbers
• Audio calls
• Messaging
• Call forwarding
• Call blocking
• Call screening
• Voicemail recordings
• Voicemail transcriptions
• Caller ID

Integrations

Not available

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Solopreneurs, small teams

Customer service

Support is available via phone and email.

User reviews:

G2 rating: 2.7 

13. MizuTech

Mizutech is a softphone for windows that can be connected to any SIP server. MizuTech offers several products: MizuPhone Basic, a free product, MizuPhone Full (full-featured version) as well as customizable and branded products.

First impressions

The developers clearly focused on providing the most features among competitors, albeit at the cost of limited UI development. However, although MizuTech displays the most generous softphone for business feature list among competitors, only in the comparison section do we see that nearly all of these features are reserved for the paid version of the product.

Pricing

MizuPhone Basic – free
MizuPhone full – $50 flat fee
Custom solutions for a separate price

OS

• Desktop: Windows
• Web: no
• Mobile: Android (MizuDroid SIP)

Features

Basic version:

• Audio calls only

Full version (pro):

• Audio/Video calls (wide range of codecs)
• Messaging
• Multiple accounts
• Call hold and call transfer
• Call forwarding
• Conference calls (audio/video)
• Auto Answer
• Call and chat history
• Fax (beta)
• Address book
• File transfer and sharing
• Noise suppression features: audio tuning wizard, echo cancellation, noise suppression, voice activity detection.
• Encryption

Integrations

• Microsoft Outlook sync
• Contact list import
• The documentation states that when a scripting module is installed as an add-on, the program can integrate with CRM applications

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Businesses and teams with a focus on features over the visual experience.

Customer service

Support is carried out only via email and documentation. However, according to their contact page, support is ensured only for the paid product versions.

User reviews:

Google Play rating: 4.0

14. CloudTalk

CloudTalk is a cloud phone system designed around sales and customer support teams in larger companies. It comes with advanced integrations and call-center-inspired communication features. The software is available on all platforms including Linux.

First impressions

If you have large sales teams or a heavy call load, are already familiar with virtual phone solutions and need advanced functionality out of softphones for business, look into this option. However, the product is definitely not for folks just looking for a simple softphone solution to use when out of the office or for remote work.

Pricing

• Starter: $25/mo per user
• Essential: $30/mo per user
• Expert: $50/mo per user
• Custom plan for enterprise clients

OS

• Desktop: Windows, MacOS, Linux
• Web: all
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

Features include:

• Business phone numbers
• Unlimited inbound and intracompany calls
• Automated call distribution
• Messaging (only on Essential plan and above)
• Click to call
• Business hours (only on Essential plan and above)
• Personalized greetings and music (only on Essential plan and above)
• Conference calls (only on Essential plan and above)
• Unlimited call queueing
• Call recording
• Call statistics
• IVR (only on Essential plan and above)

Integrations

CloudTalk offers some of the widest integration capabilities of business phones. These include integrations with lots of CRM like Salesforce, Hubspot, Pipedrive, integrations via Zapier, connectivity with Slack, Zendesk, Shopify, and lots more.

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Sales and support teams in larger companies

Customer service

Support is available through documentation, email, and phone in different countries.

User reviews:

G2 rating: 4.3

15. 8×8

8×8 is a contact center platform that’s been in the market for decades and holds a few impressive telecom patents. The company prides itself on unlimited international calling for up to 48 countries. It also offers desktop and mobile apps that function as a VoIP softphone.

First impressions

Most business-centric features come on the product’s $28/mo per user plan. However, unlike many virtual telephony providers, 8×8 has quite a few hidden fees concealed under asterisks. For example, unlimited calling is only available for local numbers. Also, there are activation and deactivation fees, which are virtually unheard of for most providers.

Pricing

• Express: $15/mo per user
• X2: $28/mo per user
• X4: $57/mo per user

OS

• Desktop: Windows, MacOs
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

• Business phone numbers
• Audio calls
• Messaging
• Basic auto attendant
• Conferencing
• Unlimited international voice calling (on X plan and above)
• Call queues (on X plan and above)
• Call handling (on X plan and above)
• Voicemail transcription (on X plan and above)
• Document sharing (on X plan and above)
• Streaming of meetings on YT (on X plan and above)
• Analytics (on X plan and above)
• Internet fax (on X plan and above)

Integrations

Integrations with Microsoft Teams, CRM, productivity, and service apps on X2 plans and higher.

Pros & Cons

Best for:

Large businesses with international partners/clients

Customer service

Support is available via manuals, FAQ, and chat.

User reviews:

G2 rating: 4.0

How we ranked these 15 best sip softphones

Modern technology offers something for everyone. So to help you choose the best option for your team, we focused on the following criteria, and so should you:

• Features – When selecting the best softphones, the call management, team, and analytics features will differ. Our list encompasses the criteria of solopreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, small and mid-sized businesses, large call centers, and international companies.
• Price – from free, to per-month, to one-time flat fees, the list includes options for businesses with different budgets.
• Possibility of integration – integration saves time, effort, and costs, so it’s always best to choose a product that integrates with other tools you’re already using.
• Total cost (including add-ons) – many services hide extra fees under asterisks. We took a close look to help you avoid extra payments.
• User support – technology is technology – it requires support. When that happens, you need customer service that’s always there for you, so we found out the options each provider offers.
• Ease of use – all of the products listed aren’t rocket science, but we pointed out some UX/UI features where applicable to keep you in the loop.

Key Windows softphone features

• Make and receive calls on any device – with a softphone app for small business, any mobile device can turn into a business phone. This means remote teams can handle any number of business calls without being tied to an office.
• Conferencing – Whenever you need to hold a call with multiple clients or partners, conferencing is there to help. Some products also offer video conferencing so you’ll avoid switching back and forth between Zoom.
• Advanced call management – set up business hours, auto-attendant, add custom greetings and on-hold music, VIP and block lists, and more.
• Automatic call recording – legally record calls without third-party recording apps or remembering to press a button before each recorded call. Just tweak settings once, and calls are recorded automatically, with a special message played before for legal purposes.
• Voicemail transcriptions – If you have a busy line, you can save hours of listening to voicemails with a transcription service that sends voicemails to your inbox in text form.
• Caller ID – you can get both inbound and outbound caller ID. This means that your business name can shine right on clients’ phones the next time they get a call from you.
• Integrations – Softphone programs often integrate with business tools like email, contact management, sales, and productivity software. This varies based on the provider, so look for integrations optimal for you.
• Easy to use – the setup is usually fast and easy. After that, you get to make and receive business calls with the device you’re reading this post from right now, anywhere on earth.

Pros and cons of softphone apps

Like any mobile calling solution, SIP softphones aren’t perfect for every single business. Some teams may need time to figure out how things work and tweak their devices. This is perfectly fine as long as you know in advance what needs to be done!

Softphone pros

• Flexible solution – softphones for windows (or any other operating system) route business calls to an Internet-powered device such as a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or PC.
• Useful communication features – this varies based on the product, but often includes calls, messaging, call routing, auto-attendant, call recording, transcriptions, analytics, and lots more!
• Perfect for remote teams – Making sure everyone has a desk phone that connects to your business phone is a costly affair. Softphone services don’t need hardware, come at a fraction of the price of desk phones, and some great options are even free!

Softphone cons

• Needs VoIP or PBX to work – Online softphones place and receive calls through a Voice over IP network. That’s why they need to connect to a phone system (virtual or PBX).
• Must have a reliable internet connection – since calls are placed over the internet, call quality will vary based on your connection. If you plan on making online calling your primary communication channel, ensure a fast internet connection in your office or remote workplace for all employees.
• Transition time needed for some teams – If your team is totally unfamiliar with how online calling works and has used only desk phones, the transition to a softphone for Windows or another platform may take time. You can speed this up by informing employees of the transition in advance and providing instruction.

How to choose a softphone service

Before buying a product, make sure you don’t waste money and time with features you don’t need, or miss important accessibility. Here are a few things to keep in mind to get things right the first time off.

1. Decide what VoIP service you’ll be using – Softphone applications and online phone systems go together like turkey and gravy. Jokes apart though, keep in mind that there’s no such thing as a standalone softphone. If you’re looking for a softphone app for small business, you can get it bundled into your current or new virtual phone system. Most virtual phone system providers offer these apps, but as we’ll see below, supported OS, general features, and pricing will vary.
2. Compare and contrast features – Since you’ll need to connect it to a business phone anyway, see what features your provider and plan already offer. For example, if your phone system already has a dozen call management features, you can get a free, simple dialing app.
3. Find out about integrations – Some products offer useful integrations with contact management, productivity, and sales tools. These are usually handy for sales teams and mid-sized to larger businesses.
4. Check device compatibility – Do you need to make calls on PC/laptop and mobile phones? Do you need a native desktop app or you’re fine with using the functionality in your browser? What kind of operating system (OS) do you have? Answer all of these questions to easily compare products.
5. Discuss needs and learning curve with your team – If you’re getting the product for a team – no matter big or small – discuss necessary features and device compatibility. Since the apps are software-based, teams that are transitioning from regular office desk phones will need instruction and a transition period.
6. Compare prices based on needs – Each provider offers different functionality for a different price. Fees range from free to monthly to a flat one-time purchase. The best softphone app is the one with the optimal features to pricing ratio for your team. Read on below to compare pricing, features, and best use!

Verdict: What Is the Best Softphone for Business?

Since all softphone apps require a business phone system to function, getting your app bundled into a comprehensive business communications platform is usually the best option. It helps avoid paying for two subscriptions, juggling apps, and adapting to two products.

Amidst competitors, MightyCall has the best softphone for business for remote teams looking to break away from the costs and limited mobility of desk phones. Plus, transition is really smooth. If you already have a business number with another Voice over IP provider, you can port that number for free. And if you’re already using a softphone app for windows or any other platform and want to keep it, you can connect it to MightyCall in just a few steps.

All things said, MightyCall is the most cost-effective and transparent provider of VoIP softphone for windows functionality with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. So give MightyCall’s virtual phone system a test drive and experience the freedom to talk business from any place.

The post 15 Best Softphone Apps for Business in 2024 first appeared on MightyCall.

Table of contents:

• What is a softphone for Mac?
• How does a SIP client for Mac work?
• The list of best softphones for Mac
• Softphone apps for Mac comparison
• Top 10 softphones for Mac: overview
• Top 10 softphone for Mac: review criteria
• Best softphone apps for iPhone and Android
• Key features of VoIP softphones for Mac
• How to choose a softphone service for Mac
• Verdict: What is the best softphone for business?

What is a Softphone for Mac?

A softphone is software that enables phone calls on a device via the internet. Unlike a traditional phone, SIP phones often come with lots of useful VoIP features and are more versatile.
A VoIP softphone for Mac can give you access to a multitude of features, such as setting business hours, getting an IVR, sending text messages, having audio transcription, etc. Not all SIP phones work on Macs, so you will want to find an app that will work on your operational system.

How does a SIP client for Mac work?

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is used in VoIP communications; it allows users to have free voice and video conversations. A SIP client for Mac is software that you download and install on your PC or mobile device.
What you need for the softphone app on Mac to work is a gadget (computer, smartphone, etc.), a headset or microphone on the device, and access to the Internet.

The list of best softphones for Mac

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. MightyCall
2. Bria
3. Zoiper
4. Line 2
5. MizuTech
6. CloudTalk
7. Telephone
8. Phone.com
9. 8×8
10. Linphone

Softphone apps for Mac comparison

Top 10 softphones for Mac: overview

1. MightyCall

MightyCall is a one-stop shop for businesses of all sizes, offering local, toll-free, and vanity numbers, as well as over 30 calling options and integrations. It also has one of the greatest business softphones for Mac. This eliminates the need for office desk phones entirely. Remote teams may make and receive calls using their laptop or mobile phone without any additional gear.

First impressions
MightyCall combines a robust business communications solution with a beautiful, user-friendly SIP client for Mac. The system is compatible with the majority of common softphones for Mac and Windows. In both instances, setup is really simple.

If you don’t want to pay for a dialer softphone for Mac, MightyCall comes with its own webphone that works in all browsers and on mobile apps. Any team member with access to your account may make and receive business calls directly from their PC, laptop, or mobile phone without the need to download any third-party service.

Pricing per month

• Business: from $15 per user
• Enterprise: from $150 (unlimited users)

OS

• Web: all
• Mobile: Android/iOS

Features
Including, but not limited to:

• Local, toll-free, vanity business numbers
• Audio calls
• SMS/MMS
• Conference calls
• Standard and Multi-Level IVR
• Business hours call routing
• Call recording
• Auto attendant
• Call forwarding
• Caller ID and CNAM
• Voicemail-to-text
• Call analytics

Integrations
MightyCall integrates natively with Hubspot, Salesforce, and other CRM platforms. MightyCall may also be linked to over 1500 business applications on Zapier, as well as WhatsApp Business. On the Business and Enterprise subscriptions, all integrations are free.

Pros & Cons

Best for
SMBs: Medium-sized and small businesses.

Customer service
MightyCall is well-known for its user-friendly interface with tons of demos and a helpful customer care team, accessible by live chat, phone, and email. Furthermore, all clients receive free assistance with phone system setup, integrations, and other issues they may have.

User reviews
G2 rating: 4.5

2. Bria

Bria, also known as X-Lite, is another excellent softphone for Mac that works with most virtual phone systems, including MightyCall. It has various available versions for different teams: Bria Solo Free and Bria Solo are designed for freelancers and solopreneurs, respectively, and Bria Teams is designed for groups of users.

First impressions
Bria makes up for its limited functionality with its low prices. Bria Solo Free, for example, has severely restricted capabilities as compared to its competitors. Although it gets better with Bria’s paid plans, which are very affordable and have all the basic capabilities—making and receiving calls from computers and mobile phones with multi-device and multi-platform compatibility.

Pricing

• Bria Solo Free: Free
• Bria Solo: $2.95/mo, the plan allows for one user only
• Bria Teams: $4.95/ mo

OS

• Desktop: Windows, MacOS
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

• Audio calls
• Screen sharing (only Bria Teams)
• File sharing (only Bria Teams)
• Call recording (only Bria Teams)
• Video calls (not available on Bria Solo Free plan)
• Call transfer (not available on Bria Solo Free plan)
• Call waiting (not available on Bria Solo Free plan)
• Messaging (only for Bria Teams)

Integrations
Bria Solo plans and higher can be integrated with:

• Microsoft Office & Outlook
• OS X (iOS) address book
• Google Workplace
• LDAP active directory

Pros & Cons

Best for
Individual use, solopreneurs and small teams.

Customer service
Customer service may be difficult to reach, according to some reviews.

User reviews

G2 rating: 4.4

3. ZoiPer

Zoiper is a popular cross-platform VoIP softphone for Mac dialers that enables voice and video calling as well as instant messaging. You will get high audio and video quality, fast technology, and powerful functionality on the pro plan.

First impressions
The design is not very intuitive, but once you figure it out and go to their product comparison chart, you will see that there is a free option for non-commercial use that allows secure audio calls.
A great thing about Zoiper, apart from its security and high quality of service, is the flat fee. Lifelong use of an excellent product is not very common among softphones for Mac, making it a very sweet deal.

Pricing

• Non-commercial use: Free
• ZoiPer Pro: €49.95 single payment per license

OS

• Desktop: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Web: All browsers
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

• With Pro license, included, but not limited to:
• Audio/Video
• Auto-answer
• Event rule handling
• Call recording
• Instant Messaging
• Call forwarding

Integrations
Premium: Microsoft Outlook.

Pros & Cons

Best for
Small businesses looking to expand their experience via using softphones on Mac OS.

Customer service
Contact form and tickets on the product website. The response time is claimed to be one business day.

User reviews
G2 rating 4.4

4. Line 2

A very straight-forward service that can give you a second phone line but will not replace a full-on softphone service for Macs, lacking the choice of additional features. It will cover the role of an office hard phone and let you make calls from your Mac or iPhone. A great minimalist service that is a good option for solopreneurs at an adequate price.

First impressions
Line 2 is basic, clean, and minimalistic. There is just one plan, with a choice of monthly or annual payments. For a rather small price, you will get unlimited calling in the USA and Canada, unlimited SMS and MMS, and basic PBX features. Good for solopreneurs and limiting for growing companies.

Pricing per month

• $15.99 or $13.75/month annually

OS

• Desktop: Windows, Mac OS
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

• Included, but not limited to:
• Business phone numbers
• Call screening
• Voicemail transcriptions
• Audio calls
• Messaging
• Call forwarding

Integrations
Not available

Pros & Cons

Best for
Individual use, solopreneurs, small teams

Customer service
Customer support can be reached via phone and email during work hours.

User reviews
G2 rating: 2.7 

5. MizuTech

Mizutech is softphone software for Mac that can be used on Macbooks via a web browser and connected to any SIP client for Mac. MizuTech is an umbrella company, offering a multitude of products: MizuPhone Full (full-featured version), MizuPhone Basic, a free version, and variations of customizable and branded products.

First impressions
Loads of hidden costs, and even though the free version is marketed as multi-featured, almost all of them are only available in the paid version of the product. The service does give users access to a very generous set of features of acceptable quality, making it easy to customize your own plan and only pay for the features you want.

Pricing per month

• MizuPhone Basic – free
• MizuPhone full – $50 flat fee
• Custom solutions for a separate price

OS

• Desktop: Windows
• Web: Windows, Linux, MAC, iOS and Android
• Mobile: iOS and Android

Features
Basic version:

• Audio calls only

Full version (pro). Included, but not limited to:

• Audio/Video calls (wide range of codecs)
• Messaging
• Fax (beta)
• Address book
• File transfer and sharing
• Noise suppression features: audio tuning wizard, echo cancellation, noise suppression, voice activity detection
• Conference calls (audio/video)
• Auto Answer
• Call and chat history

Integrations

• Contact list import, including Microsoft Outlook synch
• When a scripting module is installed as an add-on, the program can integrate with CRM applications

Pros & Cons

Best for
Inquiring souls who want to test and see all the features out there. Will be good for teams that prefer features over aesthetics.

Customer service
The customers on paid plans can contact the support via email.

User reviews

App store rating: 3.7

6. CloudTalk

Cloudphone is a well-known VoIP softphone for Mac, developed for enterprises that handle large volumes of calls. It offers call-center-inspired communication features and advanced integrations.

First impressions
Consider this option if you have a high call volume, are already experienced with virtual phone systems, and want extensive capabilities from your softphone program for Mac. However, this softphone for the MacBook is not for those searching for basic minimalism and simplicity.

Pricing per month

• Starter: $25 per user
• Essential: $30 per user
• Expert: $50 per user
• Custom plan for enterprise clients

OS

• Desktop: Windows, MacOS, Linux
• Web: all
• Mobile: Android, iOS

Features

• Features include, but are not limited to:
• Business hours (only on Essential plan and above)
• Personalized greetings and music (only on Essential plan and above)
• Unlimited inbound and intracompany calls
• Call statistics
• IVR (only on Essential plan and above)

Integrations
CRM integrations with:

• Salesforce
• Hubspot
• Pipedrive

Integrations via Zapier: connectivity with Slack, Zendesk, Shopify, and lots more.

Pros & Cons

Best for
Large enterprises with expanding sales and support departments

Customer service
Via documentation, email, and phone internationally

User reviews

G2 rating: 4.3

7. Telephone

Developed specifically for MacBooks by 64 characters. It has a fully integrated clean design, has call history, and allows 30 simultaneous calls. You will need a SIP client for Mac OS X and up in your location.

First impressions
Clean design, but requires a good understanding of what the service does and how a SIP phone for Mac works in order to use it. It only does one thing: allows calls with other phone providers.

Pricing

• $1.99 per month per person
• $19.99 yearly

OS

• Desktop App: MacOS
  

Features
30 simultaneous audio calls
Call history
Supports app development

Integrations
Can get added to most SIP phones for Mac

Pros & Cons

Best for
Solopreneurs, small teams who have a SIP phone on Mac OS and up

Customer service
Via email

User reviews
3.2 on App Store

8. Phone.com

Phone.com is a VoIP phone for Mac systems that provides phone numbers, call routing services, and the ability to make calls using internet-connected devices. Their softphone solution for Mac is based on cloud software and mobile experiences, lacking a desktop calling client.

First impressions
All subscriptions, including Pro, allow just one business phone number per user, while the company claims that the product was created for small enterprises with a focus on cost-effective service in mind. The service includes a solid UI web panel and a mobile app that serves as a dialer.

Pricing per month

• Basic: $14.99 per user
• Plus: $19.99 per user
• Pro: $29.00 per user
  

OS

• Web: all
• Mobile: Android, iOS
  

Features

• Including, but not limited to:
• Business phone numbers
• Auto attendant
• Voicemail and transcription (the latter on Pro plan only)
• Call routing
• Audio calls

Integrations
Only available with the Pro Plan.

Integrations with Zapier, Zoho, office suite, AllProWebTools CRM, and Chrometa time tracking.

Native integrations with prominent CRMs such as Hubspot and Salesforce, PipeDrive, and others are missing.

Pros & Cons

Best for
Growing teams, small business, solopreneurs

Customer service
24/7 service via live chat, email, and phone.

User reviews
Rating on G2: 3.3

9. 8×8

Experience limitless international calling to up to 48 countries, desktop and mobile apps. 8×8 is a contact center platform that has a number of notable telecom patents and is definitely one of the notable giants on the market. As great as it is, it surely knows how to market itself without highlighting some hidden costs.

First impressions
The majority of the product’s business-focused capabilities are available with the $28/month per user subscription. There are a number of hidden costs disguised behind asterisks, so expect the price to be slightly different once you have selected all the desired features. There are also activation and deactivation costs, which are almost unheard of with most providers, and unlimited calling is only accessible for local lines.

Pricing per month

• Express: $15 per user
• X2: $28 per user
• X4: $57 per user
  

OS

• Desktop: Windows, MacOs
• Mobile: Android, iOS
  

Features
Including, but not limited to:

• Business phone numbers
• Audio calls
• Document sharing (on X plan and above)
• Streaming of meetings on YT(on X plan and above)
• Analytics(on X plan and above)
• Messaging
  

Integrations
Microsoft Teams, CRM, productivity, and service apps on X2 plans and up.

Pros & Cons

Best for
Businesses with a large volume of international calls looking for a long-term contract.

Customer service
Manuals, FAQ, and live chat.

User reviews

G2 rating: 4.0

10. Linphone

A free softphone app for the users who do not have the budget to get a paid VoIP app for Mac. Linphone is open-source and allows you to have voice and video conversations and send text messages via the internet. Linphone may be modified and even rebranded by developers, or those services can be reserved from the product development team. As a result, it is a versatile solution for business clients.

First impressions
It’s one of the finest applications for small businesses. It is free and has all of the basic call management capabilities. Linphone for business will be a good fit for anybody looking for an out-of-the-box calling solution, particularly for calling. However, the fact that it is free also means that you cannot demand much from the customer service.

Pricing
Free

OS

• Desktop: Windows/Mac
• Mobile: Android/iOS
  

Features

• Audio/video calling
• Call and chat history
• Call recording
• Chat/messaging
• File sharing
• Contacts
• Call forwarding
  

Integrations
Integrates with web browsers

Pros & Cons

Best for
Individuals and businesses looking for a free platform for making calls

Customer service
User reviews recommend using chat for customer service.

User reviews

G2 rating: 4.0

Top 10 softphone for Mac: review criteria

We used the following criteria to evaluate the top softphones for Mac:

• The package. How many features are you getting for your money? We looked into the main function of the application and the extra features that come with it. That will give you an understanding of whether the service will fit your purposes.
• Affordability. Can an average American afford this softphone? We checked the different plans and the cost per month. Some providers are free; others are expensive. Will it hurt your budget? Some products are meant for large enterprises with impressive budgets; others are good for individual use.
• Integrations. Will you be able to use this VoIP client for Mac with your other apps? We wanted to see if you would be able to integrate your VoIP into your pre-existing ecosystem. That will give you a clue about the ease with which you will get the product into your team’s daily work.
• Hidden costs. Should you be expecting any unpleasant surprises? Extra add-ons are upsetting, especially if you find out about them after you have already made the commitment to a service.
• Support. Will you struggle alone, or is there a helpful team on standby? Customer support is essential, especially if you are looking for a long-term product. Having someone behind the scenes to answer your questions can make or break the entire experience.
• Reviews. What do the customers say? What was their experience like? We looked out for any warnings or comments the users had about the product, and summarized them for you with the ratings from G2.
• UI. Is it sleek and modern or slightly outdated? Will it be intuitive, or will you have to struggle, trying to figure out which button to press to answer a call and where to find your call history?

Best softphone apps for iPhone and Android

Here is a shorter list of the best softphones for Mac:

• MightyCall — an experienced VoIP for Mac that offers a generous set of features, is affordable, and has a great design;
• Bria — has a rather limited functionality, but is cheap and easily integrates into most pre-existing products;
• Zoiper — this provider has quite a few really useful features, as well as a solid design;
• Line 2 — one plan fits all, providing you with unlimited calling in the US and Canada, although the call quality is not the best;
• MizuTech — This VoIP for Mac has a free plan, and an expensive plan with lots of hidden costs for the features. The design is not the most intuitive, but the complete list of features is impressive;
• CloudTalk — large business-focused provider with a long-term presence on the market. Customer service is not always quick to respond;
• Telephone — a clean softphone developed for Mac that acts as an add-on to VoIP clients for Mac with very limited features.
• Phone.com — has great large team benefits, but the Basic Plan barely covers the needs of a business;
• 8×8 — has unlimited international calling, but will get you into a long-term contract with penalties and fees;
• Linphone — a free softphone with all the cons of such services, including limited features and rare updates.

Key features of VoIP softphones for Mac

You will want to make the most out of your investment when it comes to finding the best VoIP softphone for Mac. Apart from transparent pricing, easy setup, and customer service, there are quite a few features to enhance your experience when choosing between different remote business phone systems.

• Making, receiving, and transferring calls. This is the very reason why you are getting a softphone app for Mac, so a high-quality connection is the key feature. Check how many minutes are included in the plans offered and read the reviews about call quality.
• Call recording. Whatever your business is, call recording will come in handy. Having the ability to assess your operators’ work, and store the conversations to look back at and review the details in case anything goes missing.
• Integrations. This feature will help you get the softphone app for Mac integrated into your pre-existing ecosystem. This will shorten the time it usually takes to introduce your team to the new software and help facilitate the organization by keeping everything in one place.
• Voicemail transcriptions. Get your audio transcribed into text in order to make it accessible and easily searchable. That way, your messages will take less time to go through and will be easier to store and share.
• IVR, call waiting, and do not disturb. Inform your customers that you are not available at certain hours, guide them to the correct department or information via an auto-attendant, and keep your clients on the line while your operators are busy handling other calls.
• Numbers. Having a toll-free or local number can be a game changer for your company. Finding a softphone app for Mac that will make your business feel local to your customers can increase your trustworthiness, and having a toll-free or international number will let you grow and expand.

Pros and Cons of Softphones for Mac

Softphone apps for Mac pros

• Saves you money. A softphone app for Mac usually contains a package of features included with the plan for free, providing more for less. Your employees will be able to use their own devices, saving you the cost of equipment and maintenance.
• Scales your business up. A SIP software for Mac can be downloaded to any device with an internet connection, regardless of physical location. You can hire internationally, open local offices in different states, or get toll-free numbers to go nationwide within a few minutes.
• Increases flexibility. Remote work and sick days will become easy: with the SIP phone system, calling is accessible from anywhere, and call forwarding can transfer the calls from the colleague on sick leave to another within just a few minutes.

Softphone apps for Mac cons

• You must have a reliable internet connection. A softphone app for Mac runs on the internet to make and receive calls; thus, if you want to use it, you will need a stable internet connection, ideally with a speed higher than 100 kilobits per second.
• Your devices must be up to date. Apps require certain system versions to run, so if you have an old Mac, you need to make sure its version and latest system update are compatible with the app you are planning to install.
• Your call quality may be inconsistent. A slow, old, or broken computer that is lagging will affect your call quality. If your Mac is running too many power-demanding apps at the same time, the softphone application for Mac will be likely to have issues.

How to choose a softphone service for Mac

• Know your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a softphone client for Mac? If you go on a monthly plan but suddenly run out of funds to renew it, it will hurt your small business.
• Have a list of features ready. What will you need? Toll-free numbers, international numbers, MMS, a complex IVR?
• Check for awards and reviews on professional platforms, such as G2. Take advantage of the professional platforms, since they offer high quality feedback on the services.
• Identify your priorities. Do you want to have a large team with many numbers and extensions, or are you looking for a service that has the best analytics to monitor your team?
• Take advantage of the available free trials. Most apps offer free trials, which will let you run a few tests and experience the product.

Verdict: What is the best softphone for business?

Each softphone app is unique and has its own fans, but for the final decision, we looked into which app offers the most for the lowest price, including the extra costs.
MightyCall is the winning softphone for business among rivals for remote teams. It easily integrates into most systems, and it is capable of functioning on its own. It has a sleek, modern design and a compelling set of features, most of which are included in the plans. You can also free transfer your current business number from another Voice over IP service. On top of that, its plans are based on team sizes rather than features, so each team will get all its needs fulfilled.

The post 10 Best Softphones for Mac in 2024 first appeared on MightyCall.

Softphones can be used for a variety of purposes ranging from business to personal calling. In fact, they’re so versatile, anyone who has a lot of calls coming in and out, especially long-distance and nationwide calls, will mark the difference between a business softphone and a regular audio/video calling app.

Perhaps you’re familiar with using a VoIP softphone for business and are looking to upgrade to a better deal, or it’s your first time googling the term. Either way, here’s some vital info on choosing the right software.

• What is a VoIP Softphone
• VoIP Softphones for businesses
• Softphone vs. Webphone
• Advanced VoIP softphone features
• Choosing the best softphone for your MightyCall plan

VoIP softphone as a multi-functional calling solution

A VoIP (or Voice Over Internet Protocol) softphone is software that, on a most basic level, replaces a physical phone. On popular calling apps, the softphone is limited to the phone pad and contact book with your friend’s profile photos which you can click to instantly start a call.

The VoIP softphone interface looks similar to an app like Skype, but don’t let that confuse you! A professional softphone app is loaded with business calling features that you won’t find on any free video chat.  Paired up with a virtual phone system, a VoIP softphone can be used to call any number – mobile or landline, including long-distance – without worrying about your contacts also being registered on this or that app.

Many VoIP softphones are available both as Mac/Windows desktop apps and as smartphone apps for iOS/Android. For maximum convenience, you should have both versions downloaded to your devices. The desktop version of the softphone is usually used together with a headset. This is not necessary for the softphone to function but is much more convenient if you don’t want passers-by or coworkers to sneak up on your conversations.

VoIP softphones adapt to individual business rhythm

As part of the global mobility trend, U.S. businesses are increasingly choosing VoIP softphones over traditional desk phones. If a business has several employees who need to be speedily available during working hours or have responsibilities to answer incoming customer calls, providing each with a landline desk phone will involve incomparable phone charges and loss of mobility.

But it’s not only mid-sized businesses and call centers who’re switching to softphones for their employees. Let’s take a look at how a VoIP softphone meets the demands of people far and wide.

 Telecommuters and freelancers

When you work remotely, a VoIP softphone gives you complete flexibility to communicate without worrying about convenience and costs. Softphones are great for telecommuters because they work and sync with all the devices you carry around. And as they work with virtual phone providers, that means you never have to worry about mobile charges.

Telecommuters can usually work well with a basic, free softphone version. Wherever and however you like to work (and talk), a softphone will put your time to better use than escaping mobile charges by using chats like WhatsApp and juggling important communication between different apps.

Small businesses and online businesses

VoIP softphones are ideal for small business owners with a lot of tasks and few helping hands.

The basic features available on free softphones such as contact lists, call forwarding, and sync mean that you can organize your small business communication effectively and handle business calls anywhere. However, for small business and especially online business, the most basic features may not give you the fullest VoIP experience and flexibility.

More advanced features provided by a VoIP softphone for business adapt to the needs of different entrepreneurs, tasks, and industries. They include helpful business features like video calling and conferencing, chat and messaging, CRM integration, and more.

 Call centers and help centers

Any mid-sized company that has a special department with operators handling calls will get the instant bonus of switching from a landline and desk phone to a VoIP softphone.

Not only will your company save lots on communication costs, call center and help center employees will be able to connect to your business phone system on any computer and even answer business calls out of office by connecting their laptop or smartphone.

This way, even if one of your employees has to stay home for the day, your customer service won’t suffer unexpected glitches.

Frequent travelers

Softphones are a popular choice for frequent travelers – whether your travels are business-related or personal.

Unlike Skype and messengers that have free calling options only to and from people using those apps, a VoIP softphone will let you call absolutely any mobile number regardless of the apps/devices the other person is using.

By connecting your softphone to a virtual phone network like MightyCall via Wi-fi, you’ll skip roaming charges both for the internet and phone while traveling. Just think of all the pleasant stuff you can get for the money you’d normally spend on your phone bill!

Softphone vs. webphone

Sometimes you just feel lost in the ocean of IT terms out there – like when it comes to softphones and webphones.  What’s the catch between softphones and webphones, and which should you get for your business?

A webphone is calling software that runs in your browser. It allows you to make the same types of calls you would with a softphone. Some businesses place webphones on their websites to allow visitors to instantly dial them, right from the business webpage.

The only difference between a softphone and a webphone is added flexibility. As the webphone runs only in your browser or the mobile app of your VoIP provider, when you close the browser window the webphone automatically becomes unavailable.

A VoIP softphone, on the other hand, is downloaded to your device, so it’s dependent only on internet connection to run smoothly. A great perk is that you can choose a softphone that can be installed on as many devices as you need – laptop, smartphone, iPad, and feel the same kind of convenience with the same synced features and updates.

Webphones are nice and efficient for freelancers and telecommuters who don’t have a lot of calls coming in. Small businesses and online stores will usually find a webphone not flexible enough for their needs and should look into free or inexpensive softphones.

Advanced VoIP softphone features

When your business needs more features in addition to the basic options of making/receiving calls across several devices, paying a one-time download fee can get you some fancy features.

Paid apps for desktop and mobile devices include:

• Voicemail
• Call recording
• Contact list integration with external apps like Outlook and MacOS Address Book
• Full CRM integration (SalesForce, Freshdesk, etc.)
• Click-to-dial (dial any phone number displayed on any website instantly)
• Unlimited lines

Such a multi-functional softphone app means you can transfer all your business communication into one stream of communication and business analytics. It’s precisely the latter feature that’s the key bonus of using a paid softphone.

If CRM integration is important for your business, or you want to take your customer service to the next level with more advanced analytics, try out the full-feature softphones from services such as those we’ll discuss below.

Choosing the best softphone for your MightyCall plan

With MightyCall’s VoIP, softphones from third-party services like Zoiper, Linphone, Bria and others can be easily configured.

What’s the difference between different softphone developers vying for customer attention? When all’s said and done, it’s all about intricately balancing the pricing and the usefulness.

Depending on your call load, customer communication needs, and business expectations, you may want a more sophisticated business softphone with an upfront fee, or a free solution that suits your needs perfectly.

Softphones for solopreneurs, freelancers and telecommuters

Zoiper Free

• Pros: suitable for starter VoIP users who are just exploring the tech side of softphones and want a great intuitive interface minus the “dark woods” of pro calling features.
• Cons: Zoiper free is a very basic softphone missing features like voicemail, call forwarding, video calling, and instant messaging. All of these features and much more are available on Zoiper Pro.

Linphone

• Pros: An exciting opensource solution for everyone who doesn’t have a ton of calls to configure but needs something past the very basics of Zoiper Free. Linphone is a great deal between cost-effectiveness and productivity.
• Cons: Linphone doesn’t have an upgrade option to a paid version, so if you need more features later on, you’ll need to switch to another service.

Softphones for small and mid-sized business and online shops

Zoiper Pro

• Pros: Everything your business (whether big or small) can want from a softphone is available on the Zoiper pro plan, including all of the advanced features discussed above (Customer Relationship Management (CRM) app integration, auto call answer, call transfer, voicemail, call recording, support of multiple video codecs and more)
• Cons: pricing is a one-time fee of €39.95, which comes down to about $45.

Bria

• Pros: HD video and high-quality audio, enhanced contacts sync from Windows or Mac, optimized interface, great IMs, presence status and other thoughtful features are just a few of the bonuses offered by Bria.
• Cons: The $49.99 pricing is per unit, with a perpetual use license. This makes Bria a less attractive paid softphone service among competitors.

Whichever VoIP softphone provider you select, it’s great to know that softphone (SIP) integration is now available not only on Ultimate plans, but on all MightyCall Standard plans! That’s one more reason to add a great softphone app to the benefits of business VoIP. The only thing we promise you’ll subtract are hidden costs and hassle.

To ensure the smoothest transition to your chosen softphone, check out our simple instructions on integrating VoIP softphones with MightyCall’s virtual phone system for business!

The post How to Use a VoIP Softphone for Business and More first appeared on MightyCall.