A softphone is a piece of software that runs on a desktop computer, tablet or smartphone and allows you to make calls over the Internet, using a VoIP provider. A softphone removes the need for a physical phone base unit or handset, and enables you to make and receive calls – as well as manage contacts – all from the same user interface screen. Conversations can be held via a connected headset, or with a microphone and speakers attached to your computer.
Softphones have numerous advantages over traditional phone setups:
- No additional hardware costs for desktop handsets
- All the flexibility and call management options afforded by typical VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services
- The option to turn smartphones and other mobile devices into business-level communication tools, which can be used out of the office and on the move
Compare softphone providers and prices to find the best deal for your business.
Get tailored costs from top providers in momentsBelow, we round up the best softphone apps available in 2020, including their key features and pricing.
To cut to the chase and compare prices and suppliers matched to your specific requirements, use our free quotes tool to find bespoke quotes for your business.
Best Softphone Apps
If you already have a business VoIP provider, it's likely that their own softphone app is bundled with your service package. We’ve included several of the most popular such provider-designed softphone apps below, so if you’re already with RingCentral, for example, it would make sense to stick with their app as this will offer optimal integration with your existing phone system.
Alongside these provider softphone platforms, we’ve also listed several other standalone apps that can be used regardless of which VoIP service you use.
Scroll horizontally to view full table on mobile
| Softphone App | Price | Key Benefit | Our Rating | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 RingCentral | $16 – $55 | HD Voice Quality |  | |
 Counterpath Bria | $49 | Optimized Interface |  | |
 ZoiPer | $33 – $36 | Military-Grade Security | | |
 iSoftphone | $35 – $55 | One-Step Configuration | | |
 8×8 Virtual Office | Free with 8×8 Virtual Office | Outlook Integration | |
With this selection, our team of experts are confident that you’ll find exactly the right softphone apps for your unique requirements – whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business, or a larger enterprise. Below are the individual reviews for all the models listed.
RingCentral
The RingCentral softphone application operates on Windows and Mac operating systems and provides a wide range of VoIP features. It is available in four versions – Entry, Standard, Premium and Enterprise – offering different levels of functionality to meet business needs.
The app provides the equivalent of a fully featured VoIP system on a desktop. It offers high call quality and wide-ranging functionality to improve communication and collaboration.
Price: $16 – $55
- HD voice quality
- Intuitive interface
- Audio conferencing
- Web meetings
- Instant messaging
- Integration with CRM, Outlook and other popular apps
- Presence (the ability to see which users are online in real-time)
Counterpath Bria
Counterpath Bria 4 is a carrier-grade SIP softphone application for Windows, Mac and iOS/Android devices. It includes features specifically designed for business users and can be deployed within an enterprise environment.
This is an enterprise-grade softphone application that can be customized with add-ons, such as screen share or contact management, to enhance its functionality.
Price: $49
- Optimized interface
- Advanced interoperability and configuration
- Carrier-grade application
- Voice and video calling
- Instant messaging
- Enhanced contact management
- Presence
ZoiPer
The ZoiPer softphone application is available in two versions: ZoiPer Classic, and ZoiPer 3, which offers additional VoIP features. Both versions operate on Windows, Mac and iOS/Android devices, offer military grade encryption for added security, and grant access to unified communications functionality.
A versatile softphone application that offers military grade encryption for users who need higher levels of security.
Price: $33 – $36
- Military-grade security
- All contacts on a single interface
- Audio and video calls
- Fax
- Presence
- Instant messaging
- CRM integration
- Call recording
iSoftphone
iSoftphone is available in four versions – ClassicOS X, ProOS X, iPhone and iPad. All versions offer a fully featured VoIP service that includes audio and video calling, as well as helpful features like online presence monitoring (Presence), call recording, and integration with CRM data.
iSoftPhone combines a wide range of communication methods into an easy to use application with quick, easy configuration. The intuitive Call Panel provides quick access to functionality, and helps improve personal productivity.
Price: $35 – $55
- Intuitive functions
- One-step configuration
- Instant messaging
- Integration with CRM
- Call recording
- Presence
- Video calls
8×8
8×8 Virtual Office is a softphone application that is free when you purchase the company’s Virtual Office or Virtual Office Pro system. It provides VoIP functionality for Windows or Mac desktops and can integrate with Outlook and social media apps.
This is not a standalone softphone and is only available to 8×8 Virtual Office or Virtual Office Pro customers. It claims to offer all the VoIP functionality of your main desktop 8×8 system.
Price: free with 8×8 Virtual Office or Virtual Office Pro
- Integration with Outlook
- Part of 8×8 Virtual Office or Virtual Office Pro
- 3-way calling
- Voicemail
- Call forwarding
- Caller and calling line information
- One-click calling
Relevant Guides
3CXPhone
3CXPhone can be used on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS operating systems to make and receive phone calls from a PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet.
This softphone application is completely free, saving licensing costs and reducing licensing administration. It provides a useful entry-level VoIP phone solution, although functionality may be limited, compared with paid offerings.
Price: Free
- Quick and simple installation
- Open Standards-based next generation softphone
- Easy to use, intuitive user interface with dial pad and buttons
- Presence
- Instant Chat
- Wide choice of VoIP Providers/SIP Trunks
Cisco Jabber
Cisco Jabber is a softphone application for Android, Blackberry, iPhone and iPad, Mac, and Windows platforms. It offers HD video and desktop sharing capabilities, plus other VoIP features that deliver secure, reliable communications on a wide variety of devices.
Cisco Jabber is a business-class softphone application from a leading provider of VoIP solutions. It offers high call quality, and a wide range of communication and collaboration facilities.
Price: By quotation
- HD call quality
- Business-class solution
- Presence
- Instant messaging
- Voice messaging
- Desktop sharing
- Conferencing
Acrobits Groundwire
This is a business class SIP softphone application designed specifically for mobile users. It combines features business users need with intuitive features created for mobiles.
Groundwire claims to be the first mobile SIP client capable of replacing a desktop phone. It offers good VoIP functionality for mobile users at an affordable price.
Price: $13
- Multi-line
- Designed specifically for mobile
- Video calling
- Call conferencing
- Voicemail Notification
- Enterprise support for SMS
- Call recording
Line2
This softphone is only available to Line2 Pro subscribers. The Pro Plan provides an affordable, fully-featured solution for VoIP, and offers many great features for mobile workers.
As part of the Line 2 Pro Plan service, the softphone application provides an ideal solution for mobile workers who want to enjoy the full benefits of a VoIP service when they are away from their desks or working in the field.
Price: Free to Line2 Pro subscribers
- Mobile office with business-grade features
- 500 minutes and unlimited texts
- Auto attendant
- Group conferencing
- Visual voicemail
- Call forwarding
ShoreTel
ShoreTel Sky was recently acquired by Mitel, but their Softphone app is still available to users through the Mitel brand. It is modeled on traditional deskphones, which gives it a very intuitive interface, compared to other softphones. It incorporates the ShoreTel Communicator interface to provide access to powerful unified communications tools.
As part of the Mitel VoIP service, the softphone application provides access to a wide range of enterprise-grade VoIP services.
Price: Free to ShoreTel Sky VoIP subscribers
- Requires minimal configuration
- Intuitive interface
- ShoreTel Communicator interface
- Call history
- Voicemail
- Presence
Best Softphone Apps for iPhone and Android
Many softphone apps have iPhone and Android versions available, but it's worth checking before you take the plunge and sign up. It's a good idea to know what equipment your staff have access to and whether or not the app you choose will be compatible with their platform of choice. Not a problem if you provide equipment through the company, but if you're expecting staff to use their own devices, make sure you know what they're using.
On this page, the best softphone apps that work on both Android and iOS include RingCentral, Counterpath Bria, ZoiPer and 3CXPhone.
Some softphone apps are platform specific. It's not too surprising to learn that one of our recommended apps, iSoftPhone, only works on Apple devices, so it's even more important to make sure you're selecting an app that the majority of your staff can use.
Moving Forward with VoIP Softphone Apps
If you’re really interested in utilizing a VoIP Softphone app, these reviews can only get you so far. While all this research certainly helps, you’re going to need all the information available before making a decision – and that means understanding exactly how much it will cost your business.
Fortunately, we've provided you with a handy price quote form that can help you get the full picture of what these apps offer and how much you're going to have to pay.
Compare tailored VoIP price quotes today to find the best deal for your business.
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