Our research shows that RingCentral provides the best softphone app for businesses. This is due to its large features catalog, many helpful integrations, and several reasonable price points, no matter the size of your business.
Plus, given its dual functionality with the company's video conferencing service, RingCentral Glip, businesses can stay in touch with their teams no matter where they are. If you'd like a bit more information on this, we've reviewed RingCentral, as well as several other softphone apps, further down in this article.
It's fair to say there are a lot of great softphone apps, and your company may have particular needs that don't fit well with RingCentral – but you'll only find out which ones will best suit your business if you compare the top providers.
| Price from The typical lowest starting price. The lowest price available for your business will depend on your needs. | Best app for | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
RingCentral | 8×8 | Counterpath Bria | ZoiPer | GoToConnect | Cisco Jabber | Line2 | Acrobits Cloud Softphone | 3CX |
$19.99/month | $12 per user per month | $4.95 per user per month | $49.95 one-time cost | $22 per user per month | On request | $14/month | $69 per month | Free for first year |
Overall softphone functionality | Easy setup | Affordability | Security | Integrations | Larger businesses | Value for money | Customizability | Windows users |
We've done a whole bunch of research to assemble some of the best softphone apps for businesses, checking which options are best for features like cost, customizability, and security. Plus, you can always get a customized quote for your business to make sure you'll know exactly how much you'll be paying.
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 examples of these 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.
With this selection of softphone apps, we're confident that you’ll find exactly the right solution for your requirements – whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business, or a larger enterprise.
- RingCentral Office – best overall softphone app for businesses
- 8×8 Softphone App – best for easy setup
- Counterpath Bria Teams – best for affordability
- ZoiPer 5 PRO – best for security
- GoToConnect – best for integrations
- Cisco Jabber – best for large businesses
- Line2 – best value for money
- Acrobits Cloud Softphone – best for customizability
- 3CX Softphone – best for Windows users
1. RingCentral Office
Best overall softphone app for business
Price: $19.99 per user per month
The RingCentral softphone application is the best choice for businesses looking for streamlined and long-term business growth. The app is free, although you'll need to sign up to RingCentral Glip or RingCentral Office to use it. Conveniently, the app provides dual functionality for both Office and Glip, making it a true all-in-one hub for business communication.
RingCentral's softphone app operates on web, desktop, or mobile (Windows, Mac, iOS and Android) and provides a seamless, high-quality experience, whether you opt for video calling with Glip or broader softphone functionality with Office.
The app is bound to improve your team's communication and collaboration, and is worthy of the top spot on this list. And with a 4.2 star average customer rating across the App Store and Play Store, it seems most users would agree with us.
If you hadn't heard, RingCentral Glip is the newest addition to RingCentral's product lineup, and the one to choose if you're primarily looking for video calling across remote working circumstances as an alternative to Zoom.
Pricing
Glip works seamlessly with other RingCentral functionality, and competes with the best video conferencing platforms on the market. The free Glip plan provides unlimited meetings with up to 100 participants, and for up to 24 hours (until July 2021). The Pro+ Glip plan adds advanced analytics, 10GB of cloud storage for recordings, and some pre-built business integrations for up to 200 participants, for $14.99 per user per month.
For a more rounded business communications experience, RingCentral Office is available in four plans Essentials, Standard, Premium, or Ultimate. The Essentials plan starts at $19.99 per month for 20 users‘ access, and includes unlimited calls within the US/CA, unlimited business SMS, voicemail-to-text transcription, messaging, and document sharing.
The top tier plan, Ultimate, is $49.99 per month for unlimited users, unlimited conferencing, unlimited storage, 24/7 support, and all the advanced features and reporting an enterprise would need. Standard and Premium sit in between.
Features
- Up to 20 users on cheapest plan, unlimited after that
- Voicemail to text functionality
- Unlimited business SMS texts
- Document sharing
- Team messaging
Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans
- Dual functionality with phone and video
- Large feature set
Cons:
- Learning curve for beginners
- No flexibility on VoIP provider
2. 8×8 Work
Best for easy setup
Price: $12 per user per month
8×8 Work is another softphone application that is free to download, but requires signing up to one of the company’s ongoing VoIP packages to use. It provides all the VoIP functionality you would expect from an industry-leading provider, and can integrate with Outlook and social media apps.
8×8 offers a great visual voicemail setup, making it easy to check in on your messages without dialing in. Plus, you'll have access to other advanced features, like transcription and an auto attendant, to make life a bit easier.
What sets this app apart is that it's very easy to use and to set up. The intuitive interface is comprehensive enough for even the newest of beginners, so there will be no obstacles when it comes to staying in touch with your team.
8×8 Work works on iOS and Android, as well as Windows and Mac. However, again, this is not a standalone softphone, and is only available to those with a paid 8×8 X Series subscription or a free 8×8 Express trial.
Pricing
8×8 offers three different pricing plans. The Express plan comes in at $12 per user per month, and offers all the features listed above, as well as unlimited calling within the US and Canada. The X2 plan costs $24 per user per month and adds some team-facing features, as well as unlimited calling in 14 countries. Finally, the X4 plan will run you $44 per user per month, and offers robust analytics along with unlimited calls to 47 countries.
Features
- Auto attendant
- Transcription
- Visual voicemail
- Content & file sharing
- Team messaging
Pros:
- Great telephone system features
- Easy to use and setup, even for beginners
- Full control over schedule and meetings
Cons:
- Occasional connectivity problems
- No VoIP provider flexibility
3. Counterpath Bria Teams
Best for affordability
Price: $4.95 per user per month
Counterpath Bria Teams is a carrier-grade SIP softphone application for Windows, Mac, and iOS/Android devices. It includes a range of features specifically designed for business users, and can be deployed within an enterprise environment.
Counterpath Bria Teams is easily the most affordable service on the list even if you opt for the higher tier plan that includes web conferencing which makes it an obvious competitor. Naturally, it's missing some of the more advanced features, but if your budget is a concern, you can't do much better than Counterpath Bria Teams particularly if you're a small business.
If the standard offering doesn't quite live up to your initial expectations, this softphone application can also be customized with a number of add-ons, such as screen share or contact management, to boost its functionality. You can try it free for 30 days before you buy.
Pricing
Counterpath Bria offers a lot of pricing plans, but only two of them are aimed at small businesses. The Counterpath Bria Teams plan will cost you $4.95 per user per month and offers all the basic business phone functionality, whereas the Counterpath Bria Teams Pro plan costs $9.95 per user per month and adds web conferencing to the mix.
Features
- Three devices per user
- Transfer and forward functionality
- Meeting recording
- Cloud admin portal
- Team messaging
Pros:
- Most affordable option available
- High quality audio and video
- Excellent battery efficiency
Cons:
- Limited messaging features
- Not very customizable
4. Zoiper 5 PRO
Best for security
Price: $49.95 one-time cost
The Zoiper 5 PRO softphone application replaces the former Zoiper 3, Zoiper Classic, and Zoiper Web apps, which have been discontinued. It comes as a free version for non-commercial calls on iOS or Android, or as a fully-fledged VoIP package for businesses as Zoiper 5 PRO.
Upgrading to Zoiper 5 PRO enables functionality on Windows or Mac as well as iOS/Android devices, provides military grade encryption for added security, and grants access to unified communications functionality. We must admit, the interface is a bit outdated, which can be a turn off for business communication but from a security standpoint, it's one of the best you can buy.
Unique to this list, Zoiper is a one-time purchase, after which you can place free calls between Zoiper users, and benefit from no recurring monthly fees. Zoiper 5 PRO also works with Asterisk, Freeswitch, Cisco CallManager, 3CX, Elastix, and most other modern SIP based PBXs.
Pricing
Zoiper offers its service for a one-time fee, giving you access to everything forever without a monthly bill. You can expect to pay $49.95 once for Zoiper 5 PRO.
Features
- Click 2 Dial
- End-to-end military grade encryption
- Auto answer
- Advanced audio features
Pros:
- Military-grade encryption
- Advanced audio features
- No monthly cost (one-time fee)
Cons:
- Quite expensive up front
- Outdated interface
5. GoToConnect
Best for integrations
Price: $22 per user per month
GoToConnect is the phone system arm of the GoTo brand, which offers a wide range of communication tools for businesses around the world. This app in particular makes it easy to connect with your team, with team messaging features and an intuitive app interface that makes things simple for everyone.
One of the best parts about GoToConnect is the vast array of integrations that comes with it. Salesforce, Slack, Google Workplace, and Windows 365 are all supported, as well as GoToMeeting and other apps in the GoTo brand family.
The app does have some connectivity issues, as reviewers have pointed out on more than one occasion. However, given the status of the GoTo brand as a leader in digital communication, it's safe to assume that any significant issues won't be long lasting.
Pricing
GoToConnect offers three pricing plans. The Basic plan will cost you $22 per user per month, and offers a basic phone system for your business. The Standard plan is just a small jump from there at $26 per user per month, and adds advanced features like call recording and real-time analytics. Finally, the Premium plan will run you at least $39 per user per month, and adds a wide range of support center features.
Features
- Port existing number
- Route incoming calls to multiple phones
- Auto attendants
- Call queue
- Team messaging
Pros:
- Lots of integrations
- Multiple device functionality
- Easy to port old number
Cons:
- Connectivity problems
- No search function for contacts
6. Cisco Jabber
Best for large businesses
Price: On request
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 as far as audio and video is concerned, along with a wide range of communication and collaboration facilities like active controls and desktop sharing.
Due to its pricing and robust feature set, Cisco Jabber is aimed at larger businesses looking for an enterprise-level solution, as is the case with most Cisco software. Suffice it to say, smaller businesses should probably look elsewhere.
Pricing
Cisco Jabber does not have publicly available pricing. You'll have to reach out to the company in order to get a bespoke quote for your business, giving you a bit more customizability.
Features
- Desktop sharing
- High quality audio and video
- Team messaging
- Active controls
- Conferencing
Pros:
- HD call quality across the board
- Lots of enterprise-facing features
- Vast chat functionality
Cons:
- Complicated answering process
- Slight connectivity problems
7. Line2
Best value for money
Price: $14.99 per user per month
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.
Line2 represents one of the more affordable options on the list, particularly given everything you get in the plan. Even the higher tier plan is more affordable than half the options on this list, and it offers some serious heft as far as analytics, call quality, and telephone features are concerned. You can even set up a vanity number, if that's something that piques your interest.
As part of the Line2 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.
Pricing
Line2 offers three different pricing plans. The Starter plan starts at $14.99 per user per month and offers all the basic telephone services you'd expect, as well as some of the fun perks like the vanity number. The Growth plan ups it to $19.99 per user per month, and adds more advanced features like auto-attendant and call scheduling. Finally, the Business will run you $24.99 per user per month and adds even more features, like advanced reporting and transcription.
Features
- Voicemail transcription
- Auto attendant
- Advanced call usage reports
- Vanity numbers
- Team messaging
Pros:
- Mobile office with business-grade features
- Competitive pricing plans
- Easy to use interface
Cons:
- No VoIP provider flexibility
- Complicated login process
8. Acrobits Cloud Softphone
Best for customizability
Price: $459 per month
If you're looking for an extremely customizable option when it comes to your business telephone system, there's no better option than Cloud Softphone from Acrobits. This is white label software meaning it allows you to make the app entirely your business's through in-app branding and also features a external provisioning API, so you can really control everything within the app.
Another aspect of Cloud Software that makes it unique on this list is that it doesn't charge per user. The flat rate pricing may seem intimidating at first glance, but if you compare to other per user costs, you can see how saving some money is definitely an option if you're looking at having a lot of users.
To be clear, it is a bit complicated. The Cloud Softphone interface and even pricing system is hard to understand, even for some experts, so make sure you have the expertise needed to use this app before committing all that money.
Pricing
Acrobits Cloud Software offers a wide range of pricing options, but your best move is going to be to pay the $459 per month in order to get the phone system that works with the softphone app. There is a cheaper $69 per month plan, but it's missing some of key features that make Cloud Softphone attractive.
Features
- Customized, a la carte pricing model
- Unlimited users
- Smart contacts
- In-app branding
- External provisioning API
Pros:
- Unlimited users
- Very customizable platform
- In-app branding
Cons:
- High monthly cost
- Too complicated for beginners
9. 3CX Softphone
Best for Windows users
Price: Free for first year
3CX is all about that Windows life. It integrates with Windows 365 seamlessly, and the entire app can be set up in a just a few clicks, which is always great for beginners. However, if you're working with any operating system other than Windows, feel free to move along.
The pricing is the unique part of 3CX. It's free for the first year, which is obviously attractive, but it's not without its caveats. The functionality is certainly a bit limited compared to the more expensive options available, and the interface leaves a lot to be desired in terms of staying on the modern style. Still, for the price, it's a solid enough option to get you through the day.
Pricing
3CX is free for the first year. After that, you have two paid plan options: Pro and Enterprise. The Enterprise plan adds some advanced features like call recording, while the Pro is your basic telephone system plan. The price of each plan is based on a per user per month basis, and the actual monthly cost changes depending on how many users you have, making it a decidedly complicated option as far as pricing goes.
Features
- Integrates with Windows 365
- Call recording
- Auto attendant
- Screen sharing
Pros:
- Integrates with Microsoft 365
- Easy to use, intuitive user interface
- Free for first year
Key Features:
- Outdated interface
- Confusing, albeit affordable pricing model
Best Softphone Apps for iPhone and Android
The best softphone app for iPhone and Android is RingCentral, as it allows you to access plentiful features, low costs, and a vast number of integrations, no matter which device you use.
Again though, RingCentral isn't the only softphone app that works on both iPhone and Android, and you might need a different set of features, a lower price point, or some different integrations. Luckily for you, there are quite a few providers on this list that offer both iOS and Android apps.
In fact, if you're worried about any of these providers offering only one type of app, you're in luck! Every single provider on this list offers both an Android and iPhone app, so no need to check on your equipment ahead of time. Don't forget to compare softphone providers to see how much it will cost your business.
Verdict: What Is the Best Softphone App?
RingCentral Office is the best softphone app for businesses available today, thanks to its robust feature catalog, low price points, and uniquely vast set of possible integrations. Additionally, the app's dual functionality with RingCentral Glip the video conferencing app makes it a great all-in-one hub for businesses that need to get work done remotely.
You've made it this far, which means you're definitely in need of a softphone app to improve communication at your business. If you want to take the next step towards actually signing up, you can fill out our simple comparison tool, which will provide you with a bespoke quote for the communication system of your choice.
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