15 Best Softphone Apps for Business in 2024

Imagine making business calls from anywhere in the world without cords or hardware issues. In today’s fast-paced business environment, the need for effective remote communication solutions has become more critical than ever. As more businesses transition to remote work, maintaining seamless communication is essential. This is where softphones come into play, offering a versatile and cost-effective solution for business communication. Let’s explore the world of softphones and discover the best options available.

Read More: What Is a SaaS Call Center? Key Benefits, Features, & Setup

What is a Softphone App?

A softphone app is a software application that simulates a traditional telephone interface on an internet-powered device. It allows users to make and receive calls over the internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. Softphone apps function as virtual dial pads, providing all the features of a traditional phone system without the need for physical hardware.

Essential Components of a Softphone App

• Internet-Powered Device: A computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Internet Connection: A stable and reliable internet connection.
• VoIP/PBX Subscription: A subscription to a VoIP or PBX service.
• Optional Headset: For enhanced call quality and hands-free operation.

How Does Softphone Software Work?

Softphone software works by converting voice signals into data packets that are transmitted over the internet. This process involves several key components:

Internet-Powered Devices

Softphones can be used on a variety of internet-powered devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. This flexibility allows users to stay connected regardless of their location.

Internet/Wi-Fi Connection

A stable internet or Wi-Fi connection is crucial for softphone functionality. The quality of calls depends on the strength and reliability of the internet connection.

VoIP/PBX Subscription

Softphones must be paired with a VoIP or PBX phone system to enable internet-based calling. This subscription provides the necessary infrastructure for transmitting calls over the internet.

Optional Headset

Using a headset can significantly improve call quality by reducing background noise and providing a more comfortable calling experience.

Why Should Your Business Switch to a VoIP Softphone?

Cost Savings

Switching to a VoIP softphone can lead to significant cost savings. By eliminating the need for traditional call center hardware, businesses can reduce their operational expenses. VoIP services often offer more affordable calling plans compared to traditional phone services.

Mobility

Softphones provide the freedom to make and receive calls from any location. This mobility is particularly beneficial for remote workers and businesses with distributed teams. Employees can stay connected while traveling or working from home.

Cloud Access

Softphone apps offer seamless integration with cloud-based services, allowing users to access business communications via desktop and mobile apps. This cloud access ensures that all communication data is centralized and easily accessible.

List of Best Softphones

Let’s explore some of the best softphone apps available for businesses. Each of these apps offers unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different business needs.

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

To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison of the top softphone apps:

Name	Price	Top Features	Additional Software Needed?	Best For
MightyCall	$15-$30/mo/user	Local/toll-free numbers, SMS/MMS, call recording	Yes	Mid-sized and small businesses
Linphone	Free	Audio/video calling, chat, call forwarding	No	Small businesses
3CX	Free-$145/year	Audio/video calls, messaging, call recording	Yes	Small businesses
Grasshopper	$29-$89/mo	Business numbers, messaging, call forwarding	Yes	Mid-sized businesses
ZoiPer 5	Free-$49.95/license	Audio/video, call history, click-to-call	No	Small businesses
RingCentral	$29.99-$59.99/mo/user	Business numbers, voice/video calls, voicemail-to-text	Yes	Large teams/enterprise clients
Bria	Free-$4.95/mo	Audio/video calls, call transfer, call waiting	Yes	Solopreneurs, small teams
MicroSIP	Free	Voice/video calls, call history, call recording	No	Remote workers, freelancers
Ooma Office	$19.95-$29.99/mo/user	Business numbers, virtual receptionist, call recording	Yes	Small business offices
Phone.com	$14.99-$29.99/mo/user	Business numbers, audio, video conferencing	Yes	Small businesses, solopreneurs
Sipnetic	Free	Audio/video calls, messaging, encryption	No	Freelancers
Line2	$13.75-$15.99/mo	Business numbers, audio calls, call forwarding	No	Solopreneurs, small teams
MizuTech	Free-$50 flat fee	Audio/video calls, messaging, file sharing	Yes	Feature-focused businesses
CloudTalk	$25-$50/mo/user	Business numbers, call distribution, call recording	Yes	Large sales/support teams
8×8	$15-$57/mo/user	Business numbers, audio calls, voicemail transcription	Yes	Large businesses with international partners

Top 15 Softphones for Windows: Detailed Overview

1. MightyCall

MightyCall is a feature-rich business communications system designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to the communication needs of growing businesses.

Pricing:

• Free Trial: Available for users to test the features.
• Core Plan: $15 per month per user, offering basic features suitable for small teams.
• Pro Plan: $23 per month per user, providing additional functionalities like call recording.
• Power Plan: $30 per month per user, with advanced features for larger teams.
• Enterprise Plan: Quote-based, tailored for large businesses with specific needs.

Features:

• Local and toll-free numbers to enhance business reach.
• Audio calls and SMS/MMS for versatile communication.
• Call recording for training and compliance purposes.
• Voicemail transcriptions for easy message management.
• Customizable greetings and call routing options.

Integrations:

• Hubspot: Seamless integration for CRM functionalities.
• Salesforce: Allows synchronization of call data with customer records.
• Zapier: Facilitates automation with various apps.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Robust features, easy integration with major CRMs, and user-friendly interface.
• Cons: Higher pricing for advanced features may be a barrier for small businesses.

Best For: Ideal for mid-sized and small businesses looking for a comprehensive communication solution with strong CRM integrations.

2. Linphone

Linphone is a free, open-source softphone that offers a simple yet effective communication solution. It is highly customizable, making it suitable for tech-savvy users and small businesses.

Pricing: Completely free to use, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious businesses.

Features:

• Audio and video calling for clear communication.
• Chat functionality to support instant messaging.
• Call forwarding to ensure calls are never missed.
• Encryption for secure communications.
• Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).

Integrations:

• Web Browsers: Works seamlessly with web browsers for easy access.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Free to use, open-source flexibility, and strong security features.
• Cons: Limited support and advanced features compared to paid options.

Best For: Perfect for small businesses needing a cost-effective, free communication tool with essential features.

3. 3CX Softphone

3CX is suitable for businesses with existing softphone experience, offering a comprehensive set of features that enhance business communications.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Provides basic features suitable for small teams.
• Pro Plan: $145 per year, offering advanced features like call recording and integration with Microsoft 365.

Features:

• Audio and video calls for versatile communication.
• Messaging to support internal and external communications.
• Call recording in the Pro plan for compliance and training.
• Web conferencing for remote meetings.
• Voicemail transcriptions to streamline message management.

Integrations:

• Microsoft 365: Enhances functionality with seamless integration.
• CRM Systems: Integrates with various CRM systems for synchronized data.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Extensive features, strong integrations, and user-friendly interface.
• Cons: Annual pricing model may not be ideal for all businesses.

Best For: Best suited for small businesses looking for a robust softphone solution with advanced features and integrations.

4. Grasshopper

Grasshopper offers standard virtual telephony features suitable for mid-sized businesses. It provides a professional phone system that can be accessed from anywhere.

Pricing:

• Solo Plan: $29 per month, suitable for single users or small teams.
• Partner Plan: $49 per month, for businesses with multiple team members.
• Small Business Plan: $89 per month, designed for growing businesses.

Features:

• Business numbers to project a professional image.
• Messaging for efficient communication.
• Call forwarding to ensure important calls are never missed.
• Voicemail to email for easy access to messages.
• Custom greetings and call handling rules.

Integrations:

• Zapier: Automates workflows by connecting Grasshopper with various apps.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: User-friendly interface, reliable performance, and professional features.
• Cons: Relatively higher cost for small businesses.

Best For: Ideal for mid-sized businesses seeking reliable virtual telephony features that enhance communication efficiency.

5. ZoiPer 5

ZoiPer 5 is known for its high audio and video quality, making it a preferred choice for businesses that prioritize clear communication.

Pricing:

• Free Version: Offers basic functionalities.
• Pro Version: $49.95 per license, providing advanced features.

Features:

• Audio and video calls for high-quality communication.
• Call history to keep track of all interactions.
• Click-to-call functionality for convenience.
• Call encryption for secure conversations.
• Multi-platform support.

Integrations:

• Microsoft Outlook: For seamless contact management and integration.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: High-quality calls, secure communications, and useful integrations.
• Cons: One-time license fee for the Pro version may be a drawback for some.

Best For: Suitable for small businesses with previous softphone experience looking for high-quality communication solutions.

11. Sipnetic

Sipnetic is a free, ad-free softphone designed specifically for Android devices. It provides a simple yet effective solution for mobile communication needs.

Pricing: Free to use, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.

Features:

• Audio/Video Calls: Allows users to make high-quality audio and video calls.
• Messaging: Supports instant messaging for quick communication.
• Encryption: Ensures secure communication with robust encryption features.
• SIP Account Support: Can handle multiple SIP accounts for versatility.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive interface for ease of use.

Integrations:

• System Contacts: Integrates seamlessly with the device’s contact list, simplifying the calling process.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Free, ad-free, strong security features, and easy integration with system contacts.
• Cons: Limited support for non-Android devices and fewer advanced features.

Best For: Ideal for freelancers looking for a free and secure communication tool on Android devices.

12. Line2

Line2 provides an additional phone line for business purposes, making it easy to separate personal and professional communications.

Pricing:

• Monthly Plan: $15.99 per month.
• Annual Plan: $13.75 per month (when billed annually).

Features:

• Business Numbers: Provides dedicated business numbers to establish a professional presence.
• Audio Calls: Supports high-quality audio calls.
• Call Forwarding: Ensures calls are never missed by forwarding them to other numbers.
• Voicemail Transcription: Converts voicemails to text for easy reading and management.
• SMS and MMS: Supports text messaging and multimedia messaging.

Integrations:

• None: Does not offer additional integrations, keeping the service straightforward.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Simplicity, affordability, and dedicated business line features.
• Cons: Limited advanced features and no integrations with other software.

Best For: Suitable for solopreneurs and small teams needing a second phone line for business.

13. MizuTech

MizuTech offers a comprehensive feature set tailored for businesses that need robust communication tools.

Pricing:

• Basic Plan: Free, providing essential features.
• Full Plan: $50 flat fee, offering a complete set of advanced features.

Features:

• Audio/Video Calls: High-quality audio and video communication.
• Messaging: Supports instant messaging and chat features.
• File Sharing: Allows easy sharing of files during calls or chats.
• Advanced Security: Includes encryption and other security measures to protect communications.
• Customizable Interface: Offers customization options to fit business needs.

Integrations:

• Microsoft Outlook: Seamless integration for managing contacts and scheduling.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Extensive features, one-time fee for full access, and strong security measures.
• Cons: The one-time fee for the Full plan may be a barrier for some small businesses.

Best For: Ideal for feature-focused businesses looking for a robust and secure communication tool.

14. CloudTalk

CloudTalk is designed specifically for sales and customer support teams, providing targeted features to enhance team productivity.

Pricing:

• Starter Plan: $25 per month per user, offering basic features.
• Essential Plan: $30 per month per user, with additional functionalities.
• Expert Plan: $50 per month per user, providing advanced features for larger teams.

Features:

• Business Numbers: Offers dedicated business numbers.
• Call Distribution: Efficiently routes calls to the appropriate team members.
• Call Recording: Automatically records calls for quality and training purposes.
• Analytics: Provides detailed call analytics and reporting.
• Voicemail Transcription: Converts voicemails to text for easy management.

Integrations:

• Salesforce: For managing customer relationships.
• Hubspot: Enhances marketing and sales efforts.
• Zendesk: Streamlines customer support processes.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: Targeted features for sales and support teams, strong integrations, and detailed analytics.
• Cons: Higher pricing, which may not be suitable for smaller businesses.

Best For: Best for large sales and support teams needing a comprehensive communication solution with advanced features.

15. 8×8

8×8 provides a comprehensive contact center platform with international calling capabilities, suitable for businesses with global operations.

Pricing:

• Express Plan: $15 per month per user, offering essential features.
• X2 Plan: $28 per month per user, providing additional functionalities.
• X4 Plan: $57 per month per user, including the most advanced features.

Features:

• Business Numbers: Provides dedicated business numbers.
• Audio Calls: High-quality audio calling capabilities.
• Voicemail Transcription: Converts voicemails to text for easy management.
• Team Messaging: Facilitates internal communication and collaboration.
• Call Center Features: Includes advanced call center functionalities like call queuing and monitoring.

Integrations:

• Microsoft Teams: For enhanced team collaboration.
• Various CRMs: Integrates with multiple CRM systems to streamline customer relationship management.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros: International calling, extensive integrations, and advanced contact center features.
• Cons: Higher cost, which may be prohibitive for smaller businesses.

Best For: Suitable for large businesses with international partners, offering comprehensive and scalable communication solutions.

Key Softphone Features

When choosing a softphone, consider the following key features:

Pros and Cons of Softphone Apps

Pros

• Flexibility: Use any internet-powered device for business calls, providing mobility and convenience.
• Features: Softphone apps offer rich communication features that enhance productivity and collaboration.
• Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for expensive hardware, reducing operational costs.
• Remote Work: Ideal for remote teams, allowing seamless communication from anywhere.

Cons

• VoIP/PBX Dependency: Softphones require a VoIP or PBX system to function, which may involve additional costs.
• Internet Reliance: The quality of calls depends on the strength and reliability of the internet connection.
• Learning Curve: Transitioning to softphones may require training and adjustment for teams used to traditional desk phones.

How to Choose a Softphone Service

VoIP Service Compatibility

Ensure the softphone app is compatible with your VoIP provider. Compatibility is crucial for seamless integration and optimal performance.

Feature Comparison

Match the features of the softphone app with your business needs. Consider essential features like call recording, conferencing, and integrations.

Integrations

Look for softphone apps that integrate with your existing business tools, such as CRM and productivity software. Integrations streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

Device Compatibility

Check if the softphone app is compatible with the devices and operating systems your team uses. Device compatibility ensures flexibility and ease of use.

Team Needs and Learning Curve

Discuss with your team and consider their needs and preferences. Provide training and support to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

Price Comparison

Compare the pricing plans of different softphone apps to find the best features-to-pricing ratio. Choose a plan that offers the most value for your business.

Conclusion

Softphones offer a flexible, cost-effective solution for modern business communication. By switching to a VoIP softphone, businesses can enjoy significant cost savings, enhanced mobility, and seamless cloud access. Evaluate your business needs and choose the best softphone solution from our list to ensure effective and efficient communication for your team.