Softphone apps work on any internet-connected device, allowing users to make and receive calls on computers and tablets as well as on mobile phones. While there are standalone apps and many provider plans come with a desktop user interface, the best VoIP softphone apps also can provide more than a central location to manage calls and check voicemail without a handset. We looked for user-friendly solutions that work equally well across all devices.
According to our research, we recommend the following best softphone apps:
- RingCentral: Best overall for companies wanting an all-in-one communication and collaboration platform
- Phone.com: A more affordable option for businesses looking for volume and annual discounts on voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) plans
- Grasshopper: Better for small, distributed teams needing a user-friendly softphone app and virtual phone numbers
- 8×8: A better fit for organizations with international team members and customers wanting a solution that works for small companies or large call centers
- CounterPath Bria: Better for users wanting cheap VoIP services or wanting to use one softphone app to consolidate multiple independent VoIP numbers
- ZoiPer: A more appropriate choice for small teams wanting to communicate via audio and video without a monthly cost
How We Evaluated the Best Softphone Apps
Many VoIP and virtual number providers offer softphone apps. Some require only a browser window, whereas others are downloadable applications. But there are also standalone softphone apps for session initiation protocol (SIP) calling, and they work with popular VoIP services.
With a score of 4.75 out of 5, RingCentral is our top pick for softphone apps. In comparison to other providers, it is one of the most popular platforms with highly rated softphone apps for mobile and desktop devices. It features video conferencing, an auto-attendant, and call reports.
Explore how we evaluated the best softphone apps by clicking through the following tabs:
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We examined various plan tiers for affordability, checked for annual and volume discounts, and noted providers offering a free plan.
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We assessed options based on the availability of toll-free numbers, call management features, and SMS. Additionally, we looked for video conferencing, voicemail transcription, and visual voicemail.
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During our review, we considered advanced features, such as international calling, faxing, call reports, and automated attendants. Plus, we evaluated options for iOS and Android mobile apps.
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To determine the best softphone apps, we explored customer reviews for popularity and ease of use, and then compared overall features and value.
RingCentral: Best Overall Softphone App
RingCentral
What We Like
- Can customize your app interface
- Integrates with over 180 tools
- In-app file and document sharing
What's Missing
- Latest app update is glitchy
- More expensive than other options
- Small teams may not need all features
RingCentral Pricing*
- Essentials: $19.99 per user, per month for unlimited calls to U.S. and Canadian numbers, a local or toll-free number, visual voicemail, and mobile apps
- Standard: $24.99 per user, per month for unlimited audio conferencing and faxing, business numbers in over 100 countries, and video meetings with up to 100 attendees
- Premium: $34.99 per user, per month for video meetings with up to 200 participants, advanced call handling tools, and CRM integrations
- Ultimate: $49.99 per user, per month for device status reports and alerts along with unlimited cloud storage
*Rates are based on two to 20 users when paid annually. Monthly plans are available for an extra cost, and volume discounts apply for 100 or more users.
RingCentral is a VoIP provider offering softphone apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac devices. Compared to other softphone solutions, RingCentral comes with the most features, making it an excellent option for companies wanting a unified platform to manage calls and improve collaboration. The feature-rich plans include an auto-attendant, team messaging, and voicemail-to-text. While it’s free to download the app, you’ll pay a per-user fee ranging from $19.99 to $49.99 for two to 20 users with an annual payment.
RingCentral Features
RingCentral’s dashboard allows agents to transfer, mute, and hold calls.
(Source: RingCentral)
- Customizable softphone apps: Unlike other apps, RingCentral lets users reorder the tabs for a personalized view. Employees select two to five tabs, such as calendar, tasks, park locations, or video, to display on their softphone app.
- Voicemail options: RingCentral offers several ways to access your voicemail. You can use voicemail-to-text, voicemail-to-email, or hear voicemails on your desk or mobile phone apps. Voicemail is also accessible via a web browser.
- Unified communication app: With a single softphone app, you can switch devices during a call, access and share files, search for documents using keywords, create teams, and invite guest users to your teams and chats.
Explore this platform’s wide range of call management functionalities by visiting our RingCentral review page.
Phone.com: Best for Affordability & Customizability
Phone.com
What We Like
- The app works well with multiple phone numbers
- U.S.-based bilingual customer support
- Integrated in-app address book
What's Missing
- Less intuitive softphone app interface
- Mid-tier plan only supports 25 video participants
- Cheapest package doesn’t include unlimited minutes
Phone.com Pricing*
- Basic Users: $10.39 per user, per month for 300 pooled minutes, 1,000 pooled text segments, up to 10 video meeting participants, and one phone number per account
- Plus Users: $15.99 per user, per month for unlimited minutes and text messages, up to 25 video attendees, and one phone number per user
- Pro Users: $23.99 per user, per month for up to 100 video participants, call recording and analytics, and CRM integrations
*Prices are based on one to four users with an annual payment. Monthly plans are available, and discounts apply as you add more users.
Although Phone.com isn’t as popular as our top pick, RingCentral, it’s a more affordable option. It offers 20% savings for annual payments, and the price drops substantially when you add more users. All plans provide softphone apps for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. The apps feature a work inbox, making it easy to separate professional and personal calls and messages.
Unlike other providers, Phone.com lets you mix and match plans, so you can select lower-priced packages for low-volume users to save money. Plans start at $10.39 per user, per month when paid annually for one to four users. But the cost drops to about $7.19 per user, per month for 25 or more users.
Phone.com Features
Access Phone.com’s business communication tools through its softphone app.
(Source: Phone.com)
- Softphone apps: Use your personal devices for business tasks, such as faxing, calling, or text messaging. The apps keep your private and professional lives separate while offering an in-app address book for business contacts.
- “Follow Me” feature: For business users on the move, the “Follow Me” option is a time-saver. Simply enter numbers to forward calls to, and it’ll ring each one in your designated order to ensure you never miss a call.
- Call handling: Delight callers with custom greetings, call routing, and on-hold music. Plus, you can set up a dial-by-name directory, so callers reach the right person.
Grasshopper: Better for Small Teams Wanting a Virtual Number
Grasshopper
What We Like
- The app works well with multiple phone numbers
- U.S.-based bilingual customer support
- Integrated in-app address book
What's Missing
- Less intuitive softphone app interface
- Mid-tier plan only supports 25 video participants
- Cheapest package doesn’t include unlimited minutes
Grasshopper Pricing*
- Solo: $26 per month for one local, vanity, or toll-free phone number and three extensions
- Partner: $44 per month for three local, vanity, or toll-free phone numbers and six extensions
- Small Business: $80 per month for five local, vanity, or toll-free numbers and unlimited extensions
*Rates are based on annual billing, but monthly plans are available at a higher cost.
Grasshopper is a virtual number provider, meaning it forwards calls to an existing cell phone number and can’t replace your current business phone system. However, it’s one of the best-known companies on the market, and Grasshopper is designed for small businesses wanting a simple, user-friendly softphone app.
The apps work on Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Unlike other providers, Grasshopper doesn’t charge a per-user fee. Instead, you add employees to extensions for one flat monthly rate. Prices start at $26 per month when billed annually.
Grasshopper Features
With Grasshopper’s desktop and mobile apps, your team can make and take calls from anywhere.
(Source: Grasshopper)
- Mobile and desktop softphone apps: The softphone apps are intuitive and easy to set up and use. It supports text messaging, calling, and voicemail notifications. In addition, you can view your call history or read voicemail transcriptions.
- Multiple extensions: Grasshopper differs from other providers because it doesn’t charge a per-user fee. For instance, the top-tier plan offers unlimited extensions, so you make your entire workforce reachable via their private extension.
- Instant response: This unique feature immediately sends out a custom text when you miss a call. Your message includes brand images and hyperlinks. Plus, customers can respond to the text with callback details.
Discover more features and see if it is a good fit for your business by reading our Grasshopper review.
8×8: A Good Fit for Companies With an International Presence
A Good Fit for Companies With an International Presence
What We Like
- A free 30-day trial of 8x8 Express
- Advanced call center capabilities for business expansion
- Plans offer international calling and phone numbers
What's Missing
- Customer service is less responsive than other providers
- Self-help options are confusing
- Setup is more complex than other softphone apps
8x8 Pricing
- 8×8 Express: $12 per user, per month for unlimited voice, video, and messaging in the U.S. and Canada, intelligent call routing, auto-attendant, and voicemail
- X2: $24 per user, per month for unlimited voice calling to 14 countries, a multilevel auto-attendant, voicemail transcription, and unlimited recording storage for 30 days*
- X4: $44 per user, per month for unlimited voice calling to 47 countries, supervisor analytics, and unlimited recording storage for 30 days*
*Prices are based on a yearly payment, but monthly plans are available, and volume discounts apply for 100 or more users.
8×8 is a comprehensive VoIP service that works equally well for small businesses and enterprises. The softphone apps, called 8×8 Work, are available on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. Business owners can mix and match plans, so you select the inexpensive entry-level plan for U.S.-based users who don’t call internationally and pricier options for global calling. As a unified communications platform, 8×8 supports video, audio, texting, and collaboration via one application. Prices start at $12 per user, per month.
8×8 Features
8×8’s softphone app works for both mobile and desktop.
(Source: 8×8)
- Softphone apps: The 8×8 Work app is an all-in-one tool for mobile and desktop devices. It allows users to access voice, video, chat, and fax functions. Additionally, call flip lets you switch devices mid-call.
- International capabilities: Develop a global business presence by adding local or toll-free numbers in over 120 countries. Plus, X Series plans offer unlimited international phone calls to up to 47 countries.
- Chat rooms: Create public or private chat rooms to meet with teams or clients across the globe. Users share files, @mention other employees, and display their presence status.
CounterPath Bria: Better for Consolidating Multiple VoIP Services
CounterPath Bria
What We Like
- Can connect to your existing SIP server
- Manage up to 5 different VoIP services
- Integrates with Google, Microsoft, and Apple contacts
What's Missing
- No SMS or MMS text messaging feature
- Not a standalone VoIP, SIP, or PBX provider
- Customer service isn’t available via phone
CounterPath Bria Pricing*
- Bria Solo Free: A no-frills free option for one device and one SIP or VoIP account, allowing users to make and receive calls
- Bria Solo: $2.95 per user, per month for three devices, five SIP or VoIP accounts, voicemail retrieval, and call management features
- Bria Teams: $4.95 per user, per month for three devices, five accounts, team voice and video service, file transfer, screen sharing, and live chat support
- Bria Enterprise: Custom quotes available for four devices, five accounts, and video collaboration services
*All prices are based on an annual payment, and monthly options aren’t available.
Unlike other options on our list, CounterPath Bria is a standalone softphone application. It connects to your business SIP system, existing small business VoIP services, or private branch exchange (PBX) systems. It’s a good option for employees and contractors who use multiple services for communication but want to answer calls from all of them without downloading numerous applications.
The softphone app works on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices. Users can access most VoIP features with the app, including click-to-dial, call recording, and call transfer. There’s a free option for solopreneurs, and team pricing starts at $4.95 per user, per month with an annual contract.
CounterPath Bria Features
CounterPath Bria’s softphone has built-in call management features like call transfer, call recording, and click-to-dial.
(Source: CounterPath Bria)
- Softphone apps: CounterPath Bria softphone apps offer interoperability with most VoIP services, meaning you use one application to handle calls through multiple phone systems. The softphone app lets you see the presence status of everyone on your contact list.
- Team messaging: Create one-to-one or group chat rooms where you share screens, drag and drop files, and open or join a video meeting with one click.
- Video conferencing: If your VoIP provider supports video conferencing, then the Bria softphone app delivers high-definition video and audio quality. It also gives you the option of creating shareable conference room links.
ZoiPer: Best for Employee-to-Employee Calling
ZoiPer
What We Like
- Free calling between ZoiPer users
- White label branding options
- Compatible with most SIP, PBX, and VoIP systems
What's Missing
- Requires technical and developer skills for advanced setup
- Only works with an existing VoIP service
- Only one device per license
ZoiPer Pricing
- Free: Download the free Zoiper IAX SIP VOIP Softphone app for user-to-user calls with in-app advertisements
- Premium: Pay a one-time fee of $4.99 for a mobile app that includes wideband codecs, conferencing, and encryption
- Desktop: A one-time charge of $49.95 per license to add functionality for video calls, call transfer, auto-attendants, click-to-dial, and CRM integrations
ZoiPer is a softphone app that works on Linux, Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. It differs from other applications because it offers a software development kit (SDK), enabling corporations to customize the app code. It works with most PBX, SIP, and VoIP systems and supports your current plan’s functions. The free version supports calling between ZoiPer users, whereas the licensed desktop app is a one-time fee of $49.95. It includes updates, and you can reset the license for new computers up to three times.
ZoiPer Features
ZoiPer syncs all your contacts in one app.
(Source: ZoiPer)
- Softphone apps: The ZoiPer apps integrate with your contact lists, lets you change your ringtones for different VoIP accounts, and allows customization of your app’s color schemes.
- Branding: Design a custom phone app for your team by adding your logo and brand name and creating user groups with different features and access levels.
- Team calling: ZoiPer is a simple way to connect your employees for free using a mobile app. Or get advanced features and free user-to-user calls by purchasing a desktop license.
Bottom Line
The right softphone app makes a huge difference in your employee and customer experiences. High-quality options provide high-definition video and audio, integrate with address books, and are easy for employees to use.
While several great options exist, RingCentral stands out for its ease of use and multidevice functionality. It’s an all-in-one platform, giving your teams and clients one space to communicate and collaborate in real time.
