Softphones, VoIP adapters, IP phones - as a rule, connecting IP telephony is carried out using specialized equipment. You can avoid unnecessary costs for purchasing it using software installed on a regular smartphone - dialers for Android connect to the servers of a VoIP provider via the Internet and allow you to stay in touch anywhere in Russia and the world.
In addition to third-party applications, to connect IP telephony, you can also use the built-in SIP client, available on most devices with the Android operating system higher than the fourth version. To set it up, you will need the option to add accounts for Internet calls, which can be found in the smartphone menu, as well as additional information:
— SIP server address;
— SIP ID (login);
- Password.
This data must be obtained in the provider’s personal account and entered in the appropriate fields, after which you must set up a request to make calls via SIP. Among the advantages of the built-in client, it is worth highlighting the minimal consumption of system resources and simple setup; among the disadvantages are modest functionality and high energy consumption.
Comparison table of SIP clients
To make choosing a SIP client convenient, a comparison table has been compiled with the most important parameters listed in it.
| The name of the program | OS Compatibility | License (paid or free, etc.) | Number of accounts | Number of lines | Video support | Conference call | Encryption | Possibilities |
| X-Lite | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Free | 1 | 2 | Eat | 3 subscribers | No | Statuses, call hold, call recording |
| Bria | Windows, macOS, Linux | Paid | Some | 6 | Eat | Video communication - 3 subscribers, voice communication - 6 subscribers | TLS, SRTP | Call forwarding, call transfer, group chat |
| Softphone.Pro | Windows, macOS | Free 14 days / paid | 32 | 6 | Eat | 6 subscribers | SRTP | Call forwarding, call recording, call transfer |
| Zoiper | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Free / paid | Unlimited | Unlimited | Eat | Eat | TLS, SRTP/ZRTP | Call statistics, call on hold, conversation recording |
| Express Talk | Windows, macOS | Paid | 6 | 6 | Eat | Voice communication - 6 subscribers | — | Voice commands, call recording, call transfer |
| 3CX Phone | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Paid | Some | 5 | Eat | Voice communication - 5 subscribers | TLS, SRTP | Interface setup, speed dialing, call history storage |
| Blink | Windows, macOS X, Debian, Ubuntu Linux | GPLv3 / free / paid | Some | More than 20 | Eat | Voice communication for more than 20 subscribers | SRTP | Statuses, call forwarding, call hold |
| MicroSIP | Windows | GPLv2 / free | 1 | More than 5 | Eat | No | TLS, SRTP | Statuses, work without an account |
| Linphone | Android, iOS, macOS X, Windows, Linux, BlackBerry | GPL / free | Some | Unlimited | Eat | Eat | TLS, SRTP, ZRTP | Statuses, forwarding, call recording |
| SJphone | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free | 1 | Unlimited | Eat | Unlimited | No | Unlimited calls |
| CsipSimple | Android | GPLv3 | 1 | 1 | Eat | No | TLS, ZRTP, SRTP | Dynamic interface, conversation encryption |
| PhonerLite | Windows | Free with closed code | Some | Some | No | Eat | TLS, SRTP, ZRTP | Record calls, synchronize with Google, call using links in the browser |
| Discord | macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone | Free/proprietary | Some | — | Eat | 10 | TLS, DTLS, xsalsa20 | Overlay, sound and microphone adjustment |
| Acrobits | Android, iOS | Paid | Some | Not limited | Eat | Eat | TLS, ZRTP, SRTP | Work with Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G technologies |
| Built-in SIP client on Android | Android | Free | — | — | — | — | TLS | Easy to set up, many connection options |
Let's look at each SIP client in more detail.
Try native solutions first
Before we start the list, it's important to note that Android has native SIP support. Additionally, many wireless carriers allow Wi-Fi calling without any special setup. We recommend trying native solutions first.
You can find Google tutorials on setting up SIP and Wi-Fi calling. Note that some devices may have slightly different placements for these settings if they use OEM settings instead of stock Android.
X-Lite
One of the most convenient SIP clients to use. X-Lite has a simple and pleasant interface. Supports:
- video communication, video call recording;
- recording audio calls;
- sending text messages;
- conference call, maximum number of participants – 3;
- storing call history.
When using this client, the user has one account and two lines for calls, and there is no encryption. Moreover, you can use it absolutely free.
Facebook Messenger
Price: available for free
Facebook Messenger is an above average VOIP calling app. This is primarily for text messages. However, the app also includes support for video calls, voice calls, and SMS text messages.
The quality, of course, depends on the speed of your Internet connection. Besides, it works quite well. The application is quite resource intensive. Thus, we do not recommend it on older or older devices. Messenger Lite is another option.
It only allows calls and texts, but it is also much easier to use the system. Given its popularity, you can't go wrong either way. This app can also manage your SMS messages if you want.
Bria
It has a dynamic user interface with many settings that will appeal to most novice users. This SIP client is very simple and easy to use, it has various functions, including holding conferences, call forwarding, and simultaneous processing of several calls. Bria supports:
- 10 accounts;
- video calls and video conferences;
- call forwarding and transfer;
- the ability to communicate in a group chat;
- several interface languages and much more.
In addition, Bria allows you to synchronize your address book with Microsoft Outlook contacts, and has an improved API module that allows you to use the softphone in various software products - CRM systems.
Viber Messenger
Price: Available for free with in-app purchases
Viber doesn't have a huge user base in places like the United States. Although it is very popular all over the world. The application has a full-fledged chat, voice calling service and video calls.
It also includes public chats, stickers, file attachments and more. People in the US may not know much about Viber. However, it is quite popular in other countries. You can also participate in chats and other social features. There are also stickers that you can purchase through in-app purchases. Otherwise the app is completely free. It is a reliable cross-platform option in the VOIP and SIP space.
Softphone.Pro
This client is ideal for call centers and sales managers. It easily integrates into many CRM systems, which greatly simplifies the user experience. Softphone.Pro supports working with multiple accounts, has an intuitive and dynamically customizable interface, and allows you to easily set up a pop-up client card and call directly from the CRM system. Softphone.Pro offers users:
- video conference with 6 participants;
- support 6 lines;
- call forwarding;
- audio recording of conversations;
- call transfer;
- auto answer incoming calls and much more.
This SIP client also provides online call statistics, which includes various charts and reports, call logs, with the ability to listen to conversations.
Signal Private Messenger
Price: available for free
Signal Private Messenger is one of the best VOIP apps for privacy. This follows the trend of supporting text as well as voice calls. It doesn't have too many features.
However, it has above-average security, encryption, and privacy features. It also integrates with your existing phone number and contact list. We really liked it. Telegram is a little better for text. The signal is still better for voice and similar additions. It's also completely free with no in-app purchases.
3CX Phone
This softphone can be located either directly on the user’s device or in the cloud. Supports 5 lines for making calls, several SIP accounts and allows video conferences with five participants. Besides this, 3CX Phone has other features:
- speed dialing;
- interface setup;
- setting status;
- recording an audio file of conversations;
- call history archive and more.
You can also sync contacts with your Google Address Book or Office 365.
Setup process
The first launch of the program will require authorization using the login and password from your personal account of the Telfin.Office ATS or by reading a QR code.
After logging in, the application will need configuration, which can be done automatically - you just need to select the “QR code for launching iOS and Android applications” item in your personal account of the Telfin.Office PBX, and click the “Generate QR code” button.
Recognize the code that appears with the application by clicking the QR scan button on the start screen. After this, the system will synchronize the necessary settings and prepare the application for working with calls.
Detailed setup instructions
Blink
The softphone offers the user two versions: free and more complete paid. At the same time, the free one is almost impossible to use in an office environment; it is best suited for private use. SIP client functions:
- call forwarding;
- call hold;
- recording and storing conversations;
- setting and displaying user status;
- holding conferences with twenty participants;
- support for 20 telephone lines.
This softphone's contacts can be synchronized with Google or iCloud contacts. It also allows you to use ringtones from iTunes.
Price: available for free
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging platform. It turns out that the app also supports voice and video calls. It is a reliable platform with huge popularity.
This should help your friends join the service so you can call them there. It also includes file attachments, multimedia support, integration with your address book, and more. This isn't great for those who need a dedicated phone number, but it should work fine otherwise.
MicroSIP
The client is very simple and easy to use and install. After installation, the program takes up 2.5 megabytes of memory. Has the following functionality:
- setting and displaying user status;
- support for multiple accounts and phone lines;
- making video calls;
- working with text messages;
- list of contacts with added notes.
In addition, such software for SIP telephony has a Russian localization, and with the help of the built-in SIP-direct function it can work without an account.
Due to its ease of use, this version of the softphone will appeal to many users.
Softphone Telfin
Installing the application can significantly reduce communication costs - completely replacing standard equipment, it allows you to create a network with free corporate calls from anywhere in the world. To communicate with clients, the “Per-minute” tariff is applied. Despite the extensive functionality, using a softphone does not require making mandatory payments or subscription fees - you only need to pay for calls made.
Linphone
It is supported by many operating systems, making it almost universal. This softphone allows you to work with multiple accounts and the number of possible calls is unlimited. It can also use IPv6 and IPv4 protocols simultaneously. Other functions include:
- making audio and video calls in high quality;
- call forwarding;
- recording and storing conversations;
- possibility of holding conferences;
- setting and displaying user status.
Google Duo
Price: available for free
Google Duo is the latest video calling app from Google. It also only supports regular voice calls. Like most VOIP apps, everything must be on Duo for calls to work.
However, the app has excellent quality in both voice and video. It's actually quite simple. There's no extra stuff, no bloat, and it's all free. You just get your friends to sign up and get started. This also works with iOS devices. It may even come pre-installed on some newer Android devices.
Discord
A free SIP client, initially aimed at gamers. Allows you to create voice and video conferences, chats, exchange text messages, make phone calls. There is an overlay feature that allows you to switch between different channels on the server, between group chats, and also between servers. There is also the ability to adjust the sound, turn the microphone on and off. The system supports 18 languages and also has the ability to work on the push-to-talk principle.
magicApp
Price: Available for free. Subscription $9.99
magicApp is one of the most popular VOIP or SIP applications. The actual phone number is used. The app also has cross-platform support, landline calling support, and even SMS support.
The service is not free, it costs $9.99 per year. This gives you unlimited calls to the US and Canada, unlimited text messages to any US phone number, and a physical phone number to use. This works quite well on both mobile and PC.
For business or communication with loved ones
You need to choose a program for SIP telephony based on the areas in which it will be used. If you use a softphone to communicate with friends and family, then it is best to opt for MicroSIP and Blink. For streamers and fans of computer games, the Discord SIP client is most suitable. For mobile devices, it is best to use CsipSimple and Acrobits. And for corporate communications PhonerLite, Softphone.Pro and 3CX Phone will be in demand. It should be remembered that for business it is best to use the services of SIP providers, one of which is 1ATS, since in this case the capabilities of softphones increase many times over.
Skype
Price: Available for free with in-app purchases
Skype is one of the most popular VOIP applications right now. It has a large user base, direct support from Microsoft and Facebook, and is quite easy to use. The app is capable of voice calls, video calls and text messages.
It also supports landline calls for a nominal fee. The mobile app isn't as good as the desktop app, but it's not terrible either. This one has cross-platform support with multiple PCs and mobile devices.
It's not the most popular or popular option these days, but it's actually still one of the best for VOIP calls. However, the application is under constant development, so this should be taken into account.
What to choose
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, choosing a specific application for IP telephony is extremely subjective, but we will try to reduce this list to the smallest number of candidates.
First, let's remove SIP clients that are no longer supported by developers. In the list presented earlier, these are Media5-fone SIP and ForFone. No matter how good these applications are, it is no longer possible to use them.
Then you can turn to user reviews. Two SIP clients have the highest ratings in the official App Store market - 3CX and Zadarma.
Therefore, it is best to choose between these two options based on your preferred pricing plans and interface.
