Blink

Overview

Blink is a real-time communications client based on SIP, designed to connect with SIP service providers as well as Bonjour devices on a local network and SIP2SIP. Its scope extends from voice and video calls to chat, file transfers, screen sharing, and conferences. Blink dates to 2002 and is owned by AG Projects B.V.

The client requires a SIP account from a service provider to make use of its calling capabilities. Blink also offers built-in account sign-up through SIP2SIP, and supports multiple SIP accounts. Feature availability can differ by operating system and version; some conference functions also require a conference server.

Explore more options in our Softphone and calling apps list.

Key features

Voice, video, and conferences

Blink lists Opus for audio and H.264, VP8, and VP9 for video, as well as acoustic echo cancellation. ZRTP provides end-to-end encryption for media. Users can pair screen sharing with audio, while conferences support participant management and can combine VoIP, instant messaging, presence, file transfers, and screen sharing.

Messaging and file transfer

Chat sessions use MSRP, with OTR end-to-end encryption support. Blink also supports SIMPLE presence and XCAP server storage. File transfers use MSRP and TLS encryption, and include progress reports and delivery confirmation. OpenPGP messaging support is listed as another security option.

Accounts and contact sources

Multiple SIP accounts are supported, and iCloud can sync accounts between computers. Blink's integrations include the system address book, LDAP directory search, Bonjour neighbours, and web pages that display caller information.

Privacy and security

Blink says it does not collect data from end-users. For built-in SIP2SIP accounts, it directs users to SIP2SIP's privacy information. Its listed protections include ZRTP for media, OTR for chat, TLS for file transfers, and OpenPGP messaging support.

Pricing

Blink uses a freemium model, with a free plan available. The listed Blink plan costs nothing and covers Linux, Mac, and Windows downloads; a SIP account is required to use the client. Blink Pro has no listed price. Discounted pricing is available to organizations with more than 100 seats, and AG Projects says it can provide demonstrations and help with enterprise integration for these organizations.

Platforms

Blink is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, the web, and Windows, with mobile, desktop, browser calling, and call recording listed as available. The download page provides Mac, Windows, and Linux versions, including Debian and Ubuntu installation instructions for Linux. The site cautions that features can vary by operating system and version.

Who it's for

Blink may suit people who already have a SIP account and want calls alongside messaging, file sharing, and screen sharing in one client. Its multiple-account support and contact integrations may also be useful for users working across different SIP services or directories. Organizations with more than 100 seats can ask AG Projects about demonstrations and integration support. Anyone considering it should account for the SIP service requirement and the fact that certain conference features need a conference server.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A broad set of communication features spans voice, video, chat, file transfers, screen sharing, and conferences.
• Pros: The client lists distinct security options for media, chat, file transfers, and messaging.
• Pros: A free plan is available, and multiple SIP accounts and several contact sources are supported.
• Cons: A SIP account from a service provider is required to use the client.
• Cons: Feature availability varies by platform and version, and some conference functions require a conference server.
• Cons: Blink Pro pricing is not listed.

Alternatives

Other options in the category include Zoiper, Linphone, Siperb Mobile Softphone, SipPulse Softphone, Softphone.Pro, MicroSIP, PortSIP Softphone, and Aria.

Verdict

Blink brings together SIP calling and a substantial set of messaging, file-transfer, and collaboration functions, with a free option and several listed encryption methods. It is best considered by people who can supply their own SIP account and whose operating system supports the features they need. Check the platform-specific limits and conference-server requirements before relying on particular capabilities; organizations above 100 seats can also inquire about Blink Pro pricing and integration support.