Linphone

Linphone brings SIP-based voice and video calling, messaging, and conferencing into one app. It suits people with a SIP service and organizations that want an adaptable client for existing telephony systems. Its calling tools are broad, but richer messaging and group meetings depend on the service setup.

Overview

Linphone is built around SIP and SIP SIMPLE, with interoperability designed for IP-PBXs, proxies, session border controllers, and other SIP systems. That makes it a practical option for users who already have compatible telephony infrastructure; it is less suited to someone looking for a self-contained service with every feature enabled by default.

The app is open source under GNU GPLv3 for integration into projects. Organizations modifying it for closed-source use need a proprietary license, which matters when planning a branded commercial product.

Key features

Calling and conferencing

HD audio and video, forwarding, concurrent call management, recording, DTMF, and Bluetooth headset support give Linphone more range than a basic SIP dialer. Flexisip or the SaaS conferencing option adds video meetings for up to 50 participants and screen sharing, a useful step up for teams that need group calls.

Messaging depends on the service

Flexisip enables one-to-one and group chats, file sharing, read receipts, reactions, voice messages, and ephemeral messages. With third-party accounts using SIP SIMPLE, messaging is limited to basic one-to-one exchanges. The distinction is important: the richer feature set requires the appropriate service behind the client.

Security and integrations

Security options include SIP/TLS, SRTP, SRTP-DTLS, ZRTP, end-to-end encryption for exchanged media, and post-quantum encryption using CRYSTALS-Kyber. LDAP and CardDAV contact synchronization, OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 authentication, and Apple APNs and Google Firebase push notifications support integration with existing identity, contact, and notification systems.

Pricing

Linphone softphone: free. The free app and individual SIP service suit personal use, but the service is reserved for individuals and has no guaranteed support. Organizations can contact Belledonne Communications about paid support and maintenance, development assistance, custom features, white-label branding, and licensing; those services use custom pricing.

Platforms

Linphone supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API, and self-hosted deployments. It has mobile and desktop apps, but no browser calling, so web platform availability should not be mistaken for browser-based calls.

Who it's for

Choose Linphone if you need a free SIP client, broad device coverage, or an open-source base that can connect to existing telephony systems. It also suits organizations prepared to deploy Flexisip on premises or use its SaaS conferencing option for richer messaging and meetings. It is a weaker fit for individuals who expect guaranteed support or for teams that need advanced chat without arranging the supporting service.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad SIP interoperability makes it relevant to organizations with existing IP telephony infrastructure.
• Pros: Call recording, concurrent call management, and forwarding add useful control beyond basic voice calling.
• Pros: Flexisip can be self-hosted and supports group messaging and videoconferencing, giving organizations deployment flexibility.
• Cons: The free SIP service is for individual users and carries no guaranteed support.
• Cons: Advanced messaging and group conferencing depend on Flexisip or the conferencing service, rather than being uniform across SIP setups.
• Cons: Closed-source modifications require proprietary licensing.

Alternatives

Browse softphone and calling apps for more options. Blink is another free-plan softphone across desktop and mobile platforms, though its free desktop downloads require a SIP account. Choose Siperb Mobile Softphone if its free Personal plan's limited storage, seven-day logs, and community support suit your needs. SipPulse Softphone offers a free app plan with unlimited users and installations on iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Zoiper may suit non-commercial users who need a free softphone limited to one account and two lines, or teams considering its mobile licensing. MicroSIP is a free GPL v2 Windows desktop SIP softphone. Browser Phone is a free, open-source self-hosted web option. AGEphone and Aria are other freemium alternatives.

Verdict

Linphone is a strong choice for SIP users and organizations that value interoperability, open-source integration, and self-hosting options. Its calling breadth and deployment flexibility are the main reasons to choose it; look elsewhere if you need guaranteed support with the free service or expect advanced messaging and conferencing without a supporting setup.