Linphone
Linphone is an open source voice over IP (VoIP) phone and instant messaging client for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. It supports standard voice and video calls as well as instant messaging between Linphone clients.
opensource
voice
video
instant-messaging
voip
linux
windows
macos
ios
android
Linphone: Free Open Source VoIP Phone
Linphone is an open source voice over IP (VoIP) phone and instant messaging client for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, supporting standard voice and video calls as well as instant messaging between Linphone clients.
What is Linphone?
Linphone is a free voice over IP (VoIP) service that allows you to make audio and video calls over the internet. Developed by Belledonne Communications, Linphone is an open source application available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android operating systems.
As a softphone application, Linphone relies on SIP protocol to make high quality calls without the need for traditional phone lines. Instead, it utilizes your computer or mobile device's internet connection and bandwidth to route calls. This allows you to talk to anyone else using a SIP address free of charge.
Key features of Linphone include:
- HD audio and video calling support
- Instant messaging and presence capabilities
- Call encryption with ZRTP
- Audio codecs like Speex, G.729, GSM, iLBC
- Video codecs H.263 and H.264
- Call transfer, call waiting, call hold functions
- Answering machine support
- Available in over 20 languages
In addition to basic VOIP calling features, Linphone stands out with its encryption capabilities for secure communications. It implements ZRTP protocol to encrypt calls end-to-end between Linphone clients. The app also supports TLS and SRTP for encryption.
As an open source project under GPLv2 license, Linphone is free to download and use. The source code is available for developers wanting to expand the software or integrate it into their own projects. Overall, Linphone provides a full-featured VoIP client for HD voice and video calls across platforms.
Linphone Features
Features
- Voice over IP calling
- Video calling
- Instant messaging
- Call encryption
- Call recording
- Call transfer
- Audio codecs (Speex, G.711, G.722, G.729, MP3, AMR, etc.)
- Video codecs (H.263, H.264, VP8, H.265)
- NAT traversal using ICE protocol
- Echo cancellation
- DTMF support
- Presence and buddy lists
- Address book integration
- Call logs
- Conference calling
- Call waiting
- Caller ID
- Message waiting indication
Pricing
- Open Source
- Free
Pros
Free and open source
Cross-platform availability
End-to-end encryption
Good call quality
Active development and support
Cons
Limited native integration with mobile OS
Less features than proprietary alternatives
Smaller user base than competitors like Skype
Official Links
The Best Linphone Alternatives
Top Social & Communications and Voip Client and other similar apps like Linphone
Here are some alternatives to Linphone:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is a messaging app and platform developed by Facebook. It was originally built into the Facebook app but was spun off into its own separate app in 2014.Messenger allows Facebook users to send messages, photos, videos, make voice and video calls, and more to contacts. Some key features...
MicroSIP
MicroSIP is an open source software SIP client and softphone for making VoIP calls and sending instant messages over the Internet. It enables you to use your computer as a phone with a SIP account from a VoIP service provider or company PBX system.Key features of MicroSIP include:Free and open...
FaceTime
FaceTime is a video calling application developed by Apple Inc. It was first released in 2010 for iOS devices and Mac computers.FaceTime allows users to make video and audio calls between compatible Apple devices. This includes iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Mac computers. FaceTime uses Wi-Fi or cellular data to...
X-Lite
X-Lite is a popular free softphone application developed by CounterPath. It enables voice over IP (VoIP) calls over the internet, allowing users to make audio and video calls to other X-Lite users or other SIP-compatible devices and software.Some key features of X-Lite include:Free to download and use with no limitsSupports...
Google Duo
Google Duo is a video chat app for Android and iOS devices developed and maintained by Google. Originally launched in 2016, Duo allows users to make high quality video calls between mobile devices.Some of the key features and capabilities of Google Duo include:Knock Knock - Shows live video of the...
CSipSimple
CSipSimple is an open-source SIP client for Android devices that enables users to make and receive VoIP calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Some key features include:Supports popular SIP services like Asterisk, OpenSIPS, FreeSWITCH, etc.Provides HD audio and video calling capabilitiesIncludes advanced call features like call transfer, 3-way conferencing, call...
Tox
Tox is an open-source, peer-to-peer instant messaging and video calling platform that focuses on privacy and security. It provides end-to-end encryption for chats and calls to ensure user data remains private.Unlike many other messaging apps, Tox does not rely on central servers - it uses a distributed network where users...
Coccinella
Coccinella is an open-source, cross-platform instant messaging client with a strong focus on privacy and security. It is designed for encrypted communications using end-to-end encryption protocols like OMEMO and OpenPGP to keep chats secure.Some of the key features of Coccinella include:End-to-end encrypted messaging using OMEMO and OpenPGP to ensure conversations...
Empathy
Empathy is a free and open source instant messaging client that is designed for the GNOME desktop environment. It supports many popular chat protocols out of the box, including XMPP/Jabber, Facebook Messenger, IRC, Telegram, and more.Empathy makes use of the Telepathy framework to providecapabilities like audio/video calls, file transfers, and...
TSIP
tSIP is an open source Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) softphone and SIP client for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It enables making voice over IP (VoIP) calls, video calls, and sending instant messages over the Internet using the SIP protocol.As an open source project, tSIP is free to download and use....
Jitsi Desktop
Jitsi Desktop is a free, open source video conferencing application for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. It allows users to easily conduct encrypted video meetings with multiple participants.Some of the key features of Jitsi Desktop include:End-to-end encryption for secure video callsScreen sharing to present documents, slides, and moreChat messaging...
PhonerLite
PhonerLite is a free, open source softphone and SIP client for making Voice over IP (VoIP) calls over the internet. It allows you to use your computer with a microphone and speakers to make and receive phone calls rather than using a traditional phone line.Some key features of PhonerLite include:Free...
Acrobits Softphone
Acrobits Softphone is a VoIP softphone application used for making and receiving calls over the internet. It uses SIP protocols to connect to VoIP providers or PBX systems like Asterisk, allowing you to make calls via your broadband internet connection rather than traditional phone lines.Some key features of Acrobits Softphone...
Nimbuzz
Nimbuzz is a free cross-platform instant messaging, VoIP, and social networking app. Originally released in 2006 for mobile devices, Nimbuzz has expanded over the years to also offer desktop clients for Windows and macOS.The key features that set Nimbuzz apart include:It aggregates multiple mobile messaging services into one app, allowing...
YateClient
YateClient is a free, open-source softphone application for making and receiving Voice over IP (VoIP) calls over the internet. It allows you to use your computer with a microphone and speakers or headset to make calls to other VoIP users.Some key features of YateClient include:Supports popular VoIP protocols like SIP...
YakYak
YakYak is an open-source, ad-free desktop chat client for Google Hangouts. It works by using the Google Hangouts API to facilitate messaging between Google contacts.Some key features of YakYak include:Native desktop application for Linux, Windows, and macOSTabbed conversations for easily managing multiple chatsCustomizable notifications and audio alertsSyncs chat history across...
DrayTek SIP SoftPhone
DrayTek SIP SoftPhone is a software-based VoIP phone that allows you to make and receive calls over the Internet. It is offered for free by DrayTek, a manufacturer of networking equipment and VoIP solutions.SIP SoftPhone integrates with SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) servers and IP PBX phone systems to provide voice...
Conversations
Conversations is an open source, encrypted instant messaging client for Android. It enables secure communication by implementing the Off-the-Record encryption protocol and the Tor anonymity network to prevent eavesdropping and surveillance.Some key features of Conversations include:End-to-end encryption using OMEMO to keep chats, group chats, calls and file transfers private.Support for...
Fring
Fring is a free mobile application that allows users to make free video calls, voice calls, and chat across various platforms. It works on Android, iOS, Windows Mobile devices and even on some feature phones.Some key features of Fring include:Free video and voice calls between Fring usersGroup video chat for...
FluffyChat
FluffyChat is an open-source desktop chat application for the Matrix protocol. It is designed to provide an easy-to-use and feature-rich chat experience while protecting user privacy through end-to-end encryption.Some key features of FluffyChat include:Encrypted chat, audio calls, video calls, and file sharing using the Matrix protocolSupport for communities/groups with public...
Silent Phone
Silent Phone is a secure mobile app that provides end-to-end encrypted calling and messaging. It can be used to make secure voice and video calls, as well as send end-to-end encrypted messages, to other Silent Phone users.Some key features of Silent Phone include:End-to-end encryption using advanced cryptographic protocols to prevent...
Telephone
Telephone is a free, open source software for making voice over IP (VoIP) telephone calls over the internet. It can be used as a softphone to make and receive calls through a VoIP service provider or ITSP (Internet Telephony Service Provider).As an open source VoIP client, Telephone supports standard telephony...
Ekiga
Ekiga (formerly known as GNOME Meeting) is a free and open source software application that enables voice over IP and video conferencing capabilities. It can be used to make audio and video calls to other Ekiga users as well as other SIP-based software and hardware.Ekiga is built for the Linux...
Sipnetic
Sipnetic is a cloud-based phone system designed specifically for small and medium sized businesses. It works by using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to route calls over the internet, rather than traditional phone lines.Some key features and benefits of Sipnetic include:Easy web-based setup and management - Sipnetic provides an intuitive...
QuteCom
QuteCom is a free, open source communication application for voice over IP (VoIP) and video chats on Linux systems. It supports numerous industry standards for communication, including the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Jingle and Internet Relay Chat (IRC).Key features of QuteCom include:Audio and video...
SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat is a free, open source instant messaging application allowing users to have secure text, voice and video chats without disclosing their personal phone numbers or any other sensitive contact information.With SimpleX, users can register with just a username and password. Their phone numbers or other personal details are...
ProCall
ProCall is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software designed specifically for small businesses. It enables users to organize all their prospect and client information in one centralized platform for enhanced efficiency and productivity.Key features of ProCall CRM include:Contact Management - Store all contact details including emails, phone numbers, addresses,...
ShMessenger
shMessenger is an open-source messenger app for Android that focuses on privacy and security. It offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice calls, video calls, group chats, media sharing, stickers, and more features you would expect from a messaging app.What sets shMessenger apart is its strong stance on privacy and security. It...
Lumicall
Lumicall is an open source video relay calling app designed specifically for deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, and speech-impaired users. It allows users to make phone calls over wifi or data using sign language interpreters to communicate with hearing people.Key features of Lumicall include:Make and receive video relay calls over wifi -...
Jabbin
Jabbin is an open-source, cross-platform instant messaging and voice-over-IP (VoIP) client application that places strong emphasis on security and privacy. It was created as a secure alternative to other popular IM clients such as Skype or WhatsApp.Some key features of Jabbin include:End-to-end encryption for chats and calls to prevent eavesdroppingAnonymous...
SessionTalk SIP Softphone
SessionTalk SIP Softphone is a software application that turns your computer into a fully functional business phone system using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. It works with popular SIP VoIP providers to enable making and receiving calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines.Key features include:Make and receive VoIP...
Superpeer
Superpeer is an online platform that connects professionals and experts with people seeking advice or mentoring. It allows experts to monetize their knowledge by offering paid 1-on-1 video calls.Some key aspects of Superpeer:Experts can set their own prices and availability for video calls. They keep 80% of what they earn.The...
Gizmo5
Gizmo5 is a VoIP (Voice over IP) software that allows users to make voice and video calls over the internet instead of traditional phone networks. It was launched in 2004 and acquired by Google in 2009, although Google discontinued it in 2011.Some key features of Gizmo5 include:Free computer-to-computer voice and...
Q-municate
Q-municate is a full-featured open-source instant messaging client for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android operating systems. It supports a wide range of popular IM protocols and networks including XMPP/Jabber, Telegram, IRC, and more.Some of the key features of Q-municate include:Secure encrypted messaging with support for OMEMO and OpenSSLGroup chats...
ScreenMeet
ScreenMeet is a popular video conferencing and screen sharing platform used by remote teams and businesses for online meetings and collaboration. It provides HD video and audio conferencing for up to 100 participants, screen sharing, document collaboration tools, chat, polling features, and the ability to record meetings.Some key features of...
Siphon SIP
Siphon SIP is a versatile voice over IP (VoIP) software for making high-quality internet calls. It utilizes the SIP protocol which is an open standard used by many VoIP providers and softphones.Some key features of Siphon SIP include:Free SIP-to-SIP calling with other Siphon users around the worldCheap rates for calling...
Bravis
Bravis is a popular open-source password manager used by millions worldwide. It provides a secure encrypted vault to store passwords, credit card numbers, identities, and other sensitive information. The vault is protected by a master password, so only users with access to that password can retrieve their information.Some key features...
SeaFour.club
SeaFour.club is an innovative membership platform for travelers looking for exclusive and unique experiences. The platform provides members access to carefully curated group trips, hard-to-get restaurant reservations, bucket list adventures, and insider travel tips.A SeaFour membership opens the door to a highly-vetted community of passionate travelers and seasoned trip leaders....
Callcentric
Callcentric is a voice over IP (VoIP) phone service that provides unlimited local and long distance calling plans in the United States and Canada. It allows users to make and receive calls over the internet using an analog telephone adapter or VoIP phone.Some key features of Callcentric include:Ability to select...
