Considering today’s increasingly mobile workforce, it’s become a necessity for enterprises to have a softphone application to facilitate their business communication requirements.
Some would pose a counter view: Why not have your employees use their cell phones to make those business calls? Wouldn’t that be easier? The short answer to that would be: No.
If your business requires interactions with customers, clients, and team members on a regular basis, then your organization needs a dedicated and seamless official phone system like a VoIP application.
VoIP Softphone applications don’t just facilitate phone calls. They provide an end-to-end business communications system, on a smartphone or a computer. This includes voice and video calls, conferencing, instant messaging, and even sharing files, faxing, and contact center features, all in one place. On top of that, VoIP softphones also provide advanced functionality like shared meeting collaboration, third-party integrations, voicemail to email transcription, and call recording. A mobile phone cannot be a substitute for such a diverse feature set.
Because softphones work across such a broad array of features and channels, today’s VoIP phone systems have been given an additional moniker of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS).
A good VoIP softphone provides myriad benefits to your business. They’re usually cheaper and more accessible than using hardware-based systems. Also, they can be accessed via the cloud and are fully scalable to the evolving requirements of an enterprise. Some VoIP providers offer affordable options for smaller businesses that allow them to scale up their operations as they grow. Others offer more complete communication systems that fit well with larger enterprises.
How to Choose the Right VoIP System for your Business
Before you consider purchasing a softphone system, it’s important to include stakeholders from all the critical parts of your business. This includes the IT staff and the data security team as your voice calls will now be a part of your data communication.
Besides, you also need to keep in mind the requirements of the employees who will use the application to drive revenue and engage customers. It is from these executives that you will get invaluable insights in what your organization actually needs on the ground level and will help the business move forward.
The VoIP softphones available in the market today vary hugely in features and functionality. Also, there are plenty of softphone apps out there. So how do you decide which one is the best fit for your business? We have done the research, discovered the best softphone apps, and made a list of the Top 5 softphone applications for you.
#1. Tragofone: Crystal-clear calls with WebRTC
Tragofone is a VoIP mobile and desktop dialer application that is unique because it leverages WebRTC to make seamless audio and video calls. WebRTC has started a communications revolution, by making it richer and accessible to everyone. Supported by the World Wide Web Consortium, WebRTC enables open standard browsers to connect and exchange audio, video, and even files that use simple Javascript-based API.
A WebRTC-based softphone, Tragofone provides brilliant audio and video quality, consumes 50% lower bandwidth, offers encrypted communication and 99% device support, and supports legacy SIP servers, 3G, 4G networks, and Wifi.
The other major advantage that Tragofone offers enterprises is its multi-lingual support so that users can converse in a language of their choice. This mobile dialer app can also be integrated as a white-label solution, under a company’s brand name. Tragofone becomes a company’s brand ambassador, enabling enterprises to put their logo and brand name on the welcome screen. They can customize colors, fonts, and even the user interface if they want.
Tragofone is also compatible with third-party applications like CRM. This feature is especially useful for call centers. On the security front, Tragofone supports encryption using Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure RTP (SRTP) protocols, thus reducing the threats like wiretapping and hacking.
Tragofone is quick and easy to install, is low maintenance, and provides flexibility to users. Besides, it offers one phone system across multiple locations and scalability as per your business needs. It comes with varied communication features, including audio calls, video calls, conference, and live chat. Users can also share files and images, transforming regular interactions into advanced business meetings.
#2. Bria: Consolidates well with multiple VoIP Services
Counterpath’s Bria is a carrier-grade SIP softphone application for Windows, Mac, and iOS/Android devices. It includes a wide range of features specifically designed for business users and can be deployed within an enterprise environment.
The VoIP softphone is designed to help enterprises get the most out of their IP-PBX. Users can enjoy crystal clear audio and video calls, whether in the office or on the move. They can escalate calls with easy call transfer and call hold functions, set up meetings with multi-way calls, send instant messages, and share documents. Bria has been built to make IP-telephony become a seamless unified business communication solution.
Bria is a standalone softphone application that connects to your business SIP system, small business VoIP services, or PBX systems. It’s a good option for a workforce that uses multiple communication services but wants to answer calls from all of them without downloading numerous applications.
Bria softphone solutions facilitate interoperability with most VoIP services. It lets you see the status of people on your contact list. It is simple to use and integrates with a host of third-party programs like Salesforce CRM, Microsoft Outlook, and Mac Address Book.
It positions itself as a top-end product, keeping the ‘power user’ on its sales radar. Bria is great for multitasking and allows users to continue working on other apps while making voice calls or sending instant messages.
#3. Zoiper: Ideal for intra-organization calling
Zoiper offers an easy way for enterprises to connect their employees for free using a mobile softphone application. They can also avail its advanced features and free user-to-user calls by purchasing a desktop license.
The Zoiper softphone is designed for businesses of all sizes. The app works on Linux, Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. It differs from other applications as it offers a software development kit (SDK) with a complete SIP tools package, enabling organizations to customize the app code. This gives businesses access to Zoiper’s core libraries. The SDK helps developers with voice and video calling, instant messaging, etc. The app also works with most PBX, SIP, and VoIP systems.
The Zoiper apps integrate seamlessly with a user’s contact list, allowing them to change their ringtones for different accounts, and allows customization of the app. The app can also be white-labeled, and enterprises can design a customized softphone application for their employees and customers by adding their logo and brand name and creating user groups with different features and access levels.
Zoiper’s USP is that it provides high-quality audio even if the hardware is old. It provides compatibility with most VoIP service providers and PBX. The new version of Zoiper – the Zoiper 5 – comes with an intuitive interface, contacts, video, click 2 dial and encryption. The Zoiper softphone application can be used by service providers, call centers, and VoIP integrators, among others.
#4. 3CX: Best for Windows Users
3CX is all about Windows. It integrates effortlessly with Windows 365. The app can be set up with a few clicks, which is great for beginners. However, with other operating systems, the syncing is not as smooth.
This softphone application is suitable for businesses of any size or industry. Company executives can work efficiently using video conferencing, live chat, mobile apps, and advanced contact center features.
3CX is an open standard IP PBX that offers a complete UC solution to users. The app is available for Windows, Android, and iPhone platforms and is not tied to any specific provider. Users can, therefore, switch their service providers easily. They should, however, note that once the app is used on a phone, it cannot be used with a PBX other than 3CX, while it is in use. Though the features of 3CX are not as holistic as other softphones, it offers a free app that doesn’t require a relationship with a specific provider.
Other features of 3CX include advanced call center features like advanced contact center reporting, advanced queue strategies, real-time statistics, etc. This app also allows you to visually create flows for calls and voice apps. 3CX provides a switchboard to help manage telephones in real-time. It is also easy to set up.
#5. RingCentral: Best fit for long-term business growth
RingCentral is a true all-in-one hub for business communication. It operates on the web, desktop, or mobile (on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android) and provides a high-quality experience, be it for video calling or broader softphone functionality. It is a sure-shot way to improve your team’s communication and collaboration.
RingCentral Glip is the latest add-on to RingCentral’s product lineup and is a good fit for businesses looking for video calling for remote working, as an alternative to Zoom. Glip can easily take on the best video conferencing platforms in the market.
Other RingCentral features include an ability to customize your app interface, integrate with over 180 tools, and in-app file and document sharing. The plans also include an auto-attendant, team messaging, and voicemail-to-text.
Unlike many other softphone apps in the market, 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 the home screen. Users can also switch devices during a call, access and share files, search for documents using keywords, create teams, and invite guest users to their teams and chats.
#6. 8×8: Its USP is the ease of use
The 8×8 is best known for its ease of use. From the admin console to the user interface, enterprises can enjoy a smooth and fluid experience that’s well designed and easy to learn. The 8×8 desktop client – called Work – comes in a variety of options. It has a minimalistic look and provides a central interface for voice calls, message retrieval, meetings, and more.
Starting a meeting on 8×8 is a few clicks process on both desktop and mobile devices. Voicemail messages are reflected in the order received along with a play feature to listen to the message and the text as converted by their transcription service.
8×8 allows users to import their contacts from Microsoft Outlook and Google Contacts directly from the desktop client.
8×8 supports many more advanced voice features, including barge, monitor, and whisper. These features allow a third party to monitor calls and even speak with an employee while he is on a customer call. These features are useful for call centers where supervisors watch over multiple employees in a customer service department.
#7. Acrobits Cloud Softphone: King of customization
If you’re looking for an extremely customizable business telephone system, then Acrobits should be your go-to choice. This white label softphone solution allows enterprises to customize the app as per their business brand and requirement through in-app branding. It also features an external provisioning API, which allows users to control everything within the app.
Another unique aspect of the Acrobits softphone is that it doesn’t charge per user. The flat-rate pricing may seem intimidating at first glance but it can be a money saver in the long run for organizations. Also, the softphone can be deployed and used by unlimited users and comes with a smart contact directory.
#8. GoToConnect: Ideal for integrations
GoToConnect is a softphone system from the GoTo brand. Its parent company offers a wide range of communication tools for businesses.
This softphone application makes it easy for employees to connect with their teams, using its team messaging features and an intuitive app interface that makes the softphone easy to use.
The most outstanding feature of GoToConnect is the diverse integration options that come inbuilt in the solution. The application supports Salesforce, Slack, Google Workplace, and Windows 365, as well as GoToMeeting and other apps under the GoTo umbrella.
There have been instances when the application has had connectivity issues. However, given the stature of the GoTo brand as a leader in digital communication, they were quickly ironed out.
#9. Bitrix24: Centralize your communication
Bitrix24 is an online workspace that comes with tools that are designed to help run businesses in an easier and more efficient way. It comes loaded with task and project management tools, CRM, chats, video calls, website builder, telephony, CRM marketing and analytics, and more. What makes Bitrix24 stand out from the crowd is that all the individual tools are seamlessly packaged in a single online service, integrated with each other, and made available to users through a standard browser version, desktop app, or mobile app. Also, organizations can increase the number of users on Bitrix24 as they scale. The solution centralizes communication and easily integrates with a large number of applications.
Thanks to the solution’s mobile and desktop app features, business users can use the application to chat with their team members, have video chats and conference calls. Besides, Bitrix24 also does a good job of offering basic CRM and lead management capabilities to small and midsized businesses. The application, which is free for up to 12 users, throws in some surprising software automation features, file sharing, and integrations.
#10. Cisco Jabber: Good fit for big businesses
A softphone application for Blackberry, Android, iPhones, iPad, Mac, and Windows platforms, Cisco Jabber offers high definition video and desktop sharing capabilities, plus other VoIP features that deliver secure, reliable communications on a wide variety of devices.
Jabber offers top-notch call quality as far as audio and video is concerned, along with a wide range of communication and collaboration facilities like active controls and desktop sharing. Due to its pricing and high-quality feature set, it is aimed at larger business dialer that are looking for an enterprise-level solution.
Besides desktop sharing and high-quality audio and video, Jabber’s primary features include team messaging, active controls, and conferencing.
To Sum Up
The right softphone solution makes a major difference in the communication experience of an organization’s employees and customers. Although there are several mobile softphone applications available in the market today, not all of them offer premium quality and features. Although softphones guarantee mobility, ensure that the solution you select does not compromise on quality and service to meet user demands.