Q & A

What is a softphone? How does it work?

If you travel a lot or work offsite frequently and you haven’t heard about softphones, you are really missing out!

What is a softphone?

A Softphone is a software-based application that is usually available as an app on your smartphone or PC. It is mostly used as the main phone or an extension of a desk phone.

Softphones have become a more popular solution to remote workers as it eliminates the need to carry a physical phone with you when you work offsite. It is also a more efficient and convenient solution to connect onsite and offsite workers. 

Read here to learn more: Why Using Softphones Is a Better Solution for Remote Workers

How Does a Softphone Work?

There are two main forms of softphones: Desktop softphones and mobile softphones.

Desktop softphones allow users to access UC features right from their computers without a desk phone. Simply download a dedicated app from your computer, features like chats, visual voicemail, document sharing, and more will all be available to you.

Mobile softphones give you the ability to connect with your team through your mobile phone. Through a dedicated softphone app on your cell phone, you will be able to call, forward calls, receive voicemail and chat with coworkers just like using a desk phone in the office.  

What are the Softphone Options on the Market?

Many VoIP service providers now provide a softphone option with no additional fees. Once you purchase the service subscription, you can download the softphone application at no charge. 

With the softphone, you will be able to take advantage of all the phone features you expect from a desk phone through an app. Here are a few examples:

There are also stand-alone softphone options like ZoiPer, a softphone solution that’s compatible with several VoIP service providers and PBXs including Asterisk, Freeswitch, 3CX, and more. 

Check out these 20 Free Softphone Options available to you here!

Ying-Hui Chen

Ying-Hui ( Evy), has been working at VoIP Supply since November 2015. She is currently working in the Marketing Department helping with market research, SEO analysis/ tracking, email marketing and blogs. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Share
Published by
Ying-Hui Chen

Recent Posts

How to Prepare Your VoIP Systems for 2025

Remember Back to the Future II? I loved that movie because they traveled into the…

1 day ago

SIP Chats: Sharath Abraham of Jabra – Panacast 50, BYOD Solutions, and More!

https://youtu.be/qsNO-fZdY3U?si=1A2biOpTwvHG-wiB In the latest episode of SIP Chats, host Brian Hyrek sits down with Sharath…

2 days ago

Watch Now: 2024 November VoIP News Update

https://youtu.be/a--L6ZF9iAw VoIP Supply’s November VoIP News Update: Exciting New Tools, Upcoming Releases, and Giving Back…

6 days ago

Q&A: Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5: What’s the Real Difference for Everyday Users?

Wireless internet? I remember sharing computer time with my siblings to wait 10 minutes for…

1 week ago

Fanvil FCMS Smart Proporty Solutions Webinar | November 2024

https://youtu.be/0Oxom_f47EE If you missed this webinar, then don't worry, the recording has arrived! This webinar…

2 weeks ago

How To: Extend Your DECT Range for Wireless VoIP Phones – Tips for Large Office Spaces

Ensuring seamless VoIP connectivity across vast areas can be challenging if you're managing a large…

2 weeks ago