Turn your desktop, Android, or iOS device into a business VoIP system with these best softphone apps
These days, owning a VoIP system needn’t be a pocket-stretching investment. In fact, you don’t even need to invest in additional hardware – with the rise of softphone apps, you can easily turn your desktop, laptop, or mobile phone into a VoIP phone.
All you need to do is download a softphone app onto your chosen device, and set up your business VoIP system. Your team will be able to use the business number from their own device, and you can set up extensions, call forwarding, and voicemail exactly the same way you would with a VoIP handset.
Not all softphone apps are standalone, though. Some exist alongside a VoIP phone system, and it’s these softphone apps that provide you with the most sophisticated VoIP phone features. If you own a small to medium sized business, you should be looking at a VoIP provider that offers a sophisticated softphone app alongside its phone system.
Most softphone apps integrate with other business software, such as CRM systems. This means you can manage calls, instant messages, emails, and digital fax messages from one easy to use interface.
As a result, you’ll be able to keep track of sales calls and customer interactions, helping you to monitor communication quality, and the way in which your company communicates across the board.
The best softphone apps
There are plenty of softphone apps out there, but how do you know which one is best for your business? Luckily, Expert Market has spent time researching and discovering the best softphone apps – and we’ve listed our top seven below.
The best softphone apps are:
- 01 | RingCentral
- 02 | 8x8 Virtual Office
- 03 | Vonage Business Cloud App
- 04 | SessionTalk
- 05 | Skype for Business
- 06 | Zoiper
- 07 | Cisco Jabber
The best softphone apps, rated:
| Softphone app | Star rating | Inclusive or standalone? |
|---|---|---|
| RingCentral | Inclusive | |
| 8×8 Virtual Office | Inclusive | |
| Vonage | Inclusive | |
| SessionTalk | Standalone | |
| Skype for Business | Standalone | |
| Zoiper | Standalone | |
| Cisco Jabber | Standalone |
1. RingCentral
Compatible with: Windows, iOS, Android
RingCentral is a big player in the VoIP world, so you can expect big things from its softphone app, too. From HD VoIP calling to setting up online meetings, the RingCentral app literally puts your business in your pocket.
Whether you’re after basic business call features or advanced call handling, RingCentral’s four tier pricing system means you’ll only ever pay for what you need.
| Pricing, per user, per month | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Standard | Premium | Ultimate |
| £12.99 | £18.99 | £23.99 | £28.99 |
2. 8×8 Virtual Office
Compatible with: Windows, iOS, Android
8×8’s Virtual Office comes with a very sophisticated softphone app, meaning employees have access to a whole host of advanced features on their chosen device.
The 8×8 softphone app enables you to collaborate via conferences and web meetings, connect to clients and stakeholders from a central phone system, and view all of your communication data on one interface – and that’s just the start!
| Pricing, per user, per month | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| X1 | X2 | X3 | X4 |
| Bespoke | Bespoke | Bespoke | Bespoke |
3. Vonage Business Cloud App
Compatible with: Windows, iOS
Vonage’s business cloud app is another example of a softphone app that exists alongside a sophisticated VoIP system.
A Vonage VoIP system includes heaps of robust features that enable you to personalise your customer service, all while controlling privacy, and making it easy for employees to open up lines of communication. Its softphone app is an extension of this, giving you the advantage of managing your business right from your pocket.
4. SessionTalk
Compatible with: iOS, Android
Although comparatively basic when put up against softphone apps from RingCentral, Vonage, and 8×8, SessionTalk does more than enough to satisfy the needs of small businesses.
With call forwarding, call transferring, and call conferencing accompanied by encryption services and call recording, SessionTalk is certainly worthy of its place on our list of the best softphone apps – and when it costs just $50 a month for 100 users, it’s a pretty good deal.
| Pricing, per user, per month | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Select | Professional | Ultimate | N/a |
| £9.00 | £12.00 | £16.00 | N/a |
5. Skype for Business
Compatible with: Windows, iOS, Android, Xbox, Alexa
Skype for Business is a great softphone app for small businesses looking to invest in a VoIP system without the heavy expenditure. Best of all, it’s completely adaptable to the way your business works, with flexible compatibility being its strongest point.
Again, Skype for Business is fairly simple compared to the softphone apps offered alongside VoIP systems – but with HD audio and video calling, screen sharing, file sharing, and low rates thanks to Skype credit, you certainly won’t be feeling left out.
6. Zoiper
Compatible with: Windows, iOS, Linux
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced softphone app with high end security encryption, Zoiper is the one for you. Combine this level of security with its intuitive interface and easy customisation, and you have yourself a great product that you can shape to your business’ requirements.
With a software development kit to help you build the Zoiper softphone into your own applications, plus a web Javascript API to build it into your web browser, Zoiper is a flexible app that’s well suited to a huge variety of businesses.
7. Cisco Jabber
Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS
Cisco is well known for its innovative telecommunication products, and its software, Cisco Jabber, certainly doesn’t dampen its reputation. Although basic, as a collaboration softphone app, it’s seriously good stuff.
HD audio and video, video conferencing, and instant messaging are three of its top level features, with a focus on team messaging giving your team the means to get business done. It’s by no means a software app meant for lone usage, but still a worthwhile addition for any Cisco account holder.
Softphones vs VoIP Phones
A softphone turns a device into a VoIP phone – a phone that uses the internet to make calls. Its features are limited, and aren’t really suitable for business owners looking to improve the way in which they handle their customers. That’s not to say they don’t have their benefits, though.
Building a successful business is all about building trust. A softphone app allows you to build that trust by enabling you to make calls from the same business number, from any device logged in to the app. Whether you’re out in the field or sat in the office, you’ll never have to use a personal number to contact customers again. You’ll also benefit from online video calls, call forwarding, and voicemail features.
A VoIP phone system is a full blown communication system. Combining sophisticated desk phones with softphone applications, VoIP phone systems offer advanced call features, including virtual receptionists, internal communication, and AI call menus.
If you’re looking to improve your customers’ experience, a VoIP system is certainly the way to go – and it doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re concerned that your business is too small to justify investing in a VoIP system, it’s worth taking a look at the basic phone systems being offered by top suppliers. You’ll be surprised at how cheap they can be!
Expert verdict
Softphone apps that accompany a sophisticated VoIP system offer the most when it comes to features. With RingCentral, 8×8, and Vonage all worthy competitors on the VoIP market, choosing the best softphone app for your business comes down to looking at the wider capabilities of each provider.
Those looking for a cheap VoIP option should check out the likes of SessionTalk, Voiper, and Skype for Business. Although the features of these three softphone apps are limited, they’re a great option for businesses looking to invest in a more sophisticated phone system without stretching the company finances.
Alternatively, find out how much a full scale VoIP system will cost your business. Simply fill in our form with a few details about your business and that best suppliers will be in touch. You may be surprised!
