Overview

Linphone brings calling, messaging, and videoconferencing into one application, using SIP and SIP SIMPLE to interoperate with IP-PBXs, proxies, SBCs, and other SIP systems. That makes it a credible choice for teams fitting a client into an established telephony stack, rather than replacing that stack with a new communications platform.

The project is open source under GNU GPLv3 for integration into other projects. Organizations making closed-source modifications need a proprietary license, so the open-source route does not by itself cover every commercial customization plan.

Key features

Calling and meetings

HD audio and video, call forwarding, concurrent call management, recording, DTMF, and Bluetooth headset support cover both routine calls and more involved call handling. Flexisip or the SaaS conferencing option supports video conferences for up to 50 participants and screen sharing. This gives teams a path to larger meetings, but the conference capability depends on choosing one of those services.

Messaging depends on the service

With Flexisip, users get 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. Teams that need group collaboration should therefore consider Flexisip rather than assume the client alone provides the richer messaging set.

Integrations and security

LDAP and CardDAV contact synchronization, OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 authentication, and Apple APNs and Google Firebase push notifications help connect Linphone to existing identity, contact, and notification setups. Security options include SIP/TLS, SRTP, SRTP-DTLS, ZRTP, end-to-end encryption for exchanged media, and post-quantum encryption using CRYSTALS-Kyber. The range is useful for organizations with specific security requirements, though the listed protections span different protocols and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Self-hosting and commercial customization

Flexisip can run on premises and connect to an existing SIP server for group messaging and videoconferencing. Belledonne Communications also offers white-label branding, support contracts, development assistance, and custom feature development. Those options suit organizations that want control over deployment or a tailored client, but require a commercial engagement.

Pricing

Linphone softphone: 0.00 USD per free. The free app includes an individual SIP service, but that service is reserved for individual users and has no guaranteed support. It is a strong starting point for personal SIP use, not a supported business service. Paid support and maintenance are available by contacting the company; white-label work, development assistance, and custom features also use custom pricing.

Platforms

Linphone supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and web, alongside API and self-hosted options. Mobile and desktop apps make it usable across common device types, while the API and self-hosting options are more relevant to teams integrating or operating their own communications setup. Browser calling is not supported.

Who it's for

Linphone is best for individual SIP users and technical teams that value interoperability, source access, or control over their own messaging and conferencing infrastructure. It is less suitable for organizations seeking a fully supported business phone service out of the box, or for users who expect rich group messaging and meetings without configuring Flexisip or a SaaS conferencing option.

Pros and cons

Pros: SIP interoperability supports integration with existing telephony systems, reducing the need to replace working infrastructure.
Pros: The free app combines calling, recording, and broad security options, with API and self-hosting paths for technical deployments.
Pros: Flexisip adds group messaging and conferences for up to 50 participants, including screen sharing.
Cons: The free SIP service is for individuals and has no guaranteed support, limiting its fit as a business service.
Cons: Rich messaging and conferencing depend on Flexisip or SaaS conferencing; third-party SIP SIMPLE messaging is basic and one-to-one.
Cons: Closed-source modifications require a proprietary license, which adds a commercial step for some product integrations.

Alternatives

For a wider softphone comparison, browse Softphone Software.

Blink is another free option; its free Linux, Mac, and Windows downloads require a SIP account.
Siperb Mobile Softphone has a free Personal plan with limited storage, seven-day SIP Trace Logs and Register Activity Log, community support, and no technical support.
SipPulse Softphone offers a free App SipPulse plan for iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux, with unlimited users and installations.
Zoiper is worth considering for non-commercial use if a free plan capped at one account and two lines fits.
Browser Phone is a free, open-source project for teams looking specifically for a self-hosted web option.
MicroSIP is a free GPL v2 Windows desktop SIP softphone; its platform scope is narrower than Linphone's.
SessionTalk Softphone suits teams considering a paid Teams Phone plan at 20.00 USD per month, with five seats included and extra seats at $3 per seat.
Softphone.Pro is another option with a free trial and paid subscriptions selectable for monthly or annual billing.

Verdict

Choose Linphone if you want a free SIP client that can fit existing infrastructure and can use Flexisip or a SaaS conferencing option for richer collaboration. Its open source, interoperability, and self-hosting paths are compelling for technical teams; look elsewhere if you need guaranteed support with the free service or expect a complete business communications service without configuration.

	Linphone	Telephone
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, api, iOS, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Web, Windows	macOS
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Browser calling	No	No
Mobile app	Yes	No
Desktop app	Yes	Yes
Call recording	Yes	—
Business SMS	No	—
SIP support	Yes	Yes

Linphone vs Telephone

Linphone

Telephone