Top Free SIP Apps for Your Computer

VoIP softphone apps to make and receive free calls through SIP

By
Nadeem Unuth
Nadeem Unuth
Freelance Contributor
  • University of Mauritius
Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP.
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Updated on June 11, 2021
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
Michael Heine headshot
Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr
Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
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Having a SIP account gives you the freedom to communicate through VoIP. Among the benefits is the ability to make and receive free phone calls to other SIP users worldwide, and to use the softphone software of your choice without being tied to what one VoIP service provider offers. Here are the best free SIP softphone apps and where to get them.

Bria app on a mobile device and a laptop

Counterpath
What We Like

  • Compatible with most VoIP services and IP PBXs.

  • Format text in instant messages. 

What We Don't Like

  • Consumes system resources.

  • No support for commercial use.

Bria is a popular SIP-based softphone app, widely used by individuals and business people. It's well-designed with a lot of features, including QoS and a long list of codecs. CounterPath positions their free, entry-level app as an enticement for clients to purchase their more enhanced products such as EyeBeam.

Simplest Interface: Ekiga

Ekiga SIPs app

Ekiga
What We Like

  • Offers multiple VoIP codecs.

  • Edit the source code for a personalized experience.

What We Don't Like

  • Fewer features than similar apps.

  • No version for Mac users.

Formerly known as GnomeMeeting, Ekiga is general public license software for GNOME (Linux) and Windows. It offers all the basic features needed for good, fluid SIP communication in a clean, clear interface. Ekiga also offers free SIP accounts. You can use Ekiga for voice calling and video conferencing.

Best Open Source SIP App: Jitsi

Jitsi Meet app on a laptop

Jitsi
What We Like

  • Works well on any operating system.

  • Excellent mobile support.

What We Don't Like

  • Time-consuming to configure properly.

  • Documentation lacks detail.

Jitsi is a Java-built open-source instant-messaging (IM) application loaded with features. Along with other IM features, it also allows voice and video communication through SIP. Other interesting features include call recording, IPv6 support, encryption, and support for many protocols.

Make Calls on Any Device: LinPhone

Linphone app on different devices

Linphone 
What We Like

  • Well-organized interface.

  • Intuitive contact manager.

What We Don't Like

  • Lacks a clickable standard phone dialer.

  • Only supports VP8 video codec.

LinPhone is open-source software for Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus Android and iPhone mobile platforms. LinPhone allows voice and video communication with many interesting features, including codecs, support for IPv6, echo cancellation, bandwidth management, and more.

Best Google Integration: Blink

Blink SIP app logo

icanblink.com
What We Like

  • Easy Google Drive and OSX integration.

  • Offers a lite version for Mac users.

What We Don't Like

  • No hotkeys or redial button.

  • Hold feature can be finicky.

Blink is simple and has all the features you need to make voice and video calls over SIP. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, it's distributed under a GPL license.

For Linux Only: Empathy

Empathy SIP app logo

Wikipedia
What We Like

  • Geolocation tool keeps track of friends.

  • Very lightweight.

What We Don't Like

  • Features are basic and limited.

  • No Windows, Mac, or mobile versions.

Empathy is more like an instant-messaging app that is also a fully featured SIP app. It works with many other protocols, as well. However, Empathy is strictly Linux software. It offers a full complement of features and compares well against instant-messaging tools that run on Android and other common platforms.

Best Lightweight SIP App: MicroSIP

MicroSIP app

MicroSIP
What We Like

  • Supports dozens of languages.

  • Thorough online documentation.

What We Don't Like

  • Complicated set up process.

  • Only available for Windows.

MicroSIP is a free, open-source app that allows high-quality VoIP calls through SIP. It gets the job done without any surplus features, making it light on resource usage and nice to use when you want to communicate simply and plainly. MicroSIP is a portable app.

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