The 7 Best Softphone Apps You Can Find On iOS

Aaron Wilson
4 min readApr 2, 2020

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The recent shift to working from home has left many looking for the right VoIP tools and softphones to help them transition smoothly. But it’s often difficult to find reliable softphone apps that don’t compromise when it comes to both features and security.

What are softphones? Softphones are software programs capable of making telephone calls and sending messages, and they’ve become invaluable to individuals and businesses in need of more efficient, convenient, and flexible solutions for internal communications.

One substantial benefit of softphones is that they aren’t limited to bulky desk phones. Softphone applications are available on almost any Internet-connected device, whether it’s a desktop, laptop, or smartphone.

If you have an iOS device and would like the advantages that smartphones have to offer, here are some of the App Store’s best softphone solutions.

1. Acrobits Softphone

Acrobits Softphone has been the industry-leader since the release of the original iPhone. They know exactly what they are doing, and their track record speaks for itself.

Acrobits for iOS definitely doesn’t hold back on the feature list either. You can use it with GoogleVoice, for example. Call recording is available on SIP lines, and you can quickly import your account from other VoIP providers like Gizmo5, making it easy to switch. Sound quality is a high point as well, with support for G.722 and G.711.

The company also created Groundwire, which is it’s more business-focused offering. This solution offers conference calling, transferring, voice mail, and more.

Pros

  • Excellent user interface
  • Large feature set
  • Great support team
  • White label compatibility
  • VoIP SDK available for developers

Cons

  • No function for call transferring yet

2. Sessiontalk

Here’s a free download for any iOS device you may have. Despite the lack of a price, Sessiontalk still offers plenty in terms of functionality. CallKit support, push notifications, video calling, SMS, and call conferencing are only a few of them.

Users even have access to TLS encryption for secure contacts. For business users with multiple avenues of communication, Sessiontalk does allow you to register multiple accounts and operate through all of them simultaneously.

Pros

  • Free download
  • Low battery usage
  • Call recording
  • Push notifications

Cons

  • Some features, including increased call volume, are locked behind a paywall
  • Not available in all regions
  • Occasional drops in service

3. Zoiper

Whether your business has a SIP or IAX system, Zoiper offers reliable service that integrates with any combination of providers you already have. Companies will also appreciate the integration with Outlook and Thunderbird clients. Other functions include a multi-tab interface and easy contact handling.

The free version of the software offers plenty for organizations in need of VoIP functionality. Versions are compatible with desktop and mobile platforms.

Pros

  • Excellent video calling
  • Interface that promotes multitasking
  • Many integrations
  • White label capability

Cons

  • Some technical issues with the app, as mentioned by the reviews

4. Media5-Fone

Many of this app’s users claim it’s the easiest VoIP option to use on the App Store. It’s compatible with multiple SIP providers, so most companies won’t have an issue integrating it into their business operations. Customization is another high point of the application as well.

Pros

  • Background wakeup call
  • Codec prioritization
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Incompatible with certain mobile networks according to the reviews
  • No versions available on desktop

5. 3CX

Well known for its beautifully sleek user interface, 3CX is available for not only iOS but also Android and desktop operating systems like Windows and Mac OS.

Does your business need a softphone as well as a PBX office system? 3CX may be an excellent solution, as it includes many VoIP features like call recording, forwarding, and blind transfers.

Pros

  • Excellent user interface
  • Functions as a PBX

Cons

  • User reviews seem to indicate occasional crashing problems

6. Bria 5

Recently updated to version 5, Bria offers many functionalities softphone users expect: instant messaging, file transfer, user status indicators, screen sharing, Outlook integration, and merge and split for calling.

Enterprise users will appreciate the audio encryption and secure calling features as well. The application draws from your phone’s native contact list so that you can get up and running quickly.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use UI
  • Excellent features
  • Minimal battery life impact
  • White label capability

Cons

  • Monthly subscription necessary
  • 2 GB of system memory required

The Takeaway

There’s no need to stress over choosing the right softphone now that you’re aware of the best softphone apps on the market.

Whether you’re using a softphone for light business, personal use, or something else — these apps provide you with all the tools you need to get more out of your communications.

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