VOIP is just one of the many software available on Linux. As an open-sourced and free software, it is a viable alternative to other VoIP solutions available in the market.
One of the most remarkable qualities of VoIP is that it supports SIP protocol, making it easier for users to configure their system and use the service. This helps save money because there are no monthly fees or setup costs.
Top 12 Best VoIP Software for Linux
- Claritytel – Best multi-channel communication software
- Twilio – Best communication tool for start-ups
- Linphone – Best open-source application software
- Google Voice – Best business VOIP
- Dialpad – Best all in one voice VOIP
- Zoom – Best video conferencing software
- Ekiga – Best open-source VoIP software
- Empathy – Best instant messaging software
- Zoiper – Best international calling tool
- Discord – Best gamer communication tools
- Mumble – Best VoIP application for Microsoft Windows operating systems
- Skype – Best web-based communication tools
1. Claritytel – Best multi-channel communication software
PRICING: $19.99 per month
Claritytel is a myriad of multi-channel communication software for Linux. It provides a wide range of features. It makes it easier for users to secure their calls with encryption technology. It also has an integrated conference service that allows users to conduct an online conference from the comfort of their own office.
KEY FEATURES OF CLARITYTEL
- Web-based application
- Account management
- Secure messaging
- Access management
- Call recording
- Customization
REASONS TO BUY CLARITYTEL
- Can manage all features from any location.
- Free for non-commercial users.
- Easy to install
- Easy to use
- It has a self-built SIP protocol
REASONS TO AVOID CLARITYTEL
- It has no video support.
- It does not have an easy-to-use mobile app for both Android
- It has no support for appointments.
2. Twilio – Best communication tool for start-ups
PRICING: 2cents per minute (make calls). $1 per month (receive calls)
Twilio (formerly called Apigee) offers SIP and cloud-based communications platforms to make calls easy. This allows users to enjoy multiple services with just a single number. Its main objective is to provide communication for businesses and startups.
KEY FEATURES OF TWILIO
- Cloud-based platform
- Offers free services to non-profit organizations.
- Integration
- Password protected web interface
- Free mobile apps
REASONS TO BUY TWILIO
- Manage all features from any location.
- Free for non-profit organizations.
- Allows you to save money
- Easy to install and use
- 100 percent free clients
REASONS TO AVOID TWILIO
- It does not have video and voice feature
- It has no support for appointments.
- The login process is slow and not user-friendly.
3. Linphone – Best open-source application software
PRICING: it is an open-source solution
Linphone is an open-source application that allows users to communicate via voice and text. It is free and non-profit. This makes it great for businesses. It has now added video calls making it a great all-in-one communications application.
KEY FEATURES OF LINPHONE
- It offers a convenient GUI interface
- Windows and Linux operating system
- Incorporating the GNU GPL license
REASONS TO BUY LINPHONE
- Easy to install and use
- Supports a wide range of mobile applications
- Allows users to make video calls using their phones
- Allows users to set up voice calls using the Internet
- Free for non-profit organizations.
REASONS TO AVOID LINPHONE
- It has no support for mobile platforms
- It does not have a voice recognition feature
- It is not user-friendly
- The login process is slow
4. Google Voice – Best business VOIP
PRICING: plan starts at $10 per month
Google Voice is a VoIP softphone that allows users to make and receive voice calls using Internet infrastructure such as Google Talk, Skype, etc. It is also a cloud-based service that users can access from any device.
KEY FEATURES OF GOOGLE VOICE
- Time-saving
- Call management
- Digital integration
- Flexibility
- Number saving
REASONS TO BUY GOOGLE VOICE
- Works on smartphones
- Works on web
- Personal use
- Business use
REASONS TO AVOID GOOGLE VOICE
- No real support
- Porting limitations
- Multimedia messaging can be complicated
- No direct emergency calls
5. Dialpad – Best all in one voice VOIP
PRICING: $15 per month
Dialpad is a flexible and easy-to-use VoIP phone that is also a cloud-based application. This makes it great for businesses and startups. It uses VoIP to communicate with other people.
KEY FEATURES OF DIALPAD
- Database based caller ID
- Customizable text messaging
- Call history
- Password-protected web interface
- Agent dashboard
REASON TO BUY DIALPAD
- No charge for text and data plans
- Phonetic search feature
- Easy to install and use
- Outbound response
- Validates callers
REASONS TO AVOID DIALPAD
- No free trial
- No free version
- Poor integration service
6. Zoom – Best video conferencing software
PRICING: starts from $18 per month
Zoom is a free and easy-to-use VoIP softphone and also a cloud-based service. This makes it great for businesses and startups. It is available on both Windows and Linux operating systems.
KEY FEATURES OF ZOOM
- Lead management
- Call management
- Reporting
- Field sales management
- Video conferencing
- Collaboration
- Integration
REASONS TO BUY ZOOM
- Easy to use
- Versatility
- Available on Android
- Expandable
REASONS TO AVOID ZOOM
- Must download the app
- No comment control
- Zoombombing
7. Ekiga – Best open-source VoIP software
PRICING: starts at $19.95 per user per month
Ekiga is a softphone designed to make voice calls using IP networks such as the Internet. It is an open-source VoIP software that uses the SIP protocol. This makes it suitable for almost all network-enabled devices.
KEY FEATURES OF EKIGA
- SMS to Cellphone service
- Instant messaging
- NAT support
- Live chat
- User interface
- Video conferencing
REASONS TO BUY EKIGA
- Fast and intuitive GUI
- Easy to use
- Free audio and video calls
REASONS TO AVOID EKIGA
- Poor fax management
- No call recording
8. Empathy – Best instant messaging software
PRICING: Free
Empathy is software used for messaging with instant delivery ability; they are used for video calling and helps to facilitate collaboration within an organization.
KEY FEATURES OF EMPATHY
- Instant messaging
- Video calling
- Integrated file sharing
- Conversation theming
- Collaboration
REASONS TO BUY EMPATHY
- Great features
- Automatic reconnection
- Private chats
- Group chats
REASONS TO AVOID EMPATHY
- Unmaintained
- Can be complicated
9. Zoiper – Best international calling tool
PRICING: plan starts at $4.99 per month
Zoiper is a VoIP client that connects to Google Voice and other SIP services. It has all the basic features you need to make and receive calls. It is one of the best tools for making cheap international calls.
KEY FEATURES OF ZOIPER
- Simple user interface
- Calls forwarding
- Integration
- Collaboration
REASONS TO BUY ZOIPER
- Free trial
- It has a lot of options.
- It is simple to use.
- Good customer service.
- Technical support
REASONS TO AVOID ZOIPER
- Difficult to set up
- Features can sometimes be complicated
10. Discord – Best gamer communication tools
PRICING: plan starts at $4.99 per month
Discord is a gaming community platform developed by the company Discord Inc. It is best known for being used by gamers worldwide to play games together. It is one of the most popular communication tools among gamers.
KEY FEATURES OF DISCORD
- Customization
- Unlimited users
- Integration
- Desktop and mobile versions
REASONS TO BUY DISCORD
- 1. It is free
- Easy to download and install
- Simple to use
REASONS TO AVOID DISCORD
- Require some technical know-how
- Poor customer service
- Poor collaboration
11. Mumble – Best VoIP application for Microsoft Windows operating systems
PRICING: Free
Mumble is a VoIP application for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It allows you to talk over the Internet using a microphone and speakers.
KEY FEATURES OF MUMBLE
- Uses open-source code
- Compatibility
- Available for Windows
- Supported by a lot of developers
- Highly customizable
REASONS TO BUY MUMBLE
- Easy to set up
- Free
- Customizable
REASONS TO AVOID MUMBLE
- Limited functionality
- Requires technical know-how
12. Skype – Best web-based communication tools
PRICING: Free
Skype is a popular VoIP service provider. It started as a voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) service but later added instant messaging, file transfer, and video chat capabilities. Skype also provides its phone number.
KEY FEATURES OF SKYPE
- Integration
- Unlimited users
- Multiple protocols
- Collaboration
REASONS TO BUY SKYPE
- Saves money
- Reliable
- Stable
- Safe
- Easy to use
REASONS TO AVOID SKYPE
- Does not have advanced features.
- Interface is not intuitive.
- Does not have many features.
FAQs
Is there a Linux alternative for Skype?
Yes. There are several paid and free options for Skype.
- What is VoIP hardware and software?
VoIP hardware is the equipment used for making and receiving calls using an internet connection. VoIP software is the software used for making and receiving calls.
What is SIP?
SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol. It is a standard for signaling and controlling multimedia communication sessions.
What is P2P?
P2P stands for peer-to-peer networking. It allows users to communicate with each other directly rather than through a centralized server.
How is VoIP connected?
A VoIP connection is similar to that of a traditional phone call. By simply calling the recipient, the connection between both users is made. It will be transferred to the VoIP service via an internet connection and phone line(s).
What is the difference between SIP and VoIP?
SIP is a protocol that controls the transmission of multimedia messages between nodes or end-points. It was initially designed for creating sessions that carry voice information but is now used for various multimedia messages. VoIP is the use of SIP to create voice sessions. Since Skype uses SIP, it utilizes VoIP.
What is the minimum bandwidth for VoIP?
The minimum bandwidth required for VoIP depends on the type of call being made. When making a call using a phone, the minimum bandwidth needed is usually between 2 and 6 Kbit/s.
How is VoIP different from traditional telephony?
Therefore, VoIP involves an internet connection and lower costs than traditional telephone systems. Each user pays the amount of money to use the service is also much less expensive than traditional telephone systems.