Softphone vs VoIP: Which Is Best for Your Business?

A softphone is a software application that allows users to make phone calls over the Internet from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It requires physical hardware like the ones mentioned and can be used from anywhere as long as you have a stable internet connection.

Hence, a softphone is ideal for remote workers, frequent travelers, and businesses with employees working from different locations. It provides features similar to those of a traditional desk phone, including call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calls. Some of its examples are Calilio, Zoiper, X-Lite, etc.

• Video Calls
• Integration with CRM Systems
• Visual Voicemail
• Team Messaging
• Call Recording
• Multiple Device Support
• Remote Call Forwarding
• Real-Time Call Monitoring 

A VoIP phone is a physical device specifically designed for making calls using VoIP technology. They look and function like traditional phones but use the Internet instead of regular copper wires and rely on circuit-switched networks to connect calls.

VoIP phones are hardware-based. Unlike softphones, they require a fixed office location, where workers are stationed at desks. Thus, they are suitable for established companies and businesses and can be a good alternative to PBX (Private Branch Exchange).

• Multiple Call Lines
• Programmable Buttons for Speed Dialing
• Conference Calling
• Call Management
• API (Application Programming Interface) Access
• Call Logs
• Business Text Messaging
• Auto Attendant

Both VoIP phones and softphones use a device's data connection to send and receive voice data packets over the Internet. They connect to the recipient's phone system using a VoIP protocol like SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). The SIP converts the user's voice into digital data packets, which are transmitted over the Internet to the recipient's device and converted into audible sound.

Furthermore, when you call from a landline number to a VoIP phone, your voice signal travels through the traditional phone network (PSTN) until it reaches a VoIP gateway. This gateway converts the analog voice signal into digital packets, which are then sent over the Internet to the VoIP phone, where the data are converted back into sound and vice-versa.

As mentioned above, softphones and VoIP phones work the same way. While they share some common features and advantages, they also have differences. Let's learn about this in detail.

Both offer flexibility compared to traditional phones. However, softphones offer more mobility as they can be installed on laptops, desktops, or mobile devices and operated from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.

As mentioned above, softphones and VoIP phones rely on a stable internet connection to make and receive calls. Unlike conventional landline phones, they bypass the public switched telephone network and transmit voice data through the Internet. While a softphone’s network signal can fluctuate, VoIP phones have a steady signal as they are mostly connected to an Ethernet wire.

Both offer multi-functional capabilities that go beyond traditional voice communication. They offer features such as voicemail, call forwarding, conference calling, and integration with business applications.

Softphones and VoIP phones allow firms to add additional numbers or extensions effortlessly and cost-effectively without needing physical infrastructure. However, softphones come with a dedicated application/dashboard, making it easy to manage extra extensions, while things can get messy with a VoIP phone.

Softphones have a user-friendly interface that provides access to many different communication features and helps in easy integration with modern business phone systems. However, VoIP phones have limited access to and control over features such as instant messaging.
 

Both softphones and VoIP phones have their own importance and benefits. If you have remote workers or a new startup and want greater flexibility, go for softphones, but if you are an established one, choose VoIP phones. However, the latter is expensive compared to softphones as it requires physical hardware and could need maintenance in the future. On the other hand, softphones are budget-friendly solutions that can be easily installed on existing devices, need just an internet connection, and require low maintenance.

So, if you are looking for a cost-effective softphone application with high-quality audio, register with Calilio. Plus, enjoy its affordable pricing plans with advanced VoIP features, with the basic plan starting at just $12 per month.

A softphone is a software application that uses VoIP technology for communication, whereas a VoIP phone is a device that uses Wi-Fi and cable-based internet connections (Ethernet).

No, you don't need special hardware to use a softphone and can install it in your existing device.