You need to make an important business call but you’re far away from a desk phone. Thankfully, modern technology can help.
Gone are the days where you need a telephone to make a call. With softphones, you can call a client, prospect, customer, or colleague from anywhere, as long as you have internet service, a microphone, and a speaker.
Powered by VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) technology, a softphone functions like a desk phone with additional features like call recording and voicemail transcription. These services have been a game-changer for businesses navigating a more hybrid world, as they eliminate the need for expensive hardware and make online calling more accessible across devices.
Because of the cost savings and convenience, softphones are growing in demand — the VoIP services market is expected to reach $472.26 billion by the end of 2033.
In this post, we'll cover:
What is a Softphone
A softphone is a software powered by VoIP technology that enables you to make calls over the internet using a computer or smartphone. A softphone contains all the features of a desk phone, like making calls, transferring calls, putting the caller on hold, and leaving voicemail messages. Depending on the VoIP provider, it also boasts additional features like caller information, call recording, voicemail transcription, and shared contact directory, to name some examples.
How Does a Softphone Work?
Softphone software is not tangible like a desk phone. However, it still works like your standard phone: you dial a number by typing it in or selecting one from your contacts, wait to be connected, then speak into the softphone.
But unlike a standard phone, in which you dial a number from a keypad, you dial a number on a smartphone or desktop app, as shown in the photo below.
Once you press the call button, VoIP services, like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp’s calling features, convert your voice into a digital signal that travels across the Internet. If you're calling a regular phone number from a VoIP service like a softphone, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before reaching the destination.
Softphone services are compatible with most devices and software, including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones; as well as devices runningWindows, Mac, and Linux.
Softphone Benefits
Softphones save you money.
Compared to a traditional phone, a softphone has lower upfront costs. Desk phone hardware can cost up to $416 per handset plus installation and maintenance, while the most expensive softphone can cost up to $140 per user, monthly.
Increased Team Convenience
Remote work isn’t going anywhere. As of 2022, 26% of US employees work remotely, with that number expected to increase to 36.2 million by 2025.
And, in a recent consumer survey we ran, most remote employees we polled said they'd rather quit than return to the office if their managers forced them to.
Naturally, remote work renders desk phones useless. And, members of remote or hybrid teams will most likely make some calls from the comfort of their homes. Softphone and VoIP software makes calling convenient — you won’t be tied to the office desk or a traditional telephone when doing business – as long as you have a strong internet connection.
Streamlined Business Processes
Good VoIP software can help streamline business processes. For example, if you leverage softphone with CRM integrations, you can obtain a comprehensive view of a prospect or customer’s interactions with your business before or when you make a call.
Softphone automation, like post-call summaries, also enables callers to focus on their conversation while being able to access information about the call after hanging up.
Best Softphones
HubSpot
HubSpot’s VoIP software enables you to make calls to customers and prospects directly from HubSpot’s platform.
This softphone also provides you with the full picture of your customers’ needs, activity, and past interactions with your company. You don’t have to worry about manual logging — call details are automatically recorded and stored in the HubSpot CRM.
Pricing: $450/month for professional and $1,200/month for enterprise.
Acrobits Cloud Softphone
Acrobits Cloud Softphone enables you to make voice and video calls, send texts, and share files. Features can also be added and removed from your subscription based on what you need.
This softphone is compatible with multiple devices, including Windows, Mac, Apple M1 Chip devices, Apple smart devices, and over 24,000 Android devices.
Pricing: Multiple pricing tiers: Outgoing Only for $120/month, Full Featured for $69/month, White Label for $459/month, Enterprise for $459/month, and High Security for $599/month.
Counterpath
Counterpath’s softphone called Bria is compatible with Windows and Mac desktops and iOS and Android devices. Call features like call transfer, forward, hold, click-to-dial, auto-answer, and call recording are available for you to use.
Price: Bria has multiple pricing tiers, for individuals, teams, and enterprises.
JustCall
JustCall is a cloud phone system for sales and customer service teams. It has features like workflow and analytics that enable you to measure campaign performance, the ability to make and receive calls, and the capability to track and record calls.
Pricing: Essentials at $19 per user per month, Team at $29 per user per month, Pro at $49 per user per month, and custom pricing for Business.
LiveAgent
LiveAgent offers SIP-based VoIP phone support as a part of its virtual call center solution. The platform offers smart call routing, where incoming calls are routed to appropriate departments and agents, IVR and call-back options, and call tracking.
Pricing: Small Business at $9 per agent, Medium Business at $29 per agent, Large Business at $49 per agent, and Enterprise at $69 per agent.
RingCentral
RingCentral’s softphone feature is a part of the RingCentral app, with no additional cost to the user. You can manage and control your calls, record calls, and send callers real-time text-to-speech messages.
Collaborate with your team by sharing files and contributing to group discussions through the platform.
Pricing: Core at $20 per month, Advanced at $25 per month, and Ultra at $35 per month.
Vonage
With Vonage, you can manage and customize your entire phone system. You’ll be able to make and record calls. Additionally, you can integrate with CRM and business productivity apps like Slack.
Pricing: Mobile at $19.99 per month/per line, Premium at $29.99 per month/per line, and Advanced at $39.99 per month/per line.
Zoho Voice
Zoho Voice is an online software that enables you to make calls. You can manage calls using the following call center features: Call Barging, Power Dialer, and Queue Performance Metrics.
The platform also enables you to have SMS conversations using voice and SMS-enabled local numbers.
Pricing: Solo for free, Team at $100 per month, Office at $300 per month, and Corporate at $1,000 per month.
Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone is a cloud phone system that enables you to make calls from your desk phone, mobile device, or computer. The platform supports call transfer, call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, and call blocking.
Pricing: US & Canada Metered at $10 per month per user, US & Canada Unlimited at $15 per month per user, and Pro Global Select at $20 per month per user.
FastCall
FastCall supports voice calls, video calls, SMS, and screen share. Its outbound contact center software features dial-by-list, click-to-dial, voicemail drop, and call recording.
Pricing: Essential at $24 per user per month, Pro at $49 per user per month, and Custom pricing available.
Get Started With Softphones
With their advanced features and cost-saving benefits, softphones are fast becoming a popular choice among businesses of all sizes as an alternative to traditional phone systems. Businesses can save time and costs associated with answering calls, typing notes, and scheduling follow-up calls manually using advanced call center features available on many softphone systems.
Get started with HubSpot’s VoIP software.
