What to Look for in a Windows Softphone
Not all softphones are created equal. Before choosing a SIP client for Windows, consider these key factors that will impact your daily calling experience:
Codec Support
Look for G.711 (best quality), G.729 (low bandwidth), and Opus (modern, adaptive). More codecs mean better compatibility.
Security
TLS encrypts signaling, SRTP encrypts voice. Both are essential for business calls over the internet.
Multiple Accounts
If you use multiple SIP providers or extensions, ensure the softphone supports several simultaneous registrations.
Call Features
Hold, transfer, conference, call recording, voicemail integration, and contact management are must-haves for business use.
Pro Tip: Always test a softphone with your specific SIP provider before committing. Even compatible softphones can have quirks with certain configurations.
Best Free Softphones for Windows
MicroSIP
Best lightweight option for Windows
MicroSIP is an ultra-lightweight, open-source SIP softphone designed specifically for Windows. At under 10 MB, it starts instantly and uses minimal system resources. Perfect for call centers or users who need a no-frills dialer.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight (under 10 MB)
- Open source and free forever
- TLS and SRTP encryption
- Low CPU and memory usage
- Portable version available
Cons
- Windows only
- No video calling
- Basic UI design
- Limited advanced features
Linphone
Best cross-platform free option
Linphone is a fully open-source softphone that works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It offers video calling, instant messaging, and full encryption support without any paid upgrades.
Pros
- Fully free and open source
- Cross-platform (Win/Mac/Linux)
- Video calling included
- TLS + SRTP encryption
- Multiple account support
Cons
- UI can feel dated
- Configuration can be complex
- Push notifications unreliable
- Occasional bugs
Zoiper Free
Best UI for a free softphone
Zoiper Free offers the most polished user interface among free softphones. The free version supports one SIP account and basic calling. Advanced features like TLS/SRTP require the paid Pro version.
Pros
- Clean, modern interface
- Easy to configure
- Good audio quality
- Contact integration
- Available on all platforms
Cons
- TLS/SRTP requires paid version
- Only 1 account in free version
- Nag screens for paid features
- No video in free version
Best Paid Softphones for Windows
Zoiper Pro
Best value paid option
Zoiper Pro unlocks TLS/SRTP encryption, multiple accounts, video calling, and removes all nag screens. One-time purchase with lifetime license. A solid middle-ground between free and enterprise options.
Pros
- Full TLS/SRTP encryption
- Multiple SIP accounts
- Video calling
- One-time purchase (no subscription)
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Separate licenses for desktop/mobile
- No call recording built-in
- G.729 codec costs extra
Bria (CounterPath)
Best enterprise-grade option
Bria is a professional-grade softphone used by enterprises worldwide. It offers unified communications, team messaging, presence, and integrates with Microsoft 365. Subscription-based with excellent support.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade reliability
- Unified communications
- Call recording
- CRM integrations
- Cross-device sync
Cons
- Subscription pricing
- Higher cost for individuals
- Can be complex to configure
X-Lite (Legacy)
Predecessor to Bria
X-Lite was a popular free softphone from CounterPath, now replaced by Bria Solo. While still functional if you have an old installation, it is no longer recommended for new deployments. Consider Bria Solo or Zoiper instead.
Note: X-Lite is discontinued. Existing users should migrate to Bria Solo or another actively maintained softphone.
Feature Comparison Table
| Softphone | Price | TLS/SRTP | Video | Accounts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MicroSIP | Free | Yes | No | Multiple | Lightweight calling |
| Linphone | Free | Yes | Yes | Multiple | Cross-platform |
| Zoiper Free | Free | Paid only | Paid only | 1 | Easy setup |
| Zoiper Pro | $49.95 | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Value for money |
| Bria | $2.95/mo | Yes | Yes | Multiple | Enterprise |
Codec Support Explained
Audio codecs compress and decompress voice data. The codec you use affects call quality, bandwidth usage, and compatibility. Here are the most important codecs for SIP calling:
G.711 (ulaw/alaw)
RecommendedUncompressed audio at 64 kbps. Best quality, highest compatibility. Use G.711u (ulaw) for North America, G.711a (alaw) for Europe.
Bandwidth: 87 kbps | Quality: Excellent | Latency: Low
G.729
Low BandwidthCompressed audio at 8 kbps. Ideal for limited bandwidth connections. May require a license in some softphones.
Bandwidth: 31 kbps | Quality: Good | Latency: Medium
Opus
ModernAdaptive codec that adjusts quality based on network conditions. Supports 6-510 kbps. Excellent for WebRTC and variable connections.
Bandwidth: 6-510 kbps | Quality: Excellent | Latency: Low
IPComms Recommendation: Use G.711 ulaw for the best quality on IPComms SIP trunks. We support G.729 and Opus as well for bandwidth-constrained scenarios.
Security Features (TLS/SRTP)
When making calls over the internet, encryption is essential to protect your conversations from eavesdropping. There are two layers of encryption to consider:
TLS (Transport Layer Security)
Encrypts the SIP signaling (call setup, caller ID, etc.). Without TLS, anyone monitoring your network can see who you are calling.
- Uses port 5061 instead of 5060
- Requires valid SSL certificates
- Protects metadata and authentication
SRTP (Secure RTP)
Encrypts the actual voice audio. Without SRTP, your conversations can be recorded and played back by attackers.
- Works with TLS for full encryption
- AES-128 or AES-256 encryption
- Minimal latency impact
| Softphone | TLS Support | SRTP Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MicroSIP | Yes (Free) | Yes (Free) | Full encryption at no cost |
| Linphone | Yes (Free) | Yes (Free) | Also supports ZRTP |
| Zoiper Free | Paid Only | Paid Only | Requires Pro license |
| Zoiper Pro | Yes | Yes | ZRTP also available |
| Bria | Yes | Yes | Enterprise-grade security |
Important: If security is a priority, avoid Zoiper Free and use MicroSIP or Linphone instead. Both offer TLS and SRTP at no cost.
Configuring for IPComms SIP Trunk
Use these settings to connect any Windows softphone to your IPComms SIP trunk. You will find your credentials in the IPComms customer portal.
| Setting | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SIP Server | sip.ipcomms.net | Primary SIP domain |
| Username | (from portal) | Your SIP username |
| Password | (from portal) | Your SIP password |
| Transport | TLS (recommended) | Or UDP/TCP |
| Port | 5061 (TLS) or 5060 | Use 5061 for TLS |
| Outbound Proxy | sip.ipcomms.net | Same as SIP server |
| Codec Priority | G.711u, G.729, Opus | G.711u first |
| SRTP | Enabled | When using TLS |
MicroSIP Quick Setup
- 1. Download MicroSIP from microsip.org
- 2. Run the installer or extract the portable version
- 3. Click Menu > Add Account
- 4. Enter Account Name: IPComms
- 5. SIP Server: sip.ipcomms.net
- 6. Enter your Username and Password from the portal
- 7. Check Transport: TLS
- 8. Check Encrypt (SRTP)
- 9. Click Save - you should see "Online" status
Need Help? Our support team can help you configure any softphone to work with IPComms. Contact us for assistance.
Our Recommendation
After testing dozens of softphones with IPComms SIP trunks, here are our top picks for Windows users:
MicroSIP - Best Free Option
For most Windows users, MicroSIP is the clear winner. It is free, open source, lightweight, and includes TLS/SRTP encryption. Perfect for call centers, remote workers, or anyone who wants a reliable SIP phone without the bloat.
Zoiper Pro - Best Paid Option
If you need video calling, a polished UI, or plan to use both desktop and mobile, Zoiper Pro offers excellent value at $49.95 one-time. The lifetime license means no recurring fees.
Bria - Best for Enterprise
Organizations needing unified communications, CRM integration, and enterprise support should choose Bria. The subscription cost is justified by the advanced features and reliability.
Try Before You Buy: All paid softphones offer free trials. Test them with your IPComms trunk before purchasing. We also offer free test DIDs so you can evaluate call quality.
Try IPComms with Your Favorite Softphone
Get a free test trunk and DID. Connect MicroSIP, Zoiper, or any SIP client and make test calls in minutes.