Looking for a Windows softphone to connect to your SIP trunk or PBX? We compare the best free and paid options, covering features, codec support, security, and how to configure them for IPComms SIP trunking.
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.
Best Free Softphones for Windows
MicroSIP
Best lightweight option for Windows
Free
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 softphone.
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
Free
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
Freemium
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
$49.95
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
$2.95/mo
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
Discontinued
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.
Building this? Your PBX will need a number
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Local numbers $1.50 a month, toll-free $2.00, $1.00 one-time setup. Pick one here and it carries into signup.
Enter an area code, or wait a moment for numbers near you.
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)
Recommended
Uncompressed audio at 64 kbps. Best quality, highest compatibility. Use G.711u (ulaw) for North America, G.711a (alaw) for Europe.
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
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
Our Recommendation
After testing dozens of softphones with IPComms SIP trunks, here are our top picks for Windows users:
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
Stop worrying about SIP trunk capacity. We have you covered.
SIP trunking from a US carrier since 2002: $0.009 per minute inbound, $0.010 outbound, numbers from $1.50 a month, $0 per channel, no contracts.
