The Best Telephone Alternatives for Seamless VoIP Communication
Telephone, a popular VoIP program for Mac users, has long been a go-to for making calls over the internet, connecting to SIP providers, and integrating with Address Book contacts. While simple and effective for its time, many users are now seeking more versatile, cross-platform, or feature-rich solutions. If you're looking to move beyond Telephone's Mac-only confines or need advanced capabilities like end-to-end encryption, video conferencing, or broader protocol support, exploring the best Telephone alternative options is essential.
Top Telephone Alternatives
Whether you prioritize security, platform compatibility, specific communication features, or an open-source solution, there's an excellent alternative to Telephone waiting for you. Dive into our curated list to find your perfect fit.
Signal
Signal is an excellent open-source Telephone alternative, renowned for its strong focus on privacy and security. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, Chrome, and Ubuntu Touch, it merges TextSecure and RedPhone, offering end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls. Key features include security-focused communication, privacy-friendly design, self-destructing messages, video calling, and ad-free experience, making it ideal for users prioritizing secure VoIP and chat.
Jitsi
Jitsi (formerly SIP Communicator) is a powerful, free, and open-source Telephone alternative that provides comprehensive audio/video and chat communication with full encryption. It supports multiple protocols like SIP and XMPP/Jabber, and is available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, BSD, and iPad. Jitsi stands out with features like video conferencing, screen sharing, group chat, and WebRTC support, making it versatile for both personal and professional use.
Linphone
Linphone is a highly capable free and open-source internet phone (VoIP) that serves as an excellent Telephone alternative. It allows communication with voice, video, and text over the internet. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, and Xfce, Linphone focuses on SIP client functionality, encrypted VoIP calls, and live push notifications, offering a robust and flexible communication solution.
YakYak
YakYak is a free and open-source Telephone alternative, primarily focused on Google Hangouts integration. While not a direct VoIP client like Telephone, it's a strong choice for users who primarily use Hangouts for chat and calls. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, and Hangouts, YakYak offers features like sending/receiving chat messages, creating/changing conversations, notifications, and portability, enhancing the Hangouts experience.
Zoiper
Zoiper is a versatile multilanguage and multiplatform VoIP soft client, making it a strong Telephone alternative for a wide range of users. Available on Free Personal, $, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone, Zoiper supports IAX & SIP protocols. Its features include SIP support, caller ID changes, address book integration, and automatic call recording, providing a comprehensive softphone solution for various IP-based communications.
MicroSIP
MicroSIP is a free, open-source, and portable SIP softphone specifically designed for Windows, serving as an excellent lightweight Telephone alternative for PC users. Based on the PJSIP stack, it enables high-quality VoIP calls (P2P or to regular telephones) via open SIP protocol. Its key features include its lightweight nature, SIP client capabilities, and reliable video/audio calling, making it a simple yet effective tool for Windows users.
Bria
Bria is a thoughtfully designed commercial softphone that offers a robust Telephone alternative, leveraging extensive experience in improving productivity for users. Available on Commercial, $, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, Bria provides features such as Daylite integration, call transfer, SIP client functionality, and reliable voice calls, making it a professional-grade option for businesses and individuals alike.
3CX Phone System
3CX Phone System is a software-based, open standards IP PBX that offers complete Unified Communications out of the box, positioning it as a comprehensive Telephone alternative for businesses. Available on Freemium, $, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Microsoft Exchange Server, Chrome, Microsoft Office Suite, and Firefox, 3CX provides robust SIP support and voice chat capabilities, ideal for organizations seeking an all-in-one communication solution.
Facechat
Facechat is a free web-based Telephone alternative, though its focus is primarily on anonymous online chat and meeting new people rather than traditional VoIP. Available on Free, Web, Facebook, and Facebook Messenger, Facechat offers features like chat rooms, dating functionalities, group chat, live chat, and secure file sharing. While not a direct VoIP replacement, it's an alternative for casual, anonymous online communication.
With a wide array of excellent options, from secure communication platforms to feature-rich softphones, you're sure to find a Telephone alternative that perfectly suits your communication style and technical requirements. Explore these alternatives and choose the best fit for seamless and efficient VoIP interactions.