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VoIP Softphones
VOIP softphones are software applications that create a virtual telephone on your computer screen and allow you to place and receive VoIP phone calls. Softphones are especially useful for people who are already using their PC much of the time. They present the user with a keypad and display for placing and receiving VoIP calls. Softphones take advantage of your existing PC hardware to implement a VoIP telephone. The traditional handset is replaced by the PCs existing microphone and speaker or headset that is connected to your PC sound card. VoIP softphones represent the simplest way to connect to VoIP service.
Basic Softphone Features
A basic VoIP softphone will include an on-screen number and caller-id display, along with a virtual representation of the telephone keypad for placing calls. Most softphones also include an integrated address book that allows you to keep track of the phone numbers you call regularly. Basic softphones also typically provide a button for one-click access to your VoIP voicemail. You place a VoIP call by clicking on the number keys on your display, or by entering them directly using the keypad on your keyboard.
Advanced Softphone Features
Advanced features available on VoIP softphones include enhanced display capabilities, integration with IM and chat software and even videophone capability. The enhanced displays can include features such as call timer and more detailed caller id information. IM and chat integration allows you to access these software applications from your softphone. For example, you could conduct an IM or chat session during a voice call. The videophone feature allows you to place or receive video calls over your VoIP connection, as long as your provider offers this service.
Softphone Providers
Softphones, much like VoIP hardware, fall into one of two major categories – softphones available from VoIP providers for use solely with their service, and softphones produced by independent software developers. As with VoIP hardware, compatibility becomes an issue if you decide to choose a third-party solution. You should discuss the softphone that you are considering with your VoIP service provider as well as the softphone developer to avoid any compatibility issues caused by the protocols that your service provider is using. You might also want to consider purchasing a softphone that supports multiple protocols in case you decide to change providers in the future.
Softphone Pricing
Some VoIP providers offer free downloads of their proprietary softphones if you have an account with them. Some providers, however, require you to have a separate account just for your softphone, meaning that there is an additional monthly charge. If your provider offers a softphone that meets your needs, then it is probably best to use it, so that you do not have any issues with compatibility. However, if you desire more features or other capabilities, a third-party softphone may be your best option. Softphones from third-party developers vary in price, but most are available in the $25 - $50 range.
Summary
VoIP softphones provide the simplest and often the lowest cost means of accessing VoIP telephone service. They are particularly well-suited for people who spend most of their day at a PC. As VoIP technology advances, you can look for even more capable softphones to become available. Since softphones are implemented entirely in software, it is somewhat easier for developers to add or change features than it is for hardware manufacturers to make comparable changes.
For more information about softphone availability from providers, please see our comparison article entitled “Choosing a VoIP Service Provider”.