Some VoIP users prefer not to use traditional phones or soft-phones on computers. Instead, they use mobile VoIP technology, using their smart-phone advanced technology and a capable internet connection to place calls. This may be for various reasons: convenience, cost, portability, or, in some cases, functionality. Since soft-phones emulate traditional phone systems user experience may be seamless. In effect, soft-phone applications combine powerful services like Instant Messaging and face-to-face calling, along with other traditional features such as caller ID, mute, call forwarding and call waiting. Often Mobile VoIP apps are referred to as dialer apps, in that you can call out but can’t receive calls. Though some apps and VoIP phone providers do allow to have that full setup to be able to make and receive calls (i.e: Phone Power, VoIPo & VoIP Much)
When looking for the best free softphone, consider the specifications of your own smart-phone. Look at the data plan you have, you may want to consider setting up Wi-Fi instead so your data plan is not affected when you are making calls via the mobile VoIP app. With this in mind, let’s take a look at these free softphones on the market, these bring very cool features & flexibility:
- ZoIPer — Configurable with any SIP account, ZoIPer Communicator boasts “military-grade encryption,” along with a good array of other handy features like CMS integration, call center functionality, and other QoS protocols. It also is supported in multiple platforms.
- QuteCom — Formerly known as OpenWengo, this open-source soft-phone supports video, IM to users in ICQ, Yahoo among others, and also free VoIP calling. This software presents a variety of codex options.
- CSipSimple – As the name implies is a very simple Sip client. It’s free and works in Android 2.3 and on based devices. It’s a personal favorite; a perfectly functional no-frills approach. Supports several codecs and is expected to support video calling in an upcoming release.
Also, look into the various headsets as you do not want to be holding against your hear a 5 ” screen – as it will get hot. You shall choose to use it hands-free but invariably there’ll be times where the ambiance noise doesn’t permit such use, so Bluetooth earbuds are then recommended. So the traditional wired headsets or Bluetooth headsets are recommended.
You can use these clients with services from your VoIP provider – all that you need to configure is the SIP information, which the majority of Canada VoIP phone providers do facilitate. Though note, if you are using a 3rd party tool support from your provider, it may be limited or non-existing.