Linphone as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (new interface with AI features)
Updated
Our verdict
Linphone is not a good replacement for Microsoft Teams (new interface with AI features) for most users. It handles basic voice and video calls over SIP well, but lacks core collaboration features like group chat, file sharing, screen sharing, calendar integration, and AI-powered transcription or background effects. It’s suited only for users who need a lightweight, open-source SIP client for 1:1 calling and don’t rely on modern team collaboration tools. If your workflow depends on integrated messaging, meetings, and productivity tools, Linphone won’t meet those needs.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 6.2.3
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support audio and video conferencing
- Both offer cross-platform availability including Linux
- Both can be used for direct communication (voice/video)
- Both support background effects (Linphone: basic; Teams: AI-enhanced)
- Both allow some form of call privacy controls
What is different
- Linphone lacks group messaging and chat threads
- No built-in screen sharing in Linphone
- No file sharing within chats in Linphone
- Linphone does not support meeting transcription
- No calendar or productivity suite integration in Linphone
Opening your Microsoft Teams (new interface with AI features) files
Linphone does not handle Microsoft Teams file formats or exports. Teams files like chat logs, meeting transcripts, or shared documents stored in OneDrive or SharePoint cannot be opened or imported directly into Linphone. Linphone does not store or manage chat history in the same way, and there is no compatibility layer for Teams-specific data. File sharing and document collaboration are outside Linphone’s scope.
Switching from Microsoft Teams (new interface with AI features) to Linphone, step by step
- Install Linphone from your distribution’s repository (e.g., apt install linphone)
- Configure with your SIP account credentials
- Set up audio and video devices in settings
- Test calls with a contact using SIP or compatible VoIP service
- Use a separate messaging or file-sharing tool alongside Linphone
Key features of Linphone
- SIP client for voice and video calls
- Supports standard codecs like Opus, G.711, and H.264
- Works with any SIP provider or self-hosted PBX
- Cross-platform support for Linux, Windows, macOS, and mobile
- Simple, distraction-free interface focused on calling
- Support for STUN and TURN servers for NAT traversal
How to install Linphone on Linux
sudo apt install linphonesudo apt install linphoneFrequently asked questions
Can Linphone join Microsoft Teams video meetings?
No, Linphone cannot join Microsoft Teams meetings. Teams uses proprietary protocols; Linphone only supports SIP-based calling.
Does Linphone support virtual backgrounds like Teams?
Linphone has basic background blur or image replacement, but not AI-powered effects like Teams. Quality and options are limited.
Can I use Linphone for team chat and collaboration?
No. Linphone focuses on calling. It does not support persistent chat rooms, file sharing, or threaded messaging.
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