Linphone

What is Linphone?

Linphone is a veteran in the Linux VoIP space, having been developed for over two decades. It focuses strictly on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), allowing it to connect to any SIP provider or softphone. Unlike modern unified communications tools, it does not bundle file sharing or chat, keeping the footprint light and the codebase focused on audio and video transmission. Its maturity means it is stable, though the interface feels dated compared to newer web-based alternatives.

This tool is best for users who prioritize privacy, cost, and interoperability over convenience. It appeals to IT administrators managing on-premise PBX systems like Asterisk or FreePBX, as well as individuals who want to call landlines and mobile phones via VoIP providers without paying for a Zoom or Teams subscription. It is particularly useful in environments where open standards are required for compliance or security audits.

Compared to Zoom, Linphone feels raw and utilitarian. You will not find one-click meeting links or built-in whiteboards. The setup requires configuring SIP accounts manually, which has a steeper learning curve. However, once configured, the call quality is excellent, and the lack of background processes makes it lighter on system resources. It is a tool for people who understand how telephony works, not a plug-and-play consumer app.

Best for: Users who need a reliable, low-resource SIP client for voice and video calls and are comfortable configuring network settings.

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

Tips for Windows users

Coming from Zoom, you will need to set up your SIP account manually in Linphone's settings, entering your provider's host, port, and credentials. You cannot simply click a meeting link; you must dial the SIP URI or phone number. For screen sharing, you will need to use a separate tool like x11vnc or a dedicated VNC server, as Linphone does not include this feature. Expect a more technical setup process, but gain the benefit of calling any SIP endpoint without platform restrictions.