Linphone
linphone.org
What it is
Linphone combines VoIP voice and video calling, instant messaging, and videoconferencing in one application. It uses SIP and SIP SIMPLE to interoperate with IP-PBXs, proxies, SBCs, and other SIP systems. Calling features include HD audio and video, call forwarding, concurrent calls, recording, DTMF, and Bluetooth headset support. Its Flexisip or SaaS conferencing option supports meetings with up to 50 participants and screen sharing. Messaging features depend on setup: Flexisip supports group chats, file sharing, read receipts, reactions, voice messages, and ephemeral messages; SIP SIMPLE provides basic one-to-one messaging with third-party accounts. Security features include SIP/TLS, SRTP, SRTP-DTLS, ZRTP, end-to-end encryption for exchanged media, and post-quantum encryption using CRYSTALS-Kyber. Flexisip can be hosted on premises and connected to an existing SIP server for group messaging and videoconferencing. Linphone is open source under GNU GPLv3, with proprietary licensing available for closed-source modifications. The app is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and web, with API and self-hosted options. Its free SIP service is for individual users and has no guaranteed support; paid support and maintenance are available by contacting the company.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Linphone combines VoIP voice and video calling, instant messaging, and videoconferencing in one application.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Platforms
- The app is available for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and GNU/Linux; the maker says a web version is under development.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Integrations
- Linphone supports LDAP and CardDAV contact synchronization, OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 authentication, and Apple APNs and Google Firebase push notifications.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Security
- Security features include SIP/TLS, SRTP, SRTP-DTLS, ZRTP, end-to-end encryption for exchanged media, and post-quantum encryption using CRYSTALS-Kyber.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Support
- The free SIP service is reserved for individual users and comes with no guarantee of support; paid support and maintenance services are available by contacting the company.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Headquarters
- 38100 Grenoble, FranceRead 28 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Founded
- 2001Read 28 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Maker
- Belledonne Communications is a French company founded in 2010 and based at 3 Avenue Marie Reynoard, 38100 Grenoble, France.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Business model
- Linphone offers white-label branding, support contracts, development assistance, and custom feature development, with pricing available by contacting the company.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Calling
- Features include HD audio and video calling, call forwarding, concurrent call management, recording, DTMF, and Bluetooth headset support.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Group meetings
- Its Flexisip or SaaS conferencing option supports video conferences with up to 50 participants and screen sharing.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Messaging
- Flexisip enables one-to-one and group chats, file sharing, read receipts, reactions, voice messages, and ephemeral messages; SIP SIMPLE supports basic one-to-one messaging with third-party accounts.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Open source
- Linphone is open source and can be integrated into projects under the GNU GPLv3 license; proprietary licensing is available for closed-source modifications.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- Self-hosting
- Flexisip can be deployed on premises and connected to an existing SIP server for group messaging and videoconferencing.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
- SIP interoperability
- It uses SIP and SIP SIMPLE and is designed to interoperate with IP-PBXs, proxies, SBCs, and other SIP systems.Read 29 Sep 2026 · linphone.org
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Works with SIP and SIP SIMPLE systems.
- Supports call recording and concurrent call management.
- Conferencing supports up to 50 participants.
- Flexisip supports group chats and file sharing.
- Offers end-to-end media and post-quantum encryption.
Limits
- Free SIP service is reserved for individuals.
- Free SIP service has no guaranteed support.
- Browser calling is not supported.
Who it suits
Linphone suits individuals and organizations using SIP systems who need calling, messaging, or conferencing. Teams needing hosted group messaging can consider the Flexisip on-premises option.
Verdict
Linphone offers a wide set of communication features with options for SIP-based and self-hosted setups. Note that messaging capabilities vary by setup and the free SIP service has no support guarantee.
Where Specifiction places it
- Softphone Software#8 of 338.1