Blink vs Linphone
Blink
icanblink.com
Linphone
linphone.orgSide by side
| Figure | Blink | Linphone |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Softphone Software | 8.4 (#4) | 8.1 (#8) |
| Founded | 2002 | 2001 |
| Integrations | Blink's listed integrations include the system address book, LDAP directory search, Bonjour neighbours, and web pages with caller information. | Linphone supports LDAP and CardDAV contact synchronization, OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0 authentication, and Apple APNs and Google Firebase push notifications. |
| Messaging | Blink supports MSRP chat sessions, OTR end-to-end encryption, SIMPLE presence, and XCAP server storage. | 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. |
| Purpose | Blink is a real-time communications client that uses the SIP protocol and can connect to SIP providers, Bonjour on a local network, and SIP2SIP. | Linphone combines VoIP voice and video calling, instant messaging, and videoconferencing in one application. |
| Security | The site lists ZRTP for encrypted media, OTR for encrypted chat, TLS for file transfers, and OpenPGP messaging support. | Security features include SIP/TLS, SRTP, SRTP-DTLS, ZRTP, end-to-end encryption for exchanged media, and post-quantum encryption using CRYSTALS-Kyber. |
Plans
In their own words
Blink
Blink is a real-time communications client that uses SIP to connect with service providers, Bonjour on a local network and SIP2SIP. A SIP account from a provider is required. Voice and video features include Opus audio, H.264, VP8 and VP9 video, acoustic echo cancellation and ZRTP media encryption. Messaging supports MSRP chat, OTR encryption, SIMPLE presence and XCAP server storage. File transfers use MSRP and TLS and include progress reports and delivery confirmation. Screen sharing can run with audio, while conferences can combine participant management, VoIP, messaging, presence, file transfers and screen sharing. Blink supports multiple SIP accounts, iCloud syncing between computers and built-in account sign-up through SIP2SIP. It also lists OpenPGP messaging support and says it does not collect end-user data. The free plan is free and lists Linux, Mac and Windows downloads. Available features may differ by operating system and version, and some conferencing functions require a conference server. Blink was founded in 2002.
Linphone
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.