Blink vs Phoner
Blink
icanblink.comPhoner
phonerapp.comSide by side
| Figure | Blink | Phoner |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $9.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 10 |
| Spec score · Softphone Software | 8.4 (#4) | 8.1 (#9) |
| Messaging | Blink supports MSRP chat sessions, OTR end-to-end encryption, SIMPLE presence, and XCAP server storage. | Users can send private texts, photos, and videos, including international texts. |
| Security | The site lists ZRTP for encrypted media, OTR for encrypted chat, TLS for file transfers, and OpenPGP messaging support. | The privacy policy describes SSL-secured data exchange, PCI vulnerability standards compliance, and regular malware scans. |
Plans
Phoner
- Starter Credit Pack$2.99, paid once
- Bronze Pack$6.99, paid once
- Alternate Number Monthly$9.99 a month
- Second Phone Number Monthly$9.99 a month
- Silver Pack$12.99, paid once
- Pick your phone number$14.99, paid once
- Second Line Trial Monthly$14.99 a month
- Second Number Trial Monthly$14.99 a month
- Unlimited Plus Monthly Trial$14.99 a month
- Unlimited Extra Monthly Trial$19.99 a month
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.
Phoner
Phoner adds temporary or ongoing second phone numbers to an existing mobile device, allowing calls and texts without sharing a personal number. It supports domestic and international calling, private texts, photos and videos, including international messages. Users can choose customizable area and country codes, and the service advertises unlimited temporary numbers. Call forwarding, routing and recording are included, with recordings stored on a mobile device or computer. A web platform allows texting from a computer, alongside Android and iOS access. The maker highlights startups, small businesses, education, logistics, real estate and delivery services as business uses. A limited free account supports calling and texting, but restricts the number of contacts and texts. A separate three-day trial is advertised for a more permanent number. Plans include $9.99 a month for Alternate Number Monthly or Second Phone Number Monthly, plus one-time credit packs from 2.99 USD. Emergency calling is not supported.