Halcyon vs Phoner

Halcyon is a free, pre-1.0 Android softphone built on PJSIP and integrated with Android Telecom. It registers with a PBX over UDP, TCP, or TLS, advertises RFC 8599 push parameters, and supports several SIP identities with an account selected for each call. When server-side push is configured, the registrar sends a data-only FCM message before an incoming INVITE to wake the device. Without push, Halcyon uses a foreground SIP service with permanent TLS registration and the associated battery cost. Its Android ConnectionService handles tel: and sip: calls, including from the lock screen, while Telecom-native routing supports Bluetooth headsets and Android Auto. Listed audio codecs are Opus, G.722, AMR-WB, and G.729; video codecs include VP8, VP9, and arm64 MediaCodec H.264. Media uses SRTP encryption, with ZRTP on the roadmap. Android 8.0 or newer is required; signed APKs are available from GitHub Releases.

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.