VoIP softphone apps are a saving grace for those who need multiple phone numbers, frequently make international calls, or just wince monthly at the sight of their cell phone bill.

The acronym VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. As the name suggests, this technology allows users to make calls over the internet, rather than traditional phone lines or even the regular mobile phone network.

Consequently, VoIP softphone apps can save you money big time. But more than that – they offer outstanding flexibility to individuals and businesses. From making unlimited free calls worldwide to having a virtual business number on your personal smartphone, VoIP makes it possible.

Here, we take a look at the five best VoIP softphone apps available for businesses, teams, and individuals in 2020.

1 – Nextiva

For businesses, Nextiva is the uncontested number one among VoIP apps. It offers a professional all-in-one communication platform backed by an outstanding business VoIP provider with an uptime of 99.999% and award-winning customer service.

The app convinces with its intuitive voice and video calling options, virtual meeting features, advanced call management, integrated messaging and email, and sleek design. Particularly noteworthy is its top-notch screen sharing functionality, which makes it easy to give presentations on the go.

Another plus: Nextiva also offers an entire ecosystem of proprietary software for analytics and customer relationship management that link to the app. The company’s team collaboration platform Cospace is also available as a mobile app.

Subscriptions for teams start at a monthly $19.95 per user.

2 – Viber

Viber makes VoIP calling accessible to anyone. The app allows users to make free HD voice and video calls to any other Viber account. Users can also send text, voice, and video messages alongside files, stickers, and GIFs. So far, it sounds pretty much like the calling features of secure messengers like WhatsApp or Signal, right?

What sets Viber apart is that you can also call regular cell numbers that don’t have Viber accounts, and even landlines. That’s what Viber’s Out subscription service is for (starting at $5.99 per month). Plus: You can even pick a local number in whichever country you like.

3 – Vonage

Vonage’s app offers another solid VoIP softphone choice for businesses and teams. Like Nextiva, it features a unified communications platform that allows users to maintain a single business identity wherever they are by accessing their emails, messages, and business number.

Users can manage business contacts as well as account settings on the go.

What’s more, Vonage offers a comprehensive set of third-party integrations for their mobile app: from Office 365 to Salesforce, it slots perfectly into an ecosystem of business apps.

Finally, the biggest plus point of Vonage’s app are its extensive team collaboration features.

Pricing for the Mobile plan ranges between $14.99 and $19.99 per line and month, and between $24.99 and $39.99 for the Premium and Advanced plans.

4 – Talkatone

Whether you’re a freelancing digital nomad who’s wooing clients on the go, or simply want to chat cheaply with friends and family, Talkatone has your back. This VoIP softphone app offers reliable HD calls, messaging, and file sharing.

Calls are free within the US and Canada and extremely affordable (at $12.99 monthly) for the rest of the world. Talkatone also allows you to pick (and change) a phone number of your choice.

If you’re a freelancer, Talkatone is pretty attractive since it offers some features usually reserved for business VoIP, such as call forwarding and voicemail transcription. These features are available for $3.99 monthly through Talkatone Plus.

5 – Skype

Finally, an oldie but goodie: Skype is a veteran VoIP softphone service. Its number one spot in video calling may have been usurped by Zoom – especially during COVID-19 – but Skype still offers one of the best VoIP apps out there.

The Skype app allows users to make voice and video calls, and send messages and files. Skype to Skype calls are free. Starting at $2.99 monthly, Skype subscriptions let you pick a number of your choice, and make and receive calls to and from regular cell numbers and landlines. Plus: Skype also offers pay-as-you-go plans through Skype Credit and Skype to Go.

Final Thoughts

The offer for VoIP-powered apps to make calls online is broad and varied.

Whether you’re looking for an integrated unified communications solution for your whole business or team, or just for a cheap way to stay in touch with friends and family at home or abroad: You will find a solution that fits your needs.

Taking the time to compare prices for app subscriptions and the additional features – from GIF-sending to team collaboration tools – is definitely worth it. At the end of the day, a well-chosen VoIP softphone app will help you supercharge your communication.