Softphone: A New Way to Connect

Wave goodbye to landlines and clunky calling processes and say “Hi” to softphones. Call anywhere and anytime from the convenience of your favorite smart device. It’s the seamless solution that satisfies agents and customers alike.

Contact sales
Contact sales

You will hear the CloudTalk ringtone when calling:

What is a Softphone?

A softphone is a downloadable VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) software that allows you to make and receive calls like any other phone, conveniently from any internet-connected smart device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.).

Typically, softphones offer an interface similar to a smartphone’s dial pad, making them instantly accessible, intuitive, and easy to use for anyone. But unlike traditional phones, softphones use VoIP to make and receive calls over the internet, allowing for cheaper calls both locally and internationally.

Softphones typically aren’t stand-alone products, as most require a call center or business phone system to work. But thanks to this integration, you can benefit from a variety of advanced features, including auto-dialing, conference calling, call forwarding, call routing, and more.

CONTACT SALES

How Does a Softphone Work?

While traditional phones rely on telephone lines to transfer sound, softphones do so digitally over the internet. But if that’s not enough of an explanation for you, check out the video below, where we explain the process in more depth.

TRY FOR FREE

Why Should You Use a Softphone?

Simple to Scale

Since softphones are software, it’s incredibly easy to add or remove agents according to your business needs. No need to spend extra cash on buying new hardware or building physical locations.

Improved Privacy

Softphones use SIP client addresses, which let you answer work calls from your mobile device while keeping your personal number private, so you don’t need to worry about your (or your agent’s) privacy.

Access Past Conversations

Since softphones operate in the cloud, you can access all your conversations from a single dashboard. You can log cases, track data, create statistics, and even listen back to call recordings.

Better Operation Insight

Softphones are an invaluable analytical resource as they can track data like call duration, missed calls, and more. You can assess agent, team, or company performance using the associated call center software.

Get a first-hand experience
with CloudTalk

TRY IT FOR FREE

I work in sales and contact people over the phone all day, so it’s the perfect software to use when calling people abroad and getting in touch with them quickly.

Lilla K.,
G2

TRY IT FOR FREE

How Do Softphones Compare to Traditional Desk Phones?

Though softphones and many modern desk phones both use VoIP to make calls, they’re plenty different. The biggest, immediately obvious difference is that you can touch a desk phone, while softphones are just software. However, there’s more that sets the two apart.

Softphone

Desk Phone

Winner

Cost

No Hardware, Little Maintenance, Cheaper Calls

Expensive Hardware, Necessary Maintenance, Pricier Calls

Softphone

Flexibility

Remote-Friendly

Tied to Location

Softphone

Call Quality

More Prone to Issues If Working On Limited Bandwith

Less Prone to Issues Thanks to Dedicated Physical Device for Handling Calls

Desk Phone

Versatility

Ideal for Businesses of Every Size

Ideal for Enterprise-Level Businesses

Softphone

Scalability

Easy to Scale & Add New Users

Harder to Scale, Requires the Purchase of New Devices

Softphone

Features

Automation, Analytics, Integrations, Open API, etc.

Calling

Softphone

FAQs

What is a Softphone, and how does it work?

A Softphone is a software-based phone application that allows users to make and receive VoIP calls over the internet from their computers. The software can be installed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone and works similarly to a traditional telephone. VoIP softphones can be used to place and receive both voice and video calls, as well as send and receive text messages.

What advantages does a Softphone have over a regular telephone?

Softphones are more cost-effective, have more features, and are more flexible because they allow users to make calls from anywhere, as long the internet connection is stable. The most obvious difference between a softphone and a desk phone is their appearance. A softphone is computer software while a desk phone is a traditional hardware device.

Both softphones and modern desk phones are VoIP communication systems and use the internet to make calls. Softphone systems are a practical tool for employees whose calling processes need to be effective and mobile. With a softphone, they can make and receive calls remotely and use all sorts of additional features. That is why it’s becoming more and more dominant in the business world.

What features does a Softphone have?

Softphones are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly and typically feature a host of features, such as the ability to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, transfer files, communicate in conferences, and access voicemail. Some softphones also have features like call forwarding, caller ID, and do-not-disturb settings.

What are the system requirements for a Softphone?

The system requirements for Softphones depend on the software version you are using. Generally, you will need a computer or mobile device with an internet connection, a microphone and speakers, and a VoIP service provider.

Who should use a softphone?

Softphone suits businesses that handle a high volume of phone calls and depend on customer interactions. Also, it’s a lifesaver for those people who need to be available anytime and anywhere. Industries that use a softphone the most are IT, real estate, retail, healthcare, telecommunication, manufacturing, education, banking, call center hubs, and marketing or PR agencies.

Here is a summary of specific examples of softphone “personas”:

– Call center employees or sales reps that handle business calls
– Support agents who solve customer issues
– Representatives that work from several locations
– Businesses that depend on long-distance calling
– Companies that need to record phone calls

You May Also Like

VoIP

Handle calls efficiently from any device, improve customer retention, and reach customers globally without skyrocketing costs. 

READ MORE

Conference Calls small

Conference Calls

Improve teamwork with conference calls. Schedule internal and external conference calls within minutes. 

READ MORE

Business Hours

Define your business hours and decide when you are available for receiving calls.

READ MORE

International Numbers

Look like a local from virtually anywhere in the world with an international phone number from CloudTalk. 

READ MORE

VIEW ALL FEATURES

GET STARTED

Connect agents, customers and other software, together in the cloud

Discover how CloudTalk can provide you with unparallel control over your customer’s experience and start matching their expectations today

Only company emails are allowed An error has occurred when checking the email An error has occurred