Linphone
Open-source VoIP and video calling app for desktop, mobile, and web.
Open the official app on www.linphone.org
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open www.linphone.org in a new tab — it's their official demo.
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Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Linphone?
Linphone is an open-source communication platform designed for real-time voice over IP (VoIP), video conferencing, and instant messaging. Built on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), it enables users to make secure, high-quality calls and video sessions without relying on proprietary services. The tool is widely used by individuals, small businesses, and enterprises seeking cost-effective, customizable communication solutions. Linphone addresses the need for reliable, privacy-focused alternatives to commercial VoIP providers by offering a flexible framework that supports both end-user applications and server-side infrastructure. Its modular architecture allows integration with existing SIP networks, making it suitable for organizations aiming to reduce dependency on closed platforms while maintaining control over their communication systems.
How it works
Linphone is a cross-platform softphone and server suite that implements SIP for real-time communication. It provides a complete solution for VoIP, video calls, and instant messaging, with a focus on interoperability and open standards. The project is maintained under the GNU General Public License v3.0, ensuring transparency and community-driven development. The primary purpose of Linphone is to enable secure, high-quality communication across diverse networks. It caters to users who require flexibility, such as developers building custom applications or businesses deploying internal communication systems. By leveraging SIP, Linphone facilitates integration with existing telephony infrastructure. Linphone supports VoIP calls, video conferencing, and instant messaging through its core client and server components. The Flexisip server suite enables scalable SIP-based deployments, while the Liblinphone SDK allows developers to embed communication features into applications. Mediastreamer2 manages media streams, ensuring low-latency audio and video transmission. The bcg729 codec implementation provides efficient voice compression for bandwidth optimization.
How to use it
- 1Download the Linphone client from the official website or package repositories for your operating system. 2. Install the application and configure SIP account settings, including server address, username, and authentication credentials. 3. Launch the client to initiate calls, video conferences, or messaging sessions. 4. Use the server suite (Flexisip) for enterprise deployments by setting up SIP proxies and managing user registrations. Practical tips include utilizing the SDK for custom application integration, configuring media stream settings for optimal performance, and leveraging the documentation for advanced server configurations.
What it can do
- voip phone
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://www.linphone.org/
- license: GPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Limited native support for modern mobile operating systems beyond Android and iOS
- Requires technical expertise for server setup and configuration
- No built-in encryption for end-to-end security by default
- Community-driven development may result in slower feature updates
- Proprietary alternatives like Zoom or Skype offer more polished user experiences
Understanding the result
Open-source VoIP and video calling app for desktop, mobile, and web.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (GPL-3.0).
- Built with
- (https://www.linphone.org/)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://www.linphone.org/. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- GPL-3.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is Linphone used for?
Linphone is used for real-time communication via VoIP, video conferencing, and instant messaging. It serves individuals, businesses, and developers requiring open-source SIP-based solutions. The tool enables secure, customizable communication without reliance on proprietary services, suitable for both personal and enterprise use cases.
How does Linphone handle media streams?
Linphone uses Mediastreamer2, a media management engine, to process audio and video streams. This component handles encoding/decoding, network transmission, and synchronization. The bcg729 codec is employed for voice compression, balancing quality and bandwidth efficiency. Media streams are routed through SIP protocols to ensure interoperability with standard telephony systems.
How do I set up a SIP account in Linphone?
To configure a SIP account, open the Linphone client, navigate to 'Accounts' > 'Add Account', and input your SIP server details. Enter the username, domain, and authentication credentials provided by your SIP service provider. Save the settings and test the connection by initiating a call or sending a message.
How does Linphone compare to Zoom or Skype?
Linphone differs from Zoom and Skype by using open standards (SIP) instead of proprietary protocols. It offers greater customization for developers and enterprises but lacks the polished user interface of commercial alternatives. While Zoom and Skype prioritize ease-of-use, Linphone focuses on interoperability and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for organizations needing control over their communication infrastructure.
How do I troubleshoot registration issues in Linphone?
Registration failures in Linphone often result from incorrect SIP server settings. Verify that the domain, username, and password match your SIP provider's requirements. Check network connectivity and firewall settings to ensure SIP traffic (ports 5060 and 5061) is allowed. If issues persist, consult the server logs or contact your SIP service provider for validation.