SIP Softphone providers

A SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) softphone is a downloadable piece of software that allows users to make phone calls via their computer instead of via a traditional telephone.

The SIP soft phone simulates an actual physical telephone, typically displaying a number pad on the screen which allows the user to ‘dial’ much like using a traditional phone.

In most instances, VoIP softphone is used with a headset that connects directly into a computer's sound card and utilizes the computer's built in microphone.

An SIP Softphone can also be used with a USB phone, which simulates a more traditional phone experience. Many VoIP providers consider SIP to be a standard supported protocol, and thereby provide the consumer with the necessary information to configure third party softwares for use with the provider's services.
 

Most popular SIP Softphones

X-lite free

Express Talk VoIP Dialer

Fring for windows mobile

Eyeball

Before downloading any of them, check with your VoIP provider. Many offer their own custom Web dialer, designed for ease of use with their services.

There are many sites across the Internet offering downloads for a free softphone. You will find PC to Phone dialer for Mac, Windows, and Linux, so be sure that you are downloading the appropriate one for your system.

Some of the best SIP soft phone providers offer features like video conferencing, call forwarding, caller-id, instant messaging and voicemail.

PC to Phone dialers have several nice advantages. One convenient feature for their users is the fact that you carry your number with your computer.

Assuming you have a laptop, whether using your desktop phone at the office or at home, the same number is used for inbound calls. Determine which features are important to you when deciding which soft phone meets your needs.

As with any VoIP technology, voice quality is key. Be sure you are using an soft-phone that is compatible with both your computer equipment and your Internet phone provider. This will help you to insure the best quality.

Web phones are not strictly limited to laptops and personal computers. There are also VoIP dialers available for download for Windows mobile devices. VoIP softwares designed for mobile devices take into consideration the lesser processing power of a mobile device vs, a laptop or personal computer.

Some of the major players in the VoIP sector are providing Soft-phones for mobile devices. Skype, for example, offers a well tested and reliable one for the mobile Windows user.

Because any Internet dialer will require you the consumer to perform an installation, it is imperative that you be comfortable with the installation procedure for the phone you select. Be sure to choose one that offers simple download instructions, clear configuration details, and a level of documentation to insure your success when installing.
 

List of most popular SIP VoIP providers and their proxy address: