What is a softphone?
SME business owners know how crucial it is to have a reliable, scalable and cost-effective phone system. With flexible and remote working a requirement for more businesses, a cloud phone system with a softphone application is becoming the answer for businesses of any size.
But, what is a softphone?
Published: 02/05/2023
Updated: 12/06/2024

This blog will explain exactly what a softphone is, the benefits it will bring to your business and how you can get set up with a softphone in no time thanks to providers like Enconvo.
We will cover how softphones work; how softphones compare to a traditional handset; benefits; and why a softphone is necessary and right for your business.
3 considerations when selecting a softphone
Security Measures
OS Compatibility
Integrated Apps
How does a softphone work?
Put simply, a softphone is a software application that enables your business to make outbound calls and take inbound calls without the need for a desk phone. This can be through your laptop, tablet or mobile phone. They typically run on a variety of desktop applications include Mac and Windows as well as both iOS and Android devices.
It is a software application that makes calls over the internet. Ensuring you can work anywhere, anytime with a variety of phone systems including traditional PBX phone systems. A softphone supersedes the award winning HD touch phone and how quickly become the most used solution with cloud phone systems including the Enconvo [].
Softphones provide the same key features as a traditional phone, including:
- Transferring calls
- Mute
- Hold
- Conference call
Softphone application vs traditional handset (desk phone)
Now that you know what a softphone is, we’ll take a deep dive into the advantages of a softphone application.
Softphones are flexible and adapt to modern technology. They are feature-rich – perfect for making business calls. Unlike traditional handsets, you will be able to make calls anytime, anywhere.
Advantages of a softphone
A key advantage for using softphone is cost savings. Since calls are made over the internet, you don’t need to pay for long-distance or international charges. Also, many softphone providers offer pricing plans that can save you money over traditional handsets.
Another key benefit is increased mobility. As a matter of fact, you will be able to make and receive calls from anywhere you have an internet connection. At this point, making it achievable to work remotely or when travelling.
Softphones have enhanced features, such as call forwarding, video conferencing, and voicemail transcription. This isn’t available with most traditional handsets. Using softphones will allow your business to work flexibly without compromising work quality or customer service.
Disadvantage of using softphone
On the other hand, there is one disadvantage to using softphones. Since softphones rely on internet protocols to transmit voice data, you will be affected by issues such as network congestion, bandwidth limitations, or internet outages. On the positive side, this soon be negated with the rapidly approaching ISDN switch off in 2027. Our recommendation at Enconvo UK is to ensure you have a strong internet connection or connection redundancy in place.
Additional considerations
With the UK’s decision to switch off ISDN, traditional handsets will soon become a thing of the past. A softphone is suitable for a business with mobility and advanced communication needs, including:
- Crystal clear call quality over WiFi
- Huge savings on mobile minutes
- Full-featured business phone functionality
Consider switching sooner rather than later due to the bottleneck of increased demands from businesses as the deadline gets ever closer (2027).
Choosing the right softphone for your business
Being that the ISDN switch off is approaching it is now a good time to explore your options. Currently, it is about improving your small business phone system, so consider investing in a cloud phone system with a softphone application. This solution can provide you with cost savings, flexibility, productivity, and reliability, all while allowing you to work from anywhere. And, by choosing a provider that offers excellent customer service and its own technology, you can enjoy a tailored solution that meets your specific needs. What is there to lose?
If you have any questions on utilising a softphone for your business or would like a quote for a cloud phone system with a softphone application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the form below.
Choosing the right provider
In view of the ISDN switch off, your business will need to choose a cloud phone system with a softphone application provider. One that offers top-class customer service and ideally, its own technology. This ensures that you will receive personalised support and a tailored solution that meets your specific needs.
At Enconvo, we offer our own cloud phone system with a softphone application. Our solution is user-friendly, cost-effective, and flexible. This makes it the perfect choice for small and medium-sized businesses. We also offer personalised support and a tailored solution that meets your specific needs as we know business is never a one size fits all situation.
Enconvo’s engineers recommend that you consider some key areas of your setup before speaking to a business telecoms provider. For a phone system with a softphone ask yourself what features you want. If you’re unsure, that’s okay. Simply ask our team of experts for guidance on:
- Clear security measures
- VoIP voice over internet protocol compatibility
- 24/7 support
- Operating system compatibility
- Adequate phone lines
- Integrated mobile apps
Using softphone apps with a cloud phone
Significantly, a softphone app enables a business to complement existing cloud phone systems to create a comprehensive communication solution, providing:
- Ability to manage voice, instant messaging and video calling in a single platform.
- Enables workforce to access the phone system
- Flexibility of choosing the preferred device to access all features and functionality – computer, mobile or tablet.
- Use your business phone number – whenever, wherever you are.
Cloud phone systems and softphone applications complement each other by combining infrastructure, accessibility, flexibility, and advanced features to create a robust and efficient communication solution for businesses of all sizes.
Benefits of using a cloud phone with softphone application
There are many misconceptions about cloud phone systems including expense, setup difficulties and security. Add to this that many people think that they require extremely high-speed internet, or, that they’re only suitable for large businesses with teams across multiple sites.
However, this is simply not the case. Cloud phone systems are most popular with our small to medium sized businesses usually with around 4 – 10 users who don’t always have the fastest internet connection. Plus, they work wonders for those from the real estate industry to automotive, veterinary to dental and financial to manufacturing.
Understanding the benefits can help with decision-making.
Benefits of cloud phones with a softphone app:
Cost Savings | A softphone used with a cloud phone system eliminates the need for expensive on-premise hardware and pricey maintenance costs. |
Productivity | Employees using a hands-free headset with a softphone empowers users to simultaneously talk and type, enabling them to multitask and save time. |
Scalability | With a cloud phone system, you can easily add or remove users as your business grows or changes. |
Flexibility | Your teams can work from anywhere. Whether they’re working from home, traveling, or meeting with clients, they can access the phone system from any device with an internet connection. |
Reliability | Your calls are routed through the internet, which means that you don’t have to worry about dropped calls, poor call quality, or other issues that can affect traditional phone systems. |
Advanced Features | You can access a wide range of advanced features, such as call recording, voicemail to email, call routing, mobile integration, call recordings, virtual receptionist, marketing on hold and much more. |
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a headset to use a softphone BUT, it is definitely recommended as to have the best experience and to prevent others from hearing your conversations.
No. Whilst softphone systems and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology are related, they are not exactly the same.
A softphone is a software application for making telephone calls over the internet, while VoIP encompasses various methods for voice communication over IP networks.
ISDN was originally due to be switched off January 2025, but the decision has been made to delay this until 2027 to ensure businesses can migrate. More information can be found on the end of ISDN.