• About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Submit For Review
  • Template Gallery
  • Excel 2016 Udemy Course
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TheAppTimes

App Reviews, Tutorials, & Gadget News Hub

  • Gadgets
  • How To
  • Mobile Apps
  • Software and Web Apps
  • Buying Guides
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home » Gadgets » VoIP Conferencing Software Comparison

VoIP Conferencing Software Comparison

July 12, 2013

VoIP conferencing software is all about keeping you connected. Most people will be aware of the big names like ‘Skype’ and ‘Yahoo!’, but there are plenty of contenders in the quest for the conferencing crown. The great advantage of voice-over IP services is that they are often cheaper than making the same call via a telephone line or similar service. This is especially the case if you’re conference calling a few people around the globe!

VoIP Conferencing Software

Not all services offer VoIP conference calling feature, allowing multiple people to join the same call simultaneously, but let’s make a comparison of the ones that do. Here we’re going to look at packages of all shapes and sizes, and see what the software really offers.

VoIP Conferencing Software

The Skype user interface Image Source: Lloyds screenies

Big Biters

In this section we’ll look at the big dogs, the larger companies or the ones with the most capability/global market awareness. Our first VoIP conferencing software comes from the king of I.T. and networking, Cisco.

Cisco

Cisco IP Communicator at first glance appears a little limited as it is only available on Windows operating systems. Ability and compatibility, however, are two entirely different things. When Cisco do anything, they do it well. They are also the only company known to use the SCCP IP protocol in their system. They offer recording, good display and interfaces, 3-way conference calls, speed dial, transfer and holding, as well as Meet Me conferencing. It’s a top contender in the Windows field, but lacks ease in understanding and use; perhaps they should team up with a branding company to help make their products user-friendly which might also help them to look slightly more modern too!

Skype

Microsoft Skype was an obvious addition to the list of bigger boys; they’re currently the number one video and voice conferencing software in our homes today. While this is not necessarily reflected in the business industry, even the suits have begun to take notice. Windows officially took over Skype and recently completely replaced its own ‘Windows Live Messenger’ with the world renowned blue ‘S’ bubble. The compatibility of Skype is its key; Skype apps and software can be found on Linux, Macs, Windows, Android and iPhone. There’s video conferencing, file transfer, voicemail, and even Skype to phone and vice versa. Skype is a force to be reckoned with and likely to remain that way.

VoIP Conferencing Software _2

VoIP Applications Image Source: Saad Faruque

The Underdogs

Blink

Blink is not as widely known in the mainstream, but its users are indeed high in number. Its main strength is its ability to host unlimited conference peers. This impressive feat simply depends on how many callers the bandwidth can handle so don’t get carried away! Available on Linux, Mac and Windows, this free software features Wideband capabilities for those multiple callers, and desktop sharing available on Mac OS.

ALSO READ:  Join Multiple Videos to Create One File with Video Combiner

Bria

King of the underdogs, as far as capability is concerned, is Bria. The CounterPath Corporation have developed this finely tuned beast for Windows and Mac OS (Linux is limited to voice calling). This software boasts video conferencing for 3 at a quality of full HD (1280 x 720p), and great integration with Windows and Mac OS phone books.

Oovoo

Perhaps the least known of the underdogs, Oovoo offers mobile and landline phone-calls, much like the superpower of Skype. Video chat and embedding in websites, this software finds its strengths in quantity, rather than quality (although the quality is still high!). Oovoo video calling can add up to 6 phones, IM 12 friends, and has great screen sharing capabilities. Social networking and file sharing of up to 25MB make it a tough underdog, whose bark and bite are both a force to be feared.

VoIP for Gamers

Video conferencing isn’t all about business, or chatting with family and friends. Sometimes it’s about playing an MMORPG, FPS or RTS with people around the world; training noobs sometimes takes a little bit of communication. If that didn’t make much sense, then skip to the conclusion, but if you just drooled on your keyboard then please read on!

Mumble

Mumble is a fantastic VoIP software that’s completely free; it’s one of the best options for gamers because of its capacity for unlimited clients. All you have to do is make sure your server bandwidth and memory are up for the challenge. This software is tailor-made for gamers, so it offers great customizability and in-game overlay. Directional audio and echo cancellation will mean that you don’t have to mess with your mic while you should be moving your mouse.

TeamSpeak

TeamSpeak is our final VoIP software, and is just as compatible with Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, FreeBSD, Android, and iOS as the last piece of kit. It’s limited to 32 people without a license, but the cap rises to 1000 with a non-profit license. TeamSpeak offers 3D sound effects, and is extremely firewall-friendly with file transfers, which can often be a pain with many VoIP software systems. In-game overlay as standard and a great plug-in system mean a great, capable piece of kit, but perhaps not as refined as Mumble.

Conclusion

When it comes to VoIP software it’s clear that different options suit different needs. Some programs you may want to avoid because they aren’t as finely tuned as others, which often comes down to the developer’s funding and capability. Whatever it is you need, though, there will be the perfect piece of software out there for you. Finally, the greatest strength of VoIP software is it’s usually always free and you won’t need to call your IT support team for assistance.

Tweet
Share
WhatsApp
Pin2
Buffer
2 Shares

Filed Under: Gadgets, How To, Mobile Apps, Software and Web Apps Tagged With: software, voip

You May Also Like

Great Knowledge Based Software - TATFI
What Are Some Great Knowledge Based Software?
Transfer WhatsApp Data from Android to iPhone - TATFI
Want to Transfer WhatsApp Data from Android to iPhone? Here’s How to Do It Easily
Join-Multiple-Videos-with-Video-Combiner-TATFI
Join Multiple Videos to Create One File with Video Combiner

About Adeline Gear

Adeline is a tech enthusiast who loves exploring the latest tools and applications in the marketplace. She also loves her Android and spends time reviewing apps and playing games when she has the time.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hottest New Gadgets!

Amazfit Falcon Smartwatch - TATFI

The Amazfit Falcon is a Military Grade Smartwatch with Premium Looks and Great Features

Couchmaster Cyboss Ergonomic Couch Desk - TATFI

Couchmaster Cyboss is an Ergonomic Desk to Keep Off Neck Pain

Philips Hue Festavia String Lights - TATFI

Add a Bit of Sparkle to Your Christmas Tree with Philips Hue Festavia String Lights

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite Kids Edition - TATFI

This Kid Friendly Tablet from AT&T is a Thoughtful Gift for Your Little One This Christmas

Is An iPhone Really Worth It - TATFI

Is an iPhone is Really Worth It?

Devices You Might Want to Try - TATFI

4 Fantastic Devices You Might Want to Try

Amazon Kindle 2022 - TATFI

Meet the Amazon Kindle 2022 – Packed with New Features

Popular Tags

android android apps android games android how to apple casino games chrome extensions excel excel how to facebook gadgets gaming gmail google instagram ios apps ios games ios how to ios tips ipad iphone kids apps learn excel management microsoft music apps new releases outlook how to photo apps powerpoint powerpoint how to productivity Samsung security smartphone smartphones software tablet tablets twitter web browsers windows 10 word how to xbox youtube

Disclosure

TheAppTimes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Approaches to Digital Marketing - TATFI

Blending Technical and Content-Centric Approaches to Digital Marketing

Tech Tips For Startups - TATFI

Useful Tech Tips For Startups

Boox Tab X Android eReader - TATFI

Boox Tab X is an Android eReader That Helps You Do More Than Just Read

Best e Readers to Buy in 2023 - TATFI

5 Best eReaders to Buy in 2023

Best Translation Apps for Android - TATFI

5 Great Translation Apps for Android

Dynamic Island Feature on Your Android - TATFI

How to Get the Dynamic Island Feature on Android

Connected TV Advertising In 2023 - TATFI

5 Things You Need To Know About Connected TV Advertising In 2023

Smart Cost Cutting Strategies for SMEs - TATFI

5 Smart Cost Cutting Strategies for SMEs

Technologies behind the online casino world - TATFI

The Latest Technologies Behind the Online Casino World

B2B Marketing Strategies To Grow Your Business - TATFI

Effective B2B Marketing Strategies To Grow Your Business

Exciting Games To Play This Christmas - TATFI

Exciting Games To Play With Family And Friends This Christmas

Simplify Your Everyday Routine with These Apps - TATFI

Looking To Simplify Your Everyday Routine? Consider These 7 Types Of Apps

TheAppTimes © 2023 // Runs on StudioPress