Ekiga Review 2025: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons, Ratings & More

Ekiga is a versatile open-source VoIP softphone that supports both SIP and H.323 protocols, making it suitable for companies looking to unify their communication channels. Its interface resembles traditional softphones, allowing users to manage contacts and initiate calls easily, which reduces the learning curve for staff. The software’s support for multiple audio and video codecs ensures high-quality communication even under varying network conditions, a critical factor for business reliability.

Security is a key consideration for enterprises, and Ekiga addresses this with encryption protocols like SRTP and TLS to safeguard voice, video, and signaling data from interception or tampering. This aligns well with corporate requirements for secure communications. Additionally, the application’s ability to interoperate with legacy telephony systems via gateways allows businesses to incorporate VoIP without overhauling existing infrastructure, preserving investment and operational continuity.

From a technical standpoint, Ekiga’s foundation on the GNOME environment and GTK+ toolkit enables customization and integration, which can be advantageous for companies needing tailored solutions. Its LDAP support facilitates centralized contact management, streamlining access to corporate directories and enhancing user productivity in larger organizations. Presence management features also help teams stay aware of colleagues’ availability, improving coordination and responsiveness.

For enterprises exploring unified communication solutions, understanding how does Ekiga work reveals its capacity to handle voice, video calls, and instant messaging within a single platform. This comprehensive functionality supports remote collaboration and telecommuting scenarios effectively. Companies interested in optimizing their communication workflows might also find it useful to explore what is the best scheduling software, which can complement Ekiga’s capabilities by improving meeting and task coordination.

There is no publicly available pricing information for Ekiga software. Interested users are advised to contact the vendor directly for detailed pricing and plan options.

• Supports both SIP and H.323 protocols for wide VoIP and video conferencing compatibility
• High-quality audio and video calls with multiple codec support for optimized clarity
• Open-source platform allowing customization and feature extension
• User-friendly interface simplifying call and contact management
• Integration with LDAP directories for easy access to corporate contacts

• Outdated and unintuitive user interface that complicates navigation for new users
• Limited compatibility, mainly supporting Linux and older Windows versions
• Basic one-on-one video calls only, without group video conferencing
• Lack of advanced call management features like call recording, transfer, and forwarding
• No built-in call encryption, raising privacy and security concerns

Ekiga offers a robust set of communication tools designed to enhance business VoIP and video conferencing experiences. Its comprehensive capabilities support seamless interactions, whether for individual calls, group meetings, or integrated messaging, ensuring connectivity across diverse network environments and devices.

• High-Quality Voice Calls: Utilizes SIP and H.323 protocols to deliver clear and reliable internet-based phone calls.
• Video Calling: Supports face-to-face communication through webcams with efficient video codecs like H.264 and Theora.
• Instant Messaging Integration: Enables real-time text chat alongside voice and video within a unified interface.
• Conference Calls: Facilitates multi-participant discussions for collaborative meetings over VoIP.
• Desk-to-Desk Calling: Allows direct communication within the same network or SIP provider without traditional phone lines.
• Hold Music: Plays audio clips to callers on hold, enhancing professionalism during wait times.
• Automated Attendants: Configurable menus manage incoming calls, streamlining business call handling.
• VOIP Number Assignment: Provides users with numbers to receive calls from traditional phone networks.
• Software Pairing: Synchronizes Ekiga with other devices or applications for integrated communication.
• Browser Extension: Integrates calling features directly into web browsers for easy call initiation.
• Wide Codec Support: Offers multiple audio codecs such as G.711, G.722, and Speex, ensuring adaptability to various network conditions.
• NAT Traversal: Uses STUN and ICE protocols to maintain reliable connections behind routers and firewalls.
• Contact Management: Maintains address books with SIP URIs, phone numbers, and presence status for quick access.
• Presence Indication: Displays contact availability statuses like online, busy, or offline to aid timely communication.
• Call Transfer and Forwarding: Enables redirection of ongoing or incoming calls to other contacts or devices seamlessly.
• Voicemail Integration: Supports receiving voice messages when calls are missed or unanswered.
• Encryption Support: Enhances call security using SRTP and TLS protocols.
• Dial Pad Interface: Mimics traditional phone keypads for ease of use during interactive calls.
• Multi-language User Interface: Accessible to a global audience through support for several languages.
• Call Recording: Allows saving audio from voice or video calls for future reference.
• Multiple Account Support: Manages several SIP or H.323 accounts simultaneously within one application.
• Customizable Notifications: Offers personalized ring tones and sound alerts for incoming calls and messages.
• System Address Book Integration: Syncs with platform address books like GNOME for easier contact management.
• Call Statistics and Logging: Provides detailed records of call history and quality metrics.
• Hardware Compatibility: Works with various devices including USB headsets and webcams to optimize communication quality.
• Video Preview: Displays the user's video feed before and during calls for better framing.
• Adjustable Audio and Video Settings: Allows configuration of devices and codecs to match user preferences and network conditions.
• LDAP Directory Integration: Supports enterprise-level centralized contact management and authentication.

Ekiga delivers a versatile communication platform designed to meet diverse business needs, combining advanced features with ease of use. This overview highlights key advantages, helping prospective customers understand how Ekiga can enhance their company’s communication infrastructure.

• Extensive Protocol Compatibility – Ekiga supports major communication protocols like SIP and H.323, enabling seamless integration with a broad array of VoIP systems and devices. This flexibility ensures companies can connect effortlessly across heterogeneous networks without compatibility issues.
• High-Quality Audio and Video – Offering clear voice and video calls, Ekiga helps maintain professional communication standards. The application’s support for multiple audio and video codecs optimizes call quality even under varying network conditions.
• Cross-Platform Accessibility – Compatible with both Linux and Windows, Ekiga caters to organizations using different operating systems, broadening its usability across mixed IT environments.
• Advanced Call Management – Features such as call forwarding, transfer, and hold empower businesses to streamline their telephony workflows, enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness.
• Security and Privacy – Ekiga incorporates encrypted calls using SRTP and ZRTP protocols, safeguarding sensitive communications against interception and ensuring confidentiality within corporate networks.
• Multi-Account Support – The ability to register multiple SIP accounts concurrently allows users to manage various lines and contacts within a single interface, facilitating multitasking and better organization.
• Resource-Efficient Performance – Consuming minimal system resources, Ekiga runs effectively on older or less powerful hardware, offering a cost-effective solution for companies aiming to maximize existing infrastructure.
• Community-Driven Development – As an open-source project, Ekiga benefits from transparent, user-driven improvements and customization options, allowing businesses to adapt the software to their specific requirements.
• Integrated Contact and Presence Management – The built-in contact list with presence indicators helps users monitor availability and manage communications proactively, improving collaboration across teams.

When I first explored Ekiga VoIP software review materials, what struck me was its strong foundation built on open standards like SIP and H.323. This means it easily connects with a variety of communication systems, a crucial factor if your company values interoperability over vendor lock-in. The interface is straightforward and functional, which I find useful if you want reliable communication without the clutter of flashy features. It fits well for small to medium-sized businesses that need core VoIP and video conferencing capabilities without extra distractions.

Security is another aspect where Ekiga stands out due to its open-source nature. The transparency of the codebase offers a level of trustworthiness, provided you keep up with updates. From my experience, this requires some diligence since the development pace can be slower compared to commercial options with dedicated security teams. Still, for companies willing to allocate time to maintenance, the benefits of peer-reviewed security can be substantial.

Performance-wise, I noticed Ekiga runs efficiently, especially on Linux systems, making it a good fit if your infrastructure includes older or resource-constrained hardware. However, in less ideal network conditions, video quality and call stability can sometimes suffer—something to consider if your company relies heavily on flawless video calls. The software’s support for multiple protocols and compatibility with various SIP servers means it can integrate well into existing setups, though setting up advanced features may require technical know-how that not every user has.

In evaluating the best open source softphone features, Ekiga covers essentials like call transfer, presence information, and address book integration. It doesn’t overwhelm with additional collaboration tools, which can actually be a plus if your team only needs a dedicated communication client. For companies looking for a no-frills, dependable tool, this focus on core functions is quite practical.

Moreover, the open development model encourages customization and contributions, which could be a real advantage if your business has specific communication needs. Keep in mind, the smaller community means updates and new features can be slower compared to larger commercial platforms. If you’re curious about other software options that might complement or differ from Ekiga, you might find the list of the popular shopping cart softwares helpful for broadening your perspective on selecting the right tools for your company.

• Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): These businesses often seek business communication software for small businesses that balances cost and flexibility. Ekiga’s open-source design allows SMEs to customize communication workflows affordably, supporting reliable voice and video calls without expensive licenses.
• Technology Startups: Startups, especially those with remote or hybrid teams, value Ekiga for its SIP compatibility and integration potential. Its open-source code enables startups to tailor communications or embed Ekiga’s features into custom CRM systems, enhancing operational agility.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities leverage Ekiga to conduct virtual lectures and administrative coordination. The platform’s multi-device support increases accessibility, while cost savings help educational bodies manage tight budgets effectively.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Nonprofits: These groups depend on Ekiga to connect dispersed teams worldwide without high telecommunication expenses. Its secure, efficient communication supports humanitarian and international development efforts across regions.
• Healthcare Providers: Smaller clinics and telehealth startups adopt Ekiga for encrypted voice and video calls, meeting privacy and confidentiality standards essential in medical consultations and internal communications.
• Legal Firms: Boutique law practices use Ekiga to facilitate confidential client meetings remotely, streamlining case management and integrating smoothly with other enterprise systems for document and client relations management.
• Customer Support Centers: Resource-limited call centers benefit from Ekiga’s straightforward interface and SIP protocol support, enabling professional voice call handling without costly telephony infrastructure.
• Independent Consultants and Freelancers: Consultants in marketing, IT, and design use Ekiga as a no-cost, cross-platform tool that supports high-quality remote consultations and collaboration, boosting mobility and client responsiveness.

For companies exploring communication tools, understanding the best VoIP solution for enterprises includes evaluating platforms like Ekiga that combine affordability with customization. Additionally, those interested in optimizing their digital presence may find valuable insights in the best seo tools, which can complement communication strategies by enhancing online visibility.