Softphones: WebRTC Or Old-School? Your Upgrade Guide

If you're running a business, chances are you're already using some form of virtual phone system—or at least thinking about it. And that’s smart. But here’s the big question: should you stick with traditional softphones, or switch to the modern power of WebRTC softphones?

We’ll break it down for you—no tech jargon, no confusing setup guides. Just a simple comparison to help you decide what’s best for your small business communication.

What Is a Softphone Anyway?

A softphone is a software-based phone. It lets you make and receive calls over the internet using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. No physical desk phone needed.

Softphones are perfect for:

Remote teams

Small offices

Customer support

Startups looking to save money

Traditional Softphones: The Old-School Way

These are the conventional applications such as Zoiper, X-Lite or Linphone which connect using the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). They require downloading and installing them and at other times they are not so conducive.

Old-School Pros:

More customization

Some offline features

Works well with older systems

Old-School Cons:

Requires software installation

Can be tricky to set up

Not as modern or browser-based

WebRTC Softphones: The Modern Alternative

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) lets you make voice and video calls directly from your browser. No download. No hassle. That’s why WebRTC phones are a growing trend in small business VoIP phone setups.

WebRTC Pros:

Zero downloads – runs in your browser

Security built in (encryption-on-by-deafault)

Easy to scale for remote teams

Perfect for businesses that work on the go

WebRTC Cons:

Depends on internet/browser

May need SIP integration setup

Why WebRTC Is Great for Small Business Communication

If you’re thinking about upgrading your system, WebRTC for small business communication is the way to go. It offers flexibility, simplicity, and saves money.

Here’s why more businesses are switching:

Easy to use – No IT team needed
Fast WebRTC phone setup for small business
Ideal for hybrid or remote work models
Cost-effective – no hardware, no licenses
Secure – uses encrypted connections

How to Set Up WebRTC Phone (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Select a WebRTC vendor

Find something to support browser calling, such as Voizcall, Bria Web or Zoiper Web.

Create SIP Credentials
Your provider will give you a SIP account—username, password, and domain.

Log In via Browser
Use the WebRTC softphone platform to sign in with your SIP details.

Start Calling!
Call customers, team members, or anyone—right from your laptop or phone browser.

This quick and easy WebRTC phone setup for small business can be done in minutes!

Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?

If you’re still using old-school softphones and tired of constant updates, software glitches, Last Decisions: To Move Up Or Not?

When you are still making calls with the old-fashioned soft phones and you got sick and tired of frequent updates, software bugs, and a large infrastructure-it is time to switch to it.

WebRTC softphones are also light, reliable and designed to fit the modern busy business environment. Be it the one-man show or working on a swelling large team, WebRTC is the intelligent thing to bet on.

So ask yourself:

Would you like to continue to install old school apps, or move to the so easy to use browser based calling?