WebRTC Vs Traditional Softphones: What Works Best In 2025?

Nowadays communication is changing at a rate like never before in 2025. When it comes to working with an offshore team, covering customers all over the world, or setting up a call center entirely,

One giant question repeats itself over and over:

And on which WebRTC-based phone system should you use it or prefer the traditional softphones?

Both technologies assist you in making phone calls via the internet however; their performance attributes, configuration and flexibility differ tremendously.

This will go into the depths of the WebRTC vs traditional softphones discussion, so you can make an informed choice on what suits your business communication in 2025 better.

What is a Softphone?

A soft phone, also written as softphone, is software, which allows telephone calls to be made using a computer, tablet or smartphone-using an ordinary internet connection, not a regular phone line.

Most often it is compatible with SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and it has to be installed and configured (the same with Zoiper, Bria, or Linphone).

Key Features:

VoIP over SIP calling

Requires installation of software

Typically compatible with PBX or VoIP server

The ability to support videos, voicemail and chat (depending on the platform)

What is WebRTC ( Web Real-Time Communication)?

WebRTC is an open-source initiative by Google that enables real-time voice, video and data delivery that bypasses a plugin, and app, and simply works through the web browser.

It is what drives most of the popular communication applications (such as Google Meet and Discord), and it is currently transforming the VoIP phone systems as well.

Key Benefits:

Require no installation, running on browsers

Lower latency and Call connection speed

Native in Chrome, Firefox, edge and Safari

Incorruptible by design e.g. end-to-end encryption (DTLS, SRTP)

Perfect to integrate into Web apps and CRMs

Top Differences Between WebRTC and Traditional Softphones

Attribute             Olden SFT                                                   WebRTC

Installation          Necessary          Not required (but it has to be a browser-based one)

Device Flexibility  Only those devices that support the app           Any  device with browser

Set up Time        Complex (SIP settings, codecs)  Simple (URL-based calling)

What are the differences between WebRTC and Traditional Softphones?

Function              Softphones        WebRTC

Installation          Abs. needed      Not at all (browser-based)

Flexibility of Devices       Phrased on having app  Any device having browser

Time to set up   Complex (SIP settings, codecs)  Simple (URL-based calling)

Security                Configuration dependent            In-built encryption

Best Use Case   Call centers, desk based agents Remote teams, web apps, mobile first teams

What are the Times To Use a Traditional Softphone?

Traditional softphones continue to shine in such situations as:

VoIP headsets with desk calls agents in the call centers

Companies which are already using SIP trunk and PBX systems

Who require heavy call control, multi line dashboards or using plugins

They are tested, trialled and highly customizable. However, they need IT expertise, manual setting up, and in many cases longer setup time.

The reasons why WebRTC is the most favorite choice in 2025

Easy, Uncomplicated, and Web-Constructed

WebRTC is replacing this due to its advantage of:

It is native to browsers and it does not need installations

Best suitable where employees work through their devices and BYOD (bring your own device) culture is in use

Does not break on mobile browsers

Easy plugging to web-based CRMs, SaaS tools and customer portals

Example:

Would you like to insert calling in your web dashboard? WebRTC enables its users to click and call within your application without installations.

Real Business original WebRTC and Softphones

Use Case         Top Choice

Customer service through web page WebRTC

CRM WebRTC sale teams

Big call centers           Plain Softphones

Personal devices with remote agents            WebRTC

Enterprises legacy VoIP          Traditional Softphones

New SaaS applications or startups WebRTC

Business are switching to WebRTC soft phones 2025 Trend: (Business) Switching to WebRTC Softphones

As market trend indicates:

In 2025, more than 65 per cent of VoIP roll-outs involve WebRTC integration

The reason is that WebRTC is being adopted due to its lightweight deployment, its suitability with mobile environments, and the lack of training needed to use it

Firms implementing WebRTC claim to experience reduced support tickets, ushering and improved caliber of calls

Conclusions: Alright, so Which Do You Take?

Your preference between WebRTC and traditional softphones will rely upon your:

Team configuration (remote or office based)

Technical capability

Integration needs

Security requirements

Long-term scalability

However, WebRTC is well on course to being the first choice of businesses interested in:

Stress-free calling using any device

Facile interaction with cloud instruments

Pace, protection and easy usage

Softphones as we know them are not dead yet, but WebRTC is getting ready to define future of business communications.