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Head-to-head · Encrypted Calling Apps

Threema vs Linphone

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Threema #2 in Encrypted Calling Apps 9.2/10 30-day trial ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Threema
Linphone #5 in Encrypted Calling Apps 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Linphone

Threema leads on 0 checks, Linphone on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreThreema · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly Linphone

Threema scores higher on our rubric for encrypted calling apps: 9.2 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

Linphone offers free plan; Threema doesn't.

Threema is the better fit for privacy-focused users wanting broad device support. Linphone is the better fit for SIP users needing encrypted calls and PBX support.

  • Threema fits best

    Privacy-focused users wanting broad device support

  • Linphone fits best

    SIP users needing encrypted calls and PBX support

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Side by side

Feature Threema 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Linphone 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.9
Ranking #2 in Encrypted Calling Apps #5 in Encrypted Calling Apps
Best for Privacy-focused users wanting broad device support SIP users needing encrypted calls and PBX support
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price $7.49/unit one-time Free plan
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Tickets, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Threema 1/5 · Linphone 1/5
Video calling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Screen sharing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Self-hosting Not checked yet Not checked yet
Team admin controls Not checked yet Not checked yet
Open source ✓ ✓
Specs
Group call limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platform coverage Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • End-to-end encrypted voice, video, and group calls
  • Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
  • Encrypted Threema Safe backups and group chats for up to 256 members
  • Supports encrypted SIP audio and video calls, group calls and conferencing
  • Connects with third-party SIP systems, IP-PBXs, proxies and SBCs
  • Available on desktop and mobile, with LDAP and CardDAV sync
Cons
  • There is no free plan
  • Threema Private is sold for Android through the Threema Shop
  • Support channels are tickets and documentation
  • Calling regular phone numbers requires a third-party SIP trunking service
  • Free SIP service is for individuals and has no guaranteed support
  • No browser calling or SMS/MMS support
Our verdict

Threema is an encrypted messaging and calling app for individuals, organizations, and security-sensitive teams. It supports end-to-end encrypted text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group chats, file sharing, polls, and emoji…

Read the review →

Linphone is an open-source softphone from Belledonne Communications for internet-based voice and video calls, messaging and conferences. Its SIP support makes it a fit for individuals and organizations working with third-party SIP accounts…

Read the review →
  1. ThreemaEncrypted Calling Apps 9.230-day trial
  2. LinphoneEncrypted Calling Apps 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Threema — where it wins

    • End-to-end encrypted voice, video, and group calls
    • Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
    • Encrypted Threema Safe backups and group chats for up to 256 members

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan
    • Threema Private is sold for Android through the Threema Shop
    • Support channels are tickets and documentation
  • Linphone — where it wins

    • Supports encrypted SIP audio and video calls, group calls and conferencing
    • Connects with third-party SIP systems, IP-PBXs, proxies and SBCs
    • Available on desktop and mobile, with LDAP and CardDAV sync

    Where it doesn't

    • Calling regular phone numbers requires a third-party SIP trunking service
    • Free SIP service is for individuals and has no guaranteed support
    • No browser calling or SMS/MMS support

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update