Head-to-head · Encrypted Calling Apps
Threema vs 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 |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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
- Threema9.2/10 · 30-day trial
A paid, multi-device app for private calls, messaging, and encrypted backups.
Visit ThreemaFull verdict → - Linphone8.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source SIP client for encrypted calls and PBX-connected telephony.
Visit LinphoneFull verdict →
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All encrypted calling apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






