Comparison

Linphone vs Hotwire

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Linphone

This open-source app provides free audio/video calls and text messaging over the internet. It allows users to be reachable at any time via WiFi or mobile data, offering secure communication and file sharing. Advanced users can customize various settings for SIP-compatible VoIP services.

Highlights
  • High definition audio/video calls
  • Audio conference calls
  • Picture and file sharing
  • Always reachable with push notifications
  • Secure communication options
  • SIP-compatible VoIP integration
Features
Read full description

Linphone is an open source internet SIP phone or Voice Over IP phone (VoIP). Linphone is an open source app offering free audio/video calls and text messaging. With Linphone, you can be reachable at any time, even if the app is closed, with a WiFi or 3G/4G internet connection. Linphone key features: * high definition audio and video calls * audio conference calls with various participants * pictures and file sharing * Linphone accounts reachable at any time, even if the app is closed (thanks to push notifications) * secure communication (encryption options) * compliant with a large number of SIP-compatible VoIP service providers allowing to reach everyone that has a "classic" phone line. Linphone is available on the main mobile and desktop operating systems and offers various specific features for advanced users (codecs, transport standard, encryption options, DTMF...). For more information, see Linphone project website: www.linphone.org Note for developers and professionals: Linphone can be rebranded and customized to meet specific needs. Contact Belledonne Communications www.belledonne-communications.com for any specific development query.

About

Hotwire

Features
Read full description

Hotwire is a powerful WebRTC-based SIP client, offering an all-in-one communication solution with advanced features. It provides high-quality audio calls with support for various audio codecs, ensuring crystal-clear communication. Hotwire allows users to easily manage calls with features like call transfer, hold, mute/unmute, and access to call history. Integrated contacts and instant messaging (chat) offer quick and efficient communication. The client is compatible with Bluetooth headsets, enabling hands-free calling, and also includes voicemail transcription management*, streamlining message access. Hotwire is a cost-effective, reliable, and feature-rich SIP client, ideal for both personal and business communications.

Screenshots

Linphone4 screens
Hotwire4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Hotwire at every 2 days against Linphone's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Linphone ships an update every 2 months, Hotwire every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Linphone versus Hotwire: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLinphoneHotwire
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.7 (10 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews35.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings10 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.014.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size69 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBelledonne Communications SARLHOTWIRE TELECOM INC

Bugs and requests

Linphone

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Crashes on startup
  • Incoming calls not working properly
  • Settings not saving correctly
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add support for multiple SIP accounts
  • Improve user interface and navigation
  • Provide more customization options
  • Enhance audio quality and noise cancellation

Hotwire

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Linphone

No in-app purchases

None

Hotwire

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Linphone free?
Linphone is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Hotwire free?
Hotwire is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Linphone or Hotwire have ads?
Neither Linphone nor Hotwire shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Linphone or Hotwire?
Linphone ships an update every 2 months, and Hotwire every 2 days. Most recently, Linphone was updated on November 6, 2026 and Hotwire on November 8, 2026.

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