Comparison

Linphone vs Papachat

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 application provides free audio and video calls, as well as text messaging, over the internet. It allows users to stay reachable at all times via WiFi or mobile data, even when the app is closed. Enjoy secure communication and the ability to connect with traditional phone lines.

Highlights
  • High definition audio and video calls
  • Audio conference calls
  • Picture and file sharing
  • Push notifications for reachability
  • Secure communication with encryption
  • SIP-compliant VoIP service 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

Papachat

Features
Read full description

PapaChat is a private messaging app for closed communities. Create or join a community, chat with members in groups or direct messages, and manage everything with a clean, distraction-free interface. COMMUNITIES - Create a community for your family, team, or group - Invite members with shareable invite codes (24-hour expiry) - Search and request to join existing communities - Admin tools: approve/reject join requests, remove members, create groups - Leave a community anytime — admin role auto-transfers to the next member GROUP & DIRECT MESSAGING - Real-time group chat — every community gets a General group automatically - Direct messages — tap any member in the People directory to start a private conversation - Read receipts — double blue checkmarks when your message is read - Message reactions — long-press to react with emoji - Reply to messages — swipe to quote and respond - Delete your own messages — a placeholder preserves conversation context - Archive chats to tidy up without losing history ADMIN & MODERATION - Delete any message in your community - Mute disruptive members (timed or indefinite) - Transfer or share admin role with co-admins - Require approval for group joins - Audit log tracks all moderation actions - Export conversations as PDF for evidence or records PEOPLE DIRECTORY - See all community members at a glance - Admin badges show who manages the community - Search by name or @username - Tap to start a direct conversation PRIVACY BY DESIGN - Sign in with Apple — no phone number or email required - No access to your contacts, location, or files - No ads, no tracking, no data selling - Server-side security rules enforce access control - All data encrypted in transit BUILT FOR SIMPLICITY PapaChat keeps messaging simple. No stories, no reels, no marketplace — just communities and conversations.

Screenshots

Linphone4 screens
Papachat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Linphone at 15.0 against Papachat's 26.2. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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, Papachat monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Linphone versus Papachat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLinphonePapachat
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.4 (9 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews35.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size70 MB40 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperBelledonne Communications SARLRaphael Moline

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

Papachat

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Linphone

No in-app purchases

None

Papachat

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Linphone free?
Linphone is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Papachat free?
Papachat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Linphone or Papachat have ads?
Neither Linphone nor Papachat shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Linphone or Papachat?
Linphone ships an update every 2 months, and Papachat monthly. Most recently, Linphone was updated on September 22, 2026 and Papachat on September 7, 2026.

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