MicroSIP 3.22.12 for Windows

MicroSIP 3.22.12 is a free, open-source SIP softphone for Windows: it turns your PC into a telephone for voice over IP calls through a VoIP provider or an office phone system. You can download MicroSIP for Windows from the official website microsip.org, as a regular installer or a portable version.

Quick facts

Linux, macOS and BSD users can run it through WineHQ.

Who needs a SIP softphone

SIP is the standard protocol that most internet telephony services and office phone systems use. If your company runs a PBX, or you bought a phone number from a VoIP provider, you receive SIP account details: a server address, a user name and a password. A softphone like MicroSIP uses them to make and receive calls on the computer, with a headset instead of a desk phone. MicroSIP is popular because it is tiny and undemanding, as the figures above show, so it runs comfortably next to a browser and office apps even on an older laptop. Call centre agents, remote employees connected to the office PBX, small businesses with a cheap VoIP number and IT staff testing phone systems are typical users. It is not a messenger with contacts and chats like consumer apps: without a SIP account from a provider or your own PBX, there is nobody to call.

Getting started

1. Open the downloads page and choose MicroSIP or MicroSIP Lite, as an installer or a portable ZIP.
2. Install or unpack it and start the program.
3. Add an account with the server, user name and password from your provider or administrator.
4. Connect a headset, check the audio devices in the settings and make a test call.

Security

SIP accounts are a target for fraud: stolen credentials are used to make expensive international calls. Use a strong password, ask your provider to limit international calls if you do not need them, and never share account details in chats or email. Download MicroSIP only from microsip.org.

Call quality tips

Use a wired connection or strong Wi-Fi, close programs that upload a lot of data during calls, and prefer a USB headset over laptop speakers to avoid echo.

Pros and cons

• Pro: very light on memory.
• Pro: free and open source.
• Pro: portable version available.
• Con: needs a SIP account from a provider.
• Con: plain interface.

Alternatives

For calls without a SIP provider, our listings include Zoom Meeting, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet.