Personal Calls

• One of the main benefits of using a softphone is the ability to place a video call instead of a traditional voice-only call. While you can use a softphone to make voice calls, the video call option allows you to actually see the person with whom you are speaking. This is beneficial for more personal calls -- such as a call to a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife -- in which you want to lock eyes while you speak. You can also use the video option to show off an item. For example, if you just bought a new painting and wanted to show your friend, you can use the softphone to do just that. However, a webcam of some kind is needed to place the video call.
  
  

The Cost

• As of the date of publication, the software needed to use a softphone is free to download. If you already have a computer, webcam (for video calling) and microphone, no other purchases are necessary. Unlike a cellphone, you do not need to enter into a long- or short-term contract to use a softphone. Placing calls is also cheaper -- if not totally free -- compared to using a cellphone or land line phone. If you wish to place numerous long distance calls and find yourself sitting by either your desktop or laptop computer for the majority of the day, a softphone can save you a lot of money.
  
  

Multitasking

• If you love to multitask, a softphone would be ideal for you. While you are using your softphone, you can still use your Internet browser to surf through the websites that mean the most to you. You can even check and send emails, allowing you to communicate with two different people at the same time about two different topics. However, you should be aware that -- unlike traditional phones and cellphones -- if the power goes out, you will not be able to use your softphone, which can bring an end to your multitasking.
  
  

Features

• A softphone offers many of the same features a traditional phone or cellphone would offer. For example, softphones offer call forwarding, teleconferencing, speed dialing and call waiting. In short, the softphone will not deprive you of traditional features to which you have become accustomed. Once the softphone application has been downloaded, users can use an interface on their computer that resembles a traditional keypad found on other phones to place a call. A softphone has the ability to call another softphone, a cellphone or a land line phone.