Top Softphones For Windows Mobile

While most of the gadgeterati gazes lustfully on the Apple iPhone, millions continue to use mobile phones powered by Microsoft Windows Mobile. These phones and devices can also run third party applications such as word processors and other productivity software.

Out of the box devices (including Pocket PCs and smartphones) running Windows Mobile will make calls as usual across the mobile network. However, there is a good choice of VoIP softphones for Windows Mobile that allow you to make calls across the internet and save you money.

Please note that Windows Mobile softphones are a whole different ball game compared to softphones for Windows, as well as Linux, Mac OS X and iPhone for that matter!

So without any further ado, here are some of the best Windows Mobile softphones to try out!

• Skype
  Well, you couldn’t seriously list the best softphones for Windows Mobile devices and not include Skype. The ubiquitous Skype has been available on Windows Mobile for some time and is a reliable option. The best thing about choosing Skype for your Windows Mobile phone is that it will just work: you’ll have easy access to the same contacts on your Skype contacts list, you’ll be able to call contacts easily and it won’t cost you a thing. Actually placing calls is, as you’d expect, a simple affair: just find a WiFi network, connect, choose your contact and off you go. And one of the best things about Skype? It’s free. Calls from your Windows Mobile device to computer-based contacts are also free. You can also make cheap calls to national and international landlines and mobiles.
• fring
  If you want more than simply cheap VoIP calls on your Windows Mobile device, fring is for you. Not only does fring offer free or cheap calls to national or international landlines and mobiles through your SkypeOut account or a SIP provider, but it also lets you chat with friends on a whole host of IM networks including AIM and MSN. In effect, this means you could drastically reduce bills by using IM instead of SMS for messaging. It’s also possible to send and receive files such as images or MP3s using fring.
• VoIP.com
  VoIP.com are a highly respected VoIP provider who, as part of their wide ranging services, offer a softphone of sorts for Windows Mobile devices. Part of their ‘Make A Call’ initiative, this small application can be downloaded and installed easily. Essentially it works by entering your contact’s phone number and your own number, VoIP.com connects you both (via their servers) and you start talking. So instead of being billed for an international call from San Francisco to London, you only pay for a local call. It’s a cheap, simple and lightweight option.
• WengoPhone
  This French-developed open source softphone has a version for Windows Mobile devices. Their implementation is more like the traditional softphone in the sense that contacts are arranged in a browsable list, you can IM with friends and make calls. As with most other softphones, WengoPhone for Windows Mobile requires access to a WiFi network to make calls.
• SJphone
  SJ Labs are the developers of a product called SJphone, a softphone that can be installed on your Windows Mobile / Pocket PC device. What sets SJphone apart from the rest is that this is a SIP-based softphone, so to use it you’ll need to setup an account with one of the many SIP providers out there. it should be noted that just like Skype-to-Skype calls, SIP-to-SIP calls are free regardless of geographic location.

There are also numerous mobile VoIP services that run on a variety of platforms and offer cheap calls and messaging, some of which may be worth checking out for your Windows Mobile device.