Table of Contents
“Best Communication Software for Linux” encompasses essential tools designed to facilitate seamless interactions among individuals via text, chat, voice, video, messaging, and file exchange. These applications are purpose-built to streamline cross-device and cross-platform communication. This overview delves into the top communication tools available for Linux, highlighting their standout features and advantages.
Each of these communication software choices for Linux has its own features and benefits that make it good for people with different communication needs and tastes. Whether it’s working together as a team, sending private messages, or having a video conference, Linux users have a lot of reliable ways to communicate.
Best Communication Software for Linux Comparison Table
| Product | Encryption | Voice Calls | Video Calls | Messaging | File Sharing | Group Chat | Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3CX | SSL/TLS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CloudTalk | SSL/TLS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Signal | End-to-end | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Telegram | End-to-end | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skype | SSL/TLS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Viber | End-to-end | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
3CX
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Unified communications | Combines voice, video, chat, and team collaboration in one platform. |
| Web conferencing | Conduct online meetings and webinars with screen sharing and recording. |
| Mobile apps | Access and manage communication on the go with mobile apps. |
| Call center features | Includes call routing, queuing, reporting, and CRM integration. |
| SIP trunking | Connects to SIP trunks for cost-effective telephony services. |
3CX is a software-based IP PBX that uses open standards and gives full Unified Communications right out of the box. 3CX can meet the needs of any business size or industry, from mobility and state to advanced contact center features and more, for a fraction of the price. 3CX has mobile apps, video calling, and live chat on their website, all of which are great for companies with remote workers.
The PBX is so easy to set up, handle, and keep up with that you can do it all by yourself, whether it’s on an appliance or server at your location running Windows, Linux, or in the cloud. You can also choose to have it hosted by 3CX, which is a totally hands-off option.
The Good
- Comprehensive unified communications platform
- Web conferencing and mobile apps for remote collaboration
- Call center features enhance customer service
The Bad
- Requires technical setup and configuration
- Advanced features may require additional licensing or subscriptions
CloudTalk
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Call center solution | Provides call center features like IVR, call routing, and analytics. |
| Virtual phone numbers | Offers virtual phone numbers for local and international calls. |
| Click-to-call | Enables one-click calling from web browsers or CRM systems. |
| Call recording | Records and stores calls for quality monitoring and training. |
| Real-time analytics | Provides detailed call analytics and reports in real-time. |
Looking for smart tools for a call center? Try CloudTalk.io, a new-generation cloud phone system for small and medium-sized businesses, startups, online shops, and call centers (sales and customer service teams). With more than 25 integrations with popular CRM, helpdesk, and e-commerce tools like Shopify, SalesForce, Pipedrive, and Intercom, and a customer success team with a 5-star rating, it’s easy to move to a new cloud call center or set one up from start. Every month, we grow quickly, and we already work well with over 1000 companies around the world, like DHL, Yves Rocher, and Karcher. You can try CloudTalk for free for 14 days without giving your credit card information.
The Good
- Feature-rich call center solution
- Virtual phone numbers for global reach
- Real-time analytics for performance monitoring
The Bad
- Pricing plans may be costly for small businesses
- Limited integrations with certain CRM systems
Signal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Ensures secure and private messaging and calls. |
| Group chats | Create group chats with end-to-end encryption. |
| Disappearing messages | Set messages to automatically disappear after a certain time. |
| Voice and video calls | Make encrypted voice and video calls. |
| Screen security | Provides additional security measures to prevent screenshots. |
Signal is an application that is cross-platform, open-source, and possesses end-to-end encryption capabilities of the highest caliber. The messenger offers its customers support for multiple languages, features that are usual for VoIP technology, a register for calls and contacts, and a great deal more.
You have the ability to configure timers for the automatic deletion of old messages. In addition to that, you have the ability to create groups for the purpose of conversing and exchanging files with one another. Be at ease, because in addition to the typical emoticons, Signal also provides a colorful list of stickers that may be used to spice up your conversations.
The Good
- Strong focus on privacy and security
- End-to-end encryption for all communication
- Disappearing messages for added privacy
The Bad
- Limited additional features compared to other messaging apps
- Smaller user base compared to mainstream messaging apps
Telegram
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Secret chats | Offers encrypted and self-destructing messages. |
| Group chats | Create groups with up to 200,000 members. |
| Voice and video calls | Make encrypted voice and video calls. |
| File sharing | Share files of various formats up to 2GB in size. |
| Bots and integrations | Integrates with third-party bots and services. |
Telegram is an instant messaging and direct messaging application that works on Linux as well as other desktop and mobile platforms. It enables users to communicate one-on-one or in groups. Alongside its capabilities for text chat, this program has earned a solid reputation for the quality of the VoIP services it provides.
It has a straightforward and uncluttered user interface and user experience. You are able to send encrypted messages with Telegram, and you may spice up your conversations with the app’s several colorful sticker packs. Users can benefit from Telegram’s happening business communications while they are on the go.
The Good
- Extensive group chat features
- Large file sharing capabilities
- Bots and integrations enhance functionality
The Bad
- End-to-end encryption not enabled by default for all chats
- Occasional connectivity issues on slower networks
Skype
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Voice and video calls | Make audio and video calls to Skype users. |
| Instant messaging | Send text messages and files to contacts. |
| Screen sharing | Share your screen during calls or meetings. |
| Group video calls | Conduct video conferences with multiple participants. |
| International calls | Make low-cost or free calls to landlines and mobiles. |
I am aware that beginning the list with a product developed by Microsoft is not a smart idea. However, you will need to acknowledge the fact that Skype is currently one of the most popular chat services, particularly on desktop computers. You may find yourself in a position where you are required to utilize Skype due to its growing prevalence in a variety of settings, including college and job interviews.
Even before Microsoft purchased Skype, there was already a Linux client available. You may get it installed on your Linux distribution by downloading either a.deb file or a Snap file to your computer. If you are still confused about what steps to take, you can find clarification by reading through my tutorial on how to install Skype on Ubuntu.
The Good
- Established platform with a large user base
- Excellent video call and screen sharing capabilities
- Integration with Microsoft services
The Bad
- Ads may be intrusive in the free version
- Quality of calls can vary based on network conditions
Viber
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Voice and video calls | Make HD-quality audio and video calls. |
| Instant messaging | Send text messages, stickers, and emojis. |
| Group chats | Create groups with up to 250 participants. |
| Public accounts | Follow public accounts for news and updates. |
| File sharing | Share files of various formats with contacts. |
Viber has been slowly eating away at Skype’s userbase by offering a Linux client that is native to the platform. It should come as no surprise that your conversation history is kept in sync with the desktop client and the mobile app (just like in Skype and Telegram).
Additionally, it works smoothly with the majority of desktop environments, one of which being GNOME. Linux distributions Ubuntu and Fedora provide with installation packages, but these packages are only compatible with 64-bit operating systems.
The Good
- High-quality voice and video calls
- Large group chat capabilities
- Public accounts for additional content
The Bad
- Limited integration with other apps and services
- Occasional performance issues on certain devices
Questions and Answers
A: Yes, you can use these communication software choices for both personal and business contact. They have features like messaging, voice and video calls, file sharing, and teamwork tools that can be used for group chats, one-on-one conversations, or team collaboration.
A: Many of these choices for communication software put security and privacy first. Apps like Signal and Wire encrypt your messages and calls from end to end, making sure that your chats stay private. But it’s important to look at each software’s specific security features and encryption methods to find out how safe they are.
A: Yes, most of these communication software choices work on Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, among other platforms. This lets you use the same software on different devices and operating systems and interact without any problems.