An IP desk phone is similar to a traditional analog (PSTN) handset. It sits on your desk and enables users to receive and make phone calls. The difference is that instead of being connected to a regular telephone line, IP desk phones are connected to an IP (Internet Protocol) network, and place calls through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). They typically come with power adapters and Ethernet connections.
Softphone, or Voice-over-IP (VoIP) mobile dialers, on the other hand, are the next new technology in the communication world. A softphone is a software application that duplicates the functionality of a telephone but on a computer or any other device. Such apps are fast turning into standard equipment for small and mid-sized businesses.
A softphone’s functions include a lot more than just making calls. Because they're software, VoIP mobile dialer apps come packed with a variety of features – including making video and conference calls, sending and receiving files, voicemail management, and chat and SMS capabilities. You can start the app and use the softphone wherever you plug in your device. This made them very handy during the global lockdown when most people worked from home.
Although a softphone is not a physical phone, its user interface mimics traditional phones. The software program can be installed on any communication device, where it works as a virtual phone. Also, because softphones are software-based, they can interact and integrate with many third-party applications and services such as CRM integration.