Blink

Overview

Blink is a real-time communications client built around SIP, a protocol used by compatible calling services. It can connect to SIP providers, Bonjour devices on a local network, and SIP2SIP. A SIP account from a service provider is required to use the client, though Blink also includes a way to sign up for an account through SIP2SIP.

Beyond voice and video calls, Blink brings together messaging, file transfers, screen sharing, and conferencing. It supports multiple SIP accounts, contact lookup through the system address book and LDAP, and Bonjour neighbour discovery. The software dates to 2002, and its copyright and trademark belong to AG Projects B.V. Compare it with other options in Softphone Software.

Key features

Voice, video, and conferencing

Blink lists Opus for audio and H.264, VP8, and VP9 for video, as well as acoustic echo cancellation. ZRTP provides end-to-end encryption for media. Screen sharing can be paired with audio. Conferences can include participant management alongside VoIP, instant messaging, presence, file transfers, and screen sharing. Some conferencing features require a conference server, and available capabilities can vary by operating system and version.

Messaging and file transfers

Chat sessions use MSRP, with OTR end-to-end encryption support. Blink also supports SIMPLE presence and XCAP server storage. File transfers use MSRP and TLS encryption, with progress reports and delivery confirmation. OpenPGP messaging support is listed as another security option.

Accounts and contact discovery

Users can manage multiple SIP accounts and sync accounts between computers through iCloud. Blink can connect to SIP2SIP and offers built-in sign-up for a SIP account. Contact and caller information can come from the system address book, LDAP directory searches, Bonjour neighbours, and web pages that provide caller details.

Privacy and support

Blink states that it does not collect data from end-users. For built-in SIP accounts, it directs users to SIP2SIP's privacy information. AG Projects says it can provide demonstrations and enterprise integration support for organizations with more than 100 seats.

Pricing

Blink is freemium, with a free plan listed as free. The listed plan covers Linux, Mac, and Windows downloads, and requires a SIP account for use. Blink Pro has no listed price; discounted pricing is available for organizations with more than 100 seats.

Platforms

Blink is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, with mobile and desktop apps and browser calling. Its download page lists versions for Mac, Windows, and Linux, including Linux installation instructions for Debian and Ubuntu. Features may differ across operating systems and versions.

Who it's for

Blink may suit people who already have a SIP account and want calling alongside chat, file sharing, and screen sharing in one client. Its multiple-account support and directory integrations may also be useful in workplaces. Organizations with more than 100 seats can contact AG Projects about demonstrations, integration support, and discounted Blink Pro pricing.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Combines voice, video, messaging, file transfer, screen sharing, and conferencing.
• Pros: Lists several security options, including ZRTP, OTR, TLS, and OpenPGP messaging support.
• Pros: Supports multiple SIP accounts and several contact-discovery integrations.
• Cons: Requires a SIP account from a service provider to use.
• Cons: Feature availability varies by platform and version; some conferencing capabilities require a conference server.
• Cons: No price is listed for Blink Pro.

Alternatives

Other SIP and softphone options include Linphone, Siperb Mobile Softphone, SipPulse Softphone, Zoiper, Browser Phone, SessionTalk Softphone, Softphone.Pro, and AGEphone.

Verdict

Blink is a broad SIP client for users who want more than calling, with messaging, file transfers, screen sharing, and conferencing in its feature set. Its free plan lowers the cost of trying the listed desktop downloads, but users still need a SIP account, and feature availability depends on the platform and conferencing setup. Those requirements are worth checking before choosing Blink for a particular device or organization.