Skype or SIP: Which one’s best for you? Our two analysts weigh in with their final recommendations.
Both applications are pretty easy to set up. SIPphone is going to be a better fit for less technical users, since it walks, talks, and quacks just like a regular telephone. It even uses a traditional phone number scheme, which makes phone numbers a bit easier to remember. The other benefits are that you don’t need a PC to use it and it has a built-in speakerphone. Skype, on the other hand, delivers superior audio quality and end-to-end AES encryption, which guarantees the privacy of your call.
For users who live on IM, Skype will feel very natural, and it’s easier to set up than IM-based voice chat features (it sounds better too). You will have to use a headset, since running a speakerphone is all but impossible because of the resulting feedback loop. Still, f you love IM and your hands ache from typing so much, let your voice do the talking and give those digits a rest. Skype will also be offering Internet-to-POTS and POTS-to-Internet commercial service in the coming months, whereas SIPphone has yet to announce any such plans.
I liked the SIPphone. It was extremely easy to set it up and start calling someone. Skype, however, wins in a head-to-head match for power users. Though the Skype service was far more annoying to install (we hate fumbling around with microphones and speakers, having to register, etc.), the sound quality was much better or, we should say, much louder. We were simply able to hear the other person better. For at-home beginners and simple point-to-point callers, the SIPphone probably makes sense. It’s also ideal for those who don’t want to leave their PCs on to make calls. For power users and those who want to call lots of others, though, the Skype service offers more.
We found Skype to be a useful application for frequent long-distance callers looking to save money, particularly if both parties have broadband. Its audio quality, ease of use and attractive price (free) make it a compelling alternative to IM-based voice chat. So, if you’re looking to shoot the breeze with Brenda in Boise or Pete in Poughkeepsie, Skype will greatly ease the pain when your long distance bill arrives.
Summary: Skype is superior to other IM-based voice chat applications. It features strong encryption and really easy set-up..
Price: Free (PC-to-PC calls); Premium services to follow.
We liked the SIPphone. It was extremely easy to set it up and start calling someone. As an appliance, it allows you to make and receive calls without having your PC on. Overall, though, the Skype experience was better. We’ll be watching the development of SIPphones closely. Anytime we can keep some of our money out of the clutches of the phone company, we’re happy to do it.
Pro: Very easy to set up, just like using a regular phone once you are connected to the network..
Con: Volume just didn’t go high enough for our comfort level, mute button didn’t work.
Summary: A viable alternative to regular long distance, albeit still with a few rough edges.
Price: $79.99 for individual phone, $129.99 for a pair of phones.
For more on SIPphone, check out this in-depth interview with Michael Robertson.
This interview with Skype’s founders provides more details on that service.