EchoLink is a free application designed for licensed amateur radio operators, enabling global communication via Voice-over-IP technology. By bridging traditional radio frequency communication with the Internet, it allows users to connect their PCs to various stations and linked repeaters. The application supports multiple modes of operation, including Single-User Mode for connecting directly to other stations and Sysop Mode for creating a local RF gateway using a VHF/UHF transceiver.

Key features include a station list that categorizes available stations by type and status, one-to-one connections, and group conferences for larger discussions. The software requires validation of amateur radio licenses for new users to ensure compliance within the community. Additionally, it offers an audio testing feature for setup verification and is compatible with multiple Windows versions as well as mobile platforms.