A conference call is a telephone call in which one person speaks with multiple people simultaneously. The invention of conference calling has made it easier for people worldwide to connect and communicate.
People used to have to travel large distances to meet up with each other, which was frequently difficult. However, conference calls have played a critical role in bringing people together at one time.
Conference calls are particularly useful in business settings, where team strategies and business dealings can be thoroughly discussed. Team leaders can use conference calls to allow their colleagues to share their thoughts and concerns.
What is Conference Calling?
A conference call is a telephone call in which multiple people can participate simultaneously. Participants can join a conference call in various ways, such as through a link or by dialing a specific phone number assigned to them.
Companies often provide phone numbers or access codes for conference calls, allowing people to connect and communicate. Conference calling has also played an essential role in online courses and classes, enabling individuals to teach or take classes from anywhere.
The usage of conference calls expanded considerably during the COVID-19 outbreak. Even country officials utilized conference calls to discuss and convey their worries. Conference calling services are classified into two types: reservationless and operator-assisted.
Top 6 Conference Call Services
Zoom and Nextiva are the greatest conference call options available today. These services include rapid phone connections, video conferencing, team collaboration, and the option to host up to 100 individuals at the same time.
Below is a list of amazing conference call services that are affordable. We have provided detailed information about both free and paid options for the best conference call services in 2023.
- Zoom – An excellent option for long conference calls.
- Nextiva – Best for both small and long conference calls.
- GoToMeeting – A superb option for presentations and webinars.
- RingCentral – The best choice for voice and video conferencing.
- FreeConferenceCall.com – A good choice for both large and small businesses.
- Vast Conference – Best for achieving business goals.
In this article, I will explain the top conference call services based on my experience and considering various factors while working in a team.
1. Zoom
Zoom is a popular cloud-based video conferencing service that allows users to connect from anywhere in the world. With Zoom, you can easily interact with others virtually. The use of this app for social events is also on the rise. Zoom has firmly established itself as a reliable tool for keeping teams in touch and continuing their work with minimal disruption.
Zoom offers video and audio conference calls, as well as screen-sharing options. You can even record your meetings in high quality. Within a Zoom meeting, the host can remove any participant and control who is allowed to speak. Participants can join a Zoom meeting by clicking on a shared link or by entering a code.
Pricing
It provides a free plan that allows you to add up to 100 people to attend meetings. You can upgrade to a premium plan if you need to organize meetings with more than 100 people.
Zoom’s prices range from $149 to $199 per year, which is affordable for large companies. In 2023, over 700 companies preferred Zoom for their meetings, with some meetings lasting for hours to discuss big business plans.
Features
Zoom’s excellent features have played a significant role in its popularity. Some of the best features of Zoom include:
- The host has control over who is allowed to join or chat in a meeting.
- You can review business cases and meet with your team members using a free Zoom account.
- The host can create unlimited meetings with a free Zoom account.
- The host can record team meetings using the free version of Zoom.
- Zoom’s conference call services are suitable for both large and small businesses.
- High-quality recording features are available in Zoom conference calls.
- You can even play Zoom meetings on your TV screen.
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2. Nextiva
Nextiva has made a name for itself in the world of technology due to its excellent features. Poor call audio quality during conference calls can be frustrating but has solved this problem by providing a complete business communication tool at an affordable price. With Nextiva, you can make unlimited calls for less than $30 per month and enjoy HD audio quality.
I appreciate this app because it has all the features that business communication needs. You will appreciate the strength and resilience of its network when using it for conference calls. You can easily connect with potential workers and clients for your business.
Nextiva’s VoIP calls are instantly connected to the nearest point of presence (POP) between you and your conference call participant, minimizing delays. If you have any issues while using it, you may contact their skilled support team right away.
Pricing
Its prices range from $17.96 to $29.21 per month, making it an affordable option for both small and large businesses. The professional plan allows you to add up to 40 participants to a conference call, while the other two plans allow up to 250 participants.
Nextiva also offers a free speed test for conference calls. If you are dissatisfied with its performance, you may test it out for free for 7 days.
Features
- Easy to use
- HD quality audio service
- Strong networks throughout the world
- Instant connection with the nearest POP
- Suitable for large businesses
- Ideal for significant conference calls
3. GoTo Meeting
GoToMeeting’s innovative features have provided excellent solutions for small businesses, earning it a reputation as one of the best conference calling solutions. With GoToMeeting, you can make fantastic video or conference calls using its screen and audio tools.
GoToMeeting has an automatic transcript system that starts recording when the number of participants increases. You can later watch or share the recording with those who missed the conference call. These features make GoToMeeting a popular choice among users.
Pricing
Unlike other conference call services, GoToMeeting does not offer a basic free plan. However, you can try it out with their 14-day free trial at no cost.
GoToMeeting offers three plans:
- Professional – Starting at $12 per month
- Business – Starting at $16 per month
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
With the Professional plan, you can add up to 150 participants to your conference calls, making it an excellent option for small businesses. You may host calls with up to 250 participants with the Business plan. The Enterprise plan, which is suitable for large businesses, allows you to add up to 3,000 participants to your calls.
Features
GoToMeeting offers the following features in all three plans:
- High-quality video conferencing
- Screen sharing option
- No limits on meetings with your teams
- No time limits
- Personal meeting rooms for employees
- Business messaging during calls
- Free mobile app
- Salesforce integration
- 24/7 customer support for users
- Unlimited conference call recordings and an easy-to-use transcript system
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4. RingCentral
RingCentral is a well-known company that has provided solutions for small businesses. RingCentral has a strong track record of supporting small businesses. Small businesses sometimes struggle to stay in touch with their teams and clients, leading to difficulties.
However, it has included all the features that a small business needs to overcome these challenges. Instead of using expensive tools, companies can make free calls with their app, where the host can add up to 100 team members for free and make unlimited audio calls. It also provides a VoIP phone service system that is directly connected to the Internet.
Pricing
RingCentral’s pricing is not a significant concern because small businesses can manage their needs with the free plan. If you need additional features, you can upgrade to RingCentral’s $20.00/month plan, which is affordable and excellent for conference calls.
Features
- The free plan is an excellent choice for small businesses
- Best choice for voice and video conferencing
- Quality network
- Affordable prices
5. FreeConferenceCall.com
If you’re looking for a robust conference call service at no cost, FreeConferenceCall.com is an excellent option. It supports your business with capabilities like online management, call recording, and calendar integration. If you can afford it, you can contribute a certain amount of money. You can meet face-to-face and share documents via desktop.
This website also has an excellent app for Android and iOS, with valuable customer support. If you’re planning a large business meeting, you can contact FreeConferenceCall.com to arrange it. With FreeConferenceCall.com, the host can add up to 1,000 participants to their conference calls at no cost.
Pricing
The basic plan costs $7 per month, while the professional plan costs $15 per month and includes a virtual phone service that allows you to text any number in the U.S. without any limits.
Features
- Robust conference call service at no cost
- Web management
- High-quality call recording
- Calendar integration
- Excellent app for Android and iOS
- The host can add up to 1,000 participants to their conference calls at no charge
- Virtual phone service
- Customizable hold music
User-Friendly App
In June 2021, FreeConferenceCall introduced a new desktop and mobile app. The desktop app includes screen sharing and the ability for the host to add or remove participants. You can also turn notifications on or off within the desktop app.
After the update, more cool features were added to the app, including Streamed Layout and Enhanced Meetings Lobby, making meetings easier to use.
Latest Feature
In August 2021, they added a new premium service called Huddle. This revised version offers customers a new approach to interacting with their colleagues. Huddle offers high-quality audio call services, screen sharing with co-annotations, and customizable hold music options.
6. Vast Conference
Vast Conference is my preferred platform for conference calling services. It provides an online interface via which you can manage all of your meetings. With this software, you may attend an infinite number of conference calls without having to schedule them ahead of time. The host can easily add up to 500 participants to a conference call, and Vast Conference’s network is second to none.
It also offers a free customizable greeting option, which is useful for business team meetings. You can extend your business meetings via this app, and its robust network has attracted users worldwide.
Vast Conference’s pricing is competitive, and it offers many features such as automatic call recording, screen sharing, and an online portal. You can access all these features with a premium Vast Conference account, which you can easily purchase by visiting their website.
Pricing
Vast Conference has two subscription plans: monthly and pay-as-you-go. With the monthly plan, you can make unlimited calls. Vast Conference’s plans range from $12 to $40 per month or custom packages.
The pay-as-you-go system may accommodate up to 500 calls, with everyone paying 3.5 cents each minute. The host controls who is allowed in and out of the conference call. Vast Conference is affordable for both small and large businesses.
Features
- Best conference call service overall
- Online portal option
- Free customizable greeting options
- Ability to extend business meetings using Vast Conference
Note
Please note that pricing information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information, but we cannot guarantee that the prices listed are currently the same due to inflation and other factors.
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Features of Conference Call Services
When choosing a conference call service, it’s essential to compare its features to determine if it’s right for your business. The following key features can help you select the best conference call service.
1. Caller Limits:
The first thing to consider when choosing a conference call service is the number of participants it can support. Some services support up to 100 callers, while others support up to 1,000. You should choose a conference call service that meets your business needs.
If you own a small business, you might want to go with a provider that handles fewer calls. If your company is expanding, you may want a solution that can handle more calls.
2. Secure Calls:
When selecting a conference call service, it’s important to consider whether your calls will be secure. To defend your company information, several conference call providers provide features such as passwords, encrypted data, and management permissions.
3. Call Controls:
Another important factor to consider when selecting a conference call service is whether it offers call control options. A service with call control options allows you to manage your calls using an online portal. Features such as screen sharing and call recording can be useful for businesses.
4. Call Recording:
Sometimes, team members may be late or unable to join a conference call. To avoid this problem, it’s helpful to have a conference call service that offers call recording. This allows you to distribute the recorded conversation to team members who were unable to participate in the call.
You should choose a service that provides high-quality audio and video call recording and allows you to download or share the recording later.
5. Mobile Conference Call App:
Some companies offer mobile apps for Android and iOS, making it easy for hosts and participants to join meetings from their mobile devices.
6. Integrations:
Integrations with tools such as Microsoft Outlook can simplify the scheduling of conference calls. Some companies offer these integrations, making them a good choice for business meetings.
7. Ease of Use:
Before selecting a suitable calling service, it’s important to check whether its basic features, such as scheduling calls, inviting participants, and recording calls, are easy to use. Whichever service you choose, make sure that all your team members can easily use it to join your conference calls.
8. Call Quality:
Before choosing a service, it’s a good idea to try its free trial to test the call quality. The best conference meetings offer clear and stable audio, minimizing problems during business meetings. You should not experience issues such as lagging or unstable connections during multiple calls.
9. Calling Tools:
Some software offer features such as the dial-out and Call Me options. The dial-out feature allows you to put your conference call on hold, while the Call Me option allows you to call your participants when the conference call starts.
Final Thoughts On the Future Scope Of Conference Calling
Conference calling has become an essential tool in the world of technology and business, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies have invested in work-from-home meetings to continue their activities, with Zoom being a prime example. In 2023, conference calling has had a significant impact on people.
Skype is another example of a conference call service that has attracted many employees and companies in a short period. In my previous job, all client dealings were done via Skype. During the COVID-19 pandemic, even foreign policy matters between countries were conducted through conference calls.
Neighboring countries preferred business conference calls over face-to-face meetings. Many UN affairs were conducted through online meetings, with representatives from each country joining to discuss and resolve issues.
As a result, the demand for virtual calling has increased, and the future of online calling looks bright. In today’s online world, people are reluctant to travel and prefer to conduct their business using their mobile devices.
In 2019, Dialpad, a well-known conference call service provider, introduced new technology features such as TalkIQ and UberConference. The increasing use of technology in online meetings is a sign of its bright future.
People Also Ask
Is a conference call a video call?
A conference call can be either an audio or a video call. Some conference call providers include video calling functionality, while others do not. It is a personal choice whether to choose a conference call provider that allows video calls.
How much does a conference call service cost?
There are various conference calling services that offer calling at different prices. Regarding pricing, there are two types of plans: Pay-as-you-go and monthly plans. In the pay-as-you-go plan, you pay by the minute, and with the monthly plan, you pay between $7 and $60 per month.
Selecting the cheapest yet effective service with excellent features is the best choice for both long-term and short-term businesses.
How does a conference call service work?
A conference call is a service in which a host can simultaneously join a call with multiple people from anywhere in the world. Many modern communication systems provide high-quality calling and paid services, which have benefited many companies. These communication systems provide dedicated local or toll-free phone numbers for teleconference lines.
What are the challenges of hosting a conference call?
Hosting a conference call can present various challenges, including:
- Technical difficulties
- Poor attendance
- Keeping participants engaged
- Time management
- Ensuring equal participation
- Recording and follow-up
These are some of the challenges that can arise when hosting a conference call. To minimize these challenges and ensure a good conclusion, it is critical to plan and prepare ahead of time.
