| Best for | Free plan | Price from The lowest starting price for a paid plan. The lowest price available for your business will depend on your needs. | Pros | Cons | ||||
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GoToMeeting | Zoom | RingCentral | Webex | Google Meet | Lifesize | UberConference | BlueJeans | Skype |
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Overall conference calling | Beginners | Longer meetings | Larger businesses | Google users | Users that need hardware | International calls | Users that need customer support | Microsoft users |
$14.99/month | $14.99/month | $13.50/month | $8/month | $12.95/month | $15/month | $12-$16/month | Free | |
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Our research shows that the best conference call services on the market today are GoToMeeting, Zoom and RingCentral Glip. This is because of their respectively impressive sound quality, feature-rich platforms, and interoperability across devices and operating systems.
It's worth noting, however, that these three aren't the only options out there. The conference calling industry is heavily saturated with great options that fit a wide range of business needs, and we can help you find the perfect one.
Check out our list of the best conference call providers for 2021 below, or try our comparison tool for business communication solutions if you're interested in comparing prices for integrated conference call services, including video chat, instant messaging, and more.
Top Conference Call Systems for Business
Different businesses will prioritize different features and capabilities from their conferencing software. The top three services offer great all-around packages, but venturing out to examine all ten of the top performers might be worth your while as well.
Remember, while cost should be a major factor when picking out any conference call service, the goal isn't to pick the cheapest option: It's to pick the price that will ultimately save your business the most money. Once you know the service offers the abilities your operation needs, you can match that against the price tag to see if it's worth buying.
Tech.co selected and ranked the best conference call systems using five main criteria: The quality of the audio and video, the usability of the interface, the range of features, the availability of support, and the kinds of price plans offered.
Here are the best conference call services to consider for your business:
- GoToMeeting — Best all around
- Zoom — Best for beginners
- RingCentral Glip — Best for longer meetings
- Webex — Best for larger businesses
- Google Meet — Best for Google users
- Lifesize — Best for users that need hardware
- UberConference — Best for international calls
- BlueJeans — Best for users that need customer support
- Skype — Best for Microsoft users
GoToMeeting
Price: $12 per user per month
Free plan available: Yes
If you're looking for a reliable conference call service with years of experience and plenty of conference calls under its belt, GoToMeeting is the software you need to look into. Yes, we even recommend it above Zoom.
Since 1997, GoToMeeting has become one of the most recognizable names in conference calling, with 18 million users hosting 80 million meetings every year.
With HD video, clear audio, and enough helpful features to keep everyone on track, GoToMeeting is an industry standard for a reason. The simple interface, combined with an easy-to-use layout, makes it a no-brainer for everyone in the office. Most notably, this software provides unmatched compatibility with a wide range of devices, from mobile to PC to Mac.
The only downside is that GoToMeeting is missing a few advanced features that could really add to the conference call experience. You can't share videos and you can't take polls, for example. But if you can forego those things, it's cheaper than Zoom's equivalent service, and offers a high quality user experience.
GoToMeeting Pricing
GoToMeeting has three plans, all of which come with the same basic features. The Professional and Business plans can host conference calls with up to 150 and 250 participants, respectively. The Enterprise plan is for up to 3,000 participants.
| Price | Licenses | Participants | Time Limit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | ||
Free | Professional | Business | Enterprise | ||
Free | $12 per host per month | $16 per host per month | N/A | ||
1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | ||
3 | 150 | 250 | 3,000 | ||
40 minutes | None | None | None |
GoToMeeting Features
- Screen sharing
- Dial-in conference lines
- No meeting limits
- Personal meeting rooms
- Great mobile app
- 24/7 customer support
- Integrations with Slack and Salesforce
Pros:
- Try GoToMeeting free for 14 days with a no-obligation trial
- High quality audio and video
- Very reliable and secure
- Lower cost than competitors
Cons:
- Weak free plan
Zoom
Price: $14.99 per user per month
Free plan available: Yes
New to the conference call service game, Zoom has been turning heads since its founding in 2011. This reliable and easy-to-use software makes conference calls as easy as sending a link to potential participants via email.
Despite Zoom's rookie status in the world of conference call services, this company has shown that experience isn't everything. The easy-to-use interface, combined with the low price, fast install times, and plentiful features, easily makes up for any audio quality problems you might have and puts Zoom just below GoToMeeting as a worthy conferencing service.
Some reviewers have complained that the audio quality is not perfect, despite the HD audio status. In addition, the service has weathered some security issues that may give privacy-focused users pause. Other than that though, Zoom boasts one of the more affordable, comprehensive conference call services on the market.
Zoom Pricing
Zoom has a limited, albeit impressive free plan along with three paid plans that offer a wide range of different features. Take a look at its pricing table to understand even better.
| Price | Licenses | Participants | Time Limit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | ||
Basic | Pro | Business | Enterprise | ||
Free | $14.99 per license per month | $19.99 per license per month | $19.99 per license per month | ||
1 | 9 | 10-99 | Minimum 100 | ||
100 | 100 | 300 | 500 | ||
40 minutes | 30 hours | 30 hours | 30 hours |
Zoom Features
- Direct messaging
- Video webinar functionality
- Breakout rooms
- Screen sharing
- Gallery view
- Virtual backgrounds
- End-to-end encryption
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Broad functionality
- Free version available
Cons:
- Poor audio quality
RingCentral Glip
Price: $11.99 per user per month
Free plan available: Yes
RingCentral just added a new video conferencing platform that could give some of the more established providers a run for their money. Dubbed Glip, this new software allows for 24-hour meetings on its free plan, which makes it one of the best options for longer meetings in a small budget. Admittedly, this time-extension feature is temporary until July 2021, but it's a great perk while it lasts.
RingCentral Glip has a lot of great features when it comes to its paid plan as well. You'll get tons of cloud storage for meeting recordings, advanced analytics to see how your team communicates, and integrations with Microsoft 365 and Google Workplace to make scheduling easy.
Choosing an established VoIP provider like RingCentral means you'll have easy access to other conference calling and Unified Communications features, too, outside of just Glip's video calling. If you're looking for in-office conferencing perks for example, RingCentral recently announced a partnership with Logitech which should make for a smooth experience, should you upgrade to Ringcentral's Rooms product.
RingCentral Glip Pricing
RingCentral Glip keeps things a bit more basic than other providers, offering only two pricing plans, including its robust free plan. Below, you'll find out about how these two plans match up against each other.
| Price | Licenses | Participants | Time Limit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | ||||
Pro | Pro+ | ||||
Free | $11.99 per user per month | ||||
1 | Unlimited | ||||
100 | 200 | ||||
24 hours | 24 hours |
RingCentral Features
- Unlimited meetings
- Cloud storage
- Dial-in features
- Virtual background
- Browser functionality (no app needed)
- Integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
Pros
- Great free version
- No app required, works on browser too
- Integrates with Microsoft 365 and Google Workplace
Cons
- No analytics or single sign-on with free plan
- 24-hour meeting limit expires in July 2021
Webex
Price: $13.50 per user per month
Free plan available: Yes
Webex is a safe bet if you're looking for a seriously robust conference call service. You won't find more features in any software on this list, and its resources provide all the assistance you need to make it work for your company.
Any conference call service run by a company as large and as reputable as Cisco has got to have the technology figured out, and do they ever! This robust software is filled with all the added features you could possibly imagine, and then some.
Webex Pricing
Webex offers four different plans, one free and three paid. Here's how they compare:
| Price | Licenses | Participants | Time Limit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | ||
Free | Starter | Business | Enterprise | ||
Free | $13.50 per host per month | $26.95 per host per month | N/A | ||
1 | 50 | 100 | Unlimited | ||
100 | 150 | 200 | 100,000 | ||
50 minutes | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
Webex Features
- Screen sharing
- Multiple gallery layouts
- Cloud recording in MP4
- Breakout sessions
- Virtual backgrounds
- End-to-end encryption
Pros:
- Feature-rich software
- High quality audio and video
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Occasional bandwidth issues
Google Meet
Price: $6 per user per month
Free plan available: Yes
You can't deny that Google Meet is a great, convenient option when you need to talk to your team. But if you really need to communicate on a regular basis, you'd be a lot better off with a service that focuses on audio quality and solid connectivity.
As perhaps the standard for businesses unwilling to shell out resources for a paid conference call service, Google Meet certainly performs admirably for a free alternative. Its compatibility with Gmail and Google Calendars gives it an automatic leg up on any competition.
Free services have their limits, though, and Google Meet is no different. Connectivity problems run amok, particularly with video chats hosting multiple users, and there's no way to record meetings. Audio quality also suffers compared to the paid services, and any noise-cancelling technology is nowhere to be found.
Google Meet Pricing
Google Meet offers a great free plan, but you'll also get a whole lot if you opt to pay for the service. Take a look at how they differ below:
| Price | Licenses | Participants | Time Limit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | |
Free | Starter | Standard | Plus | Enterprise | |
Free | $6 per user per month | $12 per user per month | $18 per user per month | On request | |
1 | up to 300 | up to 300 | up to 300 | Unlimited | |
100 | 100 | 150 | 250 | 250 | |
24 hours (until June) | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
Google Meet Features
- Up to 100 participants
- Screen sharing
- Mobile app
- No recording
- Dial-in phone numbers for US and international
- G Suite integrations
Pros:
- Gmail and Google Calendar compatibility
Cons:
- Spotty connectivity
- Poor audio quality
Lifesize
Price: $12.50 per user per month
Free plan available: Yes
When a conference call service is trusted by the likes of Netflix, Yelp, LinkedIn, eBay, and Major League Baseball, you can rest assured that they know what they're doing. Lifesize makes conference calling convenient with secure lines, helpful features, and an award-winning app.
Not only will you be able to utilize video and audio technology to connect with team members, you'll also be able to save and share meetings with other coworkers, configure your calendar into the platform, and keep track of how employees are using the software with in-depth reporting. Plus, with 24/7 customer support, any issues that arise can be solved immediately.
While it's hardly the reason you're enlisting a conference call service for your business, chat functions in Lifesize do leave a lot to be desired. But again, that should be far from a deal-breaker. Crystal clear audio, stunning video resolution, and unmatched integration capabilities make Lifesize a go-to conference call service for any sized business.
If you're not already using a program like Slack and are looking for an added chat function with lots of features, you may want to move on. Otherwise, Lifesize is the video conference call service you need to succeed.
Lifesize Pricing
Lifesize offers a free plan and three paid ones. Take a look at how they match up against each other below:
| Price | Licenses | Participants | Time Limit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |||
Free | Standard | Plus | |||
Free | $12.50 per user per month | $14.50 per user per month | |||
1 | Unlimited | At least 10 | |||
25 | 100 | 300 | |||
None | None | None |
Lifesize Features
- Unlimited meetings
- High quality audio and video
- Single sign-on features
- Microsoft 365 integrations
- Cloud recording
- Real-time meeting insights
Pros:
- 1080p video and HD audio
- Interoperability across operating systems, mobile and desktop
- Integrates with Cisco, Skype for Business, Avaya, Polycom, Radvision, and Microsoft Lync
Cons:
- Unsophisticated chat function
UberConference
Price: $15 per user per month
Free plan available: Yes
Not to be confused with the popular ride-sharing app, UberConference is a basic, easy-to-use conferencing platform designed with everyone in mind. There are no PIN codes, no downloads, no added fuss to get into a meeting – simply create a link, send it around, and bam, you're set up with a meeting.
The free version of UberConference is quite comprehensive, but the paid version comes with a few added benefits, including custom call-in numbers, detailed analytics, international access, and a team management portal. Plus, you'll be able to customize your hold music, with Rick Astley's “Never Gonna Give You Up” as one of the options.
UberConference Pricing
Here are the features and limitations to expect from the two plans. Note that the paid plan limits participants to 100, meaning that any fast-growing companies may need to look elsewhere.
| Price | Licenses | Participants | Time Limit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | ||||
Free | Business | ||||
Free | $15 per user per month | ||||
1 | Unlimited | ||||
10 | 100 | ||||
45 minutes | None |
UberConference Features
- Custom call-in numbers
- Team management portal
- PINs required for meetings
- Robust analytics
- International calling for 50+ countries
Pros:
- Simple interface
- Customizable hold music
- Free version for up to 10 users
Cons:
- Use outside of Google Chrome is a bit dodgy
BlueJeans
Price: $9.99 per user per month
Free plan available: No
The whole point of setting up a conference call service at your company is to be able to actually communicate, and you can't do that without quality audio. This is where BlueJeans truly shines, as its audio technology is powered by Dolby Voice. This software is equipped with features like background noise-cancelling and consistent volume levels on any device.
Additionally, BlueJeans comes with features like one-click scheduling and easy screen sharing, so you won't waste any time when it comes to setting up meetings. You'll also be able to integrate apps like Facebook Workplace, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, and Slack for a more complete conferencing package.
Some reviews, however, have insisted that BlueJeans suffers from the occasional connectivity problem. To combat this, make sure you always have the most up-to-date version, as reviewers have cited this as the primary issue.
BlueJeans Pricing
For small businesses and individuals, BlueJeans has a plan starting at $9.99 per month, which can host meetings with up to 50 participants. An upgraded plan offers additional features and supports up to 75 participants, and an enterprise plan is available for large operations.
| Price | Licenses | Participants | Time Limit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |||
Standard | Pro | Enterprise | |||
$9.99 per user per month | $13.99 per user per month | On request | |||
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | |||
100 | 125 | 200 | |||
None | None | None |
BlueJeans Features
- Cloud recording
- Integrates with Slack, Zoho, Microsoft Teams, and more
- Screen sharing
- Branding and customization features
- One-click scheduling
- Background noise cancelling
Pros:
- Amazing sound quality
- Time-saving features
- Integration with Facebook Workplace, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, and Slack
Cons:
- Connectivity issues when not up to date
Skype
Price: Free
If you've ever video chatted with someone, then you've likely heard of Skype. This company is synonymous with conference calling, and provides a surprisingly comprehensive platform given its non-existent price tag.
However, while it does offer some unique features like AI-powered chatbots and compatibility with Alexa devices, the free package simply doesn't support enough users to be practical for growing business. For example, you can only conference with ten people at once.
Skype Pricing
Skype only offers a free option, so you'll never have to pay, ever. For a free option, Skype obviously does a great job of providing a robust conference call service. However, it's not a great option for businesses, as it doesn't allow many users or conference participants.
Skype Features
- Audio and HD video calling
- Up to 10 participants
- Call recording
- Live subtitles
- Screen sharing
- Cross-platform functionality: Works across desktop, mobile, tablet, Alexa, and Xbox
Highlights:
- Low entry cost
- Strong video options
- Dedicated apps
Key Features:
- Real time translation
- SMS messages
- Call forwarding
- Pricing starts at $3.59
- Calls charged after first 2000 minutes
Finding the Best Conference Call Service
There are a lot of aspects of conference call services that you need to take into account before you buy. Make sure to consider each of these factors before making a decision.
Free vs Paid
Free conference call services are good when you need a simple solution, fast. However, they often suffer from terrible audio and video quality, and offer few – if any – added features like polling and annotating. Paid services are designed for companies that really need to communicate effectively on a regular basis.
Audio and video quality
Having a good camera and microphone is one thing. But some software boast better audio and video quality than others. Make sure your conference call service can display at least 1080p video and HD audio to get the full experience.
Connectivity
Unless you want to endure dropped meetings and frozen screens, you need to make sure your conference call service has a reputation for reliability.
Feature catalogue
Depending on what you need a conference call service for, you might need to know exactly what kind of features are being offered. Many services provided added options like polling and annotating, often at an additional price.
Customer support and setup
Make sure to take note of the customer support options for each service, particularly if you're new to these platforms. Some offer 24/7 assistance, while others are a bit more hands-off.
Software integrations
Many conference call services can integrate with calendars, note-taking apps, and other software, helping them connect with your virtual ecosystem.
Device compatibility
Conference call services are often paired with mobile apps, but not all of them work on both popular operating systems. If you use iOS or Android exclusively, make sure your conference call service is compatible.
Benefits of Using a Conference Call Service
Conferencing call systems are some of the most essential services for many businesses, particularly for large and growing operations. While the best services aren't cheap, they'll more than pay for themselves in a variety of ways, not all of which are obvious. Here's a quick look at the main reasons why your conference call system is worth the price tag:
Lowered costs
Meeting in person can come at a cost. For any major event, those costs will include travel, food, and a venue. For run-of-the-mill meetings, a conferencing system can streamline even more, letting participants join from behind their desks at the touch of a button rather than disrupt their work to locate a physical conference room.
Better flexibility
When a workforce is given the option to work from home, conferencing systems are a great way to ensure that everyone shows up to the meetings they need to stay in the loop for. The best conferencing services can help participants join from any type of device, meeting them where they are.
A business doesn't need to have a fully distributed workforce to benefit from the added flexibility of remote work, which can keep employees happier and more efficient.
Increased productivity
If you've ever scheduled a meeting across departments or branches within a company, you'll know that it's a huge pain to match everyone's schedules, and all the time spent emailing back and forth about it can easily be a productivity drain. Granted, that issue won't be fully solved by shifting to online meetings – but it'll be a lot easier, since all attendees will only need to find a time that works, no matter where they are.
More communication
Making meetings faster and easier through business phone systems opens up another avenue of internal communication for businesses. Once staff adapt to the new, frictionless system, the increased speed may mean an increase in total communication as well.
Better notes
Assuming your conferencing service allows for recording, you'll be able to take fast and accurate minutes with the touch of a button. Some services offer transcription as well, giving you a written copy of who said what and when.
A greener approach
Conference calls are better on the environment, too. By skipping travel for huge conference events and streamlining its daily processes, your business's conferencing service will decrease its overall carbon footprint.
Verdict: What is the best conference call service?
If you're interested in setting up conference calling at your business, as part of a complete unified communications solution, the most important thing you can do right now is get a quote. You'll be able to get a better understanding of the costs of these kinds of services, and be on your way to a more comprehensive system. Compare prices in less than a minute, and find the best deal based on your specific business requirements, with no obligation to buy.
You'll be able to get set up with secure, modern business calling equipped with conference and mobile integration, and a whole lot more: A VoIP service can help your team make and receive simultaneous phone and video calls to anyone around the globe.
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