7 Best Conference Call Services of 2024

In today’s landscape, the abundance of feature-rich conference calling services presents a challenge in selecting the ideal solution for diverse needs. Forbes Advisor extensively evaluated numerous factors to compile a list of the best conference calling services. Factors such as value, ease of use, available features, security measures, reliability, and customer support were meticulously considered. Each provider offers distinct advantages, so it’s crucial to assess them based on your specific business needs

What is a Conference Call?

A conference call, often referred to as a “con call,” is a feature that allows you to add a third person to your two-way conversation, transforming it into a three-way conference call. This third participant could be a manager, supervisor, or another colleague. It functions similarly to a warm call transfer: you inform the new participant about the call, transfer the call with their consent, introduce both parties and then decide whether to stay on the line or leave the conversation.

Now, let’s explore the features, pros, and cons of the 10 best conference call services available on the market that can suit your business needs.

Top 7 conference calling services

Selecting the perfect conference calling service amidst the plethora of options online can pose a challenge. This guide offers comparisons based on user experience, standout features, and pricing structures.

1. Nextiva:

• Renowned for reliability and functionality.

2. Grasshopper:

• Tailored for private audio conferences.

3. Zoom:

• Known for excellent video conferencing capabilities.

4. RingCentral:

• Offers exceptional service across the board.

5. Webex:

• Notable for its collaborative features.

6. Dialpad Meetings:

• Stands out with automation and AI functionalities.

7. GoTo Meeting:

• An ideal choice for smaller teams.

Nextiva

Nextiva stands out as a top provider in the conference call service industry. With eight points of presence (POPs) for their VoIP calls, users benefit from low latency and smooth, uninterrupted communication. This ensures that conference calls are clear and reliable, no matter where participants are located.

Beyond just connectivity, Nextiva excels in customer support. Their exceptional service is complemented by highly available data centers, which are designed to handle peak usage times without a hitch. This means that even during periods of high demand, your conferencing needs are fully supported.

Nextiva also offers a dependable corporate audio and video conferencing service. This can be seamlessly integrated into your existing communication system, providing a comprehensive solution for all your business communication needs. With Nextiva, you get a robust, reliable, and user-friendly conference call service that enhances productivity and collaboration.

Key features 

• Local Number: Obtain local phone numbers in Puerto Rico, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada to establish a strong local presence in key markets.
• virtual phone number: Access both local and international Virtual Phone Numbers (VPNs) to broaden your reach and facilitate seamless communication across borders.
• Caller ID and Tracking: Gain access to caller identification and tracking features, allowing you to gather crucial information about callers and monitor their interactions with your teams efficiently.
• Advanced Conference Calling: Utilize advanced conference calling functionalities such as call routing and call forwarding to streamline communication processes and ensure effective collaboration among team members.
• Call Management: Centralize your data and communications management through a comprehensive platform, enabling efficient handling of calls, messages, and other communication channels in one unified interface.

Pricing

Nextiva offers three pricing plans for business phone service:

Essential Plan

1. Monthly Rate: $30.95 per user
2. Annual Rate: $23.95 per user per month
3. Features: Unlimited voice calling

Internet fax

1. Toll-free local numbers
2.  24/7 customer support

Professional Plan

1. Monthly Rate: $35.95 per user
2. Annual Rate: $27.95 per user per month

Features:

1.  All features included in the Essential plan
2.  Unlimited video and audio meetings
3. SMS and email service
4. Team collaboration tools
5.  Business text messaging

Enterprise Plan

1. Monthly Rate:$45.95 per user
2. Annual Rate: $37.95 per user per month

Grasshopper

Grasshopper stands out as a top business and personal telephony VoIP service provider, making it an excellent choice for users seeking private audio conferences. Known for its user-friendly voice conferencing platform, Grasshopper allows users to customize their teleconferencing solutions to meet their needs.

Grasshopper’s teleconferencing service can accommodate up to ten participants per session. However, participants need help joining the conference call; the session host must initiate the call and send out invitation links to each participant.

For Grasshopper customers, the audio-only conferencing service is available at no additional existing cost. This dependable platform supports both Wi-Fi and VoIP calling, providing a professional communication solution that can seamlessly integrate with users’ existing landlines or cell phones.

Key Features

• Converts your voicemail messages into easily readable text.
• Local NumbersAssigns local and toll-free numbers in the US and Canada.
• Meeting Greetings Allows you to record professional messages to greet your meeting attendees.
• SMS Messaging This enables you to send text replies from your business number.
• Multichannel View Tracks your business interactions across multiple communication channels.

Pricing

Grasshopper offers three pricing plans to cater to different business needs.

Solo

1. Monthly Cost: $31 per month
2. Annual Cost: $26 per month (billed annually)
3. Ideal For: Small business owners

Features:

1.  Local and toll-free phone numbers
2.  Three extensions
3.   Business texting
4.  Call forwarding
5.  Voicemail
6.  VoIP and Wi-Fi calling

Partner

1. Monthly Cost $51 per month
2. Annual Cos $46 per month (billed annually)
3. Ideal For Growing businesses
4. Features All Solo plan features
5. Three phone numbers
6.  Six extensions
7.  Virtual fax
8.  Mobile and desktop access

Small Business

1. Monthly Cost. $89 per month
2. Annual Cost. $80 per month (billed annually)
3. Ideal For. Businesses needing flexible call routing options

Zoom

Zoom is widely recognized as the top conferencing call service for versatile use. While Zoom is primarily known for its video conferencing capabilities, it also offers excellent conference calling features. Users have access to two premium solutions: Zoom Phone and Zoom Meetings.

For those who require advanced conference calling functions, Zoom offers an Audio Conferencing add-on. This add-on provides access to fee-based dial-in and toll-free call-in options, file sharing, chat messaging, web-based conference call management, and DTMF tones, among other features.

Each Zoom user benefits from a dedicated conference line with a personal dial-in number, eliminating the hassle of time-consuming dialing and the need for conference ID numbers. This streamlined approach ensures a more efficient and user-friendly experience for all participants.

Key Features

• Host Up to 1,000 Participants: With the Enterprise Plus plan or the Large Meetings add-on, you can host video conferences with up to 1,000 participants.
• Advanced Background Noise Suppression: Benefit from advanced background noise suppression technology to ensure clear audio quality during meetings, minimizing distractions from surrounding noises.
• Dedicated Dial-In Number: Obtain a dedicated dial-in number allowing participants to join a meeting without needing an ID number, simplifying the process for attendees.

These features are designed to enhance the video conferencing experience, providing greater capacity, improved audio quality, and easier access for participants.

Pricing Plan

1. Audio Attendee Limit: Support up to 1,000 attendees who can join via audio.
2. Video Participant Limit: Host video conferences with a capacity of up to 1,000 participants.
3. Dial-In Numbers: Provide domestic and local in-country dial-in numbers, available for over 65 regions, to facilitate easier access for participants worldwide.

RingCentral 

RingCentral offers excellent video and audio conference call features, ideal for large-scale conferences. Clients can choose the all-in-one communication suite with the RingCentral MVP option or the standalone RingCentral Video feature.

The free RingCentral Video service enables scheduling meetings with up to 100 users for up to 24 hours. Each user receives a personal access code, a host, a single bridge number, and unlimited video and audio-only conferencing services.

RingCentral allows business users to conduct simultaneous conference call sessions without interfering with other ongoing conversations. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining seamless communication across various departments or teams.

Key Features:

• Mobile Apps: Access conference calls conveniently via Android and iOS apps.
• Host Touchtone Controls: Easily manage calls with mute, unmute, recording, and participant control options.
• No PIN Code: Join conference calls without the need for a PIN access code.
• Advanced Integration: Seamlessly integrate with popular platforms like Zendesk, Salesforce, and Asana.
• Automatic Meeting Recording: Automatically record meetings on demand for future reference.

Pricing:

RingCentral offers five pricing plans to cater to different business needs.

Essentials

1. $29.99/user/month or $19.99/user/month (annual)
2. Host meetings with up to 20 participants, unlimited calls, toll-free numbers, voicemail-to-text, and team messaging.

Standard

1. $37.99/user/month or $27.99/user/month (annual)
2. Unlimited meetings, access to Essentials features, 24/7 customer support, integrations with Slack and Google Workspace, unlimited internet fax and audio conferencing, and business phone numbers.

Premium

1. $44.99/user/month or $34.99/user/month (annual)
2. All Standard features, plus custom and industry-specific integrations, CRM integrations, and real-time analytics.
3. Ultimate
4. $59.99/user/month or $49.99/user/month (annual)

5. Premium features, unlimited storage, device status alerts, and comprehensive reports

Webex

Webex, offered by Cisco, is an ideal choice for extensive teams seeking high-quality conference call software. This platform ensures HIPAA compliance, prioritizing privacy and security in audio/video conferencing.

With Webex’s basic service suite, users gain access to a range of collaborative features during conferences. These include screen sharing, file exchange, interactive whiteboarding, and seamless communication with clients through integration with third-party software tools and applications.

Key features

• HIPAA compliance: Ensure the privacy of your clients’ healthcare data.
• Webex suite: Access 50-minute calls, in-conference collaboration, team messaging, scheduling, and more.
• Audio-video security:  Ensure the privacy and security of your video and audio calls.
• Webex App: Manage all messaging, meeting, and calling needs from one platform.
• Cloud storage: Securely store all conversation and correspondence data in the cloud.

Pricing

•  Webex does not provide pricing details on its official website.
•  Contact sales to request a quote.

Dialpad Meetings

Dialpad Meetings offers advanced AI-powered web conferencing features, including audio calling, team chat, and video conferencing. Users can easily host or join conference sessions via the Android or Apple app, Google Chrome extension, web browser, or phone.

One of its standout features is the built-in AI, which utilizes machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to recognize conferencing patterns, enhance user experience, transcribe corporate calls and meetings, and more. 

Moreover, the AI automates adjustments to video settings based on available bandwidth to prevent frozen screens. It also automatically generates meeting summaries and shares them with participants via email.

Key Features

• Call Summaries: Receive highlights, transcriptions, and recordings of conference meetings for easy reference.
• Built-in AI: Enhance meeting experiences with features like top video resolution, meeting recaps, voice recognition, and more.
• Smart Integrations: Seamlessly integrate with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Twitter, Google Hangouts, Google Calendar, and Slack.
• Free Custom Local Call-in Numbers: Provide participants in Canada and the US with local call-in numbers at no extra cost.
• Advanced Video Conferencing: Utilize whiteboarding, screen sharing, and automatic video resolution adjustment for a seamless experience.

Pricing Plans

• Standard 

$23/user/month or $15/user/month (annual) – Includes chat and web support, unlimited video meetings, MMS and SMS, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace integrations, AI-powered voicemail, and call transcriptions.

• Pro

$35/user/month or $25/user/month (annual) – Includes all Standard features plus 24/7 live support, open APIs, CRM integrations, global SMS coverage, local number support in over 70 countries, and more

GoTo Meeting 

GoTo Meeting is an ideal choice for small businesses in need of high-quality conference call solutions. Their services offer straightforward audio and video conferencing features tailored for small business teams. Users can host meetings with automated recording and transcription options, accessible on demand. While there’s no free plan available, GoTo Meeting does offer a 14-day trial for testing their conferencing services. With GoTo Meeting, users can schedule recurring calls, receive reminders, access free call recordings, share screens, send customized email invitations, and more.

Key features:

• InRoom link: Effortlessly invite team members to conference calls.
•  GoToRoom: Customize virtual conference rooms to fit your needs.
•  GoTo Meeting hub: Access basic analytics, attendee data, and both upcoming and past meetings from a central hub.
•  Automated meeting transcription: Automatically generate transcripts for meetings.
•  SmartNotes tool: Ensure transcription accuracy with the help of an automated meeting assistant.

Pricing:

• Professional: $12 per organizer per month (billed annually). Host HD conference calls with up to 150 participants and access features like screen sharing, dial-in lines, 24/7 customer support, and integrations with Slack and Salesforce.
•  Business: $16 per organizer per month (billed annually). Includes all Professional features with the ability to host conferences and meetings with up to 250 participants.
•  Enterprise: Custom pricing. Access all Business features and host conference calls with up to 3,000 participants.

Zoho Meeting 

Zoho Meeting is recognized as one of the top conference call services, providing a comprehensive suite of features that include audio and video communication, group messaging, CRM integration, and collaboration tools tailored for remote workers. In addition to its robust webinar capabilities, Zoho Meeting supports YouTube live streaming, allowing for broader audience engagement.

The platform also offers advanced features like registration moderation and can accommodate up to 1,000 participants, making it ideal for large-scale events. Recently, Zoho Meeting has introduced anonymous Q&A sessions during meetings, which is perfect for teams looking to gather detailed analytic and subjective feedback on business strategies and meeting quality. This new feature enhances the ability to conduct more interactive and insightful discussions, further solidifying Zoho Meeting as a versatile and powerful tool for remote collaboration.

Key Features

• RSVP and Reminders:  Manage meeting attendance with RSVP features and send automatic reminders to participants.
• Virtual Backgrounds and Remote Screen Sharing:  Use virtual backgrounds to customize your video appearance and share your screen remotely for collaborative presentations.
• Instant & One-Click Meetings:   Start meetings instantly with just one click for quick and easy setup.
• Conference Call Service:  Utilize robust conference call services for high-quality audio and video communication.
• Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 Integrations:  Seamlessly integrate with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 for enhanced productivity and workflow.
• Broadcast Messaging & Automatic Meeting Follow-Up Emails:  Send broadcast messages to all participants and automate follow-up emails after meetings to ensure continued engagement and communication.

Pricing 

•  Starts at $1.20 per month per host for meetings with up to 10 participants.
• Goes up to $360 per month per organizer for events accommodating up to 3,000 attendees.

FAQs

Q: What is a conference call?

A conference call, also known as a “con call,” allows you to add a third person to your two-way conversation, creating a three-way conference. It’s like a warm call transfer where you inform the new participant, transfer the call with their consent, introduce both parties, and decide whether to stay on the line or leave the conversation.

Q: What features are essential for conference calling services?

Essential features for conference calling services include local and toll-free numbers, caller ID and tracking, advanced conference calling options, call management capabilities, HIPAA compliance for privacy, and secure audio and video conferencing.

Q: Can I choose the right conference calling service for my business?

To choose the right conference calling service, consider factors such as value, ease of use, available features, security measures, reliability, and customer support. Assess your business needs and evaluate each provider based on how well they meet those needs.

Q: What are some advantages of using conference calling services?

Conference calling services offer several benefits, including increased productivity, cost savings on travel expenses, enhanced communication and collaboration among team members, scalability to accommodate different business sizes, and flexibility to add or remove participants as needed

conclusion

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, effective communication stands as a cornerstone of success. Conference calling services serve as invaluable tools, empowering businesses to seamlessly connect with remote employees, clients, and partners. With a diverse array of features and pricing plans available from leading providers such as Nextiva, Grasshopper, Zoom, RingCentral, Webex, Dialpad Meetings, and GoTo Meeting, businesses can tailor their communication solutions to meet their unique needs. Whether facilitating audio or video conferences, efficiently managing conference calls, or seamlessly integrating with other business tools, these services offer the reliability, security, and flexibility necessary to foster connectivity and drive productivity in today’s digital era.

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