Conference Calling Software
Video conferences are redefining the traditional approach to work meetings, providing high-quality, reliable technology at little to no cost. Videoconferencing software is easy-to-use, provides the freedom and flexibility to hold online meetings with HD audio, video conferencing, and screen sharing at any time and from any place, as long as you have an internet connection and a laptop, phone or tablet.
Popular Conference Calling Software
SkypeOne of the most popular applications to date, Microsoft's Skype can be used for conference calling for business and personal interactions. It offers a variety of calling plans for landline phones as well as cell phones around the world.
One of its best features is that you can add live subtitles and it can also be used in any browser. However, the free version has a 50-person limit, so if you wish to have larger calls you can hire their business plan. Their plans range from 70 dollars per year to 13 dollars per month, with a wide range of different features you can hire.
Zoom
Zoom is another very popular tool today for videoconferencing calls. It offers video calls, voice calls and chats all in one interface, and it works with most operative systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Blackberry.
It was founded in 2011 by engineers from both Cisco and WebEx and it is completely free. Calls do have a 45-minute limit and have up to 100 members in the call, so you can chat with your whole organization if necessary. Security features are a bit restricted, though.
Google Hangouts
Google's videoconferencing tool can be extremely useful. You only need a GSuite account to start conferencing, and you can meet with up to 150 members (although video is limited to 10).
You can use the tool in any browser, share your screen or download the app for iOS, Android or Chrome OS. It isn't actually free, because you need a business GSuite account, but it's easy to use and to schedule meetings.
Cisco Webex Meetings
This application offers several different plans from Webex Meetings, but in general the free version is enough for any small organization. It offers screen sharing and private chat rooms and you can meet with up to 100 people. You can sign for an account for free, be assigned a personal URL to manage your meetings and you can even store recordings you made.
You also get 1GB of cloud storage, an unlimited number of meetings of an unlimited length. It also has very high encryption, so your calls can be conducted privately and your information is kept safe.
Currently, 95% of Fortune 500 companies use this tool.
Free Conference
This free no desktop software is easy to use, very simple and has its own mobile apps. It offers an international dial-in option as well, and you can both text or hold video chats.
The downside of Free Conference is that it only allows calls of up to 5 people, which may be too little if you meet with a big team or your entire organization on a regular basis.
However, you can share your screen and files without any problem. The paid version provides high-end security features, video recording and call transcripts.