Even those businesses that were already working remotely before COVID may not be aware of what their options are for teleconferencing services in 2020.
Luckily, we know the best services out there today, and we’ve put together this list of six for you to choose from. We’ll cover pricing packages, features, and availability in this guide, so if you’re a small business looking for conferencing software, read on!
1. Vast
When it comes to teleconferencing services, you want something that’s both reliable and secure, and you’ll get both with Vast Conference. This popular teleconferencing service provides standard conference calling, video calling, and much more. Some of its features include:
- HD video and audio
- Screen sharing capabilities
- Operator-assisted calls
- Live streaming
- Webinar support
- Worldwide coverage
- Administrator tools
- 24/7 support
- Webcasting
Vast’s software is easy to use, and even includes a mobile app to download directly to your phone/mobile device. If you’re looking for an all-in-one service, you’ve found it. Vast starts at just $11.99/month per user for a basic package, and offers custom enterprise pricing packages for more specific needs.
2. Google Workspace
Google offers “Hangouts”, which is a more personal chatting/video service, and on the business side, you’ll find Google Workspace. With Google Workspace, you can use the tools you already know and trust from GSuite to integrate with your conferencing software. Workspace is quick, easy, and practical if your business already uses GSuite for email and sharing files.
Workspace includes:
- 24/7 support
- HD audio and video conferencing
- All the tools that come with a GSuite subscription
- Screen sharing
Workspace doesn’t offer nearly as many features as its competitors, but that’s only because it’s part of a larger package of tools with GSuite. If you want a GSuite subscription for your business, you’ll get Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Workspace, and so much more starting at just $6/user per month. Google Workspace is perfect for an established small business or startup.
3. Microsoft Teams
Teams is Microsoft’s spin on the conference calling industry. Despite the success of Skype worldwide over its almost 20 years of use, Microsoft started offering business-class conferencing tools to get away from Skype. First, it was Skype Business, but now, it’s Microsoft Teams. Teams is another subscription-based service that comes with a subscription to Office 365.
Teams features:
- HD video and audio
- Call recording and cloud storage
- Chat and live captions
- Total call control
- Scheduled meetings
If you want to start using Teams, you’ll need to sign up for free on Microsoft’s website. It’s free, but you can also opt for premium packages with more features. These start at just $5.00 per user per month, so they’re perfect for a small business budget.
4. Join.me.
If you’re looking for something less loaded with extras, Join.me is a web conferencing service that allows you to host a meeting right away simply by navigating to the website and clicking “host a meeting now”. This is great for businesses that don’t host a lot of conference calls and can’t justify paying a “per user per month” fee.
Join.me includes:
- Screen sharing
- HD video and audio calls
- Customizable backgrounds
- Better audio options
- Call recording
Join.me is used by thousands of small businesses all over the world, and is one of the more affordable options on this list. The Lite service package starts at just $10 per month, and includes service and support for up to 5 users.
5. Facebook Rooms
Facebook has always been a favorite tool for connecting with colleagues and friends and family, and in the wake of the pandemic, the company introduced Messenger Rooms to its already free chat service, Messenger. Messenger is a simple chat service, with video, audio, and text chat options. Facebook rooms simply expands this service to allow more people. You don’t even need a Facebook account to use it! You can host up to 50 people, making it perfect for a small business meeting or that long-awaited family reunion.
6. RingCentral
RingCentral might be the last item on this list, but it’s still worthy of a place among the best of 2020. This open platform service meets all of your communication needs, and can help keep your business connected while you’re working remotely.
Ring features:
- HD video and audio conferencing
- Business phone
- Support center
- Team messaging services
- RingCentral app
- Glip service (unlimited meetings)
Ring is among the most feature-rich conference services, and starts at just $19.99 per user per month. The ultimate package includes all of Ring’s features for just $49.99 per user per month; so, while on the more expensive side of things, RingCentral is still a good option for small businesses that can afford to spend a bit more on features.
