8 Best Free Conference Call Services for Small Businesses

Zoom Workplace is our best free conference call service, providing a comprehensive suite of conferencing tools at no cost to small businesses. Its free version lets you chat with participants, share your screen with annotations, and control another participant’s keyboard and mouse. It’s important to note that these features are typically not included in the free plans offered by most competitors (e.g., Ooma, Google Meet, and Dialpad).

In addition to these features, Zoom Workplace includes robust security tools. You can create waiting rooms to manage access or lock meetings to prevent unwanted attendees. The platform also allows hosts to enable or disable specific participant activities, such as chatting, screen sharing, renaming, and unmuting, helping to minimize distractions.

Zoom’s free version likewise offers access to third-party integrations. Connect the platform to popular apps like Google, Salesforce, and HubSpot for improved productivity. While Zoom tops our list of free conference call services, it’s worth noting that it offers standard artificial intelligence (AI) functionality. If this is critical to your process, consider Dialpad AI Meeting. Its proprietary AI generates call summaries after each meeting with a short recap in natural language.

• Zoom whiteboard: Use the online whiteboard to collaborate with other Zoom account users. Brainstorm efficiently with sticky notes, drawing tools, smart connectors, and comments.
• Translated captions: Eliminate the need for interpreters and third-party integrations with Zoom Workplace’s translated captions. The platform supports 12 languages, including German, Italian, and Japanese.
• Post-meeting survey: To simplify feedback collection, send surveys to attendees immediately after the meeting. This will lessen the need to gather responses manually and help you gain immediate insights from the survey reports.

Collaborate with remote team members via Zoom’s whiteboard. (Source: Zoom’s YouTube page)

If you need to host free conference calls for in-depth discussions, FreeConferenceCall.com is the best option. Among the providers listed, it is the only one offering unlimited duration in its free version. In addition to generous meeting length, it supports a large capacity, allowing you to host up to 1,000 participants in both audio and videoconferencing sessions.

Maximize collaboration by sharing your screen, chatting with attendees, and adding notes to your presentation. FreeConferenceCall.com is completely free, and businesses are encouraged to contribute any amount, though the default cloud storage is limited to 1GB. An additional fee is required for larger storage options of up to 40GB. For unlimited cloud storage for meeting recordings, consider top-rated services like Zoom Workplace.

• Meeting wall: This webpage acts as your personal meeting room. Share your profile photo, company logo, recordings, and custom meeting link, making everything accessible.
• Studio presentation: Record your presentation beforehand or an interview that can be played during a conference call. Share a link to the recording on your meeting wall to make it accessible to attendees.
• Broadcaster: Revisit previous discussions and events by replaying previous videos, audio, and presentation recordings. FreeConferenceCall.com displays the time duration and file size of each recorded meeting.

Start a meeting from FreeConferenceCall.com’s meeting wall. (Source: FreeConferenceCall.com)

Cisco Webex is the ideal free conferencing call provider when you need robust collaboration tools for meetings—featuring multipane view, AI-enabled reactions, and Apple CarPlay integration. These advanced features enable the seamless exchange of ideas and discussions among remote teams. The multipane view allows attendees to see up to 81 videos in the grid, providing visibility to more colleagues.

The provider’s AI tool automatically recognizes hand gestures and turns them into animated responses, removing the need for participants to select emoji reactions manually. For on-the-go employees, you may view and join meetings in your car via the Apple CarPlay integration. Unlike other vendors that require paid plans, the Webex free version lets hosts delegate to attendees the responsibility of managing meetings.

Unfortunately, like Zoom Workplace, Cisco’s meeting length is limited to 40 minutes, which is a deal-breaker for small teams. If you need to host longer meetings, FreeConferenceCall.com is the best option. This free conference call number provider lets you run meetings for an unlimited period, even without a monthly subscription.

• Voice command: Your Webex assistant can help you carry out tasks, such as creating action items, taking notes, and setting up meetings. Accomplish a range of tasks using just your voice and select words.
• Interactive polls: This feature helps increase meeting engagement and allows attendees to participate actively in the discussion. Launch quick pop quizzes and word clouds to measure attendees’ learning and facilitate ideation.
• Interactive whiteboarding: Brainstorm with colleagues using the Webex whiteboard. It features a pointer, pen tool, magic pen, eraser, and stickers, which can make sessions more collaborative.

Launch Slido polls during live Webex sessions. (Source: Webex)

Thanks to its AI-driven insights and transcriptions, Dialpad AI Meetings is a recommended VoIP phone system Voice-over-internet-protocol for smart automation. Its four main AI functions include automated post-meeting summaries, live and post-meeting transcriptions, and custom action items that enhance productivity by ensuring nothing is missed during discussions. For example, AI transcription can generate a client meeting summary and follow-up actions.

The platform offers HD videoconferencing, unlimited free meetings, and screen sharing from your entire screen, a window, a single tab, or files from a third-party app. Even with all these functionalities, Dialpad AI Meeting only allows 10 participants to attend a meeting if you’re on the free plan. If you need a higher meeting participant capacity, you’re better off with Zoom Workplace.

• Toll-free conference numbers: This allows participants to join via a toll-free number, which is ideal for participants without internet access. It doesn’t require scheduling—participants simply dial a shared number provided by the host. This service costs an additional $20 per number, monthly.
• Meeting countdown timer: Dialpad Meetings features a meeting countdown timer that alerts both the organizer and participants when a set time limit is reached. This tool helps manage time effectively, preventing meetings from running over and ensuring everyone stays on track throughout the day.
• Virtual backgrounds: With remote work on the rise, you may find yourself in less-than-ideal locations for video meetings. Virtual backgrounds are an easy way to disguise your surroundings, minimize distractions, and set the meeting mood. They can create a professional atmosphere or add a fun element, enhancing engagement and focus during your calls.

With admin permission, users can upload images to use a custom virtual background. (Source: Dialpad AI Meeting)

Google Meet is the best free conference call service for teams that regularly use Google products, like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, as it would facilitate a more efficient, seamless workflow. If your primary email service is Gmail, the Meet button is persistently available along the left sidebar of the interface.

On Google’s online document editors, the Meet icon is next to the “Share” button at the top-right corner of the screen. This lets you create or hop onto a meeting conveniently if you need to discuss the document you’re working on with other team members. When you upgrade to a paid plan, your meeting recordings on Meet will be automatically saved on your Google Drive. This allows you to share files with team members easily.

While this free online conference calling service is the best for Google Workspace users, you may find its integrations limiting. It only works well with Google apps, so if you want to connect your conferencing platform to other software solutions, Zoom Workplace is the best option. There are over 1,000 apps in its integration gallery.

• Live captions: Make your meetings inclusive and minimize misunderstandings by using live subtitles during a meeting. Google Meet’s translated captions are available in 20 languages and accents, including German, French, and Dutch.
• Adjustable layouts: Google Meet helps you see who’s speaking by automatically switching the video layout to display the most active participants and content. Layout options include auto, tiled, spotlight, and sidebar.
• Audio and video preview screen: Google Meet’s preview screen lets you adjust your camera, add virtual backgrounds, and test your audio before entering a live meeting session. The preview screen provides information about who is already in the meeting room.

Follow the virtual discussion closely by turning on Google Meet’s live caption.
(Source: Google Workspace Updates)

With GoToMeeting’s free videoconferencing plan, you can hold small-group meetings with up to four participants, ideal for micro businesses that want to keep discussions brief and on task. Free key functionalities include desktop screen sharing, clear audio, and live in-meeting chat for sharing links and asking questions. Mobile colleagues can hop into meetings using mobile and browser-based software.

As your team grows, upgrade to any of GoTo Meeting’s four plans and access virtual conference tools like meeting lock, which restricts access to verified call participants. It also has a wide range of videoconference and audioconference features, including keyboard and mouse sharing, screen sharing, drawing tools, breakout rooms, and a commuter mode for employees who want to join a meeting while on the go.

GoTo Meeting offers cloud recording and transcription features, making it easier to create meeting minutes. Its Call Me feature is helpful for busy attendees, automatically calling their phone when a conference begins. While GoTo provides a suite of products, including videoconferencing tools, some settings may have a learning curve for new users. Google Meet is worth considering for those seeking an easy-to-use solution with integrated UC and productivity tools.

• Call-in meeting: This phone audio option allows meeting participants to join a meeting by answering their phones. Save your number to automatically get a call the next time you host a meeting.
• Cloud recording: Document your meetings and store them in the cloud for easy access anytime. Simplify recording with the Smart Meeting Assistant and receive complete meeting notes.
• Chat: Chat right from GoTo Meeting and flow instantly from a meeting chat to a video or conference call. Update your status so your colleagues know whether you’re busy, available, or offline.

Use GoTo Meeting’s app to access features like business messaging and meeting reminders. (Source: GoTo)

Ooma offers excellent value with unlimited domestic calling, including the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, reducing business communication costs. It provides low international rates and two world calling plans, offering unlimited calls to landlines in 70-plus countries and mobile phones in up to 40 countries.

These plans make Ooma ideal for businesses with growing international needs. Ooma’s expansive global coverage and low-cost options stand out compared with other providers on this list. However, those looking for an all-in-one audio and video solution may find Ooma’s 100-participant virtual meeting limit insufficient. We recommend you consider Zoom Workplace or FreeConferenceCall.com because they have a maximum 1,000 participant limit.

• Android and iOS mobile app: Ooma’s free app allows users to make free domestic and low-cost international calls using VoIP on iOS and Android devices. The app is available for all Ooma users, provided their mobile device is compatible.
• Conference bridge: Ooma Office subscribers can host conference calls with up to 10 participants per user, making it ideal for both internal meetings and external discussions with clients or partners.
• Overhead paging support: Perfect for retail environments, Ooma’s overhead paging tool integrates with existing systems to broadcast announcements. Its plug-and-play functionality makes managing multicast paging through the Ooma Office dashboard easy.

Voice messages will be forwarded to a user’s email with an MP3 and the transcribed text. (Source: Ooma)

Among the free conference calling services listed here, FreeConference.com is ideal for teams that follow strict timetables because it offers various scheduling tools. For instance, it features a time zone scheduler, allowing you to see time zones in different cities and choose the best time for team members based in various overseas locations.

On top of the time zone scheduler, FreeConference.com automatically sends notifications to contacts 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting. Hosts likewise get special Organizer Reminders, sent 20 seconds after the first participant joins the meeting. One disadvantage of choosing FreeConference.com is that its automatic transcription is only available in the most expensive plan.

If you want robust AI tools in meetings without monthly charges, choose the best free conference call service mentioned here, Dialpad AI Meetings. It offers built-in AI post-meeting summaries, live and post-meeting transcriptions, and custom action items.

• Speaker spotlight: Let speakers have more real estate on meeting attendees’ screens to help them focus on what’s being discussed. Hover over the speaker’s thumbnail and click the “Spotlight – pin for everyone” option.
• Toll-free conference calling numbers: Allow the meeting attendees to join your meetings without being charged. FreeConference.com offers toll-free numbers in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Singapore.
• Breakout rooms: The platform supports up to 10 rooms, allowing you to divide meeting participants into smaller groups for intimate and more engaged discussions. The platform supports up to 10 rooms.

Put a spotlight on certain meeting attendees on FreeConference.com. (Source: FreeConference.com)