VoIP conference phones use your company’s internet connection for conferencing rather than a phone line. This offers businesses lower calling costs than landline systems and can also offer advanced functions like video calling. We looked at the best VoIP conference phones on the market and compared them based on features, pricing, and usability.
Some VoIP phone service providers recommend specific brands or models of phones. However, VoIP conference phones are more universal in their compatibility and can work with virtually any provider. One of those providers is RingCentral, which offers strong conference calling options, volume discounts, and a free 15-day trial.
Top 6 VoIP Conference Phone 2019
VoIP Conference Phones | Best For |
|---|---|
(Best Overall) Businesses wanting a feature-rich phone at a reasonable price | |
Companies wanting a VoIP conference phone with exceptional audio quality | |
Businesses with medium-sized meeting rooms wanting premium conference call features | |
Businesses with larger conference rooms wanting a phone with wireless microphones | |
Young startups looking for a low-cost speakerphone to connect to smartphones | |
Business owners who want a conference phone for team video calls |
Which VoIP Provider is Best For You?
How We Evaluated VoIP Conference Phone
Internet phone services use your company’s internet connection rather than a phone line to make and receive calls. Because they are connected to the web, they can offer features such as call recording, meeting invites via email, and more. Call quality should be clear enough to hear all dialogue during important business discussions. It is also worth noting that pricing can change for these devices depending on the retailer and current promotions.
We evaluated voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) conference phones based on the following:
- Price: We analyzed the cost of the conference phone as well as any additional components or accessories, such as a power supply, adapters, and extra microphones.
- Ease of use: Devices should be easy enough to use for workers of all technical skill levels.
- Call quality: Audio quality should be clear and consistent during calls.
- Call management: We reviewed each product’s conference call features such as call mute, block, and dial-in.
- Interoperability and connectivity: We evaluated how each conference phone connected to other components in a business’ larger communications setup and if any special adapters were required.
- Operating range: Business conference rooms can vary in size, so we looked at a range of microphone and performance specifications.
- Power supply requirements: VoIP conference phones can either be plugged into an outlet or offer a battery for wireless communications.
- User interface: We compared each product’s user interface on the phone itself as well as if the product offered web browser controls.
- Bluetooth compatibility: The ability to connect a VoIP conference phone with a wireless Bluetooth headset for hands-free talking was a feature we considered.
- Software integration: A number of devices support conferences over software, such as Zoom and Google Hangouts.
- Customer support: We reviewed each product’s customer support services and available technical support channels users can reach out to if needed.
Based on the above criteria, the Grandstream GAC2500 is our recommendation for the best VoIP conference phone. It has a great range of features, competitive pricing, and, because it is an Android device, has access to the Google Play store, which allows you to download apps to expand its capabilities. All of these create a great balance that provides tremendous value to businesses looking for a robust, customizable conference phone.
Grandstream GAC2500: Best Overall VoIP Conference Phone
The Grandstream GAC2500 is a highly customizable, flexible VoIP conference phone that costs around $449. It supports seven-way voice conferencing, HD audio, and a 4.3-inch touchscreen that makes it easy to use, while remaining competitively priced. If you’re looking for a feature-rich and modern conferencing solution that can be customized with apps and tailored exactly to your business needs, this is a great option.
Grandstream GAC2500 Pricing
Prices for the Grandstream GAC2500 are around $449, depending on the retailer you choose. However, you can also purchase the device for as low as $269 during sales periods, making it more affordable than other products we looked at. The device can be powered over an Ethernet cable, so no power adapter is necessary.
Grandstream GAC2500 Features
The Grandstream GAC2500 has a wealth of features that make it a good device for small businesses. It has a rated 12-foot pickup range, which is respectable at this price point. What helps this device stand apart is that it uses an Android-based operating system for its menu screen. This means you can download apps from the Google Play store and use conferencing apps such as Skype for your device. You can then make free calls within those services in addition to traditional phone calls.
The Grandstream GAC2500’s features include:
Interoperability & Connectivity
The Grandstream GAC2500 has the ability to connect to other GAC2500 units to extend the range of the microphone. You can also use the audio input jack to connect external microphones. It has USB connectivity, which allows a mobile phone or additional peripherals to be connected to the hardware. Additionally, its Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect to the internet and use a virtual conferencing call service like Google Hangouts or Skype.
Conference Call Controls
The Grandstream GAC2500 has a meeting scheduling function. You can schedule a call by completing a form on the digital screen. You can invite up to six attendees. From there, the phone will automatically call each participant at the scheduled time. Once your conference call is underway, you can add additional callers, mute all the players in the meeting, and block or eject certain callers from the call. This beats devices like the Yealink CP960 in this regard.
Call Recording
The Grandstream GAC2500 allows you to record calls and save them for later playback. Whenever you finish a call, the recording will be saved on the device automatically. You can also configure the device to automatically record all calls made with the phone. This works in a similar fashion to the other devices we looked at.
Setup & Ease of Use
Setting up and using the Grandstream GAC2500 is straightforward. It uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) to get its power directly from an Ethernet cord. When the device starts up, you’re taken right to the device’s dial pad to make your call. The interface is highly intuitive and offers a navigation menu with options to schedule conference calls, configure multiple accounts, and download apps from the app store to customize the conference phone.
What the Grandstream GAC2500 Is Missing
The Grandstream GAC2500 is a fantastic option for any business owner who needs an affordable, intuitive VoIP conference phone. However, it is running on the older Android 4.4 OS. This could be a problem in the long term, as some apps could stop supporting version 4.4 as they update. If you want a VoIP conference service with a more updated version of Android, we suggest looking at the Yealink CP960 instead. That device is running the newer Android 5.5 OS.
What Users Think About the Grandstream GAC2500
Users of the Grandstream GAC2500 say the user interface can be somewhat confusing to use at first, especially for those who are not technically savvy. They also complain that the angle of the CAT5 connector makes wired connections prone to kinks and twists. However, users love the phone’s call quality and its overall design aesthetic.
Yealink CP960: Best VoIP Conference Phone for Call Quality
The Yealink CP960, which costs around $475.90, is a VoIP conference phone that provides great audio performance, an Android-powered control panel, and 20-foot microphone pickup range. It’s one of the top conference phones recommended by OnSIP. What makes the CP960 stand out is that, according to many accounts, it has exceptional HD voice call quality, making it ideal for business users who want to have natural, clear conversations during conferences.
Yealink CP960 Pricing
Prices for the Yealink CP960 hover around $475.90, making it one of the more moderately priced devices we looked at. Pricing may require additional purchases. For example, it can be sold without a power supply, so you’ll have to purchase one separately. The costs for a compatible power supply range between $9 and $15.
Yealink CP960 Features
Like the Grandstream GAC2500, the Yealink CP960 offers an Android-based control panel. You can download apps for the device from the Google Play store just like you would with an Android smartphone. The phone also has call recording, easy-to-use buttons, a large directory, and expansion ports to extend the range of the audio.
The Yealink CP960’s features include:
Interoperability & Connectivity
Yealink CP960 has a few connectivity options that allow you to expand the capabilities of the phone. You can connect an expansion microphone, which extends the 20-foot range by another five feet on either side of the speakerphone. These microphones are often bundled with the phone depending on what retailer you buy from. You can even connect your mobile phone to use your phone’s calling and conferencing features through the Yealink CP960’s speakerphone.
Conference Call Controls
The Yealink CP960’s call controls offer the ability to add, block, mute, and invite users to upcoming meetings. Additionally, the phone has a feature called acoustic echo cancellation, which eliminates the echoes and feedback loops that occur when a participant forgets to mute their microphone on a conference call. This makes the call quality among the best out of any device we’ve seen to date.
Call Recording
The Yealink CP960 also allows for call recording. It has a USB port that accepts storage devices of any size for recording calls onto an external storage device. If you’re on a conference call and want those recorded, you can simply insert a USB drive into the port and the recording begins automatically. Call audio can also be stored on the phone’s internal storage, just like the Grandstream GAC2500.
Setup & Ease of Use
Using the Yealink CP960 works in a similar fashion to making calls with an Android smartphone. The phone’s control screen is even vertically oriented to replicate the feel of a modern mobile device. This gives it a more natural feel than other Android conference devices like the GAC2500. Even non-technical employees should have no problem making calls with this device.
What the Yealink CP960 Is Missing
The Yealink offers an Android-based control panel, which gives the phone a modern feel when you are using it. However, mobile operating systems become outdated very quickly, and there is no guarantee that Yealink will update the CP960 firmware for years to come. On the other hand, a non-Android based phone like the Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 looks and feels more basic, but is less prone to future obsolescence.
What Users Think About the Yealink CP960
Those who use the Yealink CP960 like its usability, and feel that it’s a great device and provides a lot of value. Some find it an attractive speakerphone and love the audio performance provided by such a small device. However, there are those who also say they have trouble downloading their favorite apps onto the device.
Polycom SoundStation IP 6000: Best Conference Phone for Average-sized Rooms
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000, which costs around $355.00, is a VoIP conference device that offers HD voice and PoE connectivity. The phone comes with call management options to add, mute, and block call participants. The phone’s microphone has a rated 12-foot pickup range, which makes it a good choice for businesses with average-sized conference rooms and a need for premium features.
Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 Pricing
At around $355, the Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 is one of the more moderately priced devices available. It does include a power supply, which most VoIP conferencing devices do not. However, the phone’s features are also a lot more basic than competing products.
Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 Features
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 has features such as HD voice technology to make your conference calls sound clearer and more lifelike. It also has a microphone that picks up sound from up to 12 feet away. There are also optional expansion microphones and support for lapel microphones if you need even more room coverage.
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000’s features include:
Interoperability & Connectivity
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 doesn’t have as many connectivity options as more advanced phones like the Grandstream GAC2500. For example, you cannot connect it to services like Google Hangouts for calls within that service. However, you can expand the range with additional microphones, or by chaining multiple phones together. The phone can also be easily programmed to work with either a VoIP phone system or a traditional phone line.
Conference Call Controls
The Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 is relatively simple and doesn’t have more than the standard set of phone features. You can put callers on hold, mute the call, and call other participants to join the conference. However, it lacks the ability to send meeting invites to employee’s email inboxes, like the Grandstream GAC2500 or Yealink CP960.
Call Recording
The Polycom SoundStation IP 600 does not offer any call recording functionality. If you really wanted to record your conversations, you could do so by using a smartphone’s voice memos app and putting it next to the phone’s speaker. However, this will result in much poorer audio quality than those found on competing systems.
Setup & Ease of Use
Setting up and using the Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 is relatively simple. It’s one of the most basic VoIP conference phones, and using it works in a similar fashion to using a desktop VoIP phone. It uses PoE for power, and once it’s set up, works very well with conference rooms of 10 feet in square footage or smaller. Using a physical dial pad instead of a touchscreen will either feel intuitive or archaic depending on your telephony experiences.
What the Polycom SoundStation IP 6000 Is Missing
The Polycom SoundStation IP 600 only has a 10-foot microphone pickup range, so it’s only ideal in smaller conference rooms or huddle rooms. If you hold conferences in large physical spaces and want all participants to be able to speak, you may want to consider the VTech ErisStation VCS754 instead. VTech’s offering offers a reported range of at least 30 feet or more.
What Users Think About the PolyCom SoundStation IP 6000
Business owners who have used the SoundStation IP 6000 feel that it’s a really good speakerphone that doesn’t overcomplicate the process with additional apps and features. Others feel that it provides excellent performance and love the sound quality. However, many customers say that they wish the microphone had a greater pickup range.
VTech ErisStation VCS754: Best Conference Phone for Large Rooms
The VTech ErisStation VCS754 is a VoIP conference phone that’s easy to use and can usually be bought for around $340.28. The phone has an excellent microphone range of more than an impressive 30 feet. It also comes with four additional wireless microphones to expand the conference phone’s range far beyond most similarly priced products. This makes the device perfect for businesses that hold meetings in large spaces.
VTech ErisStation VCS754 Pricing
The VTech ErisStation VCS754 costs $340.28 and includes everything you’ll need for your conference room, making it a more affordable option. It also comes bundled with an Ethernet cable, four wireless microphones, and a power adapter, so you won’t need to purchase many additional accessories for the device.
VTech ErisStation VCS754 Features
One of the more notable features of the VTech ErisStation VCS754 is that it allows for three different accounts and identities, which means you can have three different numbers for incoming and outgoing calls with the conference phone. It also comes with the basic call management controls found in other products.
The VTech ErisStation VCS754’s features include:
Interoperability & Connectivity
The VTech ErisStation VCS754 has a USB port that allows you to connect a PC-based softphone. This allows you to connect external accessories like headsets so that you can enjoy hands-free communication during conferences like you can with other Bluetooth phones. The detachable microphones are also a nice touch, as you can walk around the conference room with them and still sound clear and loud to conference participants.
Conference Call Controls
The call controls of the VTech ErisStation VCS754 are pretty standard compared to other devices. You can mute callers, place them on hold, or boot them out of the conference if you want to. However, you cannot configure the phone to automatically call participants at scheduled meeting times like you can with the Grandstream GAC2500.
Call Recording
The VTech ErisStation VCS754 does not come with any native call recording functionality. This means that you will not be able to save audio of your conferences for later reference. This is unfortunate, as the Grandstream GAC2500, Yealink CP960, and Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 all offer call recording features. However, your business phone system might support cloud recording, which can serve as a workaround.
Setup & Ease of Use
Setting up the VTech ErisStation VCS754 is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes. The packaging clearly labels all of the different components, and the included instructions will help you understand exactly how to assemble the VoIP conference phone. The dial pad is also programmable, so you can easily store numbers for all of your contacts.
What the VTech ErisStation VCS754 Is Missing
The VTech ErisStation VCS754 is a useful device, but it requires businesses to have a VoIP service in place in order to be useful. Many smaller teams may rely on their personal cell phones or a virtual service like Google Voice to make calls. The Jabra Speak 510 is an affordable Bluetooth speakerphone that can help cell phone and desktop softphone users make conference calls without needing a VoIP network.
What Users Think About the VTech ErisStation VCS754
Those who have used the VTech ErisStation VCS754 appreciate the detachable microphones that come with the device. With that said, there is frustration at the fact that the microphones can get lost easily and cost around $70 to replace. Still, most customers find it to be a solid VoIP conference phone.
Jabra Speak 510: Best Low-cost Conference Phone Alternative
The Jabra Speak 510, which costs around $149, is not a conference phone in the traditional sense. Instead of working as a standalone VoIP phone, the Jabra Speak connects to a desktop or smartphone via Bluetooth or USB cable. It can also connect to any VoIP phone with Bluetooth capabilities. This device is perfect for any young startup that is simply looking for an affordable way to turn their existing smartphone into a portable conference phone.
Jabra Speak 510 Pricing
The Jabra Speak 510 MS retails for around $149, although you can usually get it for less during sales. The USB dongle costs an additional $30 on Jabra’s website and allows you to connect laptops and other external devices. At this price, it is one of the most affordable products we compared.
Jabra Speak 510 Features
When compared with other products, the Jabra Speak 510 is extremely simplistic. In basic terms, the device is just a speakerphone that you can connect to a computer, a smartphone, or a desktop VoIP phone with Bluetooth functionality. The device even comes with a carrying case, which makes the small device extremely easy to take with you on business trips. According to the company, the device has a rated range of 300 feet, which is extraordinary.
The Jabra Speak 510’s features include:
Interoperability & Connectivity
The Jabra Speak 510 can connect to a telephony device either by Bluetooth or USB cable. Once the device is paired, it will amplify audio coming from that phone. You can speak into the device’s microphone to speak with the person on the other line. The device comes with a rechargeable battery with up to 15 hours of battery life on a full charge.
Conference Call Controls
The device does not offer a dedicated control panel screen, but it does come with clearly labeled, easy-to-understand call control buttons. On the circular bezel of the device, there are controls for muting the microphone, controlling call volume, starting, and ending calls. However, there are no dedicated conference controls for muting or booting individual conference members.
Call Recording
There are no native call recording features included with the Jabra Speak 510. However, you can connect the device with your smartphone. Because the Jabra Speak 510 is simply relaying audio from the phone, you can use a call recorder app like Rev to record all of your conference calls for free. This is especially ideal for cash-strapped startups that do not want to spend a great deal of money.
Setup & Ease of Use
Because the Jabra Speak 510 is essentially a Bluetooth speakerphone, setting it up takes just a few seconds. All you need to do is pair the 510 with your phone via Bluetooth. Once the two devices are connected, you are ready to start audio conferences. You can initiate conference calls from your phone and hang up from the 510 by pressing the red button.
What the Jabra Speak 510 Is Missing
The Jabra Speak 510 is a useful, affordable audio conferencing device. However, it is not a VoIP phone, so you will need to connect a telephony device to it. It also lacks native video conferencing functionality. If you are looking for a more powerful standalone VoIP conference device, we recommend looking at the Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800, which can be paired with a webcam for full video conferencing functionality.
What Users Think About the Jabra Speak 510
Small business users love the Jabra Speak 510’s straightforward nature. They find the device easy to use, and they also say that the audio quality during calls is excellent. Many users have switched over to the Jabra Speak 510 after being frustrated with more complex standalone VoIP phones.
Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800: Best Phone for Video Calling
The Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 is a VoIP conference phone that offers a 20-foot microphone pickup range, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 5-inch color LCD control panel running Android. What makes the device stand apart is that you can easily connect webcams to the phone and easily hold video conferences between your staff and remote associates. The device, which costs around $988, is great for teams that want to hold mass video meetings.
Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 Pricing
The Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 costs around $988 from most retailers. There is also a collaboration kit with the phone, a wireless receiver, and a webcam available for an average price of $1,879. This is one of the most expensive VoIP conferencing devices on the market.
Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 Features
The Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 is similar to the Grandstream GAC2500 and the Yealink CP960 in the sense that its control panel runs on the Android operating system. This helps the phone be more user-friendly because it works similarly to a smartphone. You can also hook up webcams to it and use it for video calls over Skype or Google Hangouts.
The Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800’s features include:
Interoperability & Connectivity
Like most other handsets on the market, the RealPresence Trio 8800 can connect to other units to extend the range of the microphone and speakers. It also has Bluetooth and USB so that you can hook up components to it through those channels as well. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can download apps like Zoom for your video conferences.
Conference Call Controls
The Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 comes with a remote control that has several conferencing controls. You can mute all microphones, end calls, and control the zoom of your webcam if the camera supports it. It also has a dial pad where you can configure presets for holding calls. With apps like Zoom, you can mute and kick specific users from rooms with the touchscreen controls on the conference phone.
Call Recording
The RealPresence Trio 8800 allows call audio to be recorded onto a USB storage device. All you need to do is to connect a thumb drive to the phone itself and allow for recording. You can then plug the drive into your PC or Mac and listen to the audio file. You can also share it via email, Slack, or whatever other communication tools your team uses. This matches competing devices in terms of functionality.
Setup & Ease of Use
Polycom offers a wealth of documentation to help you set up the RealPresence Trio 8800. Online reviews also report that connecting webcams and other accessories to the phone is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. The phone’s control panel looks like a smartphone, so workers should have no issue making calls.
What the Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 Is Missing
The Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 costs almost $1,000 on its own, and the price goes up as you add wireless receivers and webcams to your setup. The device offers a wealth of features, but it is simply too expensive for most small business users. If saving money is a priority for you, then we suggest looking at a wireless speakerphone like the Jabra Speak 510.
What Users Think About the Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800
Customers enjoy the Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800’s features, and they say that the phone is very easy to set up and use. Several users specifically mention that they bought the phone for communications over Zoom and it has worked well for that purpose. With that in mind, a number of people who have bought the phone through Amazon have reported that they have received defective handsets.
Bottom Line
VoIP conference phones allow you to reap the benefits of VoIP technology in a conference room setting. They are more affordable than landline systems and allow for advanced features like video chat and high-quality call audio. Read our guide on setting up a VoIP system for more detailed information.
If you are looking for a VoIP conference phone for your team, we recommend the Grandstream GAC2500. The phone offers the best balance of features and affordability while also providing a modern user experience thanks to its Android-based control panel. Click the button below to order your GAC2500 today.
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