Contrary to what you might believe, such conference call platforms are not only useful for connecting with colleagues and employees. They go beyond that, especially if you are the type to host an audio conference for large groups.

Apps like grptalk benefit organisations both in their day-to-day communications and for other needs, such as:

•  Virtual events
•  Virtual surveys
•  Recruitment
•  Teleseminars

So do you see why your business would benefit from subscribing to such a platform if it’s the right fit for your needs?

That is why it’s essential to compare and contrast the best conferencing services out there, so you can easily make up your mind. Keep reading below to understand what options you have when planning conference calls for large groups.

What are the key features enabling audio conferences for large groups?

New age conference call services don’t require bridge calling or operators. 

So whether you are new to using audio conferencing apps or are considering a switch, here are some factors worth considering.

1. Connectivity speeds

Speed of connectivity is of vital importance because time is money. With a good conference call service, you could have 10, 100 or up to 1000 participants on a call and connecting them would be just as seamless. 

Therefore, keep an eye on the timer. A reliable conference call system, therefore, should be able to connect all participants in a lot less than a minute.

2. Call controls

When selecting a suitable audio conference service for large groups, you should look beyond the ordinary features of adding and muting participants. 

The best conference call systems should allow you to record calls, download recordings, run polls, and create sub-accounts.

3. Web access

Apart from in-call controls, you’ll need host web access to achieve a lot more with your conference calls.

So ensure that the app allows you access to its web interface so as to easily add, import, track, and analyse multiple calls and contacts. 

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Explore all the necessary fundamentals and benefits of audio conferencing

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Furthermore, you should also look for the following capabilities: 

• Hosts an audio conference for large groups of participants who can join without internet connectivity and on all types of landline and mobile phones devices
• Generates detailed reports for all your calls
• Offers crystal clear audio quality regardless of participant numbers
• Connects without the need of an operator 
• Accessible without investments in expensive hardware and software solutions 

10 best apps for hosting an audio conference for large groups

So, without further ado, let’s jump into the best conference call services for large groups:

1. grptalk 

grptalk is fast becoming a well-known app in India for banks, agri-industry corporations, as well as political and religious institutions. 

It owes its success to its ability to host an audio conference for large groups going beyond 10,000 people on a single call. And all of that in 30 seconds or less.

grptalk also offers the host the ability to conduct polls and close sales within calls.

Highlights 

• Crystal clear audio quality 
• Easy-to-use app that simplifies scheduling for conference call hosts
• Connects 1000+ participants in 30 seconds or less
• Web interface with extra controls and capabilities

Top features to consider 

• Participants don’t require an internet connection
• Allows dedicated account managers and sub-accounts to call management 
• Gives the host complete control over the calls

Cons 

• The current version is only available in India but will soon be pushed out to other countries. 

Pricing 

• grptalk offers custom pricing plans to its customers depending on their individual and business needs.
• Prices start from INR 0.99 per person per minute.  

Learn how to conduct grptalk audio conferences with this product guide 

2. RingCentral 

RingCentral is one of the most common conference calling systems that allows you to host an audio conference for large groups of up to 1,000 participants all at once. 

Additionally, the app offers a complete UCaaS suite that you might want to consider for your business communication. 

Highlights 

• Fully-featured host privileges
• Easy to remember, dedicated local conference bridge
• Dial into 50+ countries

 Top features to consider 

• Allows voicemail for email collaboration 
• Works on both iOS and Android devices 
• Great mobile features with no extra equipment required. 

Cons 

• Expensive compared to its competitors

Price 

Price plans range from $19.99, for the Essentials Plan, to $49.99, for the Ultimate Plan.

The free plan allows 100 participants to hop on a call for 40 minutes.

3. GoToMeeting

If you are looking for a conference call service that offers a free trial period and allows you to host an audio conference for large groups, then GoToMeeting might be the one for you. 

You can enjoy a 14-day free trial with access to HD video conferencing. Once the trial’s over, you will have to subscribe to a paid plan. 

Highlights 

• Offers audio and video conferencing compatibility 
• No time limit for meetings on the paid plans 
• Integration with apps such as Salesforce and Slack 

Top features to consider 

• Allows dial-in conferencing 
• You can host private room meetings 
• Provides automated transcriptions for your conference calls 

Cons 

• Requires an additional hardware and software kit 
• Best known for small-scale or boardroom meetings 

Price

Standard and professional plans start from $12 per month, which allows up to 150 users, and extend to custom pricing depending on the number of participants, which can go up to about 3000.

4. FreeConferenceCall.com

Imagine hosting reservation-free meetings for up to 1000 participants. Yes, freeconferencecall.com lets you do that, but it has some limitations. 

Users have complained that it’s challenging for first-time/inexperienced participants to get on a call. Additionally, it also has a non-transparent policy. 

Startups are a prominent part of the platform’s user base. 

Furthermore, its free plan comes with ads that you have to watch before a call. 

Highlights 

• Breakout rooms for group discussions 
• Integration with Outlook and Google Drive 
• Both mobile and desktop app versions are available

Top features to consider 

• Allows screen sharing
• Allows call recording
• Enables web-based calling

Cons 

• The free plan comes with ads before a call can start
• It does not allow operator-assisted meetings 

Pricing 

$4 – $15 a month on a pay-what-you-can basis.

5. Cisco Webex

This conference calling solution allows participants to join both via the web and on a mobile phone.

Cisco Webex offers hosting controls, like conducting polls, along with video conferencing. 

Additionally, the platform’s webinar and webcast modes can host up to 100,000 attendees. 

Highlights 

• The special Call Me feature calls participants on their cell to join the meeting 
• Organisations use the tool for their internal meetings and video conferencing needs
• Offers crystal clear audio quality 

Top features to consider 

• The team platform allows you to collaborate with employees 
• A cloud-based content management folder helps save all your shared files on Webex
• Offers a dedicated number for your conference calling needs 

Cons 

• The host has to let people join a call by using the desktop version. 
• Different plans have different customer system support options.

Pricing 

$13.50 – $25 per month, per host. The plans start from the Basic to customised Enterprise Plans. A free version is also available; however, it has its limitations. 

6. Nextiva

Nextiva is a conference call service built with large groups in mind.

It offers clear audio quality and does that via a reliable VoIP (Voice-Over-Internet Protocol) or a HD video conferencing option. 

These are useful features to consider for large corporate setups that are willing to pay a good price for a reliable communication platform. 

Highlights

• Offers both voice and video conferencing services 
• A product for both internal teams and customer communication 
• Reliable data centres to manage heavy usage and content management 

Top features to consider 

• The auto attendant feature is ideal for large organizations 
• Call recording access for up to 6 months 

Cons 

• Expensive product compared to its competitors
• Allows unlimited calling only in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Pricing 

The Essential Plan starts at $18.95 per person per month, while the highest Enterprise Plan stands at $32.95 per month.

7. Vast Conference 

Vast Conference is yet another service ideal for audio conferences for large groups. It offers both reservation-free and operator-assisted services. 

In addition, you can host calls with up to 500 participants effortlessly.

Highlights

• Operator-assisted calls can handle up to 6000 participants
• Dial-out option available 
• Offers unlimited meetings and call recordings 

Top features to consider 

• Allows video conference calling and recording options 
• The host can share the screen with the audience 
• Offers both instant and operator-assisted calls 

Cons 

• No free plan is available 
• It allows for limited third-party app integration 

Pricing 

$11.99 – $31.99 per month (extending to custom pricing for Enterprise solutions).

8. Phone.com

Phone.com allows 10 to 500 participants to join on a conference call, which is ideal for small, medium, and large-scale enterprise use. 

Instead of a personal number, the host gets a toll-free number. The host can also use the web administration panel and make changes to the call setup.

Its most interesting features include simplified account management, syncing contacts on mobile phones with the conference call, and routing incoming calls to a single destination.

Highlights 

• Every plan has a free conference bridge with 500 participants 
• Compatible with Android and iOS mobile apps 
• It’s an all-in-one VoIP solution 

Top features to consider 

• Allows document sharing 
• Users get email notifications for voicemails 
• Allows use of Wi-Fi over any carrier network 

Cons 

• Poor support service
• Does not offer graphical assistance when call routing

Pricing 

Starts at $11.99 per month with 300 minutes and 1000 messages. You can also video conference with up to 10 people. 

Prices increase with more participants and minute consumption. 

9. ClickMeeting

Conference call services should be able to connect you with large audiences. If you are seeking a web conferencing option to connect to a huge customer base, you can look into ClickMeeting. 

It has a number of business use cases: online training, product launches, conducting interviews, and organising online events. 

Yet, it lacks other conferencing features that some products on this list specialise in. For example, GrpTalk has better call audio, with a dial-out option to connect 50k+ participants in a matter of seconds. 

That said, let’s look at ClickMeeting’s highlights. 

Highlights 

• It has a neat UI to make presentations. 
• Works well for education setups and small and large-scale organisations 

Top features to consider 

• Allows keyboard shortcuts 

Cons 

• More of a webinar tool, ClickMeeting works well with high-speed internet. 
• It can turn out to be expensive for someone not to host webinars on a regular basis. 

Pricing 

The basic plan starts at $25 a month, while it has custom pricing for the Enterprise Plan. Plus, it also has a free trial version.

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You should also read:

• Should You Choose a Free Conference Call App Over a Paid One?
• 10 Best Conference Call Apps For Business
• Mobile Conference Calls Guide For Dummies/Beginners

Are you ready to begin hosting secure audio conferences for large groups?

Now that you have a handful of options to consider when hosting an audio conference for large groups or handling large group conference calling, you are ready to make your decision.

grptalk offers several solutions, from event conferencing to managing international meetings. Read testimonials about how other organisations have benefited from grptalk’s features.

You can also book a demo and see try it for yourself.