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In our research, we found that that the Polycom RealPresence Trio was the best conference phone for small businesses, offering lots of features in a stylish, sleek design. It's certainly not the only conference phone out there, though, as we found VTech VCS702 and Yealink CP960 also provide good packages while keeping prices a bit lower for businesses on a tight budget.
Between countless features and dozens of unique price points, a little information goes a long way in making the right call. To save you a bit of time, the list below provides a quick overview of the top 10 conference phones on the market.
Best Conference Phones Overview
- Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 – Best overall conference phone system
- VTech VCS702 – Most advanced sound detection
- Yealink CP960 IP Conference Phone – Best smartphone compatibility
- Polycom SoundStation 2 – Best LCD display
- Cisco 8832 – Best conference phone system for large businesses
- Snom C520 – Most flexible conference phone system
- Polycom SoundStation IP 7000 – Best conference phone system for midsized businesses
- Konftel 300IPx – Best smartphone app
- Konftel Ego – Most affordable conference phone
- Cisco 7832 – Best conference phone for micro businesses
Use the button below to start comparing prices for the best conferencing solutions today.
In 2023, it's safe to assume that your business is in need of some kind of conference phone system. With more and more employees working from home during the week, staying in touch with your team can be hard without the right conference calling software paired with a hardware option that will fit your needs.
10 Best Conference Phoness Ranked
In This Guide:
- 10 Best Conference Phones Reviews
- Why You Need a High Quality VoIP Conference Phone
- Different Types of Conference Phones
- Finding the Perfect System for your Conference Room
- Benefits of Conference Phones for Business
- Conference Phone Features
- Get Set Up with a Conference Phone System
- Best Conferencing Phone System FAQs
| Price from The typical lowest starting price. The lowest price available for your business will depend on your needs. | Core Benefit | Mic range | VoIP | Bluetooth | Noise Reduction | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RECOMMENDED  |  |  |  |  | |||
| Polycom RealPresence Trio 8800 | VTech VCS702 | Yealink CP960 | Polycom SoundStation 2 | Cisco 8832 | |||
| $370.64 | $244.95 | $809 | $297 | $1,250 | |||
| 5″ LCD color display | Detachable microphones | Mobile and PC integration | Easy to use | Supports up to 26 attendees | |||
| 20 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet | 7 feet | |||
| | | | | | |||
| | | | | | |||
| | | | | |
Finding the right conference phone for your business will depend on a number of factors – these include the budget you have at hand, the size of your conference rooms, and the number of models needed. Using the criteria above, our team of experts pulled together a list of the 10 best conference phones on the market:
1. Polycom RealPresence Trio: Best Conference Phone System Overall
Editor Rating: Price From: $370.64
The Polycom RealPresence conference phone is by far the most stylish piece of conferencing technology out there, and the feature-rich system will also exceed expectations with its high quality audio.
With a 20 foot pick up range, the RealPresence Trio is suitable for even the largest of boardrooms, and can aid collaboration between whole teams with ease.
Who shouldn't choose Polycom RealPresence Trio? If you're looking for an affordable, fuss-free conference phone, Polycom RealPresence's number of features and price point could be offputting.
Highlights
- Stylish design
- 5 inch LCD color display
- Polycom’s HD Voice & Noise Block
Key Features
- Integrated Bluetooth technology
- 360 ° microphone coverage
- 20-foot (6-meters) microphone pickup
- One-step-to-join meeting integration
The VTech VCS702 differs from a lot of its competitors in that the base station also includes two wireless microphones, which can be detached and placed around the room. This means that participants can be comfortably heard without feeling the need to strain to get closer to the main unit. These microphones charge when placed back on the base, and have a 12-hour talk time.
The base itself has one fixed microphone and a two-line backlist display, with the usual phone book and calling options you'd expect from a conference phone system. Without the removable microphones, it would simply be a ‘good' phone – but throw these into the mix, and it elevates itself to a model well worthy of your shortlist.
Who shouldn't choose VTech VCS702? If you don't plan on using this model's removable microphones, we'd recommend opting Polycom SoundStation 2 instead, as it's equally affordable and strong across the board.
Highlights
- DECT 6.0 microphones
- Duplex speakerphone
- Suitable for small to medium rooms
Key Features
- Detachable microphones
- Built-in microphone charging stations
- Backlit display
- 10-level volume control
The Yealink CP960 IP conference phone is designed for small and medium-sized conference rooms. It can support a radius of 20 feet for speakers in the room, which can be extended to 60 feet with the addition of optional wireless microphones.
The unit provides Optima HD technology, a built-in 3 microphone array, full-duplex technology, and acoustic echo cancelling to enable clear, lifelike conference calls. It also supports call recording and linkages to mobile phones or PCs.
Unfortunately, however, Yealink discontinued its Zoom integration in 2022, making it unsuitable for businesses that rely on the web conferencing solution.
Who shouldn't choose Yealink CP960 IP? Due to Yealink's Zoom incompatibility, the conference phone won't be a good choice for businesses wanting to integrate the service.
Highlights
- Call recording
- Connect to a mobile phone or PC for conference calls
Key Features
- Optima HD voice, full duplex technology
- 20-feet and 360 degree voice pickup
- Optional wireless microphones for 60-feet pick up
- Microphone blocking when person not speaking
- USB call recording support
The Polycom SoundStation2 delivers full duplex audio to suit small to medium sized meeting rooms. New features include an easy-to-read LCD display, and a 50% increase in microphone sensitivity over the previous SoundStation model. Participants can be heard from up to ten feet away.
The unit connects to a standard analog line or analog extension from a PABX.
Who shouldn't choose Polycom SoundStation2? Large businesses looking for top-notch sound quality and calling features would be better off choosing a solution like Polycom RealPresence Trio instead.
Highlights
- LCD display
- 50% increase in microphone sensitivity over previous model
Key Features
- Password-protected configuration settings
- Phone book/speed dial list – up to 25 entries
- Excellent sound quality
- Full 360-degree coverage
- Full duplex operation
- Digital speakers
The Cisco Unified IP Conference Station 8832 is a modern conferencing phone with a full color backlit display. It can support large meetings, and caters for up to 26 attendees with a microphone that can cover a wide area. Its design means that it is highly portable, and can be easily taken from one room to another.
Another big plus is it works great with Cisco Webex, which certainly never hurts when it comes to video conferencing.
Who shouldn't choose Cisco 8832? Cisco 8832's steep asking price makes it inaccessible to smaller businesses in need of a simple conference phone solution.
Highlights
- Supports up to 26 attendees
- Backlit color display
Key Features
- Covers radius of up to 800 square feet
- Wideband G.772 crystal-clear audio
- Built-in encryption
- Shares OS with other 8800 series phones
- Easy to move from room to room
The Snom C520 is a business VoIP SIP conferencing phone, designed for any sized conference room. It offers excellent sound quality and wireless mic functionality, featuring built-in wireless microphone charging bays in base.
In fact, the best part about the Snom C520 is the flexibility. It truly can fit any conference room, as it's quite customizable, with wireless mics available for easy connecting. And with the charging base built in, you don't have to worry about whether or not they actually work.
Who shouldn't choose Snom C520? Snom C520 is a solid all-rounder, but won't be able to meet the needs of businesses in need of advanced capabilities like 360° mic coverage and HD noise blocking.
Highlights
- Call recording feature in development
- Works with any SIP-based IP PBX.
- Built in charging base for wireless mics
Key Features
- OmniSound full duplex broadband sound technology
- Wireless expansion for up to 27 participants
- Supports 3 way conferencing
- Supports Bluetooth connectivity
- Automatic gain control
7. Polycom SoundStation IP 7000: Best Conference Phone System for Midsized Businesses
Editor Rating: Price: $278
The Polycom SoundStation IP 7000 conference phone is designed for midsize conference rooms. It delivers high fidelity audio from 160 HZ to 22 kHz – designed to best capture the high and low frequency of the human voice – meaning that your colleagues will sound as though they're in the room with you.
Plus, built-in security features mean that calls are protected, no matter who you're calling or where from.
Who shouldn't choose Polycom Soundstation IP 7000? While this Polycom Soundstation model offers advanced features, it lacks smartphone capability – making it unsuitable for businesses that communicate using their personal devices.
Highlights
- Full duplex technology
- Compatible with a broad array of SIP call platforms
- Optional expansion microphones and support for lapel microphones
Key Features
- Polycom HD Voice technology, for high-fidelity calls
- Patented Polycom Acoustic Clarity technology
- Automatic microphone gain control
- Advanced call handing, security, and provisioning features
- High-resolution display
- Integrated Power over Ethernet
The Konftel 300IPx is bound to impress any visitors you have in your team meeting, as it's compatible with your smartphone and can actually be controlled with a dedicated app. Callers can use their smartphone address book to make calls, as well as adjusting the volume, muting the phone, and controlling other features all from the app. This means less of that awkward leaning across the table to hit buttons mid call.
The Konftel 300IPx can also grow as your business grows, thanks to its ability to accommodate additional microphones, wireless headsets, and PA systems.
In addition, users can use the SD card slot to record and store meetings for archiving or note taking purposes.
Who shouldn't choose Konftel 300IPx? Konftel's model may be a bit pricey for businesses that can do without perks like a smartphone app and USB connectivity.
Highlights
- Compatible app
- Serves meetings of 20+ participants
- One touch functionality
Key Features
- USB connection
- Built-in bridging function
- Omnisound with HD audio
The Konftel Ego is something of an outlier in this list, being the smallest – and cheapest – conference phone that we've included. Its diminutive size makes it a perfect travel companion, and even the smallest office can make space for it.
It's a great solution for those looking to communicate outside of the office who still need a conference phone solution, and it's so flexible it can be easily used pretty much anywhere, such as in a car or a corner of a hotel foyer. It's battery-powered too, meaning it really can be set up wherever your team happens to be.
However, its small size means it's only really suitable for teams of six or fewer.
Who shouldn't choose Konftel Ego? Due to the model's limited feature set and audio range, it wouldn't be a good option for larger businesses with specific needs.
Highlights
- Palm-sized design
- Context sensitive light display
- Collaborative tools intergration
Key Features
- USB/Bluetooth connection
- Omnisound with HD audio
- Battery powered
- 3.5 mm headphone port
The Cisco 7832 is aimed at smaller offices, with a range of around 7 feet when speaking at normal volume. It boasts four internal microphones and 360 degree coverage, meaning that no corner of the meeting room should go unheard.
The setup is simple and the interface on the device itself is straightforward, with a large mute button front and center to enable some quiet time when you want to take the discussion off air.
In terms of features, this model doesn't do much beyond what you'd expect, but it is a good, honest entry-level conference phone for small businesses.
Who shouldn't choose Cisco 7832? Due to this conference phone's limited audio range, it won't be a great choice for large office spaces.
Highlights
- Entry-level cost
- 360 degree microphone
- HD audio
Key Features
- Duplex speakerphone
- 4 internal microphones
- Monochrome LED display
Why You Need a High Quality VoIP Conference Phone
Conference phones offer a streamlined way to connect with team members and clients from anywhere in the world. However, they face a unique set of challenges that are different from mainstream phone technology. For one thing, regular phones are not designed for people talking several feet away from the microphone in rooms with an echo.
The technologies used in advanced conference call systems have developed well ahead of the audio technology used in the mainstream mobile and telecom industry. The best conference phones today provide HD voice and use specialized high quality microphones. They can handle echo cancellation, noise reduction, and full duplex, resulting in clear audio from conference phone speakers.
A well-designed conference phone system will improve productivity and the quality of decision making. Participants can focus on the meeting, and won't be distracted as they struggle to hear what is said, which will minimize the risk of misunderstandings. During important meetings with customers, it is easier to detect subtle cues or changes in tone of voice if the audio quality is excellent.
A hundred conference calls lasting an hour each with four of your staff will cost more than $10k (if they make $60k/year). The cost of good VoIP conference phones is minor compared to the salary costs of time spent in meetings.
To discover our best picks, read our guide to the best VoIP phones for small businesses.
Different Types of Conference Phones
There are three types of conference phones: regular speakerphones, standalone conference phones, and installed systems throughout the room. The units can either use traditional analog voice, or be VoIP conference phones.
Speakerphone
Traditional speakerphones are basically desktop telephones with an incorporated speaker. They usually have no echo cancellation, and only one microphone. They are designed for a single user sitting directly in front of the phone who sometimes uses it for hands-free calls.
Speakerphones are not built for group discussions, and if several people sit around a speakerphone, the sound quality from the conference phone speakers is often very poor.
Conference Phone
A conference phone is a single unit designed to operate in an open-air environment. It is a standalone device, but can be supported by extension microphones. They are as easy to use as regular phones, and are built to cover an entire room and all the people in it.
Conference phones incorporate echo cancellation and noise reduction – together with other advanced signal processing technologies – in order to reproduce clear sound. Wireless conference phones are easier to move around, but must be recharged. The market has developed enormously in the last 15 years, and there are many models which are suited to different needs.
Installed system
An installed conference system is built into the room. There are a number of microphones and speakers throughout the room, and some of them can be moved to accommodate different situations. Each component is controlled by a very sophisticated system that adjusts speaker outputs and microphone gain levels, as well as the other variables required to maximize audio quality.
The installed system’s advanced signal processing can eliminate problems that often occur in a larger room, including loudspeaker zones, feedback, multiple echo, and other difficult noise problems experienced by conference phone speakers. These systems are often integrated with video conferencing equipment, and the installation is usually done by a system integrator or A/V consultant.
Finding the Perfect System for your Conference Room
The optimal type of conference system for you will depend on the size and layout of your conference room. When selecting a conference phone, a lot can be achieved by improving the acoustics in the room before installation. Large windows or glass walls generate more echo, while carpeting, acoustical ceilings, curtains, or wall hangings will improve the acoustics.
Small Conference Room
In a small room which seats up to four people, the size forces the participants to sit close to the conference unit. This provides an optimal conferencing experience.
If a regular office is used, furniture and clutter will often improve the acoustics in the room. Conference phones designed for small rooms usually provide 5-7 feet coverage.
Best Conference Phone: Grandstream GAC2500
Traditional Conference Room
A mid-size conference room which seats between 6 and 12 people is more challenging than a small room. Participants are further away from the microphones, which makes echo and noise more problematic.
If you're in need of a medium-ranging solution, make sure it has the microphone and audio features to manage a larger setup.
Best Conference Phone: Avaya B100 Series
Boardroom
A boardroom is often designed more for looks than for acoustics, which can make using a business conference phone setup difficult. That is, if you don't have the right one.
There are installed systems that will get the job done, but some tabletop conference phones will work, if they have the right features and audio quality.
Best Conference Phone: Polycom RealPresence Trio
Conference Phone Features
Conference phones come with a wide range of features, and they can differ greatly from device to device. Here are most important features to look for when selecting a conference system.
Microphone
The quality and pickup range of the microphones is particularly important. Directional microphones will discard noise and echo coming from behind them, while cheaper omnidirectional microphones will pick up noise from every direction.
Noise Reduction
If you've got a loud office, or just want to make sure you enjoy crystal clear audio every single time, you're going to want to make sure your conference phone has some kind of noise reduction technology built in. Advanced signal processing for suppressing pickup of unwanted sounds is crucial.
Full Duplex Sound
Full duplex is another important feature. It will enable the participants to speak at the same time without cutting one another off. This ensures that the conversation can flow naturally without interruptions. It's far from a vital feature, but if you want to communicate effectively, it's a bit of a must.
About Our Research
A lot of work goes into catering these lists to your particularly business needs. Our research teams spend hours scouring feature catalogs and pricing pages to fully understand exactly what makes these tools tick, and that's certainly true when it comes to conference phones.
For all these conference phones, we focused on basics in our research, like features, pricing, and compatibility with other VoIP services. We also measured more granular criteria, like sound quality, room size, and how well the device works with smartphones.
If you want to find out how we do this kind of data collection, check out our research guide to learn about our in-depth process.
Get Set Up with a Conference Phone System
Now that you have all the information you could possibly need to make an intelligent decision about your conference phone system, the next step is right around the corner: finding out the price!
With our handy quotes form, you'll be able to get an accurate, customized price for your business. Join the thousands of businesses we've helped get set up with a conference phone system by grabbing a quote today.
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