Phonesty vs Select Conferencing Reservationless Toll-Free Audio

Phonesty provides telephone conference calls and video conferencing, including sessions that combine telephone and web access. Its Free plan is free and is described for private use. Free lists dial-in numbers in the USA and Germany, unlimited participants under a fair-use policy, and an online call log covering up to three months. Dial-in conferencing costs 0 cents per minute, though participants pay their telephone provider’s normal fixed-line call charges. Premium costs $3.95 a month and is described for advanced private use. Professional costs $19.95 a month, billed monthly including VAT, and is intended for business use. Professional includes screen sharing, participant webphone access, scheduling, quick-dial entries, plenum mode and rights management. Local dial-in numbers are offered in 37 countries, but Free lists only the USA and Germany. Dial-out calls are billed per participant by the second, with rates varying by destination and network. Conference controls include voice menus; Professional adds a web interface, muting, disconnect controls and room locking. The FAQ says Premium includes MP3 recording, available to download for seven days.

Select Conferencing Reservationless Toll-Free Audio lets callers start an audio conference by dialing a toll-free number and entering a conference ID and PIN. Calls are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without reservations, and can run for an unlimited duration with up to 500 participants. Hosts can mute or unmute everyone, close a conference to new attendees by keypad, or dial out to participants. International toll-free and localized numbers are available. Enhanced recording and playback support MP3, WAV and CD formats. A self-service online Meeting Management Center is included, and Select says calls can be scheduled through Outlook. After a call, a summary can be emailed; calls can also be tracked by department or individual user. Live conference operators are available 24/7 during audio conferences. Select describes its voice platforms as secure and lists increased security features. The listed platforms are Android, iOS and web. The service is paid, with pricing on request; a free plan is not offered. Select invites customers to request a free trial of one of its conferencing services, but does not specify whether this product is included or state a trial duration.