Every smartphone has a hands free voice mode built in, but let's be honest, speakerphones in smartphones leave something to be desired. Sure, then are hand when you are alone driving in a car or by yourself in a quiet office, but if you’re in a place with more than one person–or if you have several people talking to you at once on the other end–your smartphone's speakerphone isn’t going to cut it.
It’s time to pony up for a conference call speaker system.
I work from home and have been flirting with the idea of getting one of these systems in my office for as long as I can remember. The reason is simple: I hate holding a phone against my head for prolonged periods of time. It gets hot, it's uncomfortable and, depending on who you speak to, can be rather unhealthy.
For this reason, a Bluetooth conference call system is what's needed.
But what are the best options out there? Are they any good? What do they actually do? Aren't they REALLY expensive?
Thankfully, today’s technology has drastically reduced the price of dedicated conference call systems and wireless Bluetooth technology means you can use your existing smartphone to connect to most current conference speakers.
It also means you no longer need to have a dedicated phone line–or even a phone number–for a conference call. You can simply choose to conference call in using the speaker and any app that supports multiple line calls–like Skype, Hangouts, and more–right from your smartphone.
But which Bluetooth conference speaker should you get? We’ve put together a list of the best ones.
Philips WeCall Bluetooth Conference Speaker (I bought This One)
This terrific conference speaker features four microphones in order to pick up voices no matter where they are in the room. It also features advanced noise cancellation for clear sound, advanced echo suppression for smoother conversations, and advanced HD audio technology for natural voice processing.
Not advanced enough for you? The 11 x 11 x 3cm device include Bluetooth technology that will allow you to connect into virtually any smartphone (or tablet) on the market.
Buy the Phillips Wecall from Amazon
Harman/Kardon Esquire Mini Slimline Portable Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker System
While most conference speakers come in a respectable office black, Harman/Kardon knows some businesses might want a little splash of color in their conference speakers.
That's why the Esquire Mini Slimline comes in black, gold, gray, white, or brown offerings. Besides that, the 20 x 12.7 x 20cm speaker obviously offers incredible sound quality (being HK, of course) as well as a built-in mic.
Buy the Harman/Kardon Esquire Mini from Amazon
Konftel Ego Portable Conference Speakerphone
The Konftel Ego rightly deserves to have an ego. This 14.5 x 13.5 x 3.2cm conference system features the company’s patented OmniSound audio technology, which promises crystal-clear full-duplex audio in both directions.
A hypersensitive microphone with 360 degree audio pickup and speakers makes sure everyone on both ends can both hear and be heard.
A nice feature of the Ego is that in addition to Bluetooth it also features NFC, so you can connect either way you want. Best of all, the Konftel Ego works with Skype for Business, Cisco Jabber, Avaya Communicator and all leading conference applications.
Buy the Konftel Ego from Amazon
Plantronics Calisto P620 Wireless Bluetooth UC Speakerphone
The Plantronics Calisto P620 features a killer design in a 3.2 x 10.1 x 10.1cm package. Weighing only 209 grams, the P620 is the very definition of portable.
The built in top facing indicators are extra handy–like the red flashing LED light to let you know if you are muted or not. With a built-in battery that lasts up to 7 hours of wireless talk time or up to 5 days of standby time, the P620 will get you through an entire work day on a single charge.
What’s more is it also includes a Bluetooth mini USB adapter you can quickly plug into any desktop PC that may not have Bluetooth already, so you can use the P620 with it.
Buy the Plantronics Calisto P620 from Amazon
Jabra SPEAK 510
The Jabra SPEAK 510 is a great mid-range option for those looking for a cost-effective solution. It’s round design makes its top facing buttons and indicators accessible to everyone in the room.
Measuring 10 x 13 x 10cm, not only does the Jabra SPEAK 510 connect to your smartphone, tablet, Mac, or PC using Bluetooth, it also offers plug and play support via USB.
The 510 is also fully compatible with Skype for Business (formerly Microsoft Lync).
Buy the Jabra SPEAK 510 from Amazon
iQualTech Bluetooth Speakers with Handsfree Mic
iQualTech’s Bluetooth speakers are a welcome change in the design department for conference systems. Eschewing the round, flat design of most speakers, these 5.8 x 20.8 x 5.8cm puppies take a pill-shaped form factor.
What’s really nice about these speakers is that thanks to iQualTech’s XP+ technology, you can pair two iQualTech Bluetooth Speakers together to give you enhanced multi-channel surround sound. They work with any smartphone, tablet, Mac, or PC devices that have Bluetooth.
