The dial mode you choose decides how much your agents talk and how your numbers behave. Predictive, power and preview dialing sit on a scale from highest volume to most control. Here's how each works and which to use.
Predictive dialing
Dials several numbers per available agent and uses pacing to connect only live answers, predicting when an agent will be free. Best for: large teams running high-volume telesales or collections, where talk time is everything. Watch: pacing must keep abandoned calls low (see outbound compliance).
Power (progressive) dialing
Dials one number per available agent. Lower volume than predictive, but far fewer abandoned calls because every connected call has an agent ready. Best for: mid-size teams that want volume with a lighter compliance footprint.
Preview dialing
Shows the agent the lead's details first and lets them choose when to dial. Lowest volume, highest control and personalisation. Best for: high-value B2B calls, sensitive accounts, or complex conversations where prep matters.
At a glance
| Mode | Volume | Abandoned-call risk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Predictive | Highest | Higher (needs pacing) | Large telesales / collections |
| Power | Medium | Low | Mid-size teams |
| Preview | Lower | None | High-value / sensitive calls |
Most teams blend modes
You don't have to pick one. A collections floor might run predictive on early-stage accounts and preview on sensitive ones; a B2B team might use preview throughout. A managed dialer lets you set the mode per campaign.