The 3CX telephony system is a popular VoIP-based phone system that offers several advantages, especially for businesses. Here’s why you might want to use it.
Hosting Option | Pro | Cons | Best for |
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Cloud Hosted |
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Small businesses that want a hassle-free, scalable, and reliable phone system without managing on-site servers. |
3CX Hosted (Managed by 3CX) |
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Businesses that want a hands-off solution with direct 3CX support |
On-Premises (Self-Hosted on Your Server or PC) |
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Businesses with in-house IT staff or specific security/compliance requirements. |
Since you’re running a small business, I’d recommend Cloud-Hosted 3CX or 3CX Hosted for ease of use and reliability.
If you don’t want to deal with hosting and maintenance, 3CX Hosted is the best hassle-free option.
Main PBX Features | 3CX SMB | 3CX PRO | 3CX ENT |
---|---|---|---|
Extensions | < 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Apps: Windows and Web Client, iOS, Android | |||
Phone Directory | |||
Headset Integration | |||
Call Parking / Pickup | |||
Call Logging | |||
Ring Groups | |||
Choose SIP Trunk | < 6 | ||
Auto Attendant | |||
Inbuilt SBC for Offsite Phones | |||
BLF Busy Lamp Field | |||
Multi-level IVR | |||
Voicemail Transcription | |||
Intercom / Paging / PA Announcements | |||
Integrated Fax Server | |||
VMware / Hyper-V / KVM | |||
Custom FQDN | |||
Custom SMTP Server | |||
MS 365 Integration | |||
Google Workspace | |||
Hotel PBX (Self-managed only) | |||
Video Conferencing | |||
3CX Link | |||
Polls | |||
PDF Sharing | |||
Screen Sharing | |||
Remote Assistance | |||
Whiteboard | |||
YouTube Integration | |||
Maximum no. of participants | 25 | 200 | 250 |
Live Chat & Messaging | |||
Live Chat | < 10 | ||
'3CX Talk' Link | |||
WhatsApp Integration | |||
Facebook Integration | |||
SMS & MMS | |||
Chat Reports | |||
Call Centre Features | |||
Call Queues | |||
Call Recording | |||
SLA Alerting | |||
Switchboard | |||
Wallboard | |||
Callback | |||
Barge in / Listen in / Whisper | |||
Call Reports | |||
CRM Integration | |||
Enterprise Features | |||
Call Flow Designer | |||
Hot Desking | |||
Scheduled Restore | |||
Connect Remote Offices (Bridges) | |||
Inbuilt Failover | |||
Start / Stop Call Recording Rights | |||
Custom IP Phone Logo | |||
Standby License | |||
MS Teams Direct Routing Integration (16SC+) | |||
Skill-based Routing | |||
Enterprise Features | |||
Voicemail Transcription, (8SC and up 3CX AI will transcribe free) | |||
Google Gemini Support, PRO - Voicemail Only | (VM) | ||
Open AI, PRO - Voicemail Only | (VM) | ||
Call Transcription | |||
Call Analytics | |||
3CX AI |
Already have 3CX from Packnet? Find out more about setting up your 3CX products.
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