Best Alternatives to 3CX for IT Pros To Consider

We all want our business voice platform to be easy to use and affordable. For many years, 3CX has been a smart choice for IT leaders. However, its maintenance overhead, platform security, and new pricing model can eventually lead you to explore better alternatives.

Maybe you’ve noticed that 3CX’s limited features, outdated capabilities, or lack of flexibility are holding you back. Issues like poor call quality, inefficient call center software, or lack of integrations with tools like social media can also slow things down.

We’ll outline several strengths and weaknesses, and then compare some of the best 3CX alternatives and summarize what they offer.

Strengths of 3CX

Before exploring alternatives, let’s first understand what makes 3CX a popular PBX solution. Its features and versatility cater to a wide range of business needs.

User-friendly PBX

One of the standout characteristics of 3CX is its user-friendly communication solution for admins, where much of the technical complexity is behind the scenes. It brings VoIP service, conferencing, and messaging together. This integrated setup eliminates the hassle of managing multiple communication channels, making collaboration achievable for teams. 

For a hosted PBX, it is easy to manage on the admin side and somewhat intuitive on the user side, but there are many options to configure before deployment. 

Flexible hosting

3CX supports expansion for both startups and mid-market organizations. 

It allows businesses to scale their communication systems without overhauling existing infrastructure, making it a practical choice for long-term growth. For instance, you can use 3CX with Nextiva’s VoIP phone service. 

You can also choose to host with 3CX directly or on-premises or on public cloud providers like Amazon EC2 or Google Cloud Platform. However, those have additional costs and technical requirements to consider. However, if you want the flexibility of maintaining your office PBX, then 3CX is a decent option.

Lower costs

Budget concerns are a priority for every business, and 3CX offers affordability. Its startup plan provides a free introduction to the software for up to 10 seats. Companies can save money through:

• Flexible deployment options: You can choose between cloud-based or on-premises setups, whichever best fits your business needs and budget. This flexibility ensures you’re not paying more than what works for you.
• Lower telephony costs: While you still have to find a SIP trunk provider, the self-hosted option is attractive if you don’t have heavy usage. This makes 3CX an appealing option for those considering platforms like Zoom or GoTo Connect.
• Reduced maintenance expenses: You can keep IT costs down thanks to 3CX’s straightforward setup and minimal hardware requirements. You don’t need a vast tech team to maintain a reliable communication system.

However, its new pricing model erodes some cost savings when you consider hosting, support, and licensing costs.

For businesses on a tight budget, 3CX is attractive. If your current contact center or call center solution isn’t meeting expectations, exploring alternatives like service provider integration or advanced API capabilities might be the next step.

Integration with popular tools

3CX works best with customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics, simplifying things for your team. Instead of jumping between different systems, employees can access customer data directly within the platform. 

These integrations save time and help your team respond more quickly and personally to customers. Automated features like interaction logging enable your team to focus on what truly matters—building meaningful relationships with your customers.

Based on our analysis, here are the top alternatives to 3CX that offer the flexibility, features, and ease of use your business requires.

Downsides of 3CX

Here are likely a few reasons why you’re considering a 3CX alternative.

Confusing pricing

While 3CX remains attractive when starting out, its pricing is confusing and not the best value for businesses that need a solid communications platform to power their company.

When considering 3CX, you have to select between 3CX Pro and 3CX Ent plans. The Enterprise plan gives you more flexibility over call recording, logos on phones, and voicemail transcription. That’s fine, but then we get to the concept of simultaneous calls as a factor in its costs. Depending on the number of user seats, 3CX only permits a finite number of concurrent calls. For instance, for 120 users, only 32 concurrent calls are allowed.

Then we have hosting to consider. Self-hosting is an option, but it’s an extra IT burden (and liability). 3CX provides annual PBX hosting for up to 120 users for roughly $828 USD (795 euros). However, recent feedback on Reddit suggests IT pros aren’t satisfied with it.

Lastly, you’re only entitled to one support ticket for roughly $104 or five tickets for $365. Generally, you’re on your own or asking for help on public forums.

Security concerns

In March 2023, cybersecurity researchers uncovered a supply chain attack targeting 3CX. The attack involved compromised versions of the 3CX desktop app for Windows and macOS, which contained malicious code designed to steal sensitive information and potentially provide attackers with remote access to infected systems.

The compromised software versions were digitally signed with legitimate 3CX certificates, making them appear trustworthy to users and security systems. The attack was attributed to the North Korean state-sponsored hacking group, Lazarus.

In response, 3CX updated its software and advised all users to install it immediately. They also implemented additional security measures, including new code signing procedures and enhanced supply chain security controls. The incident highlighted the growing sophistication of supply chain attacks and the importance of support and rapid incident response.

Additional IT burden

As organizations grow, so do their IT demands. With so many different hosted phone systems and contact center software available, maintaining dedicated PBX servers isn’t always the best use of resources. Additionally, virtually every other business application is hosted, so why not your business voice platform?

When you use 3CX, you’ll always have these concerns on your mind:

• Server hosting and configuration
• Procurring up SIP trunks and DIDs
• Security audits and pen-testing
• User onboarding and setup
• Regulatory compliance like E911, 10DLC, etc.
• Changing business needs (like call centers)
• Single sign-on user authentication

You have many better options for your business PBX available. Based on our analysis, here are the top alternatives to 3CX that offer the flexibility, features, and ease of use your business requires.

Top 3CX Alternatives To Consider

If 3CX doesn’t meet your needs, several alternatives offer better functionality, more transparent pricing, and superior tools for enhancing communication workflows. Here are the top contenders:

1. Nextiva

Nextiva is a strong alternative to 3CX that offers a versatile cloud-based communication platform for businesses of all sizes. Nextiva combines essential tools like voice calls, video conferencing, and messaging, making it a dependable choice for office-based and remote teams. With over 1 million users and billions of interactions handled annually, it’s a trusted name in the industry.

On Capterra, Nextiva scores higher than 3CX and has many more customers backing those ratings up.

• On Capterra, Nextiva scored higher on every construct vs. 3CX, with a 4.6 out of 5 rating.
• On Gartner PeerInsights, Nextiva is rated 4.6 out of 5 (664+ reviews), surpassing 3CX’s 4.2 scores (16 reviews).
• On G2, Nextiva is rated higher than 3CX across some noteworthy categories: meeting requirements, quality of support, and partner in doing business with over 3240+ reviews.

Pros:

• Zero installation, servers need to be provisioned, or IT hassles.
• Easy-to-use softphones are available and routinely updated.
• PSTN connectivity is included for every user with unlimited calling nationwide
• Enterprise-grade call routing and redundancy (automatic failover)
• Plenty of flexible customizations are available for admins and users
• Award-winning support is available 24/7, but you probably won’t need it.

Cons:

• No free trial means customers must commit to Nextiva without doing any hands-on testing.
• Flat-rate pricing may not suit businesses with light usage.
• Less appealing to those needing on-premises solutions.

Pricing

Nextiva’s pricing for unlimited calls nationwide starts at $30 per user per month, with metered SIP trunks available at $14.95 monthly. Depending on the plan you choose, features like call recording and SMS may be an added cost. While the lack of a free trial could be a drawback, the platform’s competitive pricing and rich feature set make Nextiva a strong choice for businesses looking for a reliable communication tool.

2. FreePBX

FreePBX is a customizable, open-source communication platform that works with various hardware. FreePBX is free to download, making it a cost-effective option. However, setup can be complex, and support is limited. This platform is ideal for businesses looking for a budget-friendly solution with flexible features like IVR and call management.

Pros:

• Free solution allows businesses to allocate budgets elsewhere.
• Compatibility with a variety of modules and add-ons makes customization easy.
• Extensive configuration options let businesses tailor the platform to their needs.

Cons:

• The setup process can be challenging for smaller businesses.
• Support relies on community resources that may lack immediacy and reliability.

Pricing

Although FreePBX is free to download, businesses should account for additional costs, such as:

• Hardware: Costs vary depending on business requirements.
• Paid modules and add-ons: Prices range from $39 to $349 each.

FreePBX offers a flexible and cost-effective communication solution, making it a strong option for businesses looking to scale while maintaining control over their telephony systems.

3. Incredible PBX

Incredible PBX is a flexible and cost-effective communication platform that supports VoIP, call management, and CRM integrations like Salesforce. With mobile app support for Android and iOS, Incredible PBX is a great choice for small and medium-sized businesses looking for customizable and scalable solutions.

Pros:

• Provides cost-effective solutions without cutting out important features.
• Offers options like IVR, routing, and third-party app integrations.
• Works seamlessly with Android and iOS apps.

Cons:

• It can be challenging to get access to immediate help.
• It may take time to master the initial configuration.

Pricing

Incredible PBX is free to download, but businesses should factor in potential costs for hardware, optional modules, or premium support. These additional expenses depend on your operations’ specific setup and scale, keeping overall costs flexible based on your needs.

4. RingCentral

RingCentral is a cloud-based platform that combines voice calls, video conferencing, messaging, and CRM integrations. RingCentral is easy to use, works with tools like Salesforce, and offers mobile apps for flexibility. While pricing can be tricky and setup takes time, its features and 24/7 support make it a reliable business choice.

Pros:

• Its dashboard is easy to navigate, even for new users.
• Its mobile apps for Android and iOS keep teams connected anywhere.
• Its support teams are available 24/7 to address issues quickly.

Cons:

• Multiple pricing tiers and add-ons can make costs confusing.
• Implementation can take up to 90 days, which may be too long for some businesses.
• Additional fees for certain features like call recording can affect overall costs.

Pricing

Plans start at $19.99 per user per month, and costs vary depending on your chosen features. Businesses can select tiers that fit their needs by providing features such as video conferencing, call management, or advanced integrations.

5. Yeastar

Yeastar is an efficient, cost-effective unified communication platform supporting voice calls, messaging, and video conferencing. It works with various VoIP providers and offers both on-premises and cloud-based solutions. Known for its customizability and integrations with tools like Salesforce, Yeastar is a great choice for businesses seeking flexibility and scalability.

Pros:

• Provides custom features to match business needs.
• Adapts easily as businesses grow.
• Supports third-party tools like CRM solutions for improved productivity.
• Offers savings you can’t get from traditional systems.

Cons:

• It can be challenging for non-technical teams to configure.
• It may lack some advanced functionalities found in larger platforms.
• Its customer support quality can vary depending on the provider.

Pricing

Yeastar plans start at $15 per user per month for basic features, with advanced options like video conferencing and call recording available in higher-tier plans that cost up to $30 per user per month. Flexible pricing makes Yeastar accessible for businesses without large upfront investments.

6. Vonage

Vonage is a cloud-based communication platform that offers voice calls, video conferencing, messaging, and CRM integrations like Salesforce. Vonage’s mobile app for iOS and Android keeps teams connected across devices. This platform is a flexible and scalable choice for businesses of all sizes.

Pros:

• Mobile app for on-the-go communication.
• Integration with CRM software and third-party tools.
• Scalability that suits growing businesses.
• High-quality voice and video calls.

Cons:

• Pricing can be higher than that of similar platforms.
• Hidden fees can affect overall costs.
• Setup may require technical support.
• Customer support can be inconsistent.

Pricing

Plans start at $19.99 per user per month, and advanced features cost more. Businesses should consider their needs to find the best value.

Choosing the Right Alternative

Exploring alternatives to 3CX can help you find a communication platform that better fits your business needs.

Here’s how the options we’ve ranked stack up:

1. Nextiva: The best overall cloud-hosted PBX. It’s perfect for businesses of all sizes that want an intuitive platform with call recording, IVR, and analytics.
2. FreePBX: A budget-friendly and open-source choice. It’s perfect for businesses that want control and extensive customization options, especially those looking to enhance their helpdesk and voicemail solutions.
3. Incredible PBX: Another budget-friendly solution. It combines VoIP, call management, and CRM integrations like Salesforce for small and medium-sized businesses.
4. RingCentral MVP: A reliable pick for small and medium-sized businesses. It combines VoIP service, phone calls, and instant messaging in one platform and provides seamless integration into tools like Salesforce.
5. Yeastar: A growing contender in the unified communications space. It works with a wide array of communication devices, offers on-premises and cloud-hosted services, and has a partner community. 
6. Vonage: A good option for teams that need flexibility. It offers unlimited calls and SMS and has a mobile app so you can stay connected wherever you are.

When choosing the best alternative, consider your team’s needs and budget, and decide how quickly you want to start using a new platform. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but these options offer great starting points. The right platform can simplify communication, improve collaboration, and help your business run smoothly.

Is Nextiva a better choice?

Nextiva is a solid communications platform that combines IP PBX features like voice, video, chat, and text messaging. Nextiva’s simple interface makes onboarding a breeze, so your team can hit the ground running without hours of training.

For businesses focused on customer management, Nextiva offers integrations with tools like Salesforce to organize workflows. Nextiva also supports voicemail, call analytics, and real-time data tracking, giving businesses everything they need to manage customer needs. With plans starting at $30 per user per month and 24/7 customer support, it’s a reliable choice for businesses looking for transparency and value.

If you’re exploring 3CX alternatives, be sure to add Nextiva to your shortlist to compare. 

The Best Communication Platform

A reliable communication platform can make a world of difference. It might be why many firms are replacing their PBX in favor of a cloud-hosted one. It’s largely why Nextiva remains the industry leader and a favorite among technology service providers. 

It’s one reason why Shelby American ditched their old PBX and opted for the leader in business voice, Nextiva.

Nextiva improves collaboration, strengthens customer relationships, and simplifies day-to-day tasks. Whether you prioritize advanced cloud phone features, scalability, or seamless integration with existing tools, there’s an option for you.

Platforms like Nextiva, FreePBX, and Yeastar deliver features that help businesses work smarter and more efficiently. The right solution depends on your specific goals, from managing phone calls to streamlining customer service through tools like a helpdesk.

Investing in a solid communication platform is more than just a tech upgrade. It’s about building stronger connections within your team and with your customers and setting your business up for long-term success.

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