3CX review 2026
How good is 3CX really?
80/100 points
kosten.org editorial team
Last updated: 2026-10-30
80/100
Points
Based on published terms and features
3CX offers maximum flexibility: cloud or self-hosted, any SIP trunks, open standards. The software PBX is particularly suitable for companies with their own IT department that want to retain full control over their telephony.
Highlights of our 3CX review
- Self-hosting or cloud
- Free Basic: 4 simultaneous calls, self-hosted
- Open SIP standards
- Integrated video conferencing
Table of contents
1 Features & telephony
26/30
Points
3CX offers all the standard PBX features: IVR, queues, ring groups, simultaneous ringing. In addition there are integrated video conferencing, live chat and WhatsApp/Facebook messaging integration. Mobile apps and the web client are modern. The self-hosting option allows full control over features and updates.
2 Voice quality & reliability
17/22
Points
Voice quality depends heavily on the SIP trunk chosen. With self-hosting, your own infrastructure determines availability; with hosting by 3CX, the provider does. QoS management is configurable. HD voice is supported. Scalability is a highlight – 3CX scales from 2 to several thousand extensions.
3 Integrations & administration
15/18
Points
CRM integrations for Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft 365 and more. The admin console is powerful but complex. REST API for custom integrations. Hardware compatibility with all common SIP phones (Yealink, Grandstream, Snom, Fanvil). Provisioning works well.
4 Security & data protection
13/16
Points
With self-hosting, all data is in your own data centre – maximum data protection. The cloud version uses servers in various regions. SRTP and TLS are supported. Fraud detection and IP blacklisting are integrated. With self-hosting, GDPR compliance is entirely in your own hands.
5 Price & plans
9/14
Points
With the 4SC Free Basic Edition, 3CX offers a free version for 4 simultaneous calls – but only self-hosted and without advanced integrations. Otherwise an annual licence per system applies, not per user (as of October 2026, according to 3cx.com, in USD excluding tax/VAT): for example 8SC Basic $300, 8SC PRO $395, 8SC AI $575 and 16SC Basic $600 per year. Hosting by 3CX costs extra (for example 8SC PRO $295 per year). Call charges are incurred with the SIP trunk provider chosen.
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
- Self-hosting for maximum control
- Licence per system instead of per user
- Open standards
- Free Basic Edition
Cons
- Complex set-up
- Prices in USD plus VAT, hosting extra
- Free Basic only self-hosted
Conclusion: 3CX review
80/100
Very good (2.0)
3CX is the best choice for IT-savvy companies that want maximum flexibility and control over their phone system. Thanks to the annual licence per system (e.g. 8SC Basic $300) instead of per user, the value for money is very good, especially for larger teams.
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