User Reviews Overview
About 3CX
3CX Phone System is an open standards communications solution, suitable for any sized business that wants all the features of an advanced contact center at a fraction of the cost. 3CX can take your business communications to the...
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- Industry: Internet
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
3CX offers everything you need for low budget
well it is a phone system. We use 3CX to talk to our customers, we use it as webconference solution and we use it as a very lowlevel slack alternative.
Pros
3CX is a solid voip solution that offers all the features and functionality an ordinary team or company needs. Installation and maintenance is simple. The webclient is getting better and better with every version. Speaking quality is great if you use the right codecs or hard phones.
We love 3CX and use this pbx since many years.
Cons
There is no documented API. Either something is supported or not. There is no possibility to get individual implementations.
Response from 3CX
Hi Christoph. Thank you so much for your detailed review. We are happy to hear that you are happy with 3CX over the years!
Currently the only Public API that we have is for our WebMeeting Platform: https://www.3cx.com/blog/releases/video-conference-rest-api/
We do plan in the future to also have another REST API that would allow to perform more actions directly related to the calls and 3CX Server, but at the time of writing, this has yet to be released.
- Industry: Computer Networking
- Company size: Self Employed
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
phonesystems do still excist and usability ontop
3cx is small or big companies the best option possible also customers not wanting to use cloud telephony 3cx still provides option to have on-prem solution
Pros
full featured phone system with no extra costs. possibility to have cloud deployed, private cloud or even on-premise!
Cons
some features are still in beta but they are already active and communication when issues rice is closely followed by support to have them asap out of beta.
Reasons for Choosing 3CX
to many bugs and priceSwitched From
SkypeReasons for Switching to 3CX
for calling 3cx and in full lockdown and performance issues with 3cx we went for zoom for the online meetingsResponse from 3CX
Hello Andreas! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback with 3CX. We're delighted to hear you found 3CX to be of great use for your business during the lockdown.
- Industry: Machinery
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Daily for 6-12 months
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Review Source
Unexpected we only came this far with telephone center software
Coming from a a conventional VOIP system, it surprises me the software VOIP versions looks so 2010 in functionality and quality.
Pros
Recording feature, easily copy-paste phone number or directly call them when phone number is marked.
Cons
Sound quality of the calls is horrible, lots of restarts needed to keep functionility up, calls are randomly abandoned/cut off, sometimes it does not let you pick the phone or transfer calls and a restart is needed (currently multiple times a day). Part of the problems could be related to our network, but surely not all. Also the fact is does not change status when you log out from windows or start up like in MS Teams is a missed opportunity. Also it does not detect of one is busy with an MS Teams or Zoom call, so regularly you can get double calls if you forget to adjust your status (also accounts they other way I have to admit).
Response from 3CX
Hi Martin,
We are sorry to hear that your experience with 3CX was not the best. Audio quality issues however can be caused by many factors, most of which are not directly related to the software itself. To name some, depending on how you used our system, this could have been caused by insufficient bandwidth or bad WiFi reception, faulty or low-quality headset/handset, insufficient server hardware where 3CX was installed, and more.
We would like to suggest you give the system another spin around the block and if you run into similar issues, come in contact with us via our forums or our Support Department to investigate the cause of your issue properly and help you come up with a solution.
Top 3CX Alternatives

- Industry: Medical Practice
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Your phone - everywhere
Pros
Working from anywhere or from any device, seamlessly integrated with our Microsoft 365 system.
Cons
Occasional issue after upgrade (missed note under release for some feature change).
Alternatives Considered
Microsoft TeamsResponse from 3CX
Hi Mario, thank you for your positive review on 3CX! We are glad to hear that 3CX has helped you easily manage your work-related needs. Our primary focus is to provide seamless features for your convenience!
For any issues you may face, you can reach out to our Customer Service team for assistance via the Live Chat bubble found on www.3cx.com or by email: [email protected]
- Industry: Computer Software
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
Serves small businesses very well for free.
In my opinion, it is a very good tool and hardly ever had problems, because the tool is very stable and with a very good usability, serving very well small businesses.
Pros
• It is free.
• Assists in the company's internal communication.
• It is always updated with improvements.
• Ease of receiving and transferring calls.
• Ease of configuration and installation by the end user.
Cons
• We used the trial version quietly for 1 year, but due to technical problems due to a codec, it caused a major internal problem where we stayed 3 days without a phone. For this reason the support of the company that provides the service asked us to change the application.
Response from 3CX
We are sorry to hear that you had codec issues. Can you explain which codec was used and what issues it created?
Codecs work using the SIP Offer - Answer model - a standard in SIP used for the update of session dialogs. This means that when a codec is offered by one endpoint (phone), and the receiving endpoint answers "no available codec" then a codec exchange occurs where both endpoints try to find one common codec (language) to use for their media. Like this every call is serviced and has more chances to get 2 way audio. It is important to tell us which codec you tried to use. Because firstly, we might have an issue to investigate or we might also give you an alternative codec you can use. We support all major codecs so I am surprised how the company that serves you recommended that you change the whole app.
Nonetheless, thank you for your feedback. I will forward this to the development team.
- Industry: Computer Software
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
3CX - The Softphone that works
The day to day operation is more streamlined and at a management level, it helps keep track of those taking calls on out various teams. It also allows us to be away from our offices but take the mobile app with us and get our VM's via email... all positives and allows us to be more attentive.
Pros
3CX has made it easier to maintain our calling network and allows us to bring its features outside of the office which aids in our day to day. The phone dial pad it self is very user friendly and the software it self has a very ease of use feel to it.
As a manager it is nice to view, listen and transfer my teams calls on the fly - the logging system also allows me to keep track of activity within my teams.
Cons
Not a ton of cons to be honest, there are some issues of delays from when you ask for a function (click delay) like looking up a contact from the address book and clicking to call the contact, sometimes there is a bit of a delay.
The product could use a bit of a refresh look, but overall the ease of use and user friendly Softphone does hit it's marks.
Alternatives Considered
Cisco JabberReasons for Switching to 3CX
As I understand it, it was about the features available and overall value of the product we were getting - the user interface were also big reasons.Response from 3CX
Thank you for your feedback. We are delighted that 3CX is proving to be a useful tool in your organisation.
- Industry: Information Technology & Services
- Company size: 5,001–10,000 Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
A complete IP/PBX
We've been using 3CX since we have the alternative to work from home and the old switchboard became useless.
The users doesn't like it a lot because they use only the softphone and fo me is the piece less powerfull, but the admins who are used to work with on prem PBX, love it. They find the admin panel very powerfull and also very easy to use.
I don't have experience as a call center so I can't give you my opinion, but it seems to be fulll competent aswell.
Pros
With 3CX you'll have a very functional IPPBX at a very reasonable price.
The admin panel is very easy to use and very powerfull.
The call Queues, the ring groups, the digital recepcionist are functionalities very well implemented.
Cons
The softphone is not at the same quality level as the switchboard, they must improve it if they want to keep their current clients.
The users must do some micro configuration level to improve the sound.
Response from 3CX
Hello, thank you for sharing your rating with us and the community, we value your opinion!

- Industry: Accounting
- Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
- Used Weekly for 1+ year
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Review Source
Softphone very dependent on technical service
It is not very intuitive and users end up reverting to mobile. Technical support takes a long time to provide solutions.
Pros
The price is relatively inexpensive above a certain number of licenses. As we use it to replace the mobile lines and to be able to call customers, we considered making the change.
Cons
Technical support is quite bad and is necessary to deploy updates. It is necessary to configure a VPN with a very complicated configuration in order to have access to the management server.
Response from 3CX
Hi Alejandro, we're very sorry you had issues with support. We recommend you opt for a 3CX system hosted by 3CX for easy setup and configuration.
- Industry: Accounting
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Easy to use
Pros
The software is easily maneuvered, the calls are made once dialled out and the software gets updated frequently. The calls are recorded and recording produce in approximately and hour after completed. You can easily tap in and monitor a call that an agent is on as well as it provides a chat feature.
Cons
What i liked least about this feature is that there was an issue when you log break there is no way of monitoring how long you were logged for. Unless it's done by the master controller 3cx.
Response from 3CX
Hi Tialee. Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We are super glad to hear 3CX provided you with the flexibility and cost-efficiency to help your business.
- Industry: Computer Networking
- Company size: Self Employed
- Used Weekly for 6-12 months
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Review Source
3CX Phone software review
I definitely enjoy working and managing 3CX. It makes managing and monitoring my calls in a busy modern workplace a breeze!
Pros
I really like their phone console. It allows everyone to easily manage and monitor their calls throughout the busy work day. That is the best part of their tool.
Cons
The way that phones interface with the management software can sometimes be flaky. Especially when it comes to the timecode functions.
Alternatives Considered
Cisco Unified Communications ManagerReasons for Switching to 3CX
3CX came in at a better price point than the current Cisco solutions.Response from 3CX
Thank you for your feedback. We will look into improving timecode functions

- Industry: Banking
- Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
3CX Review
Pros
Scalability and flexibility: 3CX is designed to scale alongside businesses as they grow. It supports a wide range of hardware and software endpoints, allowing organizations to choose the devices and platforms that best suit their needs. Additionally, 3CX can accommodate remote workers and distributed teams, enabling seamless communication regardless of location.
Cons
Support limitations: While 3CX offers customer support options, some users have reported challenges with response times or difficulty in reaching the appropriate support channels. The quality and availability of support may vary depending on the specific support plan or subscription level chosen.
Response from 3CX
Hello Gideon and thank you so much for your thorough and positive feedback! Indeed, 3CX is fully scalable as a business grows and is the perfect solution for connecting teams and customers and remote workers.
In terms of support, there's always the option to reach out to our Customer Service team for assistance via the Live Chat bubble found on www.3cx.com or by email at [email protected].
Our friendly customer service team will be happy to assist!
Alternatively, if you set up 3CX via a Partner, they will be able to support you.
- Industry: Retail
- Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
- Used Daily for 1-5 months
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Review Source
A lot of bang for the buck, easy to setup, easy to admin.
The ability to easily setup phones and manage the PBX, things like doing a scheduled backups, can easily restore a backup if needed, ability to manage calls, extensions, users, etc. Setting up routing, hunt groups, setting up extension groups, setting up open/closed schedules, voicemail, conferencing, web conferencing, and the list goes on. The product is quite intuitive as well.
Pros
I'm new to the world of telecommunication, UM, PBX's, networking, etc., yet with this product I have been able to figure out how to setup/configure the 3CX PBX. They have put a lot of thought into the functionality and features which means we can now manage the PBX and any changes needed as to having to call the support vendor so they can remote in and do the changes. I also like how they have a lot of online training videos and documentation to help lay the foundation regarding what it will take to setup and install a 3CX PBX. 3CX also includes a lot "stuff" for free that many other vendors charge for, for example our past vendor changed for IP licenses, and softphone licenses, and port licenses... nickel and dimed until broke. Yet 3CX doesn't do this, product includes web phone manager interface if you wish to use it, includes a softphone, includes faxing, includes webconferencing, includes voicemail which used to require a totally separate server from your PBX because the big name vendors want you to spend more.
Cons
So far not too many cons, still new to it and doing testing so there could be some limitations that are discovered later on. I'm guessing one limitation might be interfacing w/an existing call-routing tool we have at one of our building locations. A really small con, some of the free training videos could be improved, audio quality, but otherwise nothing currently stands out.
- Industry: Airlines/Aviation
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
Truly makes working remotely a possibility
3CX has been a game changer for how I manager my time and work schedule. I can quite literally be anywhere in the world and not miss a thing. I like how there is the option to put the function on "Do Not Disturb" as well, for times you want to disconnect.
Pros
For years I have had a flexible schedule which meant I was not always physically in the office. My concern was always that I was missing calls at my desk, or that the front desk personnel would have to forward the call to my cell phone. The 3CX software seamlessly patches my calls through AND shows the extension name and number the call is coming from.
Cons
When I downloaded the software onto my iPhone, it also downloaded all of my personal contacts, which makes it harder to search easily for my colleagues and increases the likelihood of mis-calling the wrong person. I use 3CX only for work, so I do not like having my personal contacts mixed in.
Response from 3CX
Thank you for your positive review. The new IOS version which we are working on, works as you described. The contacts section will only show contacts from 3CX (Work). Your personal contacts will not be mixed. This is how it is designed.
In Android you have a filter - Show ALL, 3CX, Android. If you do not want Personal contacts, deny the permission and check the setting "Do not ask again".

- Industry: Consumer Goods
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Great for call center management
Overall this is a great software program for any company that gets a high volume of calls
Pros
I like that you can set your status , and that it shows if you are on the phone, if you have a voicemail, etc.
Cons
I will say this system was a lot harder for the older generation employees to train on. For other people it was intuitive.
Response from 3CX
Hi Jessica! Thank you for your positive feedback on 3CX! We are glad to hear that 3CX has helped you effectively manage your call center.
Regarding training, 3CX offers a Certification Program that equips you with all the tools and knowledge necessary for deploying and managing a 3CX Communications System.
Also, there's always the option to reach out to our Customer Service team for assistance via the Live Chat bubble found on www.3cx.com or by email at [email protected].

- Industry: Telecommunications
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
PBX For the masses
Communications for small inbound call centres, bussiness communications, remote workers extensions.
Pros
Easy of use.
Easy to administer.
Easy to setup.
Great documantation.
Phenomenal integration with the client both on CTI and softphone modes.
Out of the box adequate integrations with popoular3rd party software.
Cons
Lack of features.
A lot of unnesesary changes from version to version.
License model is unstable changes almost every other month.
Tool for creating complex senarios apart that it doesnt follow the PBX updates is a joke.
Lack of outbound fax solution
Response from 3CX
Your feedback is very important for us to improve on in future builds.
- Industry: Retail
- Company size: 10,000+ Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
Calls made easier and more organized
Pros
The quality of the recorded calls is amazing and it makes them very useful for training purposes . 3CX gives you a lot of freedom to organize the call list in a way that works for you . The admin panel is centralized ,which makes it easy for managers to properly oversee everything.
Cons
Configuring it when you are starting out takes a lot of time . Status changes ( from online to away and vice versa ) take a while to sync up and this could lead to missed call .
Response from 3CX
Hi Jessica. So happy to hear that 3CX has enabled you to organize the call in a way that works for you.
Installing 3CX from scratch, by following our online guides takes between 5-15 minutes typically, depending on what platform you are installing on (Windows/Debian amd64/Raspberry Pi). The time it takes to configure the system thereafter depends only on how big and complex it is.
The statuses, if setup correctly, change on precisely on the second configured. If you were experiencing delays, it is most likely the NTP time that was consistent on your network. Our installation guides also mention when and where actions need to be taken to avoid this.
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Review Source
3CX Phone System - Kinetix, Platinum 3CX Partner
Pros
Feature/Functionality matches up to any competitive solution.The fact that you have "Standard" or "Professional" as your purchasing options makes the decision simple. And, when you choose one or the other, there are no other "Ala Carte" options. You get what you get. No "extras" that end up being tacked on at the end of the sales cycle. The 3CX Phone System system simply works. The "hybrid" capabilities between Analog, SIP and PRI/MPLS are a great way to introduce either redundancy, least cost call routing and to provide for future changes/expansion/growth.
Buy what you need for the next few years. You do not want to limit yourself to what you need today, then need to upgrade the license count within a year or two. The upgrade path would suggest purchasing the upgrade up front will cost much less. For example, a 16SC License can be purchased today, and to upgrade later to a 32SC License will cost the initial purchase of the 16SC License, AND 80% of the 32SC License.
Cons
Would be great to see the ability to break office hours down beyond single days. For example, we have clients that have standing meetings on Monday from 11:00a to 12:00p.
- Industry: Information Technology & Services
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
3CX, the affordable PBX that gives you big business options for less.
I've been using and acting as an admin for several 3CX systems over the last 4 years. The cost savings are great, and their support is top notch. The system works, and their evolution of the product is great.
Pros
3CX gives you a robust platform for phone service for a fraction of other traditional PBX systems. They also give you options for hosting, or to host your own instance of the software. The feature set for 3CX is the same if not better than you will find with other PBX systems. They are always updating their feature set, and have an active community of users who offer suggestions for features that they make happen.
Cons
The licensing model has changed recently and can be tricky to figure out, but once you do it's easy to know what to do.
- Industry: Human Resources
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
3cx review
Overall it has been a nice upgrade from the shoretel system. I experience issues with the app quite often, but the desktop/computer application and desk phones work great.
Pros
With the ability to add the app to my cell phone, the program running on my computer and having a desk phone linked, it is super easy to receive and make phone calls.
Cons
I wish that the software had a texting feature. There is a messenger feature that can be used between users, but text messages can't be sent which would be a huge plus for users that don't have company provided cell phones and don't want to give out their personal phone numbers.
Response from 3CX
Thank you for your feedback. We are actively working on adding a texting feature. Will be available soon.
- Industry: Information Technology & Services
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
A fully featured phone system that does not break the bank and just works.
We found 3CX when helping a car dealership client find a new phone system. We like it so much we became 3CX partners and have reached Platinum Partner status with 3CX. Our customers love it, and so do we.
Pros
Ease of implementation, feature set, platform support and reasonable cost. You can use this phone system for almost any situation, whether on-premise with local dial tone, a private co-location datacenter or most major cloud providers. 3CX works aggressively to keep the software up to date and continually rolls out new features, such as their Web Client. Yes - you can even use your Chromebook as your telephone.
Cons
Occasional changes to the FREE version - but hey, it's free.

- Industry: Computer & Network Security
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
Great software that allows for above average PBX solutions that make communication efficient.
Cost efficiency on international and local calls
Pros
Its communication medium (the internet) makes it easy for people to communicate despite geographical obstacles and the best thing is it doesn't charge for call roaming costs all you need is access to the internet and the software.
The features such as conferencing, webinars, call centers , chat and voice mail allows for individuals or companies to operate seamlessly despite different geographical locations.
Support from the manufacturer is simply outstanding as there knowledge base and support team go the extra mile to help you.
Cons
To get the licensed vendor partnership take a while but its worth it in the end.
The limitations to making multiple outbound calls through one gateway makes becomes frustrating when 2 or more people try it at the same time.
- Industry: Telecommunications
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Telephone System Game Changer
Fantastic product, we left Mitel for 3CX and have never looked back.
Highly recommend it and would dare anyone to copy us.
Pros
Depending on the options available and including engineer costs we found 3CX to be 60-70% cheaper than the likes of Mitel, Avaya, Alcatel and the like.
It does everything that they can do and has open connectivity with open\transparent licensing , so the more you use or the larger your business the more you will save.
Cons
3CX can be installed by anyone and some seem to think it is as easy as click, click click, the only bad thing is that you need to ensure that your partner is experienced and has completed large 3CX projects successfully.
- Industry: Staffing & Recruiting
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
Easy to deploy and Easy to use
I have had no real issues with the soft phone. Any company that has good connectivity (Especially in South Africa). Soft phones are the way to go, it saves you so much money on your Tele-Bills. The Biggest differentiator for this soft phone is the easy setup. Its user interface is not ground breaking but still great to use. They do give trial licences to use.
Pros
It has a Fantastic reporting tool and It was very easy to setup the soft phone for my office. It is very user friendly and easy to use. The layout and functions of the soft phone is comfortably laid out on the screen. You could even get a trail to use.
Cons
Even though it is not entirely the software’s fault, When we have throttled Connectivity, the call just goes silent, This means I have no idea if the customer disappeared or just holding and even if I went through on the call.
- Industry: Hospitality
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Weekly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Invaluable communication tool
Overall this is a great product, and kept us fully operational during a very difficult time for the hospitality industry.
Pros
I like that we could schedule meetings or have them at a moments notice. Throughout the pandemic this kept us in contact with our whole team, and allowed us to give our new team members the same training that they would have had before the pandemic. So much so that we kept several of our video meetings even after travel started back up.
Cons
It was hard for some people to learn how to create a meeting, and how to share their screen. For us it did take up a lot of our band width and that would slow down you computer if you were working on something else at the same time as a video call.
Response from 3CX
Hi Lyn and thank you for your feedback. We are happy to hear that 3CX has helped you to keep fully operational during these challenging times. While getting to know how to use 3CX you can always look for help at our User Guide: https://www.3cx.com/user-manual/
- Industry: Marketing & Advertising
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used Daily for 1-5 months
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Review Source
Confusing and Support Farms Out to Non-Existent Local Entities
Pros
I liked the pricing the most compared to the market.
Cons
Confusion with about 6 different keys & passwords then IP blocked.
Difficulty navigating the setup and if I need to integrate an alternate softphone or if 3cx has one in-built.
Errors trying to open the platform even though firewall off.
Not sure the difference between the "management interface" and the "webclient".
Response from 3CX
We are sorry to hear that your first experience with 3CX was not the best. If you are willing to give it another try you could check out the following pages that have links to training videos which at the end also have demos:
If you want to install 3CX on a server on your premise:
https://www.3cx.com/3cxacademy/videos/basic/installing/
If you want to install 3CX in the Cloud on one of our supported Hosting Providers:
https://www.3cx.com/3cxacademy/videos/intermediate/pbx-express/
Last, if you want to demo 3CX free for a period of time, you could try out our free hosting which is time limited:
https://www.3cx.com/blog/vlog/video-remote-work/