While you’re selecting a enterprise telephone system, the stakes are greater than ever. Think about investing time and sources into an answer solely to understand later it doesn’t scale as your enterprise grows or adapt to your evolving communication wants.
In such choices, IT managers and CIOs usually discover themselves at a crossroads, evaluating hosted PBX versus UCaaS, every promising value financial savings and effectivity. When you’re a small to mid-sized enterprise, you want one thing that’s budget-friendly and able to develop along with your aspirational ambitions. However, patrons in enterprise telecom communication, who are sometimes anchored to legacy programs like Cisco or Avaya, would favor one thing extra agile.
This text will provide help to reduce via 3CX’s pricing plans, breaking down exactly what you’d be paying for. It can provide help to construct confidence in deciding whether or not 3CX actually serves your enterprise wants at a price that matches your price range, or it’s time to discover 3CX options.
⚠️ There are some important modifications to 3CX pricing in 2026.
Learn under for more information.
Why IT Admins Use 3CX
Under are some key the explanation why 3CX is widespread in the marketplace amongst IT folks.
Versatile deployment
The corporate affords a versatile, self-hosted platform the place you handle the whole lot. If you would like, you possibly can deploy it on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, too.
There’s an choice to host with 3CX itself, the place the corporate manages the setup and internet hosting for a premium. This begins at $295 for the 8-simultaneous-call (SC) bundle.
Function-rich out of the field
You get completely different name middle telephone system options. For instance:
- Interactive voice response (IVR) permits callers to work together with a system via voice or keypad inputs to entry data or companies.
- Name queues deal with incoming calls and place them in line to be answered when your workforce is busy with different calls.
- Ring teams assist you to have incoming calls ring to a number of workers in your account.
- Voicemail transcription turns voicemails into textual content.
- Name analytics measures information associated to incoming and outgoing calls.
- Net conferencing assist for as much as 250 members on Enterprise plans.
- Cell and browser-based softphones assist professionals handle communication on the go.
Superior PBX controls
The platform delivers complete, superior PBX controls that are perfect for organizations with in-house IT. It ensures you might have granular management over enterprise communication.
Value financial savings — with a catch
3CX options seem cheap for top name volumes since you pay a flat annual payment primarily based on the variety of simultaneous calls, not per consumer. Nevertheless, the true value can escalate as you layer on greater editions for superior options and add separate bills for internet hosting, SIP trunks, SSL, and assist.
Later on this article, we look at these hidden bills in additional element.
3CX Up to date Pricing Defined
3CX makes use of a pricing mannequin primarily based on the variety of simultaneous calls (SC), so that you pay an annual license per system primarily based on the variety of simultaneous calls, not by consumer or extension. These are flat annual license charges earlier than you add internet hosting, SIP trunks, assist, or any accomplice companies.
The pricing displayed on their web site doesn’t define the pricing for every plan, whether or not self-hosted or cloud-hosted.
This requires potential 3CX clients to click on six completely different instances per row to see the price of its PBX software program. That’s a trouble.
… So, we did it for you.
Self-Hosted 3CX Pricing Plans (DIY) in 2026
- Server Internet hosting – You want to present server infrastructure, ingress/egress community infrastructure, and energy/community continuity.
- PSTN/Telephony Service – You want to buy and pay for SIP trunking telephony suppliers, guarantee you might have compliant companies (e.g. E911, 10DLC, and Robocall Mitigation) configured and examined, and failover continuity in place.
- Staffing & System Updates – You want be savvy with VoIP/SIP expertise and/or pay for an IT firm or technician to take care of your system, apply vendor and OS safety updates, confirm and distribute client-side app updates, and pay additional to resolve technical points or submit assist tickets.
- Simultaneous calls AND Max Customers limits apply – Solely 14–20% of your put in customers could possibly talk on the similar time.
| Simultaneous calls |
Max customers |
Fundamental | PRO | ENT/AI | ENT+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 SC | 40 | $320 | $350 | $575 | $775 |
| 16 SC | 80 | $640 | $750 | $1,095 | $1,445 |
| 24 SC | 120 | $825 | $1,095 | $1,595 | N/A |
| 32 SC | 192 | $1,050 | $1,395 | $1,995 | N/A |
| 48 SC | 288 | $1,650 | $2,195 | $3,250 | N/A |
| 64 SC | 384 | $2,175 | $2,895 | $4,250 | N/A |
| 96 SC | 672 | $3,375 | $4,495 | $6,500 | N/A |
| 128 SC | 896 | $4,500 | $5,995 | $8,495 | N/A |
| 192 SC | 1344 | $6,750 | $8,995 | $12,995 | N/A |
| 256 SC | 2048 | $9,000 | $11,995 | $16,995 | N/A |
| 512 SC | 4096 | $14,250 | $18,995 | $26,995 | N/A |
| 1024 SC | 8192 | $26,250 | $34,995 | $49,995 | N/A |
3CX-Hosted Annual Pricing Plans in 2026
- No stay telephone assist – Prospects don’t get to talk with 3CX technical assist.
- Simultaneous calls AND Max Customers limits apply – Solely 14–20% of your put in customers could possibly talk on the similar time.
- Help tickets are bought in singles/bundles – 3CX states it’s for IT admins with networking expertise and urges clients to contact affiliated third-parties for assist.
- Restricted assist data tiers – Solely choose clients and Silver+ companions might obtain senior stage assist tiers.
- Two-day response time SLA – Help tickets are dealt with solely throughout workplace hours, excluding weekends and holidays, and responses are anticipated inside 48 hours.
Supply: 3CX
| Simultaneous calls |
Max customers |
Fundamental | PRO | ENT/AI | ENT+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 SC | 40 | Not supplied | $645 | $870 | $1,070 |
| 16 SC | 80 | $1,035 | $1,150 | $1,495 | $1,840 |
| 24 SC | 120 | $1,220 | $1,495 | $1,995 | Not supplied |
| 32 SC | 192 | $1,845 | $1,895 | $2,495 | Not supplied |
| 48 SC | 288 | $2,445 | $2,995 | $4,050 | Not supplied |
| 64 SC | 384 | $2,970 | $3,895 | $5,250 | Not supplied |
| 96 SC | 672 | $5,070 | $6,190 | $8,195 | Not supplied |
| 128 SC | 896 | $6,195 | $7,690 | $14,990 | Not supplied |
| 192 SC | 1344 | $8,745 | $10,990 | $6,195 | Not supplied |
| 256 SC | 2048 | $10,995 | $13,990 | $18,990 | Not supplied |
| 512 SC | 4096 | Not supplied | Not supplied | Not supplied | Not supplied |
| 1024 SC | 8192 | Not supplied | Not supplied | Not supplied | Not supplied |
3CX pricing plans for 2026 are present as of December 22, 2025. Pricing might change at any time.
2026 Updates:
Extra superior capabilities like richer AI options, deeper analytics, and expanded contact middle controls sit in greater‑tier editions, so that you’ll want to maneuver up the stack to Enterprise/AI and pay extra as you develop.
Let’s discover its varied editions intimately.
3CX Fundamental Version
The 3CX Fundamental Version is designed for organizations with tighter budgets and fewer telephony necessities. It begins at roughly $320 per yr for 8 SC (roughly 20% lower than the PRO version). Its licensing charges can attain $775 within the ENT+ version in the event you improve.
Within the Fundamental Version, 3CX affords:
- Options like Intercom, Paging, and BLFs.
- Person Sync with Google or Microsoft and Single Signal On (SSO).
- Fundamental reviews and wake-up name reminders.
- Lodge integration (out there for 16 SC and above).
3CX Skilled Version
The 3CX Skilled Version (also referred to as 3CX Professional) begins at $350 per yr for 8 SC. The utmost capability is 1,024 SC for $34,995 per yr.
Within the Skilled Version, 3CX affords:
- Net conferencing for as much as 100 members.
- Name reporting and name recording.
- Absolutely certified area identify (FQDN)
- Voicemail transcription utilizing Google, OpenAI, or 3CX AI. Nevertheless, extra superior capabilities like richer AI options, deeper analytics, and expanded contact middle controls sit in greater‑tier editions, so that you’ll want to maneuver up the stack to Enterprise/AI and pay extra as you develop.
3CX Enterprise / AI Version
The 3CX license for Enterprise/AI Version (ENT/AI) begins at $575 per yr for 8 SC and scales to a most capability of 1,024 SC for $49,995. The 3CX Enterprise/AI tier provides extra superior options on prime of Professional and is priced greater per system for a similar SC ranges. As you scale your simultaneous calls, Enterprise/AI shortly turns into a large annual spend layered on prime of your separate internet hosting and provider prices.
Within the ENT/AI plan, you obtain
- Net conferencing for as much as 250 customers
- Superior contact middle instruments (like skill-based routing and MS Groups direct routing integration for 16+ SC)
- Enterprise-grade safety. This version is designed for companies that want full flexibility to run AI transcription on-premise or in a personal cloud.
- Capacity to schedule a system restore so you possibly can take common snapshots within the occasion of a system failure to cutover to a different standby PBX server.
3CX Enterprise Plus (ENT+) Version
The 3CX Enterprise Plus Version is designed to supply high-quality name transcription for smaller installations (8 SC and 16 SC) with out requiring specialised native {hardware}. Not like the opposite 3CX editions, ENT+ is simply out there for as much as 16 simultaneous calls and 40 or 80 customers, respectively. It begins at $775 per yr for 8 SC.
Within the Enterprise+ Version, 3CX affords:
- Cloud-powered name transcription managed and optimized by 3CX.
- Bundled annual transcription minutes: 30,000 minutes for 8 SC and 60,000 minutes for 16 SC.
- Net conferencing for as much as 250 members.
- Capacity to present Google or OpenAI voicemails for API-based transcription.
- Distant database connectivity to Grafana or PowerPI
3CX Fundamental Version (coming quickly)
In late 2025, 3CX launched a Fundamental Version for patrons who solely need core telephony, with out superior AI or CRM integrations. It’s anticipated to be priced under Professional and printed with its personal SC‑primarily based value grid (for instance, 8 SC, 16 SC, and better tiers with most extension limits).
Whereas this appears to be like cheaper on paper, you continue to must consider separate internet hosting, SIP trunking, SSL (in the event you self‑host with your individual area), and assist or accomplice companies for deployment and ongoing administration. For a lot of rising groups, that mixture can erase the preliminary financial savings in comparison with a completely hosted, per‑consumer platform like Nextiva.
3CX Internet hosting Choices
- Self‑hosted: Requires infrastructure, ongoing upkeep, and IT experience to handle the PBX and updates.
- Cloud‑hosted: Runs by yourself cloud supplier (comparable to Amazon or Azure), so that you pay that vendor individually for compute, storage, and bandwidth.
- 3CX‑hosted: Makes use of 3CX’s personal internet hosting for a further payment primarily based on SC ranges, separate from the license value.
Hidden Prices of Self-Hosted PBXs
Many hidden prices aren’t obvious when contemplating 3CX for the primary time or evaluating the ROI as an present consumer. Let’s check out them.
Help tickets
3CX costs the consumer $100 per assist ticket whenever you buy one. When you go for 5 assist tickets, the price is $350. This value doesn’t change primarily based on the variety of SCs you might have signed up for. Throughout free trials, free assist is obtainable through the 3CX devoted Trial Discussion board during the trial.
SSL certificates
The associated fee for a Safe Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates solely applies in the event you select to self-host 3CX utilizing your individual customized area (FQDN). When you use the FQDN offered by 3CX or go for the “Hosted by 3CX” answer, the SSL certificates is included and managed by 3CX at no additional cost.
On common, a Safe Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates prices between $8 and $1,000 per yr. The associated fee will depend on elements such because the variety of domains, the validation course of, the guarantee, and the certificates’s issuing authority.
SIP trunking
SIP trunking replaces conventional telephone traces by enabling voice and different communication platform options, like video and messaging, over the web utilizing the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).
3CX mentions the supported SIP trunk suppliers on its options web page. Nevertheless, it doesn’t embrace voice service. You should buy it individually from a SIP trunk supplier.
Coaching and setup
On the web site, 3CX mentions: “Our assist is suited to IT admins with networking experience. When you lack this experience, contact a 3CX Companion.” This implies that until your workforce is extremely technical, you’ll want paid assist from 3CX companions.
Add-ons
Whereas 3CX has already built-in some AI options into its Enterprise plan, its principal pricing calculator lists a separate, extra complete AI add-on as “Launching Quickly.
Are you paying extra? Get a touch of how a lot a enterprise telephone line prices.
Evaluate 3CX to Nextiva
When you really feel you’re not getting sufficient worth out of 3CX for what you’re paying or just contemplating different options, right here’s an summary of how Nextiva serves as a greater various in comparison with 3CX:
| Function | 3CX | Nextiva Energy Suite CX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Mannequin | Per SC | Per consumer monthly (predictable) |
| Name Capability | Restricted by SC license | Limitless |
| Internet hosting | Self-managed or additional value | Included (Nextiva-hosted cloud) |
| Help | Paid or per ticket | 24/7 assist included |
| AI & Automation | Paid add-on | Included (AI summaries, IVR, analytics) |
| CRM Integrations | Obtainable | Native (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, and many others.) |
| Net & Cell App | Sure | Sure, totally built-in |
| Name Analytics & Reporting | Sure (Superior on Enterprise) | Actual-time and scheduled reviews |
| Video, SMS, & Voice in One App | Partial | Desktop, cell, and net communications (All platforms) |
Primarily based on this comparability, you possibly can draw a number of conclusions that recommend Nextiva as a stronger various to 3CX.
Why Nextiva Is a Higher Different
When you’re interested by Nextiva, listed below are some key elements that make it a stronger various to 3CX, particularly in pricing.
Nextiva has ranked first of 13 of G2’s reviews throughout name middle infrastructure, UCaaS, cloud PBX, and VoIP platforms.
There’s extra to it; that is only a small overview to make sure you know what you’re gaining.
Less complicated pricing
At Nextiva, you pay per consumer, not per name. You possibly can scale this platform in accordance with your ambitions with out worrying about sudden internet hosting or assist charges.
Not like 3CX, you get service from an award-winning assist workforce at no extra value. Primarily based on 3400+ evaluations on G2, customers describe Nextiva assist as “very educated,” “pleasant,” and “fast.”
Nextiva has a 4.5/5-star score on G2, with customers praising its 24/7 availability, quick help, and wonderful onboarding expertise.
The truth is, whenever you verify G2’s Greatest VoIP suppliers, you’ll discover Nextiva has a commanding lead on the prime.
Prepared for a hassle-free quote?
… You made it this far. Why not get a no-obligation quote and expertise why Enterprise VoIP is healthier on this facet of the twisted pair? You possibly can store it round if you would like, however we’re assured Nextiva is the most effective funding on your firm’s communications.
If you wish to improve to a telephone system that retains consumer tickets off your again and stakeholders from blowing up your Slack, you owe your self an opportunity to bid farewell to the hassles and pricing curler coaster of 3CX.
Higher not voice dissent on the 3CX boards. Phrase has it that the CEO deletes messages he disagrees with.
AI-driven effectivity
Nextiva’s Energy Suite CX consists of built-in voice transcription, sentiment monitoring, and computerized summaries, empowering groups to drive better communication effectivity. You get dependable performance comparable to:
- Agent Help with real-time recommendations and contextual assist to help human brokers.
- Clever name routing primarily based on buyer historical past, habits, and intent.
- Seamless AI integration with present programs like CRM or different enterprise instruments.
- AI-driven suggestions with real-time enhancements primarily based on information traits and suggestions.
- Predictive analytics to anticipate wants and supply customized options.
- Context retention for a historical past of previous interactions to get constant, tailor-made responses.
General, you get a power-packed AI platform to scale communications intelligently.
Higher expertise for hybrid groups
Nextiva combines varied channels, together with calls, SMS, chat, and net conferencing, right into a single unified platform. This makes it simpler for a workforce to collaborate, no matter their location or the machine they’re utilizing for communication.
Nextiva is accessible on cell (Android and iOS) or an internet browser and empowers hybrid groups to be on prime of communication once they’re dispersed in numerous geographic places and places of work.
Zero IT complications
The deployment is completely cloud-based. Nextiva maintains 99.999% uptime as a value-added profit. The platform handles SIP trunks, SSL certificates, and internet hosting; you don’t must bust your mind getting these arrange externally.
Is 3CX’s complicated pricing price it?
There’s little doubt that 3CX is a strong software-based IP PBX system, however its worth primarily will depend on the expertise and experience of your in-house workforce.
When you legitimately want a privately operated cloud with your individual guide server administration, backups, on-call workers, and deep telecom expertise, then 3CX could also be a very good choose.
However if you wish to get pleasure from your 2-3 weeks of PTO annually, Nextiva is a greater match. It may not be the most affordable VoIP supplier, nevertheless it’ll assist hold your workers and clients on the identical web page and perhaps even enhance their high quality of life.
Pound for pound, Nextiva delivers higher communication options, platform imaginative and prescient, and buyer assist than you’ll discover at 3CX.
For an SMB or mid-market workforce, Nextiva affords a complete, unified, and cost-effective answer that may provide help to scale sooner.
Discover Nextiva’s cloud PBX intimately and get a demo in the event you like what you see.
The cloud PBX IT admins belief
Improve to the most effective 3CX various: Nextiva. Prime-rated VoIP, SMS, and video conferencing in a single answer for lower than you suppose.
FAQs
Begin by taking a look at how many individuals are literally on the telephone on the similar time throughout your busiest hour, not what number of extensions you might have.
Many 3CX companions use a easy rule of thumb of roughly 1 SC per 3–4 extensions, then alter on your particular use case (heavy gross sales/name middle vs. mild inside calling). A sensible method is to overview historic utilization out of your present system or provider invoice, add headroom for peaks, queues, and conferences, then choose the subsequent SC tier up so calls should not blocked whenever you hit your restrict.
Bear in mind: Nextiva doesn’t cost you in another way or restrict your account for simultaneous calls.
While you self‑host 3CX, you pay for extra than simply the 3CX license. You want a server or cloud VM (e.g., AWS or Azure), storage, bandwidth, and, generally, an working system license. When you use your individual area, you may additionally want an SSL certificates, which might value from a number of {dollars} to a whole lot per yr, relying on the sort.
You additionally must price range for SIP trunks from a telephone provider as a result of 3CX doesn’t embrace voice service. On prime of that, there are “hidden” workload prices: monitoring the system, making use of safety updates, operating common backups, and planning for catastrophe restoration so you possibly can restore service if the server fails. In case your workforce doesn’t have these expertise, chances are you’ll must pay a 3CX accomplice or IT supplier to handle the system for you.
For small groups with low name concurrency and robust in‑home IT expertise, 3CX may be value‑efficient, particularly in the event you use the free SMB plan (inside its limits) or a low‑tier SC license and self‑host on present infrastructure.
Nevertheless, when you consider exterior SIP trunks, SSL (if wanted), internet hosting, backups, monitoring, and any paid assist, the efficient per‑consumer value usually rises nearer to that of a per‑consumer UCaaS like Nextiva, significantly if you would like superior options comparable to AI, analytics, and get in touch with middle instruments.
3CX tends to shine for small groups solely when you possibly can hold concurrency low, reuse infrastructure, and handle the whole lot internally; in the event you should rent companions or MSPs for many duties, the all‑in month-to-month value can shortly slim and even exceed the value of a managed UCaaS platform.
