Two popular business phone system solutions, 3CX and Skype, each offer unique benefits and features designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses. In this comparison of 3CX vs Skype, we’ll dive deep into both systems, comparing their features, costs, scalability, and suitability for business applications.
3CX vs Skype
| Feature | 3CX | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | VoIP phone system with unified communications | Basic VoIP and video calling platform |
| Deployment | On-premises or cloud-based | Cloud-based |
| Call Management | Advanced (IVR, call queues, call routing, recording, reporting) | Basic call management |
| Unified Communications | Yes, integrates voice, video, messaging, and conferencing | Limited, primarily voice and video calling |
| CRM Integration | Yes, integrates with popular CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot | No integration with CRM software |
| Video Conferencing | Up to 250 participants (Enterprise plan) | Up to 100 participants in group video calls |
| Instant Messaging | Yes, team chat and messaging features | Yes, with group chat capabilities |
| Screen Sharing | Limited to web client | Available on all devices during calls |
| Call Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes, available for iOS and Android | Yes, available for iOS and Android |
| Web Client | Yes, accessible from any device | Limited functionality |
| Multi-Device Support | Yes, compatible with desktop, mobile, and web | Yes, compatible with desktop, mobile, and web |
| SIP Trunking Support | Yes, allows for cost-effective SIP trunk integration | No |
| Audio and Video Quality | High-quality audio and video | High-quality audio and video |
| Call Capacity | Supports multiple simultaneous calls (depends on SIP trunks and plan) | Limited to single calls, supports up to 100 in group calls |
| International Calling | Yes, with SIP trunk options and various carriers | Yes, with affordable international calling plans |
| Security Features | Advanced (encryption, built-in firewall, toll fraud protection) | Basic (end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls) |
| Customisation Options | Highly customisable with API and integrations | Limited |
| Pricing Structure | Annual subscription plans: Standard (free for 10 users), Professional (~£250/year), Enterprise (~£350/year) | Free for basic features, paid options for international calling from £3.60/month |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly but requires initial setup | Simple, with minimal setup required |
| Scalability | Highly scalable, suitable for small to large enterprises | Limited scalability, suitable for small teams |
| Support and Customer Service | Offers customer support and technical documentation | Limited customer support options |
| Best For | Businesses needing unified communications, call management, and customisability | Small businesses or teams with basic communication needs |
Overview of 3CX
3CX is a software-based phone system that offers VoIP and unified communications solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes. It allows companies to manage communications through a variety of devices and integrates seamlessly with other business applications.
Designed with scalability and flexibility in mind, 3CX can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud, making it a popular choice for businesses looking for a customisable, full-featured phone system.
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Key features of 3CX
- Unified Communications: 3CX combines voice, video, messaging, and conferencing in a single platform. It integrates with popular CRMs and productivity tools, improving the efficiency of communication across departments.
- Call Management: Advanced call routing, call queueing, IVR, and call recording are standard. This is ideal for businesses needing more control over call flows and customer interactions.
- Video Conferencing: Offers integrated video conferencing, supporting up to 250 participants in the Enterprise plan. It’s browser-based, with no need for additional apps or plugins.
- Mobile App: 3CX provides a mobile app compatible with iOS and Android, allowing users to make and receive calls and messages on the go.
- Web Client: The web client allows users to access the system from any device, ideal for remote or hybrid work environments.
- Cost-effective SIP Trunks: 3CX supports SIP trunks, allowing businesses to connect to multiple carriers and choose cost-effective calling rates.
- Security: Strong security features like call encryption, in-built firewall, and protection against toll fraud, keeping business communications safe.
Overview of Skype
Skype, widely known as a personal communication tool, has also been utilised by small businesses for its free video and voice calling capabilities. Although Skype for Business has been discontinued and replaced by Microsoft Teams, Skype remains an option for companies seeking basic VoIP and video communication features.
However, it is generally more limited in scope and features compared to dedicated business solutions like 3CX.
Key features of Skype
- Voice and Video Calls: Offers high-quality voice and video calling, with group calls for up to 100 participants. Skype is accessible from almost any device with an internet connection.
- Instant Messaging: Instant messaging with group chat capabilities, along with file sharing and image exchange, is available.
- Screen Sharing: Screen sharing during calls and meetings is built-in, making it easy to collaborate visually with remote team members.
- Call Recording: Users can record audio and video calls, which can be useful for record-keeping or training purposes.
- Mobile and Desktop Apps: Skype is available on both mobile and desktop platforms, enabling communication from almost any device.
- Affordable International Calling: Skype offers international calling options at competitive rates, making it a suitable choice for businesses with global contacts.
3CX shines in its comprehensive features designed specifically for business communications. From IVR and advanced call routing to integration with CRMs, it provides a robust toolset suitable for handling customer interactions and internal communication needs. Skype, while effective for basic communication, lacks many advanced call management features.
Costs comparison – 3CX vs Skype
3CX pricing
3CX operates on a subscription basis with several tiers to choose from, depending on your business size and requirements. Its plans include the Standard, Professional, and Enterprise editions:
- Standard Plan: Starts free for up to 10 users, with additional features available in paid plans starting at around £100 per year.
- Professional Plan: Offers advanced features like call recording, CRM integration, and reporting, starting from approximately £250 per year.
- Enterprise Plan: Adds larger video conferencing capacity and more advanced call management, starting from roughly £350 per year.
3CX also allows businesses to connect their own SIP trunks, potentially reducing call costs based on provider choice.
Skype pricing
Skype is free to use for its core features, which include voice, video, and messaging. However, charges apply for calling landlines or mobiles, especially international numbers:
- Free Features: Includes Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls, messaging, and file sharing.
- Paid Options: Skype offers a pay-as-you-go or subscription-based model for calling mobiles and landlines. For UK businesses, a monthly subscription for unlimited calls to the UK starts at around £3.60, while international subscriptions are also available.
While Skype offers affordable rates for calls, the overall cost can increase for businesses with high call volumes or specific calling needs.
Ease of use
Both platforms are relatively easy to use, but their suitability differs based on the level of functionality required.
- 3CX: Due to its comprehensive feature set, 3CX may require some initial setup and configuration, particularly for advanced call management and CRM integrations. However, 3CX provides a web client and mobile app for easy access, and once set up, the system is user-friendly for everyday use.
- Skype: Skype is straightforward and user-friendly, with minimal setup. Most users are familiar with its interface, making it a quick solution for basic communication needs without the complexity of an enterprise-level system.
Scalability
- 3CX: 3CX is highly scalable, suitable for small businesses to large enterprises. It’s flexible enough to grow with a business, thanks to its customisable subscription plans and support for adding SIP trunks and more advanced features as needs expand.
- Skype: Skype lacks scalability for more complex business needs. While it works well for small teams or startups, it doesn’t provide the advanced infrastructure for larger organisations or companies requiring extensive call management and unified communications.
Security
- 3CX: Designed with business security in mind, 3CX includes robust encryption, a built-in firewall, and measures against toll fraud. This makes it a more secure choice for businesses needing reliable communication security.
- Skype: Skype offers basic security features and end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls. However, it lacks some of the more advanced security options required by enterprises and larger organisations.
Pros and cons summary
3CX Pros:
- Comprehensive call management and unified communications
- Scalable with flexible pricing plans
- Integrates with business applications (e.g., CRM)
- High-quality video conferencing with larger capacity
- Strong security features
3CX Cons:
- Requires setup, which may take time for less tech-savvy teams
- Costs can add up with additional features
Skype Pros:
- Free for basic communication
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Affordable for international calling
- Suitable for small teams with basic communication needs
Skype Cons:
- Limited scalability and call management features
- Lack of advanced security options
- Not designed for integration with business applications
Conclusion – Which one should you choose?
For businesses looking for a robust, scalable communication system with comprehensive call management and integration options, 3CX is a better choice. It provides the functionality needed for handling both internal and external communications, advanced security, and the flexibility to grow as your business expands.
For small teams or businesses requiring basic communication tools without the need for advanced call management or CRM integration, Skype may be sufficient. Its simplicity and affordability make it a practical choice for startups and companies prioritising cost savings over functionality.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your business’s communication needs, budget, and long-term plans. If unified communications and scalability are priorities, 3CX is likely to deliver better value in the long run.
FAQ – 3CX vs Skype comparison
3CX is better for comprehensive business communications with advanced call management, unified communications, and CRM integrations. Skype is ideal for basic communications and small teams, offering free voice, video, and messaging features but lacking in business-oriented functionality and scalability.
3CX offers robust call management with IVR, call routing, queueing, and reporting, making it suitable for businesses handling high call volumes. Skype provides basic call functionality but lacks advanced call management features, making it less suited for complex business needs.
3CX integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot, allowing businesses to streamline communication and data access. Skype does not support CRM integrations, making it less ideal for companies that rely on CRM for customer relationship management.
Yes, both offer video conferencing, but 3CX supports up to 250 participants in its Enterprise plan, whereas Skype supports up to 100. 3CX’s video solution is browser-based, offering more flexibility for larger meetings, while Skype’s conferencing works well for smaller team meetings.
Both 3CX and Skype offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, enabling users to communicate on the go. However, 3CX’s mobile app supports more advanced business features, including call routing and queueing, which Skype does not offer, making 3CX a better option for business mobility.
3CX provides advanced security features, including encryption, a built-in firewall, and toll fraud protection, suitable for businesses needing secure communications. Skype offers basic encryption but lacks the enterprise-grade security options required for business-level communications, making 3CX more secure overall.
3CX has multiple subscription plans, from free for basic use to premium options around £100–£350 per year. Skype is free for most features, with costs applying to international or landline calls, making it a more budget-friendly choice for small-scale communication.
Skype is easier to set up, with minimal configuration required, making it accessible for small teams. 3CX requires a more involved setup process, especially for advanced call features, but offers significant customisation and flexibility that Skype does not provide.
3CX is highly scalable, supporting small to large businesses with advanced communication needs. Its flexibility and range of plans allow businesses to scale as they grow. Skype is limited in scalability, best suited for small teams without complex communication requirements.
3CX offers customer support and comprehensive technical documentation for setup and troubleshooting. Skype, designed primarily as a consumer app, has limited customer support for business users, with most support provided through online FAQs and forums.