Avaya vs 3CX

In this comparison, we’ll conduct an in-depth look at Avaya vs 3CX, covering their features, pricing, scalability, and other important considerations. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which system could be the right fit for your UK business.

Criteria	Avaya	3CX
Deployment Options	On-premises and cloud	On-premises and cloud
Target Audience	Large enterprises and growing SMEs	Small to medium-sized businesses, especially those on a budget
Voice & VoIP Capabilities	High-quality voice services with advanced features like call queuing, hot-desking, and call routing	Robust VoIP features, including call transfer, voicemail-to-email, and WebRTC-based browser calling
Unified Communications (UC)	Integrated voice, video, messaging, and conferencing (Avaya Spaces)	Voice, video, and messaging in a single platform with web-based video meetings
Integrations	Strong integrations with CRM (Salesforce, SAP), Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace	CRM integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft 365, and more
Mobility and Remote Access	Mobile app with video, messaging, and presence features for remote work	Mobile apps for iOS, Android, and a web client for easy remote access
CRM Compatibility	Extensive CRM integration capabilities	Compatible with major CRMs, including Salesforce and HubSpot
Pricing Structure	Subscription-based for cloud; on-premises requires upfront costs	Free tier for up to 10 users; paid plans starting around £120 per year for 10 users
Base Cost	From approx. £20–£60 per user per month, depending on features and deployment	Free for up to 10 users; paid plans around £10 per user per year (scalable)
Ease of Use	Requires some IT expertise, particularly for on-premises setup; cloud version easier to manage	User-friendly, web-based interface; relatively easy to set up, even for businesses with limited IT
Support	24/7 support available for cloud customers; extensive resources	Online resources, community support; limited 24/7 support; premium support available
Reliability	High reliability with strong support services and dedicated options	Reliable system with good support; some limitations on 24/7 service
Scalability	Highly scalable, suitable for larger and growing teams	Easily scalable, though best suited to SMEs
Notable Pros	Excellent UC features, wide integration options, strong customer support, highly reliable	Cost-effective, flexible deployment, free option for small teams, strong VoIP and UC capabilities
Notable Cons	Higher upfront costs for on-premises systems, requires IT support for full utilisation	Limited 24/7 support, may lack some advanced features needed by large enterprises
Best For	Larger businesses needing a robust UC system with extensive integrations and support	SMEs seeking an affordable, flexible phone system with strong mobility and VoIP features

Avaya vs 3CX comparison

Overview of Avaya vs 3CX

Avaya is a long-standing name in business communications, known for its comprehensive suite of communication and collaboration tools. Avaya primarily serves larger enterprises but has scalable solutions suitable for SMEs. They offer both on-premises and cloud-based phone systems, providing a range of services from VoIP to advanced unified communications (UC).

3CX, in contrast, is a popular choice for businesses seeking a software-based, open-standards IP PBX solution. Known for its flexibility, 3CX operates well across various operating systems and offers both on-premises and cloud-hosted deployment. With a strong focus on VoIP and video conferencing, 3CX is an attractive option for businesses looking for robust communication on a more budget-friendly basis.

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Key features comparison

1. Voice and VoIP capabilities

Avaya: Known for its high-quality voice services, Avaya offers robust VoIP features, including call routing, call queuing, and automated attendants. They also provide advanced options like hot-desking and presence management, ideal for large teams.
3CX: Similarly, 3CX’s VoIP features are extensive and cater well to SMEs. Key offerings include call transfer, call logging, automated attendants, and voicemail-to-email. 3CX also excels with its integration of WebRTC technology, enabling high-quality calls directly from browsers without additional software.

2. Unified communications and collaboration

Avaya: Avaya’s UC platform provides seamless integration of voice, video, messaging, and conferencing. The Avaya Spaces platform enables real-time video meetings, screen sharing, and collaboration, essential for remote and hybrid working models.
3CX: 3CX also has strong UC capabilities, offering voice, video, and messaging in a single interface. Its Web Meeting feature is particularly useful for small to medium-sized businesses seeking reliable video conferencing without the additional cost.

3. Integrations and compatibility

Avaya: Avaya integrates well with major CRM software (Salesforce, SAP, etc.), Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace. This level of integration makes it ideal for businesses relying heavily on CRM systems for customer engagement.
3CX: 3CX provides out-of-the-box integrations with CRM systems, including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft 365. It’s also highly compatible with SIP phones and can be used across different operating systems, making it versatile and adaptable to varied business setups.

4. Mobility and remote access

Avaya: Avaya’s mobile app allows users to access their phone system remotely, with features like video calls, messaging, and presence status. This mobility feature is essential for remote teams needing full access to the system while working off-site.
3CX: 3CX excels in mobility as well, with dedicated apps for both iOS and Android. It also provides a web client, allowing access through any browser. The 3CX mobile app allows employees to manage calls, chat, and video meetings from their devices, which can benefit businesses with a high level of mobile or remote staff.

Costs comparison – Avaya vs 3CX

The pricing structures for Avaya vs 3CX differ significantly, catering to different business budgets and deployment preferences.

Avaya pricing

Avaya’s pricing model varies depending on the deployment type and services required.

Avaya’s on-premises systems generally involve a higher upfront cost due to hardware and setup.

For cloud-based Avaya solutions, pricing is typically subscription-based, with plans generally starting from around £20 per user per month for the basics, though this can rise to around £60 per user per month for advanced features and unified communications.

3CX pricing

3CX offers a highly flexible pricing model with options for both free and paid plans.

The free tier provides VoIP capabilities for up to ten users, a budget-friendly option for small businesses.

Paid plans are tiered based on user numbers and deployment preferences (self-hosted or cloud-hosted).

The entry-level paid plan starts at around £120 per year for ten users (or approximately £1 per user per month), with costs rising based on additional features or larger teams.

Ease of use and setup

Avaya: Known for its robust systems, Avaya may require more specialised setup and ongoing management, especially for on-premises installations. For cloud-based Avaya solutions, however, setup is more straightforward and managed through an intuitive interface, though still best suited to teams with IT support.
3CX: 3CX is user-friendly, with a straightforward installation process that can be self-hosted or hosted via 3CX’s cloud partners. The web-based management interface simplifies system maintenance, making it a good option for businesses with limited IT resources.

Customer support and reliability

Avaya: Avaya is well-regarded for its reliability and support services, offering 24/7 support for its cloud-based customers and a comprehensive range of resources. Support plans vary, with premium options available for businesses requiring dedicated support.
3CX: 3CX provides a strong support community, documentation, and resources online. While 3CX offers standard support during business hours, 24/7 support options may not be as comprehensive as Avaya’s, potentially requiring an additional service plan for full around-the-clock support.

Scalability and flexibility

Avaya: Avaya’s systems are highly scalable, making it suitable for growing businesses or larger organisations. With both on-premises and cloud options, it offers flexibility for businesses to choose the best deployment method based on their needs.
3CX: 3CX is very scalable, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. The cloud option allows for easy scaling, and the open standards make it adaptable, though it may require some expertise to fully leverage for larger setups.

Pros and cons

Avaya

Pros:

Comprehensive UC features
Excellent CRM and third-party integrations
Strong support and reliability
High scalability for larger teams

Cons:

Higher initial costs, especially for on-premises deployment
Can require more IT resources for maintenance

3CX

Pros:

Budget-friendly, with a free tier for small businesses
Flexible deployment options (cloud or on-premises)
User-friendly interface with excellent mobility features
Good integrations with major CRMs

Cons:

Limited 24/7 support options
May not have as extensive features as Avaya for large enterprises

Which system is right for your business?

Choosing between Avaya vs 3CX depends on your business size, budget, and specific needs:

Choose Avaya if: You are a larger enterprise or a growing SME with more complex communication needs, looking for an all-in-one UC solution with robust CRM integrations, scalability, and reliable support. Avaya may come at a higher cost but offers more extensive capabilities suited to businesses needing comprehensive support and features.
Choose 3CX if: You are a small to medium-sized business seeking a budget-friendly, flexible business phone system with strong VoIP and UC features that can be self-managed or easily scaled. 3CX’s free tier and cost-effective paid plans make it an ideal choice for businesses with limited budgets that still require reliable communication tools.

Final verdict – Avaya vs 3CX

Avaya and 3CX each offer strong features and advantages, catering to different types of businesses.

Avaya’s comprehensive UC tools make it a premium choice for larger companies with more complex requirements, while 3CX’s affordability and flexibility make it ideal for SMEs or budget-conscious businesses.

FAQ – Avaya vs 3CX comparison

Which system is better for large teams, Avaya or 3CX?

Avaya is better suited for large teams due to its scalability, comprehensive unified communications, and extensive support options. While 3CX can support larger teams, it’s most effective for SMEs due to its streamlined, budget-friendly design and flexibility.

Does Avaya offer better support than 3CX?

Yes, Avaya offers 24/7 support for cloud customers and extensive resources, which can be crucial for larger organisations. 3CX provides community and online resources, with limited 24/7 support options, but offers premium support for additional coverage.

Which is more affordable, Avaya or 3CX?

3CX is generally more affordable, with a free plan for up to 10 users and paid plans starting at £120 annually for 10 users. Avaya, with its higher upfront costs for on-premises systems and subscription-based cloud pricing, tends to be more expensive.

Is 3CX easier to set up than Avaya?

Yes, 3CX is user-friendly and easier to set up, especially for cloud deployment. Avaya’s cloud solution is more streamlined than its on-premises option but generally requires more IT support to manage and optimise fully.

Does Avaya have better CRM integrations than 3CX?

Avaya supports robust integrations with major CRMs, including Salesforce and SAP, making it ideal for CRM-centric businesses. 3CX also integrates well with popular CRMs, including Salesforce and HubSpot, offering solid options, especially for SMEs.

Which offers better video conferencing, Avaya or 3CX?

Both offer quality video conferencing features, though Avaya Spaces provides a dedicated collaboration platform with advanced tools. 3CX’s Web Meeting feature is reliable and integrated but may lack the depth Avaya offers for larger enterprises needing extensive video tools.

Is Avaya or 3CX better for remote access?

Both offer excellent mobile apps for remote access, with Avaya providing full UC capabilities and presence management. 3CX’s mobile apps and web client enable remote teams to communicate effectively, making it ideal for small to medium-sized teams with remote working needs.

Which is more reliable, Avaya or 3CX?

Avaya is known for high reliability, especially with its dedicated support options, making it a good fit for large enterprises. 3CX is reliable for SMEs but may require premium support options for companies needing extensive, round-the-clock reliability.

Can 3CX scale as well as Avaya?

3CX is scalable and suitable for SMEs with growth plans, but Avaya is designed with large enterprises in mind, offering superior scalability, especially for businesses needing advanced communication features and support for larger teams.

Which has better unified communications, Avaya or 3CX?

Avaya’s unified communications are highly advanced, integrating voice, video, and messaging seamlessly in Avaya Spaces, making it ideal for larger organisations. 3CX provides strong UC features as well, particularly suited to smaller teams needing reliable, cost-effective communication tools.