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.
Avaya vs 3CX
| 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 |
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.