When evaluating business phone systems, Mitel and 3CX are two popular solutions often considered by UK businesses for their robust features, flexible pricing, and reliable communication capabilities. This analysis compares Mitel vs 3CX across key areas to help you choose the most suitable system for your needs.
Mitel vs 3CX
| Category | Mitel | 3CX |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Options | Cloud-hosted, on-premises, and hybrid solutions | On-premises, cloud, and virtual server deployment options |
| Target Business Size | Small to enterprise-level, ideal for mid-sized to large businesses | Small to mid-sized businesses, scalable for larger teams |
| Core Features | VoIP, UC, call recording, voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, call forwarding | VoIP, call routing, IVR, voicemail, live chat, video conferencing |
| Unified Communications | Yes, includes messaging, video, file sharing, task management (MiCollab UC application) | Yes, includes voice, video, email, SMS, live chat, and Facebook messaging |
| Mobile App | Yes, MiVoice Office and MiVoice Business apps for iOS and Android | Yes, 3CX mobile app for iOS and Android |
| Video Conferencing | Available as an add-on (MiTeam Meetings), HD quality, screen sharing | Included in all plans, HD quality, screen sharing, supports up to 250 participants |
| Collaboration Features | File sharing, instant messaging, task tracking (with MiCollab) | Chat, SMS, live website chat, screen sharing in video calls |
| Integrations | Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and other third-party apps | Microsoft 365, Salesforce, HubSpot, CRM integrations, and SIP trunk compatibility |
| Pricing | Custom quotes; typically £20-£30 per user per month for cloud, additional costs for add-ons | Free for up to 10 users (Standard), Pro from £145/year for 10 users, Enterprise from £175/year |
| Free Version | No | Yes, free Standard version for up to 10 users |
| Ease of Setup | Moderate to high; cloud is easier, on-premises requires professional installation | Easy; self-install guides, compatible with Windows, Linux, and cloud |
| User Interface | User-friendly, though advanced features may require training | Intuitive, straightforward navigation, minimal training needed |
| Remote Work Support | Full PBX functionality with mobile and desktop apps | Full PBX functionality with mobile and desktop apps |
| SIP Trunk Compatibility | Limited; varies by licensing and deployment | Extensive; allows choice of SIP trunks for added flexibility |
| Customer Support | Online resources, customer portal, premium support available at additional cost | Free online resources, paid support for direct chat and phone assistance |
| Key Pros | Robust UC, video conferencing options, scalability | Cost-effective, wide feature set, simple setup, SIP compatibility |
| Key Cons | Higher cost, additional fees for some features | Limited task management, some features require Pro or Enterprise plans |
| Best For | Larger teams, multi-site operations, hybrid workforces | Smaller teams, budget-conscious businesses, remote-friendly workplaces |
Overview of Mitel vs 3CX
Mitel: Mitel is a well-established provider known for scalable business communication solutions, including cloud-hosted and on-premises phone systems. It supports VoIP and unified communications (UC), offering options for businesses of various sizes. Mitel’s flexibility makes it suitable for hybrid work environments, remote teams, and multi-location businesses.
3CX: 3CX is a VoIP solution that stands out for its affordability, ease of use, and robust feature set. Primarily offered as a software-based PBX (Private Branch Exchange) solution, 3CX can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or via a virtual server. Known for its customer-centric pricing and extensive integrations, 3CX is widely used by small to medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises seeking a cost-effective communication solution.
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Features comparison
1. Calling and conferencing
- Mitel: Mitel’s business phone systems offer comprehensive calling features, including call forwarding, call recording, voicemail-to-email, and video conferencing. It provides extensive support for conference calls with HD audio quality, integrated video conferencing, and easy screen sharing, making collaboration more accessible. The Mitel MiTeam Meetings add-on allows users to conduct video meetings with external participants, adding to the system’s versatility.
- 3CX: 3CX also provides a full suite of calling and conferencing tools, including call routing, IVR (Interactive Voice Response), voicemail, and live chat integration. Its video conferencing solution, included with all plans, supports up to 250 participants and offers HD video quality, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds. Unlike Mitel, video conferencing is a built-in feature without the need for add-ons, which is a cost-saving advantage.
2. Unified communications (UC) capabilities
- Mitel: Mitel offers a comprehensive UC suite, including messaging, video, file sharing, and task management, all accessible within a single platform. MiCollab, its UC application, integrates with MiVoice for seamless access to voice, video, and messaging, enabling better workflow and communication across teams.
- 3CX: 3CX integrates various communication channels, including voice, video, email, and SMS, into a single interface. While it lacks task management features, 3CX does support live website chat and Facebook messaging, which can be a valuable feature for customer service teams. The UC features in 3CX, especially chat and SMS, are advantageous for customer-facing businesses, providing more diverse communication options.
3. Mobility and remote work
- Mitel: Mitel offers robust mobility solutions with its MiVoice Office and MiVoice Business applications, which support mobile users on iOS and Android devices. Users can make and receive calls, check voicemail, and collaborate through the mobile app as if they were in the office. This functionality suits hybrid work environments where employees may frequently switch between office and remote settings.
- 3CX: 3CX’s mobile and web apps provide full PBX functionality, enabling users to make calls, join video conferences, and access messaging. The mobile app is well-reviewed for its intuitive design and ease of use, supporting both iOS and Android users. Its softphone capability makes it easy for employees to work remotely while staying connected to the main office phone system.
Pricing comparison – Mitel vx 3CX
- Mitel: Mitel’s pricing is typically on a per-user, per-month basis and varies by deployment model (cloud or on-premises) and selected features. Mitel does not publish detailed pricing, so businesses often need a custom quote to determine costs. Expect cloud-based solutions to start around £20-£30 per user per month, with potential discounts for larger organisations. Some advanced features, such as video conferencing and call analytics, may require additional fees.
- 3CX: 3CX offers competitive pricing with three main tiers: Standard, Pro, and Enterprise. The Standard edition is free for up to 10 users with limited features, making it ideal for small businesses. The Pro edition starts around £145 per year for ten users, while the Enterprise edition starts at £175 per year for ten users. These costs are considerably lower than many alternatives, especially for small businesses looking for a robust but affordable phone system. 3CX’s pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees, making budgeting easier.
Ease of setup and user experience
- Mitel: Mitel’s systems generally require a more complex setup, particularly for on-premises solutions, which may require professional installation. The cloud-based solutions are easier to deploy, but they still may benefit from IT support during initial setup. Once in place, the system’s interface is user-friendly, though employees may need some training to make full use of advanced features.
- 3CX: 3CX is relatively easy to install, with deployment options across Windows, Linux, and cloud environments. 3CX also offers self-installation guides, making it accessible to businesses without extensive IT resources. The interface is straightforward, with intuitive menus and clear navigation, allowing users to pick up the system quickly with minimal training.
Integrations and compatibility
- Mitel: Mitel integrates with several popular applications, such as Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace, which can improve productivity for teams that rely on these tools. However, integration options may depend on the deployment and licensing type.
- 3CX: 3CX supports a range of integrations, including Microsoft 365, Salesforce, HubSpot, and several CRM tools. The system is SIP-compatible, allowing businesses to use their choice of SIP trunks, which can be a cost-saver. Integration capabilities with 3CX are generally comprehensive, especially in the Pro and Enterprise tiers.
Customer support and service
- Mitel: Mitel provides support through online resources, including guides, documentation, and a customer service portal. Support options vary by plan, with premium support available at an extra cost. Many customers appreciate Mitel’s technical expertise, but support response times may vary, especially for small to mid-sized business clients.
- 3CX: 3CX offers free support for its customers through online forums, guides, and email. Paid support plans are available for businesses needing priority assistance, and they include options for direct chat and phone support. 3CX has a strong reputation for quick, helpful customer service, and its self-help resources are well-maintained, benefiting smaller teams.
Pros and cons summary
| Aspect | Mitel | 3CX |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Advanced UC features, reliable video conferencing, scalable options | Cost-effective, easy setup, robust integrations |
| Cons | Higher costs, additional fees for some features | Limited task management, some features require Pro/Enterprise plans |
| Best for | Larger or hybrid workforces, multi-site businesses | Small to mid-sized businesses, budget-conscious teams |
Conclusion – Which should you choose?
Choose Mitel if your business requires an all-in-one unified communications suite with highly scalable options and robust video conferencing. It’s a strong choice for medium to large businesses, especially those with multiple locations or complex requirements.
Choose 3CX if you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-deploy solution that covers essential features without excessive costs. 3CX is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that want flexibility, straightforward pricing, and diverse communication options without overpaying for advanced features.
Both Mitel and 3CX offer excellent options for UK businesses; the choice largely depends on budget, feature requirements, and scalability.
Mitel provides a more comprehensive UC experience, while 3CX is a budget-friendly alternative with robust PBX and conferencing capabilities.
FAQ – Mitel vs 3CX
3CX is generally better suited for small businesses due to its lower pricing, simple setup, and comprehensive feature set. Mitel’s extensive UC features may be beneficial for larger teams with complex needs, but for small to mid-sized businesses, 3CX provides cost-effective, easy-to-use solutions.
Mitel and 3CX both offer HD video conferencing, but 3CX includes it as a standard feature in all plans. Mitel requires an add-on (MiTeam Meetings) for video conferencing, which may add to the cost, whereas 3CX offers cost-effective, built-in video conferencing for up to 250 participants.
3CX generally has lower pricing, with a free Standard version for up to 10 users and affordable annual plans. Mitel’s pricing often starts around £20-£30 per user per month, with custom quotes for larger teams. Additional Mitel features may incur extra costs, making 3CX more budget-friendly.
3CX is easier to set up, with simple deployment guides for cloud, on-premises, and virtual servers. Mitel’s on-premises solutions often require professional installation, and while cloud solutions are easier, they may still need IT support. Overall, 3CX offers more self-installation flexibility for businesses.
Yes, both Mitel and 3CX support remote work with mobile and desktop apps, providing full PBX functionality on the go. Users can make calls, join video meetings, and access messaging from anywhere, making both suitable for hybrid and remote work environments.
Both Mitel and 3CX provide mobile apps for iOS and Android. Mitel’s MiVoice apps and 3CX’s mobile app both allow remote calling, messaging, and collaboration. However, 3CX’s app is more user-friendly and offers broader PBX features, making it popular for remote-friendly workplaces.
3CX provides extensive integration options with Microsoft 365, Salesforce, HubSpot, and other CRM platforms, as well as SIP trunk compatibility. Mitel integrates with popular tools like Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace but has fewer integration options compared to 3CX’s flexibility.
Mitel offers standard support and premium support options at extra cost, while 3CX provides free online resources and paid support plans with priority assistance. 3CX generally receives positive feedback for responsive customer support, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses with limited IT resources.
Mitel has comprehensive UC features through its MiCollab platform, including messaging, video, file sharing, and task management. 3CX offers voice, video, email, SMS, and live chat, but lacks task management features. Mitel is a stronger choice for fully integrated UC, while 3CX covers essential communication needs.
Mitel may require additional fees for certain features, like video conferencing and advanced analytics. In contrast, 3CX’s pricing is straightforward, with all features included in each pricing tier. 3CX’s transparent pricing makes it easier for businesses to budget without unexpected costs.