When choosing a phone system for your business, Zoom and 3CX stand out as two reputable options, each offering a range of communication features that support productivity, collaboration, and customer service. Here, we compare the key aspects of Zoom vs 3CX to help you understand which system best aligns with your business needs.
Zoom vs 3CX
| Feature | Zoom | 3CX |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Solution | Cloud-based VoIP phone system as part of the Zoom platform | Software-based VoIP phone system, with options for cloud or on-premises deployment |
| Key Features | Video meetings, team messaging, call queues, IVR, call recording, advanced routing | Voice and video calls, live chat, SMS, call queues, IVR, contact centre features, SIP trunking |
| Deployment Options | Fully cloud-based (managed by Zoom) | Cloud, on-premises, or hybrid (managed by business) |
| Scalability | Highly scalable for small to large businesses | Scalable with licence options based on simultaneous calls |
| Device Compatibility | Desktop, mobile, and select IP desk phones | Desktop, mobile, and compatible with a range of third-party SIP phones |
| Call Management Features | Call queues, IVR, call monitoring, call recording | Call queues, IVR, advanced contact centre features (skills-based routing, CRM integration) |
| SIP Trunk Support | Limited support | Broad SIP trunk support, allowing connection to any provider |
| Integrations | Native integrations with Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zendesk | CRM integrations (Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot), Microsoft 365, custom API |
| Video Conferencing | Integrated with Zoom Meetings | Basic video calling, more limited than Zoom Meetings |
| Mobile App | Fully integrated, supports calls, video, and messaging | Full mobile support for calls and messaging |
| User Interface | Intuitive, consistent across devices, minimal setup | Customisable, may require technical setup initially |
| Security | End-to-end encryption, GDPR and SOC 2 compliant | Encryption, compatible with firewalls, on-premises option for data control |
| Pricing | Starting at £8-£10 per user/month (local calling); enterprise options up to £25/user/month | Ranges from £150/year (8 calls) to £1,500/year (64 calls), based on simultaneous calls |
| Ideal For | Businesses needing an easy-to-use, cloud-based UC platform | Businesses needing flexibility, SIP trunking, advanced call centre options |
| Pros | Simple to use, part of Zoom’s ecosystem, quick to deploy, scalable | Cost-effective for large user bases, flexible deployment, extensive SIP trunk support |
| Cons | Limited SIP trunk support, potentially higher costs for large teams | Requires technical configuration, less streamlined video capability |
Overview of Zoom vs 3CX
Zoom is widely known for its video conferencing capabilities but also offers Zoom Phone, a cloud-based VoIP phone solution aimed at businesses of all sizes. Designed for remote and hybrid working, Zoom Phone integrates seamlessly with Zoom Meetings and supports extensive call management features.
3CX is a software-based VoIP system that can be hosted in the cloud or on-premises, providing more control over setup and data. Known for its flexibility and support for third-party integrations, 3CX is favoured by businesses looking for a comprehensive business phone system that goes beyond basic call handling.
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Key features comparison
Zoom Features:
- Integrated communication suite: Zoom Phone is part of the larger Zoom ecosystem, which includes video meetings, team messaging, and webinars. This makes it easy for users to switch between modes of communication in a single platform.
- Scalability: Zoom Phone can accommodate businesses of all sizes, from small teams to enterprises, and allows for quick scaling without infrastructure changes.
- Call management and routing: Features include call queues, IVR, call recording, and monitoring. Zoom Phone also supports advanced routing options to ensure calls reach the right team members.
- Device flexibility: Zoom Phone is compatible with various devices, including desktops, mobiles, and select IP desk phones, making it adaptable to different work environments.
3CX Features:
- Flexible deployment options: 3CX can be hosted on-premises or in the cloud, giving businesses control over their data and setup.
- Unified Communications (UC) suite: Beyond voice calls, 3CX offers video calling, live chat, SMS, and contact centre features. These are all accessible via a single interface, improving user experience.
- SIP trunk support: 3CX allows businesses to connect to any SIP trunk provider, potentially lowering call costs. This level of flexibility is ideal for businesses with existing vendor relationships.
- Advanced contact centre features: 3CX provides detailed call reports, call queues, skills-based routing, and CRM integration options, making it suitable for customer support environments.
User experience and ease of use
Zoom is praised for its user-friendly interface that is consistent across its applications. The system is intuitive, making it easy for team members to transition between calls, messages, and video meetings. Zoom’s mobile app also provides a seamless experience for users working remotely or on the go.
3CX has a more customisable interface that might require some initial configuration but offers substantial flexibility once set up. For businesses with a technical team, the software-based approach of 3CX enables tailored configurations, although it may feel complex for users seeking a plug-and-play experience.
Integration capabilities
Zoom integrates natively with popular business applications like Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zendesk, allowing businesses to streamline workflows across multiple platforms.
3CX also supports integration with various CRM systems, including Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and HubSpot, as well as Microsoft 365. However, it provides additional flexibility with its open API, which allows for custom integrations, an advantage for businesses with specific workflow needs.
Cost comparison – Zoom vs 3CX
Zoom Phone pricing starts with a base plan at around £8-£10 per user per month for local calling. More advanced plans, including unlimited domestic and international calling, can reach up to £25 per user per month. Zoom Phone also has an enterprise-level plan that includes features such as call monitoring, enhanced analytics, and additional API integrations. For a business already using Zoom Meetings, Zoom Phone offers potential bundling savings.
3CX offers a range of licensing options that vary based on the number of simultaneous calls rather than individual users, which can be cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating call volumes. Prices range from £150 per year for a small business (up to 8 simultaneous calls) to £1,500 per year for larger organisations (up to 64 calls). This model can offer significant savings, especially for companies with a high user count but lower call volume.
Security and compliance
Zoom employs end-to-end encryption for video calls and messaging and is compliant with key standards like GDPR and SOC 2, making it a secure choice for businesses handling sensitive information.
3CX also prioritises security, offering secure communications via encryption and firewall compatibility. Additionally, 3CX’s on-premises option gives businesses full control over data, which can be advantageous for industries with stringent data compliance requirements.
Pros and cons
Zoom Pros:
- User-friendly and highly accessible
- Excellent integration with Zoom’s video and messaging services
- Scalable pricing model suitable for growing businesses
- Quick setup for cloud-based deployment
Zoom Cons:
- Limited SIP trunk support compared to 3CX
- Potential higher costs for large teams or advanced call features
- Reliant on Zoom’s cloud infrastructure, limiting customisation options
3CX Pros:
- Flexible deployment options (cloud or on-premises)
- Extensive call centre features ideal for customer support teams
- Cost-effective for businesses with high user numbers but lower call volumes
- Supports SIP trunking for lower call costs
3CX Cons:
- Requires more technical configuration, especially for on-premises hosting
- Not as streamlined for video meetings as Zoom
- Interface may feel complex for users seeking a simplified solution
Which is best for your business?
Choose Zoom if: your business values simplicity, a user-friendly interface, and quick deployment. Zoom is ideal for companies that need an all-in-one communication platform encompassing calls, video meetings, and messaging with minimal setup and maintenance.
Choose 3CX if: your business requires flexibility and control over data and configurations, or if you have a technical team able to manage an on-premises solution. 3CX is a solid choice for call-centre environments or businesses that need an adaptable, feature-rich phone system with potential cost savings.
Final verdict – Zoom vs 3CX
Both Zoom and 3CX offer robust phone systems, but the best option depends on your business’s specific needs.
Zoom is well-suited for businesses seeking an easy-to-use, cloud-based platform, while 3CX’s flexibility and cost-effectiveness may appeal more to companies with advanced communication needs and a desire for control over their phone system infrastructure.
FAQ – Zoom vs 3CX comparison
Zoom is a fully cloud-based VoIP system ideal for quick deployment, while 3CX offers more flexibility with options for cloud or on-premises hosting. 3CX suits businesses needing control over data and integrations, whereas Zoom is popular for simplicity and unified communication.
3CX is better suited for call centres due to advanced features like call queues, skills-based routing, and extensive CRM integrations. Zoom provides essential call management but lacks the depth and customisation options required for high-volume support teams.
3CX supports SIP trunking with any provider, allowing businesses to reduce costs by selecting preferred vendors. Zoom has limited SIP trunking options, which can be restrictive for businesses looking for more customisation in their phone network.
Both offer CRM integrations, but 3CX has a slight edge with integrations for Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and HubSpot, plus a custom API for other CRMs. Zoom also integrates with Salesforce and popular platforms but lacks the API flexibility of 3CX.
Zoom’s pricing starts around £8-£10 per user/month for basic calling, with advanced plans up to £25 per user/month. 3CX uses a simultaneous calls model, starting at £150/year for eight calls, which can be cost-effective for larger teams or low call volumes.
Both offer strong security, but 3CX’s on-premises option gives businesses full control over data, suitable for strict compliance needs. Zoom employs end-to-end encryption and is GDPR-compliant, making it secure but dependent on Zoom’s infrastructure.
Zoom is generally easier to use with a consistent, user-friendly interface and quick cloud deployment. 3CX requires initial configuration, especially for on-premises setups, but offers more flexibility once set up, catering to businesses with technical teams.
Yes, both systems support mobile apps for calls, messaging, and (for Zoom) video meetings. Zoom’s mobile experience is seamless for those already using Zoom Meetings, while 3CX’s app integrates well with its VoIP features for remote and on-the-go access.
Zoom includes high-quality video meetings as part of its suite, making it ideal for businesses that require video conferencing. 3CX provides basic video calling, but its video capabilities are not as comprehensive or feature-rich as Zoom’s.
Zoom is well-suited for hybrid teams due to its integrated video, messaging, and VoIP services, making it easy for remote collaboration. 3CX also supports remote access, particularly useful with its mobile app, but focuses more on voice and call management than video.