Building seamless communication between in-house teams is essential for all businesses, and phone systems can be crucial to achieving this goal. Given that you’re here, you’re probably aware of all the benefits, but you want to see other business phone systems in the market.
We’ve taken the time to explore the top 3CX app alternatives, including Ringblaze, Zoom One, Webex, and others. Each of the phone systems we mention below has its pros and cons. But in the end, you will still opt for one that suits your needs best.
Before examining all the alternatives, let’s discover what 3CX is and why businesses need a phone system.
What is 3CX?
This app is an industry veteran well aware of clients’ needs. The company was founded in 2005. Over the years, the platform has evolved from a PBX phone system to a powerful communication platform with audio, video, and live chat features.
3CX pricing varies depending on the plan you choose: standard (for small businesses), pro, or enterprise. If your company falls into the first category, your annual payment will be $195 per system. This solution also offers a free plan to try.
With over 250.000 active customers, it’s evident that this platform is a competitive phone system and the number one choice for numerous businesses. If you want to learn more about it, check out our 3CX review. However, other companies might be looking for a different solution.
What are 3CX benefits for your business?
What makes 3CX a popular business communication platform? Let’s consider its main benefits.
- Unified communication solution: The 3CX phones system offers a comprehensive platform for communication, seamlessly integrating various channels like voice, video, and chat. This consolidation fosters streamlined communication across your organization, boosting productivity and collaboration.
- Cost-effective approach: Embracing 3CX’s software-based model leads to substantial savings compared to traditional phone systems. A 3CX web client can use features such as complimentary inter-office calls and economical international calling options, which contribute to significant cost efficiencies.
- Scalability advantage: Whether your business is small, medium, or large, 3CX adapts to your evolving communication needs. Its flexibility allows for seamless addition or removal of users and features without the need for extensive infrastructure alterations.
- Remote work facilitation: With robust mobile and remote access functionalities, 3CX software empowers employees to remain connected and productive from any location, supporting the growing trend of remote work.
- Integration flexibility: 3CX seamlessly integrates with a variety of business applications, such as CRM (customer relationship management) systems, helpdesk software, and productivity tools. This integration streamlines workflows by consolidating communication within existing platforms.
Top 12 3CX alternatives in 2024
The phone system market is very competitive. There are plenty of other software platforms that aim to offer the best communication tool for many businesses. In this section, we’re going to examine the top business communications tools that are great alternatives to the 3CX phone system.
We’ll take a look at all the relevant features that make these software tools unique. Some of them are a better fit for a small business, while others are highly scalable to meet the gigantic needs of enterprise companies.
3CX top alternatives | Territories serve | Distinctive features | Starting price (per user per month) |
Ringblaze | 220+ | Advanced call tracking and analytics | $15 |
Dialpad | 50+ | AI-powered real-time transcriptions | $15 |
Zoom One | 48+ | Massive participant capacity for video conferencing | $149.90 (per user per year) |
RingCentral MVP | 40+ | Unified communications and collaboration platform | $30 |
Nextiva | 120+ | AI-powered virtual assistant | $25.95 |
GoTo Connect | 90+ | Customizable call queues and IVR | $27 |
Webex | 65+ | Robust webinar and event hosting capabilities | $19 |
Vonage | 85+ | Advanced call routing and analytics | No flat-rate option, paying for the call |
Ringover | 65+ | International virtual numbers and call recording | $21 |
CloudTalk | 140+ | Multi-level IVR and custom call workflows | $25 |
Aircall | 65+ | Real-time call monitoring and coaching | $30 |
Genesys Cloud CX | 105+ | Intelligent call routing and IVR automation | $75 |
Ringblaze
It is the perfect business phone system, especially for a small business. The most significant advantage that we bring to the market is value. We’ve designed a platform that can meet the needs of a wide range of clients in different industries. Our software is simple to use and comes with plenty of features for a fraction of the price you’d have to pay with other phone systems.
Ringblaze features
- Call management features: Ringblaze offers call assigning, forwarding, and recording features. Other business phone system providers will require switching to a more expensive plan to get these options available.
- Call collaboration: A shared dashboard has a specific design to simplify call center communication. Customer support colleagues can seamlessly work together to manage customer calls effectively. Features like text comments help capture all the specifics of every customer interaction, making it easy for another support agent to proceed with helping the client.
- Toll-free calls: These calls are one of the core features that makes Ringblaze a great 3CX alternative. No matter where your customers are located, you can establish toll-free phones where they can reach out to you free of charge.
- Customer communication: Ringblaze comes with unique website integration features. Customers can quickly make a call and contact your support while browsing your website. This is a great way to turn your phone system into a sales tool that helps improve your platform’s conversion rates.
- Over 220 territories: The platform supports calling in over 220 countries. That means that you can use the phone system wherever you are. But more importantly, customers from anywhere around the world can contact your customer support free of charge.
By the way, you can explore the whole platform with a free trial. That’s a great way to see whether the platform is the phone system you need.
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Dialpad
This one of the top cloud-based solutions in the domain of corporate communication offers a comprehensive suite of features, including call routing, call forwarding, and others.
What sets Dialpad apart is its exclusive artificial intelligence, Dialpad AI. It proves particularly valuable for contact center or support teams. Beyond just transcribing phone conversations in real-time, it has the capability to recognize and monitor specific keywords and phrases of interest through the creation of “Custom Moments.”
Dialpad features
- Unified communication hub: Dialpad serves as a unified platform for voice, video, and messaging, facilitating seamless collaboration across multiple channels. Integrated features like instant messaging and file sharing foster efficient communication workflows.
- AI technology: Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Dialpad provides advanced analytics and insights to optimize communication strategies. From call transcriptions to sentiment analysis, businesses gain actionable insights for informed decision-making.
- Mobility at its core: With the Dialpad mobile app, employees stay connected and productive wherever they are. Whether in the office, at home, or on the move, they can access all communication tools and features from their mobile devices.
- Scalability: Dialpad scales effortlessly to meet evolving business needs, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments. Whether a burgeoning startup or an established enterprise, Dialpad accommodates communication requirements seamlessly.
- Seamless integration: Dialpad seamlessly integrates with popular business applications like G Suite, Office 365, and Salesforce, enhancing workflow efficiency by consolidating communication within existing productivity tools.
Zoom One
It is another one of the top competitors to the 3CX mobile app. This solution aims to streamline virtual meetings and optimize productivity. With features like virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, and real-time collaboration tools, Zoom One ensures an engaging and efficient meeting experience for users across different industries and organizational scales.
Zoom One features
- Top-tier video conferencing: Zoom One ensures high-quality video conferencing, offering participants an immersive and clear visual experience.
- Dynamic screen sharing: Collaborate effortlessly by sharing your screen during meetings, facilitating effective presentations, document sharing, and collaborative work sessions.
- Empowering breakout sessions: Foster deeper discussions within larger meetings through Zoom One’s breakout rooms, enabling teams to engage in focused collaboration and idea exchange.
- Real-time collaboration enhancements: Enable seamless collaboration with features like interactive whiteboarding, annotation, and co-annotation, empowering teams to brainstorm and innovate together in real-time.
- Capacity for participants in video conferencing: With 3CX’s complimentary model accommodating up to 16 participants, Zoom surpasses this with the capability to host up to 100 participants.
In general, if your requirement is solely for video conferencing, Zoom is a suitable option. However, if your needs extend to encompass additional communication channels such as phone calls or require support for a contact center team, Zoom’s offering in this aspect may not be as comprehensive.
RingCentral MVP
This is a comprehensive cloud-based phone system that seamlessly integrates all communication channels into one centralized platform. Beyond offering a dependable phone system, it consolidates multiple collaboration tools, including text messaging, video calls, audio conferences, and online meetings.
RingCentral MVP features
- Seamless team collaboration: Equipped with functionalities like team messaging, file sharing, and task management, RingCentral MVP facilitates fluid collaboration among team members, irrespective of geographical constraints.
- Scalability: Whether your business operates on a small scale or at an enterprise level, RingCentral MVP adapts to accommodate evolving communication demands, offering the flexibility to adjust users and features as necessitated by growth.
- Mobile accessibility: With robust mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices, RingCentral MVP empowers employees to remain connected and productive even while on the move.
- Integration versatility: Seamlessly integrating with a plethora of popular business applications including Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, and Google Workspace, RingCentral MVP enhances workflow efficiency and overall productivity.
- Advanced telephony features: From automated attendant services and call forwarding to comprehensive call recording and analytics functionalities, RingCentral MVP offers a suite of advanced telephony features to optimize business communications.
- AI solution is coming: RingCentral MVP is going to present a new version called RingEX, which is built with AI technology. This marks a substantial leap forward from conventional messaging, video, and phone communications, integrating AI to elevate every interaction to a higher level of intelligence.
Improve your business results. Try the Ringblaze phone system for free. Sign up.
Nextiva
It is one of the top phone systems in the market. Many customers opt for it as it is a complete cloud-based software platform that you can set up to handle internal and external communication. It’s another provider that goes to the group of the top 3CX competitors.
Nextiva features
- A variety of communication channels: Your customers can reach your contact center via email, social media, phone, SMS, and video. Employees can use the same for internal communication. That’s perfect for remote teams and for companies who work with numerous employees in the field.
- Integration options: The true power of all business tools comes from their integration capabilities. It’s the best way to improve customer service effectively. All you have to do is integrate Nextiva with your CRM software and grow the database of valuable customer details.
- Communication in one place: The best way to keep all your communication in one place is to use a feature-rich phone system solution such as Nextiva. That’s a great way to help employees remain effective with their day-to-day tasks.
- Set up automation: Use the platform to partially automate your communication. Use the feature to check in with your colleagues about business meetings. On the customer side, use automation to provide quick answers to simple queries and create follow-up emails and reminders. Automate all the tedious tasks with the platform and focus on the only thing that matters: your customers.
- Advanced analytics: Nextiva offers insights and analytics features. Monitor your business communications and improve your support efforts. See how teams communicate in-house and use the data to better your communication processes.
GoTo Connect
It is a cloud-hosted unified communications solution designed to equip businesses with an array of communication tools, encompassing voice, video, chat, and collaboration features. Formerly recognized as Jive, GoTo Connect offers a comprehensive suite of services, including VoIP phone systems, video confer
GoTo Connect features
- Video conferencing: With GoTo Connect’s video conferencing capabilities, teams can convene virtual meetings with crisp HD video and clear audio, fostering seamless collaboration among remote or distributed team members.
- Instant messaging and chat: GoTo Connect facilitates real-time communication through its chat and messaging functionality, empowering users to exchange instant messages, share files, and collaborate effortlessly.
- Mobile applications: GoTo Connect offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, ensuring users can remain connected and productive whether they’re in the office or on the go.
- Integration flexibility: Seamlessly integrating with various business applications such as CRM systems and helpdesk software, GoTo Connect streamlines workflows and enhances productivity.
- Advanced call management: With features like call routing, call forwarding, and auto-attendant, GoTo Connect empowers businesses to handle incoming calls effectively.
Webex
This app presents an inclusive collaboration solution crafted by Cisco Systems, Inc., providing an array of communication and teamwork utilities tailored to streamline remote operations, virtual gatherings, and team synergy. Among its offerings are video conferencing, virtual meetings, webinars, file sharing, messaging, and whiteboard functionalities.
Webex features
- Meeting excellence: Webex brings crystal-clear HD video and audio conferencing to the forefront, ensuring every participant feels present and engaged. Seamlessly share your screen to showcase documents or applications and capture the essence of discussions with the convenient meeting recording feature.
- Seamless collaboration: Unify communication channels with Webex’s robust messaging platform, enabling swift and secure conversations among individuals or groups. Effortlessly exchange files and collaborate on projects with integrated third-party apps such as Microsoft Teams and Google Drive.
- Integrations beyond borders: Seamlessly integrate Webex with your existing productivity tools, from Microsoft Outlook to Google Calendar, streamlining workflow management and enhancing productivity. Customize and extend Webex’s capabilities with APIs tailored to your unique business needs.
- AI-driven enhancement: Harness the power of AI to enrich meeting experiences with transcription services, closed captioning for accessibility, and noise cancellation technology for pristine audio quality.
- Call management mastery: Seamlessly integrate traditional phone systems with Webex, enabling comprehensive call management functionalities, including voicemail, call forwarding, and call history tracking.
Vonage
This unique cloud communications platform brings together a robust unified communications solution with the agility of embedded, contextual communications APIs. Such a powerful combination enables businesses to collaborate more productively and engage their customers more effectively across messaging, chat, social media, video, and voice.
Vonage features
- Dynamic video conferencing: Vonage enriches collaboration endeavors with its robust video conferencing solutions, facilitating virtual meetings with unparalleled quality in video and audio.
- Tailored business telephony: Vonage offers customizable business phone systems equipped with versatile features like call forwarding, voicemail management, and automated attendants.
- Automated call routing: With Vonage’s virtual receptionist services, businesses can automate call handling and ensure efficient routing to the appropriate departments or individuals.
- Insightful analytics solutions: Vonage equips businesses with robust analytics and reporting tools, enabling them to gain valuable insights into communication metrics.
Ringover
It is a cloud-centric communication platform tailored for businesses, offering a suite of features to enhance organizational connectivity. With its focus on VoIP calling, messaging, video conferencing, and call center solutions, Ringover simplifies communication workflows for companies of all sizes.
Ringover features
- User-friendly interface: Ringover offers a seamless and straightforward interface, ensuring effortless navigation and swift adoption for users.
- AI-driven capabilities: From automated call routing to sentiment analysis, Ringover’s AI capabilities revolutionize how businesses engage with customers and streamline operational processes.
- Advanced analytics: Through customizable reports and real-time dashboards, businesses can obtain valuable data on call metrics, response times, and customer satisfaction levels, driving informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Seamless integration: Ringover seamlessly integrates with a diverse array of business applications (80+ tools), allowing for the consolidation of communication data and streamlined workflows.
- Omnichannel presence: Ringover ensures a cohesive presence across multiple communication channels, enabling businesses to engage with stakeholders effectively. Whether it’s voice calls, text messages, video conferences, or social media interactions, Ringover provides a unified platform for top communication.
CloudTalk
It is a cloud-based call center software meticulously crafted for remote sales and customer support teams. Beyond delivering superior call quality and a contemporary solution, CloudTalk’s distinguishing feature lies in our seamless integration capabilities with top-tier CRMs and helpdesks.
CloudTalk features
- Streamlined workflow automation: Experience seamless business operations through CloudTalk’s user-friendly drag-and-drop workflow automation tools. Craft personalized automated processes effortlessly, refining efficiency and enriching customer interactions across the board.
- Dynamic call flow creation: Tailor each caller’s journey with CloudTalk’s multistep call flow builders, empowering you to deliver customized experiences with every interaction. Guide callers through intuitive pathways, ensuring smooth communication and consistent service delivery.
- Smart dialing capabilities: Elevate outbound calling strategies with CloudTalk’s intelligent dialing features, designed to optimize agent productivity and maximize connection rates.
- Integration flexibility: Seamlessly integrate CloudTalk with your existing business ecosystem, consolidating communication channels and enhancing collaboration.
- Actionable insights: Monitor key metrics such as call volume and agent efficiency, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
Aircall
This is a cutting-edge phone system designed for contemporary businesses, accessible across all devices. With Aircall’s hardware-free setup, clients can swiftly initiate calls within a mere 3 minutes. Boasting an extensive array of robust integrations and an expanding app ecosystem comprising over 50 CRM, Helpdesk, eCommerce, and other business software solutions, Aircall caters perfectly to the needs of forward-thinking enterprises aiming to maintain seamless connectivity.
Aircall features
- Tailored call routing: Aircall empowers businesses to craft personalized call flows tailored to their specific requirements. Whether configuring IVR menus, call queues, or routing protocols, Aircall’s customizable call routing ensures optimized call-handling processes and a tailored experience for callers.
- Integrated communication hub: Aircall seamlessly integrates with a range of business tools and platforms, including CRM systems and helpdesk software. This integration synchronizes communication channels, facilitating a cohesive approach to customer interactions and data management.
- Outstanding customer support: With dedicated support teams and resources, Aircall ensures prompt assistance and expert guidance whenever users encounter queries or issues with the platform.
- Insightful analytics dashboard: Gain invaluable insights into call performance and trends with Aircall’s comprehensive analytics dashboard. Track call volume, duration, and response times to improve customer experiences.
- Enhanced call coaching: Aircall empowers businesses to elevate their sales and customer service teams through innovative call coaching features.
Genesys Cloud CX
The Genesys Cloud CX solution is relied upon by numerous small, medium, and large businesses worldwide, esteemed as a top-tier cloud call center software and customer experience platform.
Genesys Cloud CX seamlessly integrates insights across teams, tools, and touchpoints, empowering you with the information needed to resolve customer issues effortlessly.
Genesys Cloud CX features
- Intelligent call routing: With Genesys Cloud CX, incoming calls are intelligently routed to the most suitable agents based on factors like skills, availability, and customer priority, optimizing call handling efficiency and minimizing wait times.
- IVR automation: Genesys Cloud CX automates call routing and offers self-service options through IVR, allowing customers to complete tasks independently, such as checking account information or scheduling appointments.
- Seamless omnichannel engagement: Businesses can seamlessly transition conversations between different channels while maintaining context with Genesys Cloud CX, ensuring a cohesive and uninterrupted experience for customers.
- Advanced analytics: Genesys Cloud CX offers powerful analytics and reporting capabilities to track and analyze key performance metrics such as call volumes, average handling times, and customer satisfaction scores.
- Efficient workforce management: Genesys Cloud CX provides workforce management features to optimize staffing levels and schedules based on predicted call volumes and agent availability, maximizing operational efficiency and ensuring timely customer support.
- Flexible integration options: With seamless integration capabilities, Genesys Cloud CX can easily integrate with a variety of third-party applications and systems.
Reasons why you might need an alternative to 3CX
While 3CX holds a prominent position in the business phone system arena, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Perhaps the pricing doesn’t align with your budget, you face a 3CX breach, the feature set doesn’t meet your evolving needs, or the user experience feels cumbersome.
Here are some reasons for you to consider the alternative solutions:
Scalability constraints
While 3CX offers scalability to a degree, businesses experiencing rapid growth may find its scalability options restrictive. An alternative solution might provide more adaptable scalability features to accommodate future expansion effortlessly.
Interface complexity
Users with varying levels of technical proficiency might perceive 3CX’s interface and setup process as overly intricate. An alternative solution featuring a more intuitive interface and simplified configuration could offer a smoother user journey.
Integration hurdles
Businesses reliant on diverse sets of tools may face challenges integrating 3CX seamlessly. An alternative solution boasting robust integration features and broader compatibility with third-party applications could offer a more cohesive communication environment.
Budgetary considerations
While 3CX offers competitive pricing, businesses with stringent budget constraints or specific cost parameters may seek alternative solutions offering better value for money or more tailored pricing structures.
Geographical constraints
Depending on the business’s geographical scope, 3CX’s availability and regional support may not be optimal. An alternative solution with broader geographic coverage and localized support services could better cater to businesses with diverse global footprints.
By venturing beyond 3CX, you unlock a world of possibilities. If the 3CX pros and cons don’t match your vision, choose another communication platform that aligns with your needs. It will empower your business to thrive.
How to choose the best alternative for you?
Selecting among the alternatives to PBX 3CX that will satisfy your business requirements is not too challenging. Follow the steps we mentioned below and make the right choice:
- Assess your communication needs: Begin by identifying your organization’s specific communication requirements, including desired features, scalability, integration capabilities, and industry compliance obligations.
- Explore alternative solutions: Conduct thorough research into alternative communication platforms and solutions that align with your identified needs. Take into account factors like reliability, support services, pricing structures, and user feedback.
- Evaluate integration options: Consider how alternative solutions integrate with your existing business applications and systems to ensure smooth workflow integration.
- Request demonstrations and trials: Request demonstrations or trial versions of potential alternatives to assess their features, usability, and performance firsthand before making a final decision.
- Consider the total cost: Evaluate the total cost of ownership associated with alternative solutions, including licensing fees, implementation costs, support expenses, and any additional hardware or infrastructure requirements.
Ringblaze is the most optimal phone system for businesses that offers attractive features at the best price. Ringblaze empowers your team with features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and seamless CRM integrations. This allows you to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and elevate your customer experience without overspending on communication solutions.
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Conclusion
Now, you have an image of the top business phone service providers that compete with 3CX. From longstanding rivals such as Nextiva and Vonage to emerging contenders like Ringblaze, many competitors vie for 3CX’s throne.
If you’re seeking a solution that offers reliability, affordability, speed, extensive features, straightforward pricing, and user-friendliness, we recommend trying Ringblaze. Tailored to suit the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, Ringblaze offers most of the features found in 3CX, along with some additional perks, all at a more budget-friendly rate. You can start your Ringblaze free trial today!
FAQ
- How does 3CX work?
3CX operates as a dynamic IP telephony solution, using software to facilitate communication over the internet rather than relying on conventional phone lines. It provides seamless connectivity within organizations through the integration of VoIP technology.
- Is 3CX free?
Certainly, 3CX provides a complimentary version tailored for small businesses, albeit with certain feature limitations. For more extensive functionalities and dedicated support, premium licenses are available.
- Is 3CX a PBX system?
3CX is a modern PBX system that centralizes communication channels within enterprises. It efficiently manages both internal and external calls, voicemail, conferencing, and other features pivotal for streamlined operations.
- Can 3CX work without the Internet?
While 3CX can operate offline using traditional phone lines or cellular networks for calls, it thrives with internet connectivity. The Internet enables access to advanced features such as web conferencing and remote extensions, amplifying its utility and versatility.