3CX is a business communications platform that replaces traditional PBX hardware with a software-based phone system. It supports voice calls, video conferencing, a website live chat widget, and call center features like queues and reporting, and can be deployed on-premises, in a private cloud, or via 3CX's own hosting service.
Aircall is a cloud phone and customer communications platform built for sales and support teams. It provides VoIP calling, SMS, and shared team inboxes alongside AI features such as live call coaching, automatic transcription, and autonomous AI voice agents that can handle routine customer interactions end to end.
- No per-extension licensing, so adding users doesn't directly raise cost
- Combines voice, video, and live chat in one system instead of separate tools
- Flexible deployment: self-hosted, private cloud, or 3CX-hosted
- Free tier available for small teams to try before committing
- Deep native integrations with major CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot
- AI voice agents and coaching go beyond basic VoIP calling
- Desktop and mobile apps keep the experience consistent across devices
- Scales from small sales teams to 23,000+ business customers globally
- Initial setup and SIP trunk configuration can be technical for non-IT admins
- Pricing tiers and editions have changed multiple times, making cost planning harder
- Advanced features like call center reporting are gated behind higher tiers
- No public per-seat price for the entry tier without a 3-license minimum, raising the real entry cost
- Advanced analytics and Salesforce CTI are locked behind the higher Professional tier
- No native Linux or Chromebook desktop app, only the web app
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Cloud business phone, messaging, and video platform with AI-powered call handling.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAircall offers a fully managed cloud VoIP with AI features and deep CRM integrations, while 3CX provides a flexible, self‑hosted or hosted PBX with video/chat and a free tier, but requires more technical setup.
Key differences
- •Aircall is a SaaS‑only solution; 3CX can be self‑hosted, private‑cloud, or hosted by 3CX.
- •Aircall includes AI agents, live call coaching and transcription; 3CX focuses on basic call‑center features without AI.
- •Aircall pricing is subscription per seat with a 3‑license minimum; 3CX pricing is based on simultaneous calls and has a free edition.
- •Aircall provides native desktop and mobile apps for Windows/macOS/iOS/Android; 3CX offers softphone apps and a web client but no dedicated Linux/Chrome app.
- •Aircall meets SOC2 Type II, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance; 3CX compliance details are not specified.
Pricing & value
3CX charges per simultaneous call and offers a free tier, avoiding per‑seat fees; Aircall requires a paid seat minimum.
Ease of use / learning curve
Aircall is cloud‑only with web, desktop, and mobile apps; 3CX requires self‑hosting and SIP trunk setup.
Features & depth
Aircall includes AI agents, live coaching, transcription, power dialer, and voicemail drop; 3CX offers basic call‑center functions only.
Integrations & ecosystem
Aircall lists 250+ integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, etc.); 3CX mentions only a few (Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace).
Collaboration
Aircall provides a shared team inbox and AI‑assisted collaboration; 3CX lacks a comparable shared inbox feature.
Scalability
Aircall supports 23,000+ customers globally and scales to large teams; 3CX scalability depends on self‑hosted infrastructure.
Support & security
Aircall offers SLA on custom plans and SOC2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA compliance; 3CX support options listed but security certifications not specified.
Choose 3CX if…
IT‑savvy SMBs wanting a low‑cost, self‑hosted or hosted PBX with video/chat and flexible licensing.
Choose Aircall if…
Sales or support teams that need AI‑driven call handling, deep CRM integration, and a fully managed cloud service.
Common questions
How does pricing differ between Aircall and 3CX?
Aircall uses per‑seat subscriptions with a 3‑license minimum; 3CX charges per simultaneous call and offers a free tier.
Do either product provide AI features for calls?
Aircall includes AI agents, live coaching, and transcription; 3CX does not list AI capabilities.
What deployment options are available?
Aircall is cloud‑only SaaS; 3CX can be self‑hosted, private‑cloud, or hosted by 3CX.