Business Phone Systems

3CX vs Traditional Phone Systems: A Straightforward Comparison

If your business still runs a traditional phone system, you have probably wondered whether switching to a modern VoIP system like 3CX is worth it. Here is an honest comparison covering cost, features, and what the switch actually involves.

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Two Different Approaches

Traditional Phone Systems

Copper phone lines connected to a physical PBX box. You pay per line, per call, plus maintenance. Adding lines means a technician visit, new wiring, and new handsets.

  • Per-line charges plus call rates
  • Physical PBX hardware to maintain
  • Technician needed for any changes
  • No video conferencing built in
  • Basic or no call reporting

3CX Unified Communications

Internet-based calling through one platform. Flat monthly fee covers calls, video conferencing, and messaging. Adding lines takes minutes in the software.

  • Flat monthly fee with standard calls included
  • Software-based, continuously updated
  • Add or remove lines instantly
  • Built-in video conferencing with screen sharing
  • Detailed call analytics and recording
  • Mobile app for business calls anywhere

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureTraditional Phone System3CX
Call QualityReliable over copper linesExcellent over business fibre
Monthly CostPer-line charges + call rates + maintenanceFlat monthly fee from $99.95/mo (ex GST)
HardwarePBX box, desk phones, wiringDesk phones, softphones, or mix
ScalingNew wiring, handsets, technician visitAdd lines in software instantly
Remote WorkRequires call forwardingBuilt-in mobile app
Video CallsNot available (separate licence)Built in with screen sharing
VoicemailBasic voicemail boxVoicemail to email with audio
Call ReportingBasic or noneDetailed analytics and recording
MaintenancePhysical hardware to maintainSoftware updates only
LifespanHardware ages, needs replacementContinuously updated

The Real Cost Comparison

Traditional System Costs

Traditional phone systems have multiple cost layers that add up. A business with 8 phone lines can easily spend $500-800+ per month when you combine all costs.

  • Monthly line rental: $30-60+ per line
  • Call charges: local, national, mobile, international
  • PBX hardware: $2,000-10,000+ to purchase or lease
  • Maintenance contracts and technician callouts
  • Separate Zoom or Teams licence for video

3CX Pricing

Flat monthly rates with standard calls included. No per-call charges. Video conferencing is part of the package, not an additional subscription.

  • 2 lines: $99.95/mo (ex GST)
  • 4 lines: $199.95/mo (ex GST)
  • 8 lines: $299.95/mo (ex GST)
  • 16 lines: $499.95/mo (ex GST)
  • One-time setup fee: $495.95 (config + porting)
  • 36-month term

Where 3CX Stands Out

Adding a new staff member to a traditional system means calling a technician, running new wiring, and buying a new handset. With 3CX, you add them in the software. They can use a desk phone, their computer, or their mobile phone with the 3CX app. Their business number works from wherever they are.

The 3CX mobile app means staff working from home or on the road use their business phone number, not their personal mobile. Calls to the office reach them on their mobile app. They can transfer calls to colleagues, check voicemail, and join video meetings, all from one application.

One bill for phone, video, and messaging instead of separate invoices for phone lines, call charges, a PBX lease, Zoom subscriptions, and maintenance contracts.

We can review your current phone setup, compare the costs, and tell you whether switching makes financial sense for your situation. If it does not make sense, we will tell you that too.

Send Enquiry Form CALL US: 1300 293 266

What to Be Honest About

Things Worth Knowing Before Switching

  • It depends on your internet: Call quality is directly tied to your internet connection. Running VoIP on a basic NBN plan with slow upload speeds will cause problems. We recommend pairing 3CX with business fibre.
  • There is a learning curve: Staff familiar with traditional handsets will need a short adjustment period. The system is not complicated, but it is different.
  • 36-month commitment: Our 3CX plans run on a 36-month term. This is a longer commitment than month-to-month NBN. Make sure the system is right for your business before signing up.
  • Setup fee: The $495.95 setup fee is a real cost. It covers configuration and porting, but factor it into your first-year total cost calculation.

Is 3CX Right for You?

Good Candidates for 3CX

  • Businesses paying for multiple phone lines plus separate video conferencing
  • Teams with remote or hybrid workers who need business numbers from anywhere
  • Growing businesses that add staff regularly
  • Businesses that want call recording and reporting
  • Anyone with an ageing PBX due for replacement

Might Want to Stay With Traditional

Not every business needs 3CX. If your internet is unreliable, fix the internet first. Very small operations with one or two people may find a simple mobile plan covers everything. Businesses where internet outages are common and phone access is critical at all times should consider a backup strategy before switching to VoIP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our 3CX plans start from $99.95 per month (ex GST) for 2 lines and go up to $499.95 per month for 16 lines. Plans include local, national, and mobile calls with no per-call charges. There is a one-time setup fee of $495.95 covering configuration and number porting. Plans run on a 36-month term.

Call quality depends on your internet connection. On business fibre with symmetrical speeds, VoIP call quality is excellent. On basic NBN with limited upload speed, you may experience choppy audio. We recommend pairing 3CX with a reliable internet connection, ideally business fibre.

Yes. Number porting is included in the setup process. Your existing phone numbers transfer to the new 3CX system. This adds a few days to the installation timeline, but your clients and contacts will not notice any change.

3CX works with desk phones, softphones (your computer), and the mobile app. You can use any combination that suits your team. If you want desk phones, we can supply compatible handsets. Many businesses find a mix of desk phones for reception and softphones or mobile apps for other staff works well.

If your internet drops, VoIP calls cannot connect. This is why internet reliability matters. We recommend business fibre with a 99.95% uptime SLA to minimise this risk. You can also configure 3CX to forward calls to mobile numbers during an outage as a backup.

Yes. The 2-line plan at $99.95 per month covers small teams. If your team is just one or two people and you rarely use a landline, a mobile plan may be simpler. For teams of three or more who need a professional phone presence, 3CX is a good fit.

Our 3CX plans run on a 36-month term. This is a longer commitment than our month-to-month NBN plans, so make sure the system is right for your business. The setup fee of $495.95 covers the initial configuration and is a one-time cost.

3CX includes Microsoft Teams integration. This means your team can make and receive calls through the Teams interface if that is their preferred platform. It also integrates with CRM systems for businesses that need call logging tied to customer records.

We can review your current phone setup, compare the costs, and tell you whether 3CX makes sense for your business. No pressure, just a straight answer.

Send Enquiry Form CALL US: 1300 293 266