Key Takeaways:
3CX is ideal for businesses looking for advanced telephony features and call management.
Microsoft Teams excels in team collaboration and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365.
Consider local support and pricing when choosing between the two platforms.
Choose 3CX for robust VoIP services or Microsoft Teams for internal communication and collaboration.
As companies navigate hybrid and remote work models, the choice of communication platform can directly influence productivity, customer service, and bottom-line efficiency.
Two popular contenders dominate the space: 3CX vs Microsoft Teams. While they may seem similar at a glance, their core strengths, telephony capabilities, licensing structures, and local support models set them apart.
This article provides a balanced, South African-focused comparison to help you make an informed decision—whether you’re a startup, SME, or enterprise.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Business telephony and contact centres | Team collaboration and messaging |
| Telephony Integration | Built-in PBX; full VoIP, CRM, and contact centre support | Requires Microsoft Phone System + Direct Routing |
| Hosting Options | On-prem, private cloud, or hosted by SA providers | Microsoft cloud only |
| Local Support | Available via South African Platinum Partners | Primarily global Microsoft support |
| Licensing Model | Based on simultaneous calls or users | Per user via Microsoft 365 |
| Hardware Support | IP phones, softphones, mobile apps | Mobile and desktop apps only |
| Advanced Features | Call flow designer, WhatsApp, call recording, wallboards | Basic calling; advanced features require third-party integration |
What South African Businesses Need to Know About 3CX Changes
In August 2024, 3CX revised its Free Edition. Key updates include:
User limit reduced from 10 to 4
Security updates no longer included for the legacy version
While this may seem like a setback, there are still flexible options available:
3CX v20 Free Edition: Supports up to 10 users with essential updates
4SC Pro License (v18): A low-cost upgrade offering advanced features
3CX SMB Hosted Edition: A bundled option with hosting included, tailored for small teams
These changes are a nudge toward scalability and security—especially important for growing businesses that want stability.
3CX Pricing
| Extensions Range | Monthly Cost (ZAR) |
| 1 – 9 Extensions | R892 |
| 10 – 29 Extensions | R1,612 |
| 30 – 49 Extensions | R2,862 |
| 50 – 69 Extensions | R4,032 |
| 70 – 99 Extensions | R5,922 |
Source: GlobalHost
What’s included:
Full PBX functionality
WhatsApp Business integration
Call reporting and analytics
Free setup and optional local hosting
Microsoft Teams Pricing
| Microsoft 365 Plan | Monthly Cost (ZAR) |
| Business Basic | R230 |
| Business Standard | R315 |
| Business Premium | R451 |
Source: Vodacom Business
Additional Notes:
External calling requires the Microsoft Phone System add-on and Direct Routing, often managed by third-party telecom partners
These add-ons come at additional cost, increasing complexity and long-term TCO (total cost of ownership)
3CX vs Microsoft Teams
Opt for 3CX if:
Your business relies heavily on external voice communication
You need a contact centre environment with call queues, IVRs, and live wallboards
WhatsApp and CRM integration matter to your customer service team
Local support and predictable costs are a priority
Choose Microsoft Teams if:
Your team already lives in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem
You value internal collaboration (chat, file sharing, video meetings) over external telephony
You don’t require complex routing or call centre functionality
Telephony: Where 3CX Excels
3CX is designed from the ground up as a business-grade phone system. For companies that need more than just internal communication, this platform provides:
Advanced call routing and IVRs via the Call Flow Designer
Real-time call monitoring, whisper, and barge features
Call recording and reporting tools
Integration with WhatsApp Business and CRM systems like Zoho and HubSpot
Microsoft Teams, on the other hand, focuses on collaboration. Voice calling is available, but more limited:
Requires a complex setup involving an SBC (Session Border Controller) and SIP trunking partner
Limited call routing features out-of-the-box
Better suited for peer-to-peer or internal use cases
Local Support and Hosting
3CX is backed by South African Platinum Partners including Vox, Redvine, and DataCentrix. This means you get:
- Local hosting options (keeping data in-country)
- On-the-ground support and SLAs
- Help with number porting, hardware setup, and compliance (COCs, etc.)
Microsoft Teams support is primarily global. If you need voice-related assistance, you’ll often be working through a third-party partner or reseller with limited ability to escalate directly to Microsoft.
Final Thoughts
Both 3CX and Microsoft Teams are excellent platforms—but they serve different purposes. South African businesses that need robust, cost-effective telephony with local support will find 3CX a better fit. Those that prioritise collaboration within Microsoft 365 may lean toward Teams but must factor in additional costs and technical setup for calling features.
3CX vs Microsoft Teams? It depends on what your business values most: advanced voice functionality and local support, or seamless internal collaboration with Microsoft tools.
