Key Takeaways:
- 3CX vs Yeastar pricing: 3CX uses concurrent call licensing, while Yeastar charges per user each month.
- 3CX offers flexible on-premises, cloud, or hybrid deployments. Yeastar focuses on simple cloud and appliance options.
- Yeastar leads with built-in AI like transcription, while 3CX is adding AI features step by step.
- 3CX has a mature partner network in South Africa, while Yeastar’s ecosystem is newer but growing.
- 3CX is best for control and flexibility. Yeastar fits SMEs wanting simplicity and predictable costs.
Both 3CX and Yeastar are strong contenders in the local PBX and unified communications (UC) market. They offer advanced features, flexible deployment, and competitive pricing compared to legacy PBX solutions. But they are not identical, and the differences in licensing, feature sets, and support ecosystems can have a major impact on long-term value.
This article puts 3CX and Yeastar head to head, comparing the essentials so you can make an informed decision.
3CX vs Yeastar: Feature and Cost Comparison
| Feature / Factor | 3CX | Yeastar |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing model | Based on concurrent calls; you only pay for the maximum number of simultaneous calls, not the total number of users. | Per-user, per-month pricing for Cloud PBX plans (Standard, Enterprise, Ultimate, Ultimate X). Appliance and software editions available. |
| Hosted / cloud cost | Hosted PBX typically ranges from R900 to R6,000+ depending on number of users and hosting option. | Hosting is bundled with cloud subscriptions. Exact costs vary by partner, SLA, and hosting environment. |
| Call rates | Landline: 26c–39c/min; Mobile: 45c–79c/min; International: from 50c+ depending on destination. | Rates depend on provider or partner agreements. No fixed published rates; pricing is variable. |
| Included features | Call queues, IVR, call recording, reporting, mobile/desktop clients, CRM integration, video conferencing. | Call routing, IVR, unified communications, mobile and desktop apps, CRM integration, video and messaging, analytics in higher tiers. |
| AI / advanced capabilities | Voicemail and call transcription already available; roadmap includes call analytics, sentiment detection, and advanced reporting. | Built-in AI features include voicemail and call transcription, text-to-speech, plus ability to stream audio to external AI engines. |
| Deployment flexibility | Highly flexible: on-premises, private cloud, public cloud, hosted, or hybrid. | Appliance, software, and cloud editions available. Cloud PBX is a strong option for SMEs wanting simplicity. |
| Partner / support ecosystem | Mature and widely adopted in South Africa with many certified partners and SIP trunking options. | Rapidly expanding partner ecosystem, driven by distributors such as Nology. Strong growth but less mature than 3CX locally. |
| Scalability | Easy to scale by increasing concurrent call licences or switching hosting models. | Scales by adding users or upgrading plan tiers; straightforward for cloud customers. |
Pricing Models: Control vs Simplicity
The first major difference lies in how these platforms are priced.
3CX is licensed by concurrent calls. This means if you have 50 employees but only 15 are likely to be on calls at the same time, you only need 15 licences. For businesses with fluctuating usage, this can be a cost saver.
Yeastar, especially in its cloud version, charges per user per month. This is simple and predictable, but it can become more expensive if you need to licence every staff member individually.
The decision here often comes down to whether you prefer control and granularity (3CX) or simplicity and predictability (Yeastar).
Features and Functionality
Both systems offer the essentials: IVR, call queues, recording, CRM integration, and mobility. However, there are differences in emphasis.
3CX includes video conferencing and chat out of the box, making it attractive for businesses that want a single UC solution. It is also highly open, with support for a wide range of SIP phones and trunk providers.
Yeastar pushes hard on its UC apps (Linkus), which bring together voice, video, messaging, and collaboration into a single interface. Yeastar also provides multiple plan tiers, meaning more advanced features are gated behind higher subscriptions.
If your business values all-in-one collaboration, 3CX has the edge. If you prefer modern UC apps with tiered upgrades, Yeastar stands out.
Deployment Flexibility
Deployment is another key differentiator.
3CX is known for its flexibility. You can deploy on-premises, in a private or public cloud, or via 3CX’s own hosting. This appeals to IT teams that want full control or the ability to shift between models.
Yeastar provides appliance, software, and cloud options, but the Cloud PBX is its flagship, aimed at SMEs that want a turnkey system without technical overhead.
For companies that value maximum deployment choice, 3CX wins. For SMEs wanting quick setup and managed simplicity, Yeastar is better aligned.
AI Readiness
AI is now more than a buzzword. Businesses want transcription, analytics, and automation from their PBX systems.
3CX has started delivering AI transcription and is moving towards call analytics and sentiment detection. These features are rolling out gradually but are already useful for compliance and record-keeping.
Yeastar has gone further, adding transcription, text-to-speech, and the option to stream call audio to external AI platforms. This means Yeastar is already ahead in practical, built-in AI.
If your organisation is eager to leverage AI right away, Yeastar offers more today. If you’re happy with a proven PBX that’s steadily evolving, 3CX may be enough.
Partner Ecosystem and Support
Both systems depend on the strength of local partners.
3CX has an established footprint in South Africa, with many resellers and SIP trunk providers supporting the platform. This makes it easier to find competitive pricing and strong local expertise.
Yeastar is newer but growing fast. With backing from distributors such as Nology, the partner ecosystem is expanding. Still, it does not yet match the depth of 3CX’s local presence.
If partner maturity and support availability are priorities, 3CX currently has the advantage.
Which PBX Should You Choose?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both 3CX and Yeastar deliver serious value, but their differences mean each suits different business types.
Choose 3CX if you want flexible deployment, a concurrent call model that can reduce costs, and a mature partner ecosystem. It’s a strong choice for mid-sized businesses and organisations that value control.
Choose Yeastar if you want per-user simplicity, modern UC apps, and built-in AI features. It’s an excellent option for SMEs looking for a managed, predictable PBX service.
Final Thoughts
South African businesses evaluating PBX systems now face a different question than before: it’s not just about replacing legacy telephony, it’s about future-proofing communications. Both 3CX and Yeastar tick the boxes for affordability and functionality, but their paths diverge when it comes to pricing models, AI readiness, and deployment.
The best decision depends on how your team works, how you prefer to budget, and how much flexibility you want. The good news is that whichever platform you choose, both are capable of supporting the next stage of your business communications.
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