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RingCentral RingEX is the best default choice for most small businesses that want a managed phone service, while 3CX is a better fit for teams that want control over hosting, SIP providers, and phone-system behavior. RingEX is a managed cloud communications service; 3CX is PBX software that can be hosted by 3CX, run in a private cloud, or installed on-premises.
For current naming, RingCentral uses RingEX for business communications and RingCX for contact-center services. “RingCentral MVP” and “RingCentral Office” are older names that still appear in comparison articles. TechRadar’s November 6, 2025 comparison named RingCentral MVP its overall pick and listed older Office plan names and prices; see its PBX phone systems comparison.
Quick verdict
| Best for | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most small businesses | RingCentral RingEX | Managed setup, business calling, messaging, video, number selection, and porting in one service |
| Small teams exploring low-cost PBX software | 3CX SMB Free | Advertised as free forever for up to 10 users; a separate SIP trunk is still required for telephone service |
| Teams needing deployment control | 3CX | Can be hosted by 3CX, installed in a private cloud, or run on-premises |
| Contact centers | RingCX or 3CX AI | RingCX is a managed contact-center service; 3CX AI adds skills-based queue options to the PBX |
1. RingCentral RingEX: best overall for small business
RingCentral is the simpler recommendation when your priority is getting a working business phone system without managing a PBX server, firewall, DNS, SIP registration, or operating-system updates.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRingEX combines cloud VoIP calling with messaging and video calling. RingCentral’s small-business page advertises annual-billing savings of up to 33% for RingEX. Its FAQ says cloud VoIP plans for small businesses typically cost $20–$35 per user per month when billed annually; this is a general market statement from RingCentral, not a universal price guarantee.
#1 Best Overall
- 6 Line
- Color Display
- Power Supply Included
- 2200-48830-025
RingCentral advertises number selection and porting during setup. The provider says most transfers complete in 2–10 business days, with the old service remaining active during the transfer. Treat this as RingCentral’s estimate, not a guaranteed porting interval.
What older pricing references mean
TechRadar’s November 6, 2025 page listed these older plan names and prices:
| Older listing | Listed price |
|---|---|
| RingCentral Office Essentials | $19.99 per user per month |
| RingCentral Office Standard | $27.99 per user per month |
| RingCentral Office Premium | $34.99 per user per month |
Those labels should not be mistaken for RingCentral’s current official naming. The current site uses RingEX. Check the live checkout price, contract term, taxes, included features, and user minimum before purchasing because plans and names change.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Why choose RingEX
- You want a provider to operate the phone system rather than maintain it internally.
- You need calling, team messaging, and video meetings in one application.
- You want number porting handled as part of onboarding.
- Your staff does not have time to troubleshoot SIP trunks, NAT, DNS, or firewall rules.
Where RingEX may not be ideal
Per-user pricing can become expensive as the business grows, particularly when some employees need only occasional calling. RingEX also gives you less control over PBX infrastructure than a 3CX deployment. Businesses with unusual routing requirements, an existing SIP contract, or an internal telecom administrator may prefer software they can configure and host themselves.
2. 3CX: best for control and flexible deployment
3CX is a full PBX platform rather than a bundled telephone-number service. You can use it as a 3CX-hosted system, install it in a private cloud such as Google Cloud, AWS, Amazon Lightsail, Azure, or DigitalOcean, or run it on-premises on Windows or Linux.
That flexibility is useful, but it creates responsibilities that a managed service hides. For self-hosted or on-premises deployments, 3CX requires a static IP, manageable DNS, split DNS for the 3CX FQDN, and a configurable firewall. 3CX Hosted handles system and operating-system management, automatic updates, and 24/7 system/security monitoring, but the installation guide says hosted service does not include technical support.
3CX pricing model
Commercial 3CX licensing is priced per system per year according to simultaneous calls, not per user or seat. Simultaneous calls means the number of internal and external calls taking place at the same time. The current commercial editions are:
Rank #2
- NOT LANDLINE PHONE: PROFESSIONAL VOIP PHONE ONLY! This device is a Voice over IP (VoIP) Phone and is NOT compatible with standard home landline/PSTN connections (RJ11). It REQUIRES a subscription to a SIP Service Provider (e.g., VoIP.ms, RingCentral, ) or an Active PBX System (e.g., 3CX, Asterisk, FreePBX) and network configuration to function.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HD AUDIO & NOISE REDUCTION: Featuring advanced noise reduction technology and wideband codecs like G.722 and Opus, this VoIP phone ensures high-definition voice transmission. The HD handset and speaker provide stable, professional-grade communication even in busy or noisy office environments.
- ENHANCED 6-PARTY CONFERENCING: Boost team collaboration with built-in 6-party conference support, allowing real-time multi-party communication without external bridges. Designed for busy professionals, it streamlines workflows and provides an efficient collaboration experience.
- VIBRANT COLOR DISPLAY & ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Equipped with a 2.4-inch 320x240px color display with an adjustable backlight for high-resolution graphics. The versatile stand adjusts to 60° and 45° for desk use or a 15° wall-mount angle to suit any workspace layout.
- SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY & POE SUPPORT: This T52P model supports 2 SIP accounts and features dual 100M Ethernet ports. It is powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE) for a clean setup, and unlike many competitors, it includes a dedicated 5V/1A power adapter for flexible installation.
- Basic
- Pro
- AI
3CX also lists 4SC Free and 3CX SMB in its feature matrix. Its pricing page notes that displayed prices exclude tax or VAT, can be affected by foreign-exchange fluctuations, may change without notice, and may temporarily differ from the customer-portal shopping cart because of synchronization delays. See the 3CX pricing page and price list.
3CX SMB Free
3CX SMB Free is advertised as free forever for up to 10 users. It includes access through iOS, Android, Windows, and Web Client applications, along with call handling, inbound WhatsApp, live chat, and video calls for up to 10 people. See the 3CX SMB page.
“Free” does not mean the entire telephone service costs nothing. 3CX does not supply built-in phone numbers. For external inbound and outbound calls, you need a SIP trunk provider, which supplies the number and charges for telephone service. Companies with more than 10 users require a dedicated 3CX instance and a license.
Why choose 3CX
- You have someone who can manage networking and telecom configuration.
- You want to select your own SIP trunk provider.
- You need a PBX that can run on-premises or in your chosen cloud.
- You want system-based licensing rather than paying for every user.
- You need detailed control over queues, departments, extensions, routing, and call behavior.
Where 3CX may cause trouble
The initial price can be misleading if you budget only for the 3CX license. You must also account for SIP trunk charges, phone numbers, hosting if applicable, and the time needed to administer the platform. An unsupported SIP provider can create a difficult support situation: 3CX warns that it may not assist with configuration for unsupported providers, so confirm provider compatibility and support responsibilities before choosing a trunk.
How to set up a small-business PBX with 3CX
These are the key deployment decisions and current administration paths documented by 3CX.
Step 1: Choose the deployment and set initial options
- During signup, select 3CX Hosted, Self Hosted (Private Cloud), or On Premise.
- Choose a personalized FQDN.
- Set the Extension length.
- Select the country and time zone. For an on-premises deployment, select the platform and follow the additional prompts.
- Click Next.
Choose the FQDN and extension length carefully: the FQDN cannot be easily changed later, and the extension length cannot be altered later. After deployment, open the Web Client and click Admin on the left to enter the 3CX Admin Console.
Step 2: Create users and extensions
Go to Admin Console → Admin → Users → Add User. In the General tab, configure the extension, email address, first and last names, mobile number, outbound caller ID, role, main department membership, and assigned DID numbers. Click Save.
Rank #3
- Audio Quality: Eliminate distracting background noise at the source with Poly Acoustic Fence technology. Hear every nuance with premium sound quality featuring Poly HD Voice.
- Easy-to-Use: Poly CCX 400 combines an attractive ergonomic design with an intuitive user touchscreen interface.
- Convenience: Robust provisioning and management of telephony deployment and support make setup a snap.
- Ideal For: Entry-level phone best suited for common areas.
- Compatibility: USB-A, RJ9 and EHS ports allow you to connect a compatible Poly headset to suit any working style, in addition to the traditional handset.
3CX sends the new user a Welcome Email containing account details. Departments can determine office hours, time zone, and language. The documentation recommends that a user normally belong to only one department. See the 3CX user and extension guide.
The Tool Desk
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- If the system is self-hosted or on-premises, run the 3CX firewall check first.
- Open Admin → Voice & Chat → + Add trunk.
- In SIP Trunk Details, select the country and provider in the Trunk field.
- Enter the provider’s registration details, authentication ID and password or IP information, and main trunk phone number.
- Open DID Numbers and click +Add to enter or import numbers.
- Under Options → Limit to, choose whether the trunk is system-wide or limited to a department.
- Click Save.
A red trunk status means not registered; green means registered. If the provider authenticates by IP and your host IP changes, notify the provider. See the 3CX SIP trunk guide.
Step 4: Route inbound numbers
To send a DID to an IVR, ring group, queue, or digital receptionist, open Call handling, select the system extension, and choose the number under Assigned DID Number(s).
To send a DID directly to a person, open Users, select the user, open General, and choose the number under Assigned DID Number(s). An unassigned DID follows the trunk’s default route. A specific assignment takes precedence over that default route.
Step 5: Configure SMS carefully
SMS requires a provider that meets 3CX’s requirements. In the trunk configuration, enable Enable SMS to generate the 3CX webhook. Enter SMS-enabled DIDs in E.164 format: for example, enter +18135910130, not (813) 591-0130. Provider-side setup also requires the provider’s Access Key and Secret Key.
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Queues, reception, and call handling
For a support or sales queue, go to Admin Console → Admin → Call Handling → Add Queue. The queue form includes General, Users, Notifications, Options, 3CX Talk, and Advanced.
Standard polling strategies include Ring All, Prioritized Hunt, Hunt Random Start, Round Robin, Longest Waiting, Least Talk Time, Fewest Answered, Hunt by Threes Random, and Hunt by Threes Prioritized. The AI edition adds skills-based options: SB Ring All, SB Hunt Random Start, SB Round Robin, and SB Fewest Answered. See the 3CX queue guide.
Rank #4
- Quick and easy installation: Connect the main console to analog lines via RJ11; cordless handsets/desksets pair wirelessly with one-touch DECT 6.0 technology—no professional wiring or assistance needed for fast small office setup.
- Expandable to 10 stations: Grow your 4-line small business phone system seamlessly by adding up to 9 cordless handsets or desksets—ideal for scaling operations without replacing equipment.
- Professional auto attendant per line: Automatically answers calls on each of the 4 lines, offers company directory access, routes to extensions, and records voicemail for efficient, polished call management.
- Reliable digital answering system: Captures up to 180 shared minutes of incoming messages, announcements, and memos—ensuring no important calls are missed during busy hours.
- Enhanced productivity features: Full-duplex speakerphone for natural conversations, extra-large display, caller ID/call waiting, 100-name phonebook, 32 speed dials, cordless headset support, intercom, and customizable music-on-hold via 2.5mm jack.
A common setup mistake is assuming that adding a person to a queue makes them immediately available. Queue members must be logged into the queue to receive calls. To configure automatic behavior, go to Admin → Users → Edit User → Call Forwarding and set Log out from queues for each user status.
The default queue ring time is 30 seconds. Queue callbacks can be requested by the caller, triggered automatically after a timeout, or offered after a timeout; the documented default offer delay is 600 seconds. In the Web Client, queue statistics appear in Panel → Agent Status and Queue Monitoring.
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- Click the dialer icon in the upper-right corner.
- Enter a phone number, or search by name, extension, or email.
- Click the handset icon.
The Call using: Browser menu lets you choose an available device or application. During a call, the controls include Transfer, Att.transfer, Record, and New Call. Transfer sends the call directly; Att.transfer places the caller on hold while you brief the recipient before completing the transfer.
To change presence, click the avatar in the upper-right and select a status. Forwarding rules are under Settings → Call Forwarding. See the 3CX Web Client manual.
RingCentral vs. 3CX: which should you buy?
| Question | RingEX | 3CX |
|---|---|---|
| Who manages the infrastructure? | RingCentral | You, a hosting provider, or 3CX depending on deployment |
| How is licensing presented? | Typically per user per month | Commercial licensing per system per year based on simultaneous calls |
| Does it provide a business number? | Number selection and porting are offered during setup | No; you need a SIP trunk provider |
| Best for | Fast, managed deployment | Control, customization, and flexible hosting |
| Main operational risk | Per-user cost and provider dependency | Networking, SIP, hosting, and provider compatibility |
Choose RingEX if the phone system is a business utility and nobody on staff should be responsible for maintaining it. Choose 3CX if you deliberately want PBX control and can support the surrounding infrastructure. For a small team, 3CX SMB Free is worth evaluating, but include SIP trunk and number costs in the real budget.
FAQ
Is RingCentral MVP still the current product name?
No. RingCentral’s current small-business page uses RingEX for business communications and RingCX for contact-center services. RingCentral MVP and RingCentral Office are older names that still appear in some comparison articles.
Is 3CX really free?
3CX SMB Free is advertised as free forever for up to 10 users, but 3CX does not provide the telephone number or PSTN service. You still need a SIP trunk provider for external inbound and outbound calls, and that provider charges separately.
Best Value
- Make more natural and life-like calls with Polycom HD Voice
- 2. 8” color display: an engaging experience offering visual information at a glance
- Two Gigabit Ethernet ports offer cost savings and performance benefits
- USB port enables users to move data around more quickly
- Integrates with more than 60 industry leading call control platforms
Is 3CX priced per user?
Not for its commercial editions. Current 3CX commercial licensing is priced per system per year according to simultaneous calls. The SMB Free edition is user-limited.
Does 3CX Hosted include technical support?
No. 3CX Hosted handles system and operating-system management, updates, and monitoring, but the current installation guide says technical support is not included.
How many users can use 3CX SMB Free?
3CX SMB Free is advertised for up to 10 users. Businesses with more than 10 users require a dedicated 3CX instance and a license.
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Why is a 3CX SIP trunk showing red?
A red trunk status means the trunk is not registered. Check the provider, registration credentials or IP authentication details, main trunk number, firewall configuration, and whether the provider supports 3CX. Green means registered.
Why are queue agents not receiving calls in 3CX?
Queue members must be logged into the queue. Check the agent’s queue login state, or configure automatic behavior under Admin → Users → Edit User → Call Forwarding using the Log out from queues option for each status.
The Bottom Line
RingCentral RingEX remains the best default PBX phone system for most small businesses because it removes the hardest deployment and maintenance work. 3CX is the better specialist choice: it can have lower licensing costs for some teams, but the total budget must include SIP trunking, hosting, network requirements, and administration. Compare the complete operating cost and the technical responsibility your business is prepared to accept, not license price alone.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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