Best SmartConnect Hosted PBX Alternatives in 2026
The top SmartConnect Hosted PBX alternatives are Zoom Phone, RingCentral RingEX and Nextiva: 15 business phone systems our editors would look at instead of SmartConnect Hosted PBX, in our ranking order.
SmartConnect Hosted PBX: A hosted PBX for small offices that need routing, attendants, queues and softphones. Where it falls short: call queues and recording are limited to the premium tier.
Switching from SmartConnect Hosted PBX? For most business phone systems buyers the best SmartConnect Hosted PBX alternative is Zoom Phone, built for businesses wanting low-cost, broad cloud calling. 3CX has a free plan, which SmartConnect Hosted PBX does not. 3CX offers the most included users (40 users).
Why People Look for a SmartConnect Hosted PBX Alternative
- Call queues and recording are limited to the Premium tier
- Integrations are limited to Outlook, Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce
- The feature set is focused on telephony rather than broader collaboration
- No free plan — 2 of the alternatives below have it
- Included users: 1 users — up to 40 users with 3CX
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallZoom Phone9.2
Businesses wanting low-cost, broad cloud calling
Visit Zoom Phone - Lowest priceZoom Phone9.2
Paid plans from $10/user/mo
Visit Zoom Phone - Best free option3CX8.5
Has a free plan (SmartConnect Hosted PBX has none)
Visit 3CX - Most included users3CX8.5
40 users
Visit 3CX
All 15 SmartConnect Hosted PBX Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forBusinesses wanting low-cost, broad cloud calling
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 3.0
A paid cloud phone system with broad calling, routing, messaging, and integration coverage.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Zoom Phone -
Best forEstablished organizations needing unified communications
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Included users: 20 users vs 1 users
- Editor score 9.1 vs 3.0
A broad cloud communications suite for established organizations with complex calling needs.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
9.1/10★★★★★Visit RingCentral -
Best forGrowing businesses needing complete phone operations
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 3.0
A broad business phone platform for teams that need calling, messaging, routing, and analytics.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Nextiva -
Best forTeams prioritizing AI-assisted business calling
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 3.0
A unified business phone system with AI transcription, summaries, routing, and meetings.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Dialpad -
Best forBudget-conscious hosted PBX buyers
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 3.0
A cost-conscious hosted PBX with core routing, apps, CRM integrations, and AI voicemail tools.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit NFON Cloudya -
Best forTeams wanting maximum PBX breadth and flexibility
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Free plan
- Included users: 40 users vs 1 users
- Editor score 8.5 vs 3.0
A broad, capacity-priced phone system for teams that need routing flexibility.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit 3CX -
Best forTeams needing advanced call routing and queue management
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 3.0
A cloud communications suite that scales from auto attendants to call-center workflows.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit PanTerra -
Best forTeams wanting AI-enabled PBX with broad clients
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 3.0
An AI-enabled cloud PBX with broad clients, advanced routing, and contact-sales pricing.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Yeastar -
Best forOrganizations needing hybrid PBX deployment
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 3.0
A flexible PBX platform for organizations balancing cloud, on-premises, and hybrid deployment.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Wildix -
Best forMicrosoft-centric organizations
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.1 vs 3.0
A broad Microsoft-centered workspace with calling, meetings, and collaboration.
8.1/10★★★★☆Try Microsoft Teams -
Best forSkill-based routing and customizable PBX deployments
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 3.0
A flexible PBX for skill-based routing, SIP connectivity, and customizable deployments.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Vodia -
Best forProviders building branded, multi-tenant communications
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 3.0
A customizable, multi-tenant communications platform for providers and IT teams.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
7.9/10★★★★☆Contact Thirdlane -
Best forMulti-tenant PBX and contact centers
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 3.0
A multi-tenant PBX with unified communications and contact-center editions.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit PBXware -
Best forBudget-conscious teams needing many integrations
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 7.7 vs 3.0
A low-cost business phone system with broad integrations and optional AI call tools.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit VoIPstudio -
Best forUK businesses wanting a feature-rich cloud PBX
- Better than SmartConnect Hosted PBX:
- Editor score 7.6 vs 3.0
A UK-focused cloud PBX with flexible call handling and four paid monthly tiers.
- Voicemail transcription
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Auto attendant
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit AlwaysIP
SmartConnect Hosted PBX Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to SmartConnect Hosted PBX?
Zoom Phone: #1 in our Business Phone Systems ranking, with an editor score of 9.2 out of 10. A paid cloud phone system with broad calling, routing, messaging, and integration coverage.
Is there a free alternative to SmartConnect Hosted PBX?
Yes. 3CX and Microsoft Teams have a free plan or a free tier.
What is the cheapest paid alternative to SmartConnect Hosted PBX?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, Zoom Phone starts lowest, at $10/user/mo.
Why do people look for SmartConnect Hosted PBX alternatives?
Call queues and recording are limited to the Premium tier; Integrations are limited to Outlook, Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce; The feature set is focused on telephony rather than broader collaboration.
Which SmartConnect Hosted PBX alternative has the most included users?
3CX, with 40 users.
How do I switch from SmartConnect Hosted PBX?
Export your data from SmartConnect Hosted PBX (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel SmartConnect Hosted PBX.
How to Switch from SmartConnect Hosted PBX
- Export your data from SmartConnect Hosted PBX (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel SmartConnect Hosted PBX.
SmartConnect Hosted PBX vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Business numbers | Auto attendant | Call routing | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 135 | SmartConnect Hosted PBX | No | Multiple | Yes | Advanced | 3.0 | |
| 1 | Zoom Phone | No | $10/user/mo | Multiple | Yes | Custom | 9.2 |
| 2 | RingCentral RingEX | No | $19.99/user/mo | Multiple | Yes | Custom | 9.1 |
| 3 | Nextiva | $15/user/mo | Multiple | Yes | Custom | 8.8 | |
| 4 | Dialpad Connect | No | Multiple | Yes | Custom | 8.7 | |
| 5 | NFON Cloudya | No | €6.80/user/mo | Multiple | Yes | Custom | 8.6 |
| 6 | 3CX | Yes | $300/yr | Yes | Advanced | 8.5 | |
| 7 | PanTerra Streams.AI | No | $17.95/user/mo | Yes | Custom | 8.4 | |
| 8 | Yeastar P-Series Cloud Edition | No | Yes | Custom | 8.3 | ||
| 9 | Wildix | No | Mobile | Yes | Advanced | 8.2 | |
| 10 | Microsoft Teams | Yes | 8.1 | ||||
| 11 | Vodia PBX | Multiple | Yes | Advanced | 8.0 | ||
| 12 | Thirdlane Business Communications Platform | No | Yes | Custom | 7.9 | ||
| 13 | PBXware | Multiple | Yes | Custom | 7.8 | ||
| 14 | VoIPstudio | No | $20/user/mo | Multiple | Yes | Custom | 7.7 |
| 15 | AlwaysIP Cloud Phone System | No | £11.99/user/mo | Multiple | Yes | Custom | 7.6 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update