In short
The 3CX phone system is a software phone system (an IP PBX) with web, Windows, iOS and Android apps, call queues, recording and reporting. Its commercial editions use one annual licence per system, sized by simultaneous calls rather than by users. Forever Systems, a 3CX Partner, can quote, host and set up 3CX.
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What is 3CX?
3CX is a phone system delivered as software. It gives an organisation extensions, menus, ring groups, call queues, voicemail, call recording and reporting, and it adds video meetings, website live chat and messaging channels on the editions that include them. 3CX describes it as built on SIP, the open standard most VoIP equipment uses.
People use it through the web client in a browser, the Windows app, or the iOS and Android apps, so an extension rings wherever its user is working. The 3CX phone system software can be hosted in the cloud or installed on a server; most organisations we work with choose hosted 3CX.
3CX does not bundle numbers or call minutes. It connects to the phone network through a SIP trunk, which carries your existing numbers once they are ported.
In the product
Why organisations choose 3CX
- One licence for the whole system. 3CX's licensing page (opens in a new tab) explains that commercial editions are sold as one annual system licence, sized mainly by simultaneous calls, so a new starter does not add a licence.
- Call handling in the box. Queues, wallboards, recording and supervisor tools on PRO and AI, without a separate contact centre product.
- Apps for every user. Web, Windows, iOS and Android apps on every edition.
- Integrations. Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and CRM systems on the editions that include them.
- A choice of where it runs. Hosted, in your own cloud account or on-premise.
Source (checked 11 November 2026): 3CX's licensing page and feature list.
3CX editions at a glance
| Edition | In one line |
|---|---|
| SMB Free | For small offices of up to 10 users, hosted by 3CX |
| Basic | Core telephony, routing, apps and essential reporting |
| PRO | Adds call queues and contact centre tools, CRM and Microsoft 365 integration, advanced reporting and AI voicemail transcription |
| AI | Adds AI Agents, full call transcription with summaries and sentiment, and resilience features such as failover |
3CX editions compares them feature by feature.
Not sure which edition fits? Ask us
Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right edition for your organisation, with a quote.
How 3CX is licensed
A commercial 3CX licence is set by two choices: the edition, which sets the features, and the simultaneous-call (SC) size, which sets how many calls the system can carry at once. Internal and external calls both count, and an extension that is not on a call uses no capacity. Each size has a recommended range and a maximum number of users.
3CX pricing explains what drives the cost and how we size a system from your call data.
What we do: supply, host, set up and support
- Size it. We recommend the edition and SC size from your users, queues and busiest hour.
- Host it. We arrange the hosting so there is no server on your site.
- Build it. Extensions, menus, ring groups, queues, office hours, recording and reporting.
- Connect it. A SIP trunk, your ported numbers and a check of your network; see VoIP requirements.
- Roll it out. Users shown the apps; receptionists and supervisors shown their tools.
- Look after it. Moves, adds and changes, licence renewals, and updates as agreed at quote.
Is a 3CX phone system the right fit for you?
Tell us what you have today and we will recommend the right set-up, with a quote.
3CX with the tools you already use
3CX connects to the systems around it. 3CX CRM integration covers caller lookup and call logging in Salesforce, HubSpot, Dynamics 365 and others. The 3CX Teams integration lets Microsoft Teams users call through 3CX. 3CX PBX explains the system as a VoIP PBX with SIP trunks, and 3CX alternatives sets out the other business phone systems covered by Forever Group sites.
Try 3CX free
The quickest way to judge 3CX is to use it. 3CX has a free edition for up to 10 users and free trials of its paid editions. Try 3CX free (opens in a new tab) through our 3CX Partner link; 3CX free for business explains the options.
We can set it up with you and support your move to a paid edition when you are ready: contact us.
More on the 3CX phone system
How Forever Systems helps with a VoIP phone system
We supply, host, set up and support 3CX phone systems. Forever Systems is a 3CX Partner.
- 3CX sized for you: the edition and the number of simultaneous calls matched to how your team takes calls
- Hosting and set-up: 3CX hosted for you, with call flows, users, queues and voicemail configured
- A requirements check of your broadband, network and router settings before anything goes live
- Numbers and porting: we can help you keep your existing business numbers and plan the move away from analogue and ISDN lines
- Changes afterwards: help with moves, adds and changes as your team grows
3CX works with the 3CX apps and with Yealink and Poly desk phones. We work with businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 3CX phone system?
3CX is a software phone system (an IP PBX) with extensions, menus, ring groups, call queues, voicemail, recording and reporting, plus web, Windows, iOS and Android apps. Its commercial editions are licensed per system each year by simultaneous calls rather than per user.
What is 3CX phone system software used for?
It runs a business's calls: it answers on your numbers, routes callers through menus and queues, rings users in apps or on desk phones, records and reports. It can be hosted in the cloud or installed on a server.
Which desk phones does 3CX work with?
3CX works with Yealink and Poly desk phones: 3CX's supported IP phones list, last updated on 28 June 2026, puts Yealink ranges among 3CX's preferred makes and lists Poly (Polycom) phones as supported with limitations. Desk phones are optional, because every user can call from the 3CX apps.
Is 3CX licensed per user?
No. 3CX commercial editions use one annual licence per system, set by edition and simultaneous-call size. Each size has recommended and maximum user limits, so the licence still has to suit the size of your organisation.
Can I keep my phone numbers if I move to 3CX?
Usually, yes. 3CX connects to a SIP trunk, and your existing geographic and non-geographic numbers can normally be ported to it. We manage the port and agree the date with you.
Can I try 3CX free?
Yes. 3CX has a free edition for up to 10 users and free trials of its paid editions. Forever Systems, a 3CX Partner, can set it up with you and support your move to a paid edition.
Is 3CX available in the UK?
Yes. Forever Systems, a 3CX Partner, supplies, hosts and sets up 3CX for UK organisations, with UK numbers carried on the SIP trunk.
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