RingCentral
To do a VoIP Cost Comparison, we first have to look at what RingCentral and 3CX have in common, how they’re different, and how the differences affect the overall cost of ownership.
RingCentral
Monthly subscription plans at RingCentral start at 34.99 per extension, depending on features. There are no start up costs, and no local server is required.
Note that the backbone of a subscription service is also a software PBX. The difference is that with a subscription service, you’re renting (not buying) the software and they control your access to it.
3CX
3CX is priced by the number of calls it will carry at one time.
- 4-call perpetual license $298
- 8-call perpetual licence $698
- 16-call perpetual licence $1,398
The big difference in owning a system is control. You choose how many phone lines you need, and how much to spend on them. More importantly, since you’re not paying by extension, you can put phones where you need them, without worrying about any additional monthly costs.
General RingCentral / 3CX Cost Comparison
RingCentral
- No upfront software costs
- No on-site server
- Only offer their SIP Trunks
- Charges a flat fee for each extension (regardless of usage)
- Unlimited calling is included in the monthly fee
- RingCentral plans start at $34.99 and go up from there
3CX
- Upfront costs for the software
- Upfront cost of a computer (if you choose on-site)
- Can use SIP Trunks and Analog Lines in any combination
- Doesn’t charge by extension at all
- Pay as you go with SIP Trunks and /or Analog Lines
Solution Costs in a 20 Person Office
RingCentral
- Medium sized office with 20 extensions
- Variable upfront cost for phones (same as Software)
- No upfront cost for system
- No Local Server required
- Flat fee of $699.80 per month (RingCentral Office)
5 year cost: $41,988
3CX
- Medium sized office with 20 extensions
- Variable upfront cost for phones (same as Subscription plan)
- Upfront software cost (8-call 3CX license) : $698
- Windows or Linux desktop to run the 3CX software: $500
- Monthly SIP Trunk charge (unlimited incoming, 5000 minutes outgoing): $100
5 year cost: $7,198
Solution Costs in an 8 Person Office
RingCentral
- Small office with 8 extensions
- Variable upfront cost for phones
- No upfront cost for system
- No local server required
- Flat fee of $279.92 per month (RingCentral Office)
5 year cost: $19,195.20
3CX
- Small office with 8 extensions
- Variable upfront cost for phones
- Upfront software cost (4-call 3CX license) : $298
- Windows or Linux desktop to run the 3CX software: $500
- Monthly SIP Trunk charge (unlimited incoming, 2000 minutes outgoing): $60
5 year cost: $4,398
Get Started with a Software PBX System
Schedule a free consultation to learn how you can start saving.