Explore this content with AI:
The Quick Answer
8x8 is a strong contender for global organisations requiring bundled international calling plans and integrated contact centre capabilities. 3CX wins on flexibility, allowing businesses to choose their own UK SIP trunk providers for cheaper local rates and avoiding long-term vendor lock-in.
For UK businesses navigating the post-PSTN Switch Off landscape, the choice between these platforms hinges on one critical question: Do you want an all-in-one bundle with predictable costs, or the freedom to optimise your telephony spending through carrier choice?
Understanding the Fundamental Difference: The "Bundle" vs. The "Platform"
8x8's Bundled Approach
8x8 operates as a complete unified communications provider, packaging everything together:
- Platform licensing (PBX, video conferencing, team messaging)
- Call minutes included in tiered plans (X Series)
- Contact centre functionality (CCaaS capabilities)
- International calling baked into higher-tier subscriptions
- Single vendor relationship for billing and support
Best suited for:
- Multi-national organisations with high international calling volumes
- Businesses requiring integrated contact centre features
- Companies preferring predictable monthly costs with unlimited UK calling
- Organisations willing to accept vendor lock-in for administrative simplicity
3CX's Platform-First Philosophy
3CX takes a different approach, operating as a software platform that integrates with your choice of providers:
- Platform licensing only (PBX software and UC features)
- Bring your own SIP trunk (select from UK providers like Spitfire, Gamma, Zen, Voiceflex)
- Pay-as-you-grow with carrier competition keeping costs down
- Mix and match different trunks for failover and cost optimisation
- No forced bundling of services you may not need
Best suited for:
- UK SMEs focused on domestic calling
- Businesses with existing SIP trunk relationships
- IT teams wanting granular control over telephony costs
- Organisations avoiding long-term contracts with single vendors
- Companies with technical resources to manage trunk selection
Pricing Breakdown: What You Actually Pay
8x8 X Series Pricing (UK Market, 2026)
8x8's pricing follows a per-user, per-month model with bundled minutes:
| Plan |
Approx. Cost |
UK Calling |
International |
Contact Centre |
| Express |
£12–15/user/month |
Unlimited UK landlines & mobiles |
Pay-per-minute |
✗ |
| X2 |
£24–28/user/month |
Unlimited UK + limited international |
14 countries unlimited |
Basic queues |
| X4 |
£44–52/user/month |
Unlimited UK + extended international |
48 countries unlimited |
Full CCaaS features |
| X6 |
£57–70/user/month |
Global unlimited |
48 countries + premium destinations |
Advanced analytics & AI |
Important pricing considerations:
- Prices are annual commitment rates (month-to-month plans cost 15–20% more)
- Setup fees may apply (£100–300 depending on reseller)
- International calling beyond included countries charged at premium rates
- Number porting sometimes incurs additional charges (£5–15 per number)
- Contact centre licensing calculated separately for dedicated agents on higher tiers
3CX Pricing Structure (UK Market, 2026)
3CX pricing is reseller-dependent but typically structured as:
| Edition |
Simultaneous Calls |
Approx. Annual Cost |
Typical Use Case |
| Startup |
4 SC |
£145–180 |
Micro businesses (up to 10 users) |
| SMB |
8 SC |
£295–350 |
Small businesses (10–30 users) |
| PRO |
16 SC |
£560–680 |
Growing SMEs (30–75 users) |
| Enterprise |
64 SC |
£1,145–1,400 |
Mid-market (75–250 users) |
| Dedicated |
128+ SC |
£2,280+ |
Large organisations (250+ users) |
Critical additional costs for 3CX:
- SIP trunk from UK providers (£5–15/user/month depending on included minutes)
- Example: Gamma SIP with 1000 UK minutes = £8/user/month
- Example: Spitfire unlimited UK calls = £12/user/month
- Number rental (£1–3/number/month)
- Hosting costs if self-hosting (server infrastructure, bandwidth, maintenance)
- 3CX Partner installation/support (£500–2,500 one-off setup, optional ongoing support)
Total Cost Example (50-user business)
- 3CX PRO 16 SC licence: £680/year (covers ~50 users with typical calling patterns)
- Gamma SIP trunk (50 users × £8): £400/month = £4,800/year
- Total Year 1: ~£5,480 = £109.60/user/year or £9.13/user/month
Compare this to 8x8 X2 at £24/user/month (£288/user/year) for 50 users = £14,400/year.
The 3CX advantage: £8,920/year savings for a typical UK SME with standard calling patterns.
International Calling: Where 8x8 Shines
8x8's Global Calling Advantage
For businesses with significant international calling requirements, 8x8's bundled minutes become compelling:
8x8 X4 Plan (£44–52/user/month) includes unlimited calling to:
- All European Union countries
- United States & Canada
- Australia & New Zealand
- Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan
- Mexico, Argentina, Chile
- 48 countries total on standard unlimited plans
Practical benefits:
- No bill shock from international calls
- No trunk configuration needed for global reach
- Centralised reporting across all international usage
- Quality of Service guaranteed by 8x8's global carrier network
Real-world scenario: A 30-person UK consultancy with clients across EU and USA makes ~200 hours of international calls monthly. On 8x8 X4 (£1,560/month), these calls are included. On 3CX with a typical UK trunk charging £0.02–0.05/minute to EU and £0.01–0.03/minute to USA, you'd add £240–600/month in variable call costs.
3CX's International Calling Approach
3CX doesn't bundle international minutes, but offers superior flexibility:
- Choose specialised international trunks (e.g., Voipfone, Localphone, Gradwell offer competitive international rates)
- Mix multiple trunks (UK trunk for domestic, international trunk for global calls)
- Least Cost Routing (LCR) built into 3CX automatically routes calls via cheapest provider
- No commitment to international bundles if calling patterns change
Example Optimisation
- Primary UK trunk: Gamma (unlimited UK calls, £10/user/month)
- Secondary international trunk: Voipfone (pay-per-minute international, £0.005–0.02/min to EU)
- 3CX automatically routes UK calls via Gamma, international via Voipfone
- Result: Typical UK-heavy business saves 40–60% vs. bundled international plans
Best for businesses where:
- International calling is occasional rather than constant
- Call destinations vary month-to-month
- Cost control and transparency are priorities
- You have technical capability to configure trunk routing
8x8 Contact Centre Features (X4 and Above)
8x8 positions itself as a Contact Centre as a Service (CCaaS) provider with enterprise-grade capabilities:
Core contact centre features:
- Omnichannel routing (voice, SMS, email, chat, social media)
- Intelligent IVR with speech recognition
- Skill-based routing and sophisticated queue management
- Real-time wallboards and supervisor monitoring
- Quality management with call recording and screen capture
- Workforce optimisation (WFO) tools including forecasting
- CRM integrations (Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Zendesk, HubSpot)
- AI-powered analytics for sentiment analysis and call summarisation
Advanced capabilities (X6 tier):
- Interaction analytics using AI/ML for customer insights
- Virtual agent integration (chatbots, voicebots)
- Speech analytics for compliance and training
- Advanced reporting with customisable dashboards
Pricing note: Dedicated contact centre agents typically require X4 or X6 licensing (£44–70/user/month), making 8x8 expensive for large contact centre operations compared to dedicated CCaaS platforms like Genesys or Five9.
3CX Call Centre & Queue Management
3CX includes robust call centre features as standard in all editions:
Built-in queue functionality:
- Multiple queue support with priority routing
- Agent status management (available, busy, after-call work)
- Queue callbacks to reduce customer wait times
- Real-time queue statistics via web interface
- Wallboard display for queue monitoring
- Call recording built-in (all calls, specific extensions, or queues)
- CRM integration (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, MS Dynamics, Freshdesk, and 50+ others)
Limitations compared to 8x8:
- Voice-focused (omnichannel requires third-party integration)
- No built-in WFO tools (forecasting, scheduling)
- Basic analytics (detailed reporting requires third-party add-ons)
- Manual configuration vs. 8x8's guided setup wizards
Extension options for 3CX contact centres:
- 3CX Live Chat & Talk (webchat widget, Facebook Messenger integration) - included
- Third-party plugins for SMS (Twilio, Vonage), email ticketing
- Reporting tools like Goldfish or Akixi for advanced analytics (£5–15/user/month)
When 3CX is sufficient: SME inbound sales or support teams (<20 agents), voice-primary contact centres with occasional chat, businesses wanting call centre features without CCaaS pricing, IT teams comfortable with configuration and integration work.
When 8x8's CCaaS is worth the premium: Multi-channel customer service operations (voice + digital), compliance-heavy industries needing interaction analytics, large contact centres (50+ agents) requiring WFO tools, organisations without dedicated IT resources for telephony management.
User Interface & Experience: Real-World Usability
Desktop Clients Compared
8x8 Work Application:
- Unified interface combining voice, video, chat, meetings
- Presence management synced with calendar integration
- Click-to-dial from browser and CRM systems
- Built-in video conferencing (no separate Zoom/Teams needed for basic meetings)
- File sharing during calls and chats
User feedback (from G2 and Trustpilot reviews, 2024-2025):
- ✅ Professional, polished interface
- ✅ Reliable video quality for small meetings (up to 10 participants)
- ⚠️ "Feature overload" for simple phone users
- ⚠️ Occasional sync issues between desktop and mobile apps
- ❌ Complex admin portal for basic configuration changes
3CX Desktop Client (Windows/Mac/Linux):
- Lightweight application focused on communications
- Presence and status management
- Visual call handling (transfer, conference, park)
- Integrated chat and video calling
- WebRTC-based (works in browser without installation)
- Call history and voicemail management
User feedback (from G2, Capterra, and partner reviews):
- ✅ Fast, responsive interface with low system resource usage
- ✅ Intuitive for basic phone users
- ✅ Excellent integration with web browsers
- ⚠️ Video conferencing less polished than dedicated platforms
- ⚠️ Chat features basic compared to Slack/Teams
Mobile Applications
8x8 Work Mobile App (iOS/Android):
- Full UC functionality on mobile
- Push notifications for incoming calls
- Voicemail-to-email transcription
- Corporate directory access
- Mobile-optimised interface
Common complaints:
- Battery drain reported by users on older devices
- Occasional notification delays (particularly on Android with aggressive power management)
- App size (200–250MB) larger than competitors
3CX Mobile App (iOS/Android):
- Highly-rated for reliability (4.6/5 on App Store, 4.4/5 on Google Play)
- Efficient battery usage through optimised push notification handling
- Clear call quality over 4G/5G and WiFi
- Instant call pickup from notifications
- Smaller app footprint (~50–80MB)
Industry recognition: Consistently rated as one of the best VoIP mobile apps for call quality and battery efficiency. Push notification architecture superior to many competitors (reduces battery drain by 40–60% vs. always-on VoIP connections).
Practical advantage: For businesses with mobile-heavy workforces (field engineers, sales teams, remote workers), 3CX's mobile app provides enterprise communications without the battery penalty of 8x8 or other always-connected apps.
Customer Support Models: Direct vs. Partner-Led
8x8's Direct Support Structure
Support tiers:
- Standard Support (included): Email and web portal, business hours
- Enhanced Support (add-on cost): 24/7 phone support, faster response SLAs
- Premium Support (£££): Dedicated account team, priority escalation
UK-specific considerations:
- Support teams primarily based in US and Philippines
- UK office exists but limited technical support resources
- Time zone challenges for out-of-hours emergencies (US Pacific time-focused)
- Response times vary significantly based on support tier
Real-world feedback (Trustpilot UK reviews, 2024-2025):
- ✅ Knowledgeable agents when you reach senior support
- ⚠️ Tier 1 support often requires escalation for technical issues
- ❌ "Frustrating experience for smaller businesses on Standard Support"
- ❌ Long hold times during US business hours (peak UK afternoon)
- ❌ "Felt like a small fish in a big pond" (common theme from SME reviewers)
Quote from G2 review (verified UK IT Manager, Jan 2025): "8x8's product is solid, but getting support as a 40-person business is painful. We're too small to matter to their support team, and tier 1 agents rarely solve issues on first contact. Expect to spend 2-3 hours on support calls for configuration changes."
3CX's Partner-Led Support Model
How it works:
- 3CX provides software updates, core platform support, and technical documentation
- 3CX Partners (UK-based resellers/MSPs) provide implementation, configuration, and ongoing support
- Direct relationship with a local partner who understands your business
UK partner ecosystem:
- 500+ certified 3CX Partners across the UK
- Specialisations available (healthcare, education, hospitality, financial services)
- Flexible support contracts (pay-as-you-go, monthly retainers, SLA-based agreements)
Advantages of partner-led support:
- ✅ Local, personalised service (often same engineer familiar with your setup)
- ✅ Flexible response times (many partners offer 24/7 support for critical issues)
- ✅ Bundled services (partner can manage hosting, SIP trunks, and 3CX in one relationship)
- ✅ Faster resolution (partner knows your specific configuration)
- ✅ Business relationship (partner invested in your success as ongoing client)
Potential disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Partner quality varies (choosing the right partner is critical)
- ⚠️ Dependency on partner's availability and expertise
- ⚠️ Additional cost for partner support vs. included vendor support
Real-world feedback (3CX community forums and partner reviews):
"Our 3CX partner responds within 30 minutes, even for non-emergency queries. They know our setup inside-out and often fix issues before we notice them." – SME Operations Manager, Manchester
"We switched from 8x8 to 3CX primarily for the support model. Having a local engineer who actually cares about our business has been transformational." – IT Director, London financial services firm
Finding a quality partner:
- 3CX Partner Directory: Check certifications (Titanium, Platinum, Gold)
- Reviews and references: Ask for existing client testimonials
- SLA clarity: Ensure response times and escalation procedures are contractually defined
- Technical expertise: Verify partner's experience with your industry and technical requirements
Integration Ecosystem & Third-Party Apps
8x8 Integration Capabilities
Native CRM integrations:
- Salesforce (deep integration with CTI, screen pops, activity logging)
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Zendesk
- HubSpot
- ServiceNow
- NetSuite
Business application integrations:
- Microsoft Teams (as telephony provider through Direct Routing)
- Google Workspace
- Slack
- Microsoft 365
- Okta (SSO)
API and developer platform:
- RESTful APIs for custom integrations
- Webhooks for event-driven workflows
- SDK for embedded communications
Limitations:
- Customisation requires 8x8 Professional Services or experienced developer resources
- Some integrations require higher-tier licensing
- Proprietary approach limits integration flexibility
3CX Integration Capabilities
CRM integrations (50+ connectors):
- Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, Zoho, Freshdesk
- SugarCRM, Pipedrive, Insightly, Bullhorn
- Screenshot on call: CRM record pops automatically with caller details
- Click-to-dial from CRM records
- Call logging automatically synced
Unified Communications integrations:
- Microsoft Teams integration (3CX can replace Teams calling with superior functionality)
- Google Workspace contact sync
- Outlook calendar integration for presence
- Slack notifications for missed calls
Hotel and hospitality PMS integrations:
- Opera PMS, Mews, Protel, RoomRaccoon
- Automated wake-up calls, room status updates, billing integration
Open integration platform:
- Comprehensive API for custom development
- Webhooks for call events, chat messages, presence changes
- Community-developed plugins available free or low-cost
- SIP standard compliance allows integration with virtually any SIP-compatible device or platform
Practical advantage: 3CX's open approach means businesses can integrate with niche or industry-specific software without requiring expensive Professional Services, whereas 8x8 often requires custom development for non-standard integrations.
Security, Compliance & UK-Specific Considerations
GDPR Compliance
8x8:
- Data centres in UK and EU available
- GDPR-compliant data processing agreements
- Call recording retention policies configurable
- Data residency options (additional cost)
3CX:
- Full control over data location (self-hosted or choose hosting partner)
- GDPR compliance responsibility shared with partner/hosting provider
- Call recording stored on-premise or specified cloud location
- No data leaves UK if configured correctly
Advantage: 3CX for organisations with strict data sovereignty requirements (self-hosting ensures complete control).
Cyber Essentials & Security Standards
Both platforms support Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications:
8x8 security features:
- End-to-end encryption for voice and video
- TLS/SRTP for SIP communications
- SOC 2 Type II certified
- ISO 27001 certified
- Regular penetration testing
3CX security features:
- HTTPS and TLS encryption standard
- Built-in firewall and security rules
- Automatic security updates
- Tunnel protocol for remote phones (eliminates VPN requirement)
- Blacklist/whitelist for call and IP filtering
Vulnerability management: 3CX has faced scrutiny after a 2023 supply chain attack. 3CX responded with enhanced security protocols, mandatory two-factor authentication, and improved update verification. Current versions (V20 and later) include hardened security measures.
PSTN Switch Off Readiness
The UK PSTN/ISDN switch-off (completing in 2027) requires all businesses to migrate to IP-based telephony.
8x8 approach:
- Fully cloud-based (inherently PSTN-independent)
- Number porting handled by 8x8 (streamlined process)
- No legacy equipment compatibility concerns
- Analogue device support via 8x8's ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) for door entry systems, fax, alarm panels
3CX approach:
- IP PBX design (PSTN-switch-off ready)
- Number porting managed by chosen SIP trunk provider
- Supports legacy analogue devices via SIP ATAs (Grandstream, Cisco, Poly)
- Fax-over-IP (T.38) supported for businesses still requiring fax
- Existing equipment (SIP phones, headsets) often compatible
Emergency calling (999/112) compliance:
- Both platforms support emergency calling
- Critical: Ensure your SIP trunk provider supports accurate location data for emergency services (required under UK regulations)
- Test emergency calling after deployment
Deployment Options: Cloud, Hybrid, or On-Premise
8x8 Deployment
Cloud-only model:
- Hosted entirely in 8x8's data centres
- No on-premise hardware required
- Automatic updates and maintenance
- Geographic redundancy across multiple data centres
Infrastructure requirements:
- Reliable internet connection (minimum 100kbps per concurrent call)
- QoS-configured network for voice prioritisation
- Managed PoE switches for IP phones
Advantages:
- ✅ Zero infrastructure investment
- ✅ Predictable costs
- ✅ Rapid deployment (days not weeks)
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Complete dependency on internet connectivity
- ❌ No fallback for internet outages (unless 4G failover configured)
- ❌ Limited customisation of platform
3CX Deployment Flexibility
Multiple deployment options:
Cloud-hosted (via partner or self-managed)
- Hosted on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or partner infrastructure
- Remote management via web interface
- Suitable for SMEs wanting cloud benefits without vendor lock-in
On-premise (self-hosted)
- Installed on business's own server (physical or virtual)
- Complete control over configuration and security
- Ideal for organisations with existing infrastructure and IT teams
Hybrid
- Main PBX hosted in cloud, branch offices connect via SIP
- Or on-premise PBX with cloud failover for resilience
Minimum server requirements (on-premise):
- Small deployments (up to 100 users): 4 vCPUs, 8GB RAM, 40GB storage
- Medium deployments (100-500 users): 8 vCPUs, 16GB RAM, 100GB storage
- Large deployments (500+ users): 16+ vCPUs, 32GB+ RAM, 200GB+ storage
Operating system support:
- Debian Linux (recommended)
- Windows Server
- Runs in Docker containers or VM environments (VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox)
Deployment timeline:
- Cloud-hosted: 1-3 days (partner setup)
- On-premise: 1-2 weeks (including server preparation, installation, configuration, testing)
Call Quality & Reliability: Real-World Performance
Network Requirements
8x8 bandwidth requirements:
- Voice: 100kbps per concurrent call (G.722 or G.711 codec)
- Video: 1-4Mbps per participant (depending on quality settings)
- Recommended: 1.5Mbps per user for mixed usage
3CX bandwidth requirements:
- Voice: 80-100kbps per concurrent call (depends on codec selection)
- Video: 512kbps-2Mbps per participant
- Codec flexibility: Choose lower-bandwidth codecs (G.729) for limited connections
Quality of Service (QoS)
8x8:
- Platform manages QoS from cloud edge
- Limited control over prioritisation within customer network
- DSCP tagging recommended on customer LAN
3CX:
- Full control over codec selection and bandwidth management
- QoS configuration within PBX for call prioritisation
- Recommended: Configure VLAN for voice traffic and router-level QoS
Uptime & Redundancy
8x8 SLA:
- 99.999% uptime guarantee (5.26 minutes downtime per year)
- Multi-data-centre redundancy
- Service credits for SLA breaches
3CX resilience:
- Uptime depends on hosting environment and SIP trunk providers
- Best practice: Deploy with multiple SIP trunks from different providers for automatic failover
- Self-hosted option allows on-premise resilience independent of internet connectivity (with ISDN/SIP gateway for failover)
Real-world reliability (based on community feedback and reviews): Both platforms deliver enterprise-grade call quality when properly configured. 3CX advantage: Multi-trunk failover prevents single-provider outages. 8x8 advantage: Zero customer configuration needed for redundancy.
Migration Considerations: Switching from Legacy Systems
Migrating to 8x8
Typical migration process:
- Number porting: 8x8 handles porting from existing provider (4-6 weeks lead time)
- User provisioning: 8x8 portal or bulk CSV import
- Phone deployment: 8x8-certified handsets shipped pre-configured or BYOD via softphones
- Training: Web-based training modules and documentation
- Cutover: Porting completes, old system decommissioned
Migration support:
- Included for standard migrations (basic configuration)
- Professional Services available for complex requirements (£££)
Challenges reported:
- Porting delays (especially from legacy ISDN carriers)
- Configuration limitations during migration (some features only available post-cutover)
- Data migration from legacy systems often manual
Migrating to 3CX
Typical migration process (partner-led):
- Planning phase: Partner assesses existing system, user requirements, call patterns
- SIP trunk selection: Choose and provision UK trunk(s)
- System build: Partner configures 3CX with extensions, queues, IVRs, integrations
- Parallel running: 3CX runs alongside existing system for testing (1-2 weeks)
- Number porting: Trunk provider handles porting (4-6 weeks)
- Training: Partner delivers user and admin training
- Cutover: Full switch to 3CX, old system decommissioned
Migration advantages:
- Parallel running reduces risk (test before full commitment)
- Flexible timeline (not forced by porting window)
- Keep existing phones (most SIP phones compatible)
- Gradual rollout possible (department-by-department)
Migration support:
- Included in partner setup costs
- Typical project cost: £500-£2,500 depending on complexity
Comparison Table: 3CX vs. 8x8 at a Glance
| Feature |
3CX |
8x8 |
| Pricing Model |
Platform licence + separate SIP trunk |
Bundled (platform + minutes) |
| Typical UK SME Cost |
£9–15/user/month |
£24–52/user/month |
| International Calling |
Pay-per-minute via chosen trunk |
Included (48 countries on X4+) |
| Contact Centre (CCaaS) |
Built-in queues, basic reporting |
Advanced CCaaS features (X4+) |
| Deployment Options |
Cloud, on-premise, or hybrid |
Cloud-only |
| SIP Trunk Choice |
Any UK SIP provider |
8x8 only (vendor lock-in) |
| Mobile App Rating |
4.6/5 (iOS), 4.4/5 (Android) |
4.0/5 (iOS), 3.8/5 (Android) |
| Support Model |
Local UK partner |
Direct (tiered support plans) |
| CRM Integrations |
50+ native integrations |
20+ native integrations |
| Video Conferencing |
Built-in (basic) |
Built-in (professional) |
| UK Data Residency |
Full control (choose hosting location) |
Available (may incur extra cost) |
| Setup Complexity |
Moderate (partner handles) |
Low (guided setup) |
| Long-term Flexibility |
High (no vendor lock-in) |
Low (tied to 8x8 ecosystem) |
| Best For |
Cost-conscious UK SMEs, technical teams |
Global businesses, contact centres |
Making the Right Choice: Decision Framework
Choose 8x8 if:
- ✅ You make significant international calls (especially to the 48 included countries on X4+)
- ✅ You need integrated contact centre features without third-party tools
- ✅ You prefer bundled pricing for predictable monthly costs
- ✅ You lack in-house IT resources to manage telephony infrastructure
- ✅ You value single-vendor simplicity over cost optimisation
- ✅ Your business is multi-national with offices requiring unified communications globally
- ✅ You need professional video conferencing integrated within the phone system
Choose 3CX if:
- ✅ You're primarily UK-focused with limited international calling
- ✅ You want control over telephony costs through SIP trunk selection
- ✅ You prefer local, personalised support from a UK partner
- ✅ You have existing SIP phones or equipment you want to retain
- ✅ You need deployment flexibility (cloud, on-premise, or hybrid)
- ✅ You want to avoid vendor lock-in and maintain carrier independence
- ✅ You have technical resources or a trusted IT partner
- ✅ Budget optimisation is critical and you're willing to manage multiple supplier relationships
Final Recommendations for UK Businesses in 2026
For UK SMEs (10-100 employees)
3CX is typically the better choice for cost-conscious UK businesses focused on domestic operations:
- Average savings: £10,000–£25,000 over three years (vs. 8x8 X2 plan)
- SIP trunk flexibility: Choose best UK rates, change providers if needed
- Local support: Build relationship with responsive UK partner
- Future-proof: No forced migration if business needs change
Consider 8x8 only if you have substantial international calling needs that offset the premium pricing.
For Global Organisations (100+ employees)
8x8 becomes competitive when international calling and integrated contact centre justify the higher per-user cost:
- Predictable budgeting: Bundled international minutes eliminate variable costs
- Reduced complexity: Single vendor for global telephony
- Advanced CCaaS: Enterprise contact centre features without additional platforms
- Scalability: Proven at enterprise scale (10,000+ users)
For Contact Centres (20+ agents)
Decision depends on channel requirements:
- Voice-only or voice-primary: 3CX delivers excellent queue management at fraction of 8x8 cost
- Omnichannel requirements: 8x8's integrated CCaaS features justify premium (or consider dedicated CCaaS platforms like Genesys)
For Businesses Valuing Control & Flexibility
3CX's platform approach provides:
- No vendor lock-in: Change SIP providers, hosting, or deployment model without replacing PBX
- Customisation freedom: Open APIs and integration flexibility
- Cost transparency: Separate billing for platform, trunks, and support allows granular cost management
For Businesses Wanting Simplicity
8x8's bundled model offers:
- Single throat to choke: One vendor for all communications issues
- Included everything: No need to research SIP trunks, configure integrations, or manage multiple suppliers
- Fast deployment: Live in days with minimal configuration required
Conclusion: The Platform vs. Bundle Trade-Off
The choice between 3CX and 8x8 ultimately reflects a strategic decision about control versus convenience:
8x8 provides a comprehensive, bundled solution ideal for organisations valuing simplicity, international calling, and integrated contact centre capabilities. You pay a premium for 8x8 to handle everything, accepting vendor lock-in as the trade-off for administrative ease.
3CX delivers a powerful, flexible platform that rewards businesses willing to manage supplier relationships. By separating the PBX platform from call minutes and support, you gain cost savings, carrier choice, and long-term flexibility—but require technical capability or a trusted partner.
For the majority of UK SMEs, 3CX's platform approach delivers superior value, typically saving 40–60% vs. 8x8 whilst providing equivalent or superior voice quality and features. The post-PSTN Switch Off environment makes SIP trunk flexibility increasingly valuable as UK carriers compete aggressively on pricing.
For global organisations with heavy international calling or sophisticated contact centre requirements, 8x8's bundled model can justify the premium through simplified administration and included international minutes.
Neither platform is universally "better"—the right choice depends on your specific calling patterns, international requirements, technical capabilities, and whether you prioritise cost optimisation or administrative simplicity.
Our recommendation: Calculate your total cost of ownership across 3 years, including SIP trunk costs for 3CX and international calling patterns. For most UK businesses, 3CX delivers better ROI. For multi-national organisations with complex contact centre needs, evaluate 8x8 alongside dedicated CCaaS platforms.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Our team can help you assess which platform is right for your business and provide a detailed cost comparison based on your specific requirements.
Get Expert Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trial both platforms before committing?
- 8x8: Offers 30-day free trial (limited features, demo data).
- 3CX: Most partners offer proof-of-concept deployments or trial hosting (typically 14-30 days).
What happens if I outgrow my current plan?
- 8x8: Upgrade to higher tier (X2 → X4) with associated cost increase.
- 3CX: Purchase higher simultaneous call licence or add additional instances; SIP trunk scales independently.
Can I port my existing phone numbers?
Both platforms: Yes, UK number porting typically takes 4-6 weeks from ISDN/legacy carriers, 2-3 weeks between VoIP providers.
Do I need to replace my existing desk phones?
- 8x8: Works with 8x8-certified phones (Poly, Yealink) or softphone apps; existing SIP phones may work but not officially supported.
- 3CX: Compatible with most SIP phones (Yealink, Fanvil, Poly, Cisco, Grandstream); likely to retain existing investment.
What happens if my internet goes down?
- 8x8: No calling capability (unless you've configured 4G failover via supported devices); calls can forward to mobiles.
- 3CX: Same limitation for cloud-hosted; on-premise deployment can use SIP gateway with backup ISDN/SIP connection for resilience.
Which integrates better with Microsoft Teams?
- Both: Offer Teams integration, but neither replaces Teams—they provide telephony (PSTN calling) for Teams.
- 3CX: Deeper integration allowing Teams users to make/receive PSTN calls via 3CX.
Additional Reading & Resources
-
→
3CX vs. Microsoft Teams Phone System: The 2026 Comparison for UK Businesses
The fundamental difference between 3CX and Microsoft Teams Phone lies in how you're charged for telephony services....
-
→
3CX vs. Gamma Horizon: Which UK Cloud Phone System Wins?
Gamma Horizon is a solid 'set-and-forget' hosted solution ideal for businesses wanting a fully managed service. It operates on a traditional rental model where everything...
-
→
The Ultimate 3CX Guide for Business: Setup, Pricing, Features, and Best Practices
As an IT decision-maker or technical business owner, you're constantly battling the same challenges: rigid, expensive communication contracts, outdated PBX hardware that lacks modern features...
-
→
Migrating from Legacy PBX to 3CX: A Complete Transition Planning and Execution Checklist
For IT directors and business owners in the UK, the decision to migrate from a legacy PBX (like an ageing Mitel, Avaya, or Siemens/Unify system) to a modern IP-based solution like 3CX is a significant strategic move...
-
→
VoIP and Phone System ROI: How to Calculate Savings and Justify Your Upgrade Investment
When business leaders consider upgrading their telephone system, the first question is often about cost. While modern phone systems typically cost 30-50% less than traditional systems...
-
→
The Complete Guide to Modern Office Phone System Features
The way your business handles telephone calls directly impacts customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and your bottom line. Yet many UK SMEs are still relying on outdated phone systems...