Selecting the right communication platform can streamline business processes, boost productivity, and improve customer interactions. Two prominent options that often come up in discussions are 3CX and Skype, both of which offer distinct advantages. This analysis dives into a detailed comparison of 3CX vs Skype, focusing on features, costs, and use cases to help UK businesses make an informed decision.
Overview of 3CX vs Skype
3CX is a VoIP-based communications platform designed primarily for business use. Known for its customisability and advanced telephony features, it offers a complete unified communications solution that includes voice, video, messaging, and contact centre functionalities.
Skype, on the other hand, is a widely recognised communication platform with both personal and business applications. While Skype has traditionally focused on VoIP and video calling, Microsoft has integrated it with Teams for business users. This integration offers essential business communication features, but Skype’s core service remains an accessible and user-friendly tool, particularly for smaller operations or those prioritising ease of use over complex functionalities.
| Feature | 3CX | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Unified communications for businesses, with extensive call handling and PBX features | Personal and business communication, simple interface with basic video and messaging features |
| Voice calling | High-quality VoIP with advanced PBX features (call routing, IVR, recording, queuing) | Standard VoIP, supports up to 100 participants for group calls |
| Video conferencing | Web-based video conferencing, no external software needed | Easy-to-use video calls, up to 100 participants |
| Messaging | Multi-channel messaging, team chat, SMS, integrates with WhatsApp and Facebook | Instant messaging with file sharing and screen sharing during calls |
| Integration | Extensive, includes CRM integration, Office 365, and third-party APIs | Seamless Microsoft 365 integration (Outlook, Teams) but limited to other third-party tools |
| Remote working | Web and mobile apps for on-the-go connectivity; robust remote work support | Mobile apps, remote access, but with fewer admin controls compared to 3CX |
| Security | End-to-end encryption, GDPR-compliant options, on-premise or cloud hosting available | Basic encryption, suitable for general use but lacks enterprise-grade security options |
| Hosting options | Flexible: on-premise or cloud-hosted | Cloud-hosted only |
| Ideal team size | Suitable for medium to large teams and call centres | Best for small teams, start-ups, and freelancers |
| Free version | Yes, but limited to basic features and up to ten users | Yes, for unlimited voice and video calls among Skype users |
| Paid pricing | – Pro: £120/user/year (adds CRM integration, call recording, reporting) | – Requires Microsoft 365 subscription for “Skype for Business” features |
| – Enterprise: £200/user/year (adds advanced call centre, analytics) | – Microsoft 365 Business Basic: £3.80/user/month; Premium: £9.40/user/month | |
| Admin control | Extensive call management, call queues, and data analytics | Limited admin controls and settings |
| Support and setup | Requires some IT setup and ongoing support, especially for larger teams | Minimal setup required, simple to use |
| Pros | High customisability, powerful telephony features, integrates well with CRM systems | Free option available, well-suited to Microsoft 365 users, easy-to-use for basic communications |
| Cons | Higher cost, complex setup, may require IT assistance | Limited advanced business features, lower security options |
Key features comparison
1. Voice and video calling
- 3CX: Known for high-quality VoIP calling, 3CX allows businesses to manage calls effectively with its advanced PBX features, including call routing, IVR, call queuing, and call recording. Its video calling is supported via web-based links, removing the need for external software.
- Skype: Skype offers VoIP and video calls with excellent ease of use, particularly for smaller teams. Video conferencing is limited in size compared to some business-focused platforms, supporting up to 100 participants, which is generally sufficient for smaller meetings but may be limiting for larger organisations.
2. Integration and compatibility
- 3CX: Offers extensive integration options with CRM systems, Office 365, and various other third-party applications, making it ideal for organisations wanting to streamline communication and customer management processes.
- Skype: As a Microsoft product, Skype integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Outlook and Teams. However, its integration capabilities are more limited compared to 3CX when it comes to specialised business tools and CRM systems.
3. Messaging and collaboration
- 3CX: Provides a full suite of messaging options, including team chat and SMS, along with external messaging through platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, all from a single interface.
- Skype: Skype offers instant messaging with basic collaboration tools, such as screen sharing and file sharing during calls. However, its messaging features are simpler and lack the depth of integrations that 3CX provides, making it more suitable for casual or less complex business communication.
4. Mobility and remote working
- 3CX: 3CX supports seamless remote access through web and mobile applications, allowing teams to remain connected regardless of location. With the rise of remote work, 3CX’s flexibility in supporting mobile and web apps across devices provides a strong advantage for distributed teams.
- Skype: Skype also offers mobile apps and remote capabilities, but without some of the in-depth controls and admin settings available in 3CX. For smaller teams, Skype’s mobile capabilities may be sufficient, though larger teams could find it limited for extensive remote setups.
5. Security
- 3CX: Built with business security in mind, 3CX offers end-to-end encryption for calls and messages, along with options for data compliance through on-premise or cloud hosting. Businesses needing robust security, particularly for client calls, can benefit from 3CX’s dedicated protocols.
- Skype: Skype also provides encryption, but because of its general-use nature, it doesn’t offer the enterprise-level security features found in platforms like 3CX. Sensitive industries may find Skype’s security less suited to strict compliance requirements.
Costs comparison – 3CX vs Skype
Cost is a crucial consideration, particularly for SMEs looking to maximise value. Here’s how the pricing of 3CX and Skype compares:
1. 3CX pricing
3CX offers various pricing tiers:
- Standard (Free): Limited to basic features such as voice calls, video calling, and basic messaging for up to ten users.
- Pro (£120 per user/year): Adds features like CRM integration, call recording, reporting, and web conferencing. This plan is ideal for SMEs with a focus on customer interaction and internal communication.
- Enterprise (£200 per user/year): Provides additional advanced call centre functionalities, analytics, and higher call volumes, making it suitable for larger teams and organisations with substantial inbound or outbound communication needs.
3CX’s pricing is scalable, enabling businesses to select features that meet their specific needs without paying for unnecessary extras.
2. Skype pricing
Skype’s cost structure is simpler:
- Free: Offers unlimited voice and video calls among Skype users, making it a budget-friendly choice for microbusinesses or startups.
- Skype for Business: This has been largely integrated into Microsoft Teams, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription. Costs range from £3.80 to £15.10 per user per month, depending on the selected Microsoft 365 plan. This integration expands Skype’s capabilities, providing access to additional business applications like OneDrive and SharePoint.
For small businesses with minimal budgets, Skype’s free option might be attractive, but those needing more comprehensive features may find the Microsoft 365 subscription route beneficial.
Use cases – 3CX vs Skype
When to choose 3CX
- Large teams or call centres: Businesses with high call volumes, such as customer support centres, will benefit from 3CX’s extensive call handling, routing, and call recording features.
- Organisations with strict security requirements: For industries that handle sensitive information, 3CX offers encryption, and GDPR-compliant options, making it suitable for sectors like healthcare or finance.
- Customisable and integrated operations: Businesses that require CRM integration or custom telephony solutions will find 3CX an ideal choice due to its API and compatibility with various third-party systems.
When to choose Skype
- Small teams and startups: Microbusinesses and startups with minimal communication requirements can make the most of Skype’s free offering or integrate it with Microsoft 365 for additional productivity tools.
- Teams already using Microsoft 365: Organisations heavily invested in Microsoft products will appreciate Skype’s seamless integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.
- Simple communication needs: For teams focused primarily on casual communication and video calls without the need for extensive telephony features, Skype provides a straightforward, cost-effective solution.
Pros and cons summary
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 3CX | Customisable, extensive call handling features, high security, CRM integrations | Higher cost, more complex setup, may require IT support |
| Skype | Free option available, integrates well with Microsoft 365, easy to use for small teams | Limited advanced features, less suited for large organisations, limited security features |
Verdict – 3CX vs Skype
For businesses seeking a comprehensive telephony solution with robust integration and customisation capabilities, 3CX is a strong choice. It offers flexible pricing tiers that accommodate businesses of varying sizes, making it particularly valuable for organisations prioritising security and customisation.
Conversely, Skype offers an accessible, user-friendly platform that integrates well with Microsoft 365, ideal for smaller teams or businesses with simpler communication needs.
In the end, the choice between 3CX vs Skype depends largely on your organisation’s specific requirements. If you’re a large organisation or need advanced call features, 3CX is worth the investment. However, if you need an easy-to-use, affordable option for smaller teams, Skype provides a reliable and cost-effective solution.
FAQ
3CX is more suitable for large teams due to its advanced call management features, PBX capabilities, and scalable pricing. Skype can handle moderate group calls but lacks the depth of features 3CX provides, making it better suited to smaller teams or individual use.
3CX provides extensive integration, including CRM systems, Office 365, and third-party APIs, allowing for custom setups. Skype integrates well within Microsoft 365 but has fewer compatibility options with other business tools, making 3CX more adaptable for complex business needs.
Both 3CX and Skype offer free versions. 3CX’s free version includes basic VoIP features, suitable for small teams, while Skype’s free version supports video and voice calls among Skype users, making it accessible for startups and personal users.
Skype is generally easier to set up, requiring minimal technical support and setup time. 3CX, while offering more powerful features, may require IT support for initial configuration and maintenance, especially in larger deployments, making Skype the simpler choice for quick deployment.
Both support remote working, but 3CX excels with mobile apps, web access, and enhanced remote management tools, making it a robust choice for distributed teams. Skype offers mobile apps and is user-friendly but lacks some of the remote admin controls available in 3CX.
3CX is designed with enterprise-grade security, including end-to-end encryption and GDPR compliance options, suitable for sensitive industries. Skype offers basic encryption for calls and messages but lacks the high-level security protocols necessary for businesses with stringent compliance requirements.
Skype offers a free version and low-cost options with Microsoft 365. In comparison, 3CX’s Pro and Enterprise versions cost more but provide a comprehensive range of advanced features, which can justify the investment for businesses needing these capabilities.
3CX supports video conferencing through web links and doesn’t require external software, ideal for professional use. Skype also supports video conferencing, but with a participant limit (100), it’s better suited to smaller meetings, while 3CX can scale for larger events.
3CX is ideal for customer-facing calls due to its call routing, IVR, and queuing features, making it suitable for call centres. Skype offers basic call functionality but lacks the advanced customer service features of 3CX, which are crucial for high-volume or service-oriented calls.
3CX provides significant customisation options, allowing businesses to configure call management, routing, and CRM integrations. Skype, while user-friendly, has limited customisation and is more geared towards straightforward communication, making 3CX the better option for tailored setups.