In December 2025, 3CX Communications released a comprehensive update to its business phone system pricing, effective for the 2026 fiscal year. The changes clarify the cost structure for both self‑hosted and 3CX‑hosted deployments, and they introduce a new Basic Edition tier that is expected to launch in late 2025. The company also announced that its Enterprise and AI‑enabled editions will continue to be positioned as premium options for larger organizations.
Pricing Model and Simultaneous Call Structure
3CX’s license fees are determined by the number of simultaneous calls (SC) a system can handle, rather than the number of users or extensions. The annual license cost is flat for each SC tier, and no per‑user or per‑extension fees are applied. This model is designed to simplify budgeting for organizations that expect variable call load rather than a fixed number of users.
The company’s public pricing table, now simplified for clarity, lists SC tiers ranging from 8 to 1,024 calls. For each tier, 3CX offers four license editions: Basic, Pro, Enterprise/AI, and Enterprise Plus (ENT+). The first three editions are available for all SC levels, while ENT+ is limited to 8 and 16 SC, reflecting its focus on smaller deployments that require advanced transcription services.
Self‑Hosted Pricing (DIY)
For self‑hosted installations, the annual license fee starts at $320 for an 8‑SC Basic edition and climbs to $49,995 for a 1,024‑SC Enterprise/AI edition. The table also shows the maximum number of users that can be accommodated at each SC level. The price gaps between editions widen as simultaneous call capacity increases, reflecting the additional features and support options available at higher tiers.
3CX‑Hosted Pricing
When customers opt for 3CX’s own hosting, the cost structure is similar but includes a higher base fee to cover infrastructure and support services. The Basic edition is not offered in the hosted model; instead, the Pro edition starts at $645 for an 8‑SC configuration. The Enterprise/AI and ENT+ editions retain the same price points as the self‑hosted versions, but the hosted service includes additional service level agreements (SLAs) that specify response times and support channels.
Feature Differentiation Across Editions
The Basic edition is aimed at organizations with modest telephony needs. It includes core functions such as intercom, paging, and basic reporting. Pro adds web conferencing for up to 100 participants, call recording, and full domain name support. Enterprise/AI expands these capabilities further, offering up to 250‑person web conferences, advanced contact‑center tools, enterprise‑grade security, and the ability to schedule system restores.
The ENT+ edition is unique in that it bundles cloud‑powered call transcription and a large allotment of transcription minutes (30,000 for 8 SC and 60,000 for 16 SC). It also supports integration with external analytics platforms such as Grafana and Power BI. This edition is only available for the smallest simultaneous call capacities.
Additional Costs and Responsibilities
While the license fees cover the software, 3CX notes that self‑hosted customers must manage several ancillary expenses. These include:
* Server and networking infrastructure, which can involve cloud compute, storage, and bandwidth costs.
* Voice service, typically purchased from a SIP trunk provider; 3CX does not bundle this service into its pricing.
* SSL certificates for custom domains, which can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per year, depending on the validation level.
* Technical support, which is sold in single or bundle tickets at $100 each, with no discount for higher SC volumes.
* Regular maintenance, security updates, backups, and disaster‑recovery planning, which may require hiring IT staff or external partners.
Customers who choose 3CX’s hosted solution receive a level of support that includes a 48‑hour SLA, but the company requires that tickets be submitted during business hours and does not offer live phone support.
Implications for Small and Mid‑Size Businesses
The updated pricing structure places the Basic edition at a lower price point than the Pro edition, making it attractive for small teams that do not need advanced features. However, the cost of additional services such as SIP trunks, SSL, and support can erode the savings if a business opts for a self‑hosted deployment. Conversely, the hosted model removes many of these hidden costs but increases the base license fee.
The introduction of the ENT+ edition offers a new option for organizations that need high‑quality transcription without investing in local hardware. The inclusion of a large transcription minute allotment and cloud integration may appeal to call centers and customer‑service teams that rely heavily on recorded conversations.
Future Outlook
3CX has not indicated any further major price changes beyond the 2026 update. The company will likely continue to refine its edition mix and may introduce additional tiers or feature bundles in response to market demand. For organizations evaluating IP‑based PBX solutions, the 2026 pricing model provides a clearer understanding of the financial commitment required for both self‑hosted and hosted deployments.
This update is expected to influence purchasing decisions across industries that rely on real‑time voice communication, from small businesses to large enterprises. By simplifying the license structure and clarifying ancillary costs, 3CX aims to reduce the complexity that has historically challenged IT managers and CIOs when selecting a business phone system.
