📞 3CX is a software-based IP PBX system founded in 2005. Unlike cloud PBX services such as Voxbi, 3CX is a license you purchase and deploy yourself, either on your own server or on 3CX's hosted infrastructure. You must arrange your own SIP trunk separately to make and receive calls.
Who is 3CX?
3CX is an international PBX software vendor headquartered in Cyprus. Founded in 2005, the company sells software licenses that businesses use to run their own phone system. It is widely used in IT-driven organisations across Europe and has a strong reseller network of IT partners and managed service providers (MSPs).
3CX operates on a simultaneous call (SC) model: you pay for the number of calls your system can handle at one time, not for each user. Plans range from a free SMB option (up to 10 users) to Professional and Enterprise tiers.
In Luxembourg, 3CX is typically deployed by IT-managed companies or businesses with in-house technical staff. Mixvoip provides certified SIP trunking for 3CX at the highest certification level, meaning Luxembourg numbers and call routing are supplied by Mixvoip while the PBX software layer runs separately.
Who uses 3CX?
3CX suits businesses that have in-house IT capacity and want direct control over their phone infrastructure.
Typical 3CX customer profile:
- Company size: 10 to 200 employees
- Has an IT manager or system administrator
- Works in technology, IT services, or call centre environments
- Wants to control PBX settings, routing, and integrations directly
- Is comfortable assembling a system from separate components: license, SIP trunk, and hosting
3CX is not designed for businesses that want a ready-to-use, fully managed phone system with no technical overhead.
3CX vs. Voxbi: at a glance
Criteria | 3CX | Voxbi |
Type | PBX software license | Fully managed cloud PBX |
Pricing model | Per simultaneous call (SC) | Per user, per month |
Setup | IT skills required | No IT needed |
SIP trunk included | No, procure separately | Yes, included |
Hosting included | 3CX-hosted plan only | Yes |
Support | Partner / community | Direct, included |
Luxembourg numbers | Via SIP trunk provider | Yes, native |
Founded | 2005 | — |
Detailed comparison
🔧 Setup and management
3CX requires technical knowledge to install and configure. On the self-hosted option, you manage the server, apply security patches, and handle SIP trunk configuration. On the 3CX-hosted plan, infrastructure management is handled, but you still need IT skills to administer the system.
Voxbi is a fully managed service: you activate your account, assign numbers, and your system is live. No server, no SIP configuration, no patches.
💶 Total cost of ownership
3CX pricing starts at around 305 USD per year for 4 simultaneous calls (Professional). This covers the license only. Add to this: monthly SIP trunk costs (for Luxembourg numbers and call routing), server hosting fees (if self-hosted), SSL certificates, and IT staff time for maintenance and updates.
Voxbi is an all-in-one monthly subscription. One price covers the phone system, numbers, hosting, and support.
📋 Features
Both platforms offer auto-attendant (IVR), call recording, call queues, mobile and desktop apps, and call analytics. 3CX adds video conferencing (up to 250 participants), team chat, live chat via website, WhatsApp and Facebook integration, and CRM connections (Salesforce, HubSpot, Dynamics) on higher tiers. Microsoft Teams integration is available on 3CX.
Voxbi includes live dashboards and advanced call analytics. For the full Voxbi feature list, visit voxbi.com.
🔒 Security and reliability
In 2023, 3CX experienced a supply-chain security incident. The company addressed the vulnerability and improved its security practices since. The incident is a reminder that self-managed PBX platforms place security responsibilities on the customer or their IT team.
With Voxbi, security updates and infrastructure patches are applied by Mixvoip, not by your business.
Frequently asked questions
Does 3CX work in Luxembourg?
Yes. 3CX can be used in Luxembourg with a compatible SIP trunk provider. Mixvoip offers certified SIP trunking for 3CX at the highest certification level, supplying Luxembourg phone numbers and call routing.
Is 3CX cheaper than Voxbi?
The 3CX license price appears low at first. However, the total cost includes a SIP trunk subscription, server hosting (if self-hosted), SSL certificates, and IT staff time for setup and maintenance. Voxbi is an all-in-one monthly fee with no hidden layers. Compare the full costs before deciding.
Can I switch from 3CX to Voxbi and keep my Luxembourg numbers?
Yes. If your Luxembourg numbers are already with Mixvoip, migrating to Voxbi means your numbers stay on the same network. You keep your numbers, remove the 3CX layer, and gain a fully managed system.
What happened with the 3CX security breach in 2023?
In March 2023, a trojanised version of the 3CX desktop app was distributed via a supply-chain attack. 3CX addressed the vulnerability and improved its security processes. Businesses using self-hosted 3CX carry responsibility for applying updates and monitoring for threats.
Does 3CX include video conferencing?
Yes. 3CX includes web conferencing supporting up to 100 participants on Professional and up to 250 on Enterprise. No third-party tool is required.
What is the difference between 3CX self-hosted and 3CX hosted?
With self-hosted, you run 3CX on your own server or a cloud VPS. You manage updates, backups, and security. With 3CX hosted, the infrastructure is managed by 3CX, but you still need IT skills to administer the system. Neither option includes a SIP trunk: you procure that separately.
Compare other providers
🔎 Exploring your options? 3CX is one of several Cloud PBX options active in Luxembourg and the Greater Region. Compare across providers to find the right fit for your business.
🟠Orange Luxembourg — National mobile operator with professional telephony bundles for businesses.
🔵 Cisco Webex — Enterprise unified communications with deep Teams and hardware integration.
🟣 Wildix — European UCaaS vendor built natively on WebRTC, designed for sales-driven teams.
🟤 Starface — German-engineered PBX with strong on-premises and cloud options, popular in the DACH region.
📅 Ready to explore Cloud PBX for your business?
Start with the provider comparisons or feature guides. If you want expert help, book a short call with a consultant.
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