3CX
3CX is an open-standard communications system that provides your business with a complete solution for calls, video conferencing, live chat, and messaging across multiple devices and platforms.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system that adds a professional business line to your personal mobile device, allowing you to manage calls and texts through a dedicated mobile app.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 3CX | Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Website | 3cx.com | grasshopper.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $14/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 60 days free trial | ✓ 7 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2005 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Nicosia, Cyprus | Boston, USA |
Overview
3CX
3CX is a robust communications platform that replaces traditional hardware PBX systems with a flexible, software-based solution. You can manage your business calls, host high-quality video conferences, and respond to customer messages from a single interface. It integrates directly with your website's live chat and social media channels like WhatsApp and Facebook, ensuring you never miss a lead.
You have total control over your deployment, whether you want to host it in your own private cloud, on-premise on Windows or Linux, or let 3CX host it for you. It scales effortlessly from small offices to large global enterprises by offering different editions based on your concurrent call needs rather than charging per user. This unique approach helps you slash telecommunication costs while maintaining professional communication standards.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper provides you with a professional phone system that runs entirely on your existing personal devices. Instead of buying expensive hardware, you simply add a business line to your smartphone or desktop. This allows you to keep your personal and professional lives separate while maintaining a polished image for your clients through custom greetings and automated extensions.
You can manage your business communications from anywhere using the mobile or desktop apps. The platform handles everything from toll-free numbers and vanity lines to business texting and virtual faxing. It is specifically designed for solopreneurs and small teams who need to stay connected on the go without the complexity of a traditional office PBX system.
Overview
3CX Features
- Multi-Channel Messaging Answer your business WhatsApp, Facebook, and SMS messages directly from the 3CX interface to keep all conversations centralized.
- Integrated Video Conferencing Host professional virtual meetings with screen sharing and whiteboards for up to 250 participants without installing extra software.
- Mobile Apps Take your office extension anywhere with native iOS and Android apps that save battery life using push notifications.
- Website Live Chat Convert website visitors into customers by chatting in real-time and elevating chats to voice calls with one click.
- Visual Call Management Monitor agent status and manage incoming calls effectively using the web-based switchboard and drag-and-drop call transfers.
- CRM Integration Connect your CRM to see caller details instantly and automate call logging to keep your customer records accurate.
Grasshopper Features
- Business Texting. Send and receive professional text messages using your business number to stay responsive to your clients.
- Custom Greetings. Create a professional first impression by recording custom greetings that welcome your callers and direct them appropriately.
- Virtual Extensions. Set up multiple extensions for different departments or team members to route calls to the right person.
- Simultaneous Call Handling. Ensure your callers never hear a busy signal by routing multiple calls to different phones at once.
- Voicemail Transcription. Read your voicemail messages as text delivered straight to your email so you can stay updated discreetly.
- Instant Response. Automatically send a text message to new callers when you can't answer, so you never miss a lead.
Pricing Comparison
3CX Pricing
- Up to 10 users
- 3CX hosting included
- WhatsApp and SMS integration
- Live Chat and Team Messaging
- Video conferencing for 25 users
- Everything in FREE, plus:
- Up to 20 users
- Multi-level Auto Attendant
- Call groups and queues
- Desk phone support
- Reporting and call logs
Grasshopper Pricing
- 1 phone number
- 1 extension
- Unlimited users
- Business texting
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail transcription
- Everything in True Solo, plus:
- 3 phone numbers
- Unlimited extensions
- Call transfers
- Custom greetings
- Mobile and desktop apps
Pros & Cons
3CX
Pros
- Significant cost savings compared to per-user pricing
- Flexible deployment options for cloud or on-premise
- Excellent mobile app performance for remote work
- Easy to set up and manage via web-portal
Cons
- Technical setup may require some networking knowledge
- Customer support is primarily handled through partners
- Interface can feel slightly dated to some users
Grasshopper
Pros
- Extremely easy to set up on existing personal phones
- Separates personal and business calls effectively
- Professional sounding automated greetings and menus
- Reliable mobile app for remote work flexibility
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like call recording
- International calling requires a pre-paid deposit
- Texting is limited to US and Canadian numbers