# 3CX vs Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that 3CX excels in **ease of management and configuration** , with users appreciating its intuitive interface that centralizes all features, making communication streamlined for teams. In contrast, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) is noted for its robust capabilities but comes with a **steeper learning curve** that may challenge new users.
- **Users say** that 3CX offers a **user-friendly experience** across both desktop and mobile platforms, which enhances accessibility and convenience. Meanwhile, Cisco Unified Communications Manager is praised for its **stability and reliability** in handling unified endpoints, but it may not be as straightforward for everyday users.
- **According to verified reviews** , 3CX has a significant advantage in **ease of setup** , with many users highlighting how quickly they can get started without extensive technical knowledge. On the other hand, Cisco Unified Communications Manager is recognized for its **powerful features** but often requires more time and expertise to implement effectively.
- **Reviewers mention** that Cisco Unified Communications Manager shines in **support for voice and video conferencing** , with users noting its wide device compatibility and integration capabilities. However, 3CX also provides solid video call features, though some users feel it doesn't match the depth of Cisco's offerings.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while both platforms have similar star ratings, 3CX's recent user feedback indicates a more active and engaged user base, with 13 recent reviews compared to Cisco's lack of new reviews. This suggests that 3CX may be more responsive to current user needs and trends.
- **Users say** that Cisco Unified Communications Manager is a **workhorse** for businesses needing a secure, local datacenter-managed solution, particularly in closed networks. In contrast, 3CX is often favored for its **cost-effectiveness** , especially with its free entry-level pricing, making it an attractive option for smaller businesses or startups.



| | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 546 | 111 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (54.9% of reviews) | Mid-Market (50.0% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Free 10 Users | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### 3CX

Pros:
- Ease of Use (44 reviews)
- Reliability (31 reviews)

Cons:
- Complex Processes (11 reviews)
- Difficult Configuration (10 reviews)

### Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)

Pros:
- Reliability (3 reviews)
- Video Conferencing (3 reviews)

Cons:
- Complex Processes (2 reviews)
- Billing Issues (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.9 (365 reviews) | 9.1 (91 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 9.0 (373 reviews) | 8.1 (92 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.8 (253 reviews) | 6.9 (52 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.0 (236 reviews) | 8.0 (54 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.9 (332 reviews) | 8.6 (87 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.6 (226 reviews) | 8.7 (53 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.4 (365 reviews) | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### 3CX

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: 3CX SMB

Price: Free 10 Users

Description: Free for up to 10 users.

Key Features:
- Next-gen phone system
- Bring your own SIP Trunk
- WFH: remote-enable teams

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/3cx/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Contact Center

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3CX** | 8.2/10 | 303 |
| **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** | N/A | N/A |

#### Channels

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Voice** | 9.4 (142 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Social** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Web Chat** | 8.6 (94 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile SMS** | 7.3 (71 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Email** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Speech** | 6.9 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Functions

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Session Routing** | 8.9 (181 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Session Queuing** | 8.9 (185 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Concurrent Calling** | 8.9 (184 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Speech Analytics** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Auto Dialer** | 8.2 (93 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **IVR** | 9.1 (117 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Inbound Screen Pop** | 8.8 (98 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Persistent Data** | 8.4 (95 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Contact Center

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 6.3 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 7.0 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | 6.9 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 6.9 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Administrative

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Session Summary Notes** | 8.3 (149 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Administrator Access** | 9.0 (179 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting & Dashboards** | 8.4 (185 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Session Recording** | 9.0 (114 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Agent Scheduling and Assignment** | 8.3 (103 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

### Video Conferencing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3CX** | 9.0/10 | 144 |
| **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** | N/A | N/A |

#### Collaboration Tools

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Screen Sharing** | 8.8 (68 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Presentations** | 9.1 (37 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Whiteboarding** | 9.0 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Live Chat** | 9.2 (38 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Hand Raising** | 8.5 (34 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Meeting Coordination

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Scheduling** | 8.4 (71 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Recording** | 9.1 (67 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Participant Permissions** | 9.2 (69 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **One-Click Join** | 8.9 (41 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Software Type

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mobile** | 9.0 (82 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Browser Application** | 9.3 (45 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Desktop Application** | 9.2 (43 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Video Conferencing

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Call Center Infrastructure (CCI)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3CX** | 8.7/10 | 54 |
| **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Omnichannel** | 7.7 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile Access** | 8.9 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Queue Management** | 9.1 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Call Routing** | 8.8 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Call Back** | 8.9 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **IVR** | 9.2 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automatic Call Distribution** | 9.1 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Speech** | 6.8 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Workforce Management

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Call Monitoring** | 9.2 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Performance Evaluation** | 8.7 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Call Center Infrastructure (CCI)

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Administrative

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Call Recording** | 9.1 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting & Dashboards** | 8.5 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Live Chat

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3CX** | 8.5/10 | 57 |
| **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 6.3 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 7.2 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-Speech** | 7.4 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Communication

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Pop-up Chat** | 9.3 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Notifications** | 9.3 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Targeted Emails** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **In-App Messaging** | 9.3 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Co-Browsing** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

####  Internal Use

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Customization ** | 8.9 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Conversation Archiving** | 8.9 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Lead Development** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Knowledge Base** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Team Inbox ** | 8.9 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Customer Profiles** | 9.0 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Cloud PBX Platforms

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3CX** | 8.7/10 | 27 |
| **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** | N/A | N/A |

#### Basic Communication - Cloud PBX

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Call Management** | 9.7 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Communication Management** | 8.9 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Scalability** | 9.7 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Integrations** | 8.3 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile Accessibility** | 9.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Accessibility** | 9.8 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Advanced Features - Cloud PBX

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Security and Compliance** | 8.5 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Analytics and Reporting** | 7.6 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Support and Reliability** | 8.0 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automated attendant** | 7.0 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### VoIP Providers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3CX** | 8.5/10 | 280 |
| **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** | 8.6/10 | 46 |

#### Platform Basics - VoIP Providers

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **PBX systems, VoIP Softphone** | 9.3 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Call Management** | 9.6 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Network monitoring** | 8.4 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Integrations** | 9.0 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Virtual PBX** | 9.1 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **SIP trunking services** | 9.3 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Basic Communication

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Phone Calls** | 9.5 (193 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.8 (41 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Video Calls** | 8.4 (133 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (29 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Instant Messaging** | 8.3 (132 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (34 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Screen Sharing** | 8.2 (118 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.7 (8 reviews) | 
| **Conference Calls** | 8.8 (174 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.4 (38 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Desk-to-Desk Calls** | 9.4 (186 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.8 (39 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Agentic AI - VoIP Providers

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 6.1 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 7.7 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | 6.9 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 6.9 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Access

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Software Pairing** | 8.4 (117 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.9 (29 reviews) | 
| **Browser Extension** | 8.5 (154 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.6 (27 reviews) | 
| **Individual Download** | 8.4 (164 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.3 (25 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Advanced Features

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hold Music** | 8.5 (173 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.1 (33 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Automated Attendants** | 9.0 (161 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (35 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **VOiP Number** | Feature Not Available | 9.1 (9 reviews) | 

### Audio Conferencing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3CX** | N/A | N/A |
| **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** | N/A | N/A |

#### Agentic AI - Audio Conferencing

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### UCaaS Platforms

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **3CX** | 9.2/10 | 74 |
| **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** | N/A | N/A |

#### Agentic AI - UCaaS Platforms

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Extensions

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Tenancy Flexibility** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Native VoIP** | 9.7 (24 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **CCaaS Option** | 9.0 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | Feature Not Available | 

#### Features

| Feature | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Voicemail to Email** | 9.4 (24 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **File Sharing** | 8.7 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Voice Conferencing** | 9.4 (28 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Video Conferencing** | 8.6 (27 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Conference Transcripts** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (2):** [UCaaS Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/ucaas-platforms), [VoIP Providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/voip-providers)

**Unique to 3CX (5):** [Live Chat Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/live-chat), [Contact Center Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/contact-center), [Video Conferencing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/video-conferencing), [Call Center Infrastructure (CCI) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/call-center-infrastructure-cci), [Cloud PBX Platforms Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-pbx-platforms)

**Unique to Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) (1):** [Audio Conferencing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/audio-conferencing)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | 3CX | Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 36.2% | 6.7% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 54.9% | 50.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 8.9% | 43.3% | 

### By Industry

#### 3CX

- **Information Technology and Services:** 10.4%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 5.4%
- **Education Management:** 5.2%
- **Telecommunications:** 4.9%
- **Construction:** 4.2%
- **Computer Software:** 4.0%
- **Financial Services:** 4.0%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 3.8%
- **E-Learning:** 3.5%
- **Insurance:** 3.1%
- **Other:** 51.5%

#### Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)

- **Higher Education:** 15.4%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 13.5%
- **Computer Software:** 7.7%
- **Government Administration:** 4.8%
- **Telecommunications:** 4.8%
- **Insurance:** 4.8%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 3.8%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.8%
- **Banking:** 2.9%
- **Machinery:** 2.9%
- **Other:** 35.6%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to 3CX

- [Nextiva](https://www.g2.com/products/nextiva/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3566 reviews)
- [Genesys Cloud CX](https://www.g2.com/products/genesys-cloud-cx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1547 reviews)
- [RingEX](https://www.g2.com/products/ringex/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (1364 reviews)
- [Webex Calling](https://www.g2.com/products/webex-calling/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (633 reviews)
- [Dialpad Connect](https://www.g2.com/products/dialpad-connect/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (4165 reviews)
- [Aircall](https://www.g2.com/products/aircall/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1585 reviews)
- [GoTo Connect](https://www.g2.com/products/goto-connect/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1414 reviews)
- [Yeastar P-Series PBX System](https://www.g2.com/products/yeastar-p-series-pbx-system/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (81 reviews)
- [Vonage Business Communications](https://www.g2.com/products/vonage-business-communications/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (501 reviews)
- [Mitel](https://www.g2.com/products/mitel/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (235 reviews)

### Alternatives to Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)

- [Genesys Cloud CX](https://www.g2.com/products/genesys-cloud-cx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1547 reviews)
- [RingEX](https://www.g2.com/products/ringex/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (1364 reviews)
- [Mitel](https://www.g2.com/products/mitel/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (235 reviews)
- [Vonage Business Communications](https://www.g2.com/products/vonage-business-communications/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (501 reviews)
- [Asterisk](https://www.g2.com/products/asterisk/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (59 reviews)
- [GoTo Connect](https://www.g2.com/products/goto-connect/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1414 reviews)
- [Zoom Workplace](https://www.g2.com/products/zoom-workplace/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (56391 reviews)
- [Twilio](https://www.g2.com/products/twilio/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (521 reviews)
- [Dialpad Connect](https://www.g2.com/products/dialpad-connect/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (4165 reviews)
- [Nextiva](https://www.g2.com/products/nextiva/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3566 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### 3CX

- Title: [How do I integrate 3CX to my CRM](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-integrate-3cx-to-my-crm) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "In order to do this there are 2 things you need to do:
1) Make sure you are using either the 3CX WebClient or 3CX Desktop App to make calls
2) Use either..."
- Title: [Getting STUN setup for remote employees has been a challenge during this COVID-19 pandemic.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/25993-getting-stun-setup-for-remote-employees-has-been-a-challenge-during-this-covid-19-pandemic) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hello Tim,

Thank you for your question. As this is a technical issue, I would advise you to open a support ticket with our team, which is available for..."
- Title: [What is 3CX used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-3cx-used-for) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Business communication system primarily used for VoIP Phone System"
- Title: [Arabic Support !?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/arabic-support) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "I am not sure if they support in arabic language but the language has issues in 3cx as it is written from right to left."
- Title: [Teams integration](https://www.g2.com/discussions/34346-teams-integration) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "www.ring2teams.com/3cx

Let me know if you would like a free trial 

luke@exceltelecom.co.uk"

### Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/3cx-vs-cisco-unified-communications-manager-callmanager)