Link copied to clipboard # Asterisk vs Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/asterisk/cisco-unified-communications-manager-callmanager/export.csv) AsteriskCisco[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Asterisk** Free Trial **$0.02** per minute · Metered SIP Trunking **$22.95** Channel of VoIP service · Channelized SIP Trunking **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Asterisk** $$$$$ **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** $$$$$ Average Discount **Asterisk** Not enough reviews yet **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** 26% Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Asterisk** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)**6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Asterisk** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)**6 months Based on 100 responses ![Asterisk](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_07314eda85557677e4abd7e6334ea397/asterisk.png "Asterisk") ![Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565588/cisco-unified-communications-manager-callmanager.svg "Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)") G2 offers free advice on this comparison. Chat with an expert How would you like to receive Software Advice? ![](/assets/advisor_router/laptop_form-f1a7012279826105416befde8d882ffc7589b1f9db09c93a1379d601cafe8e0d.svg) FormAnswer questions at your own pace, no call required. ![](/assets/advisor_router/ai_agent-4d78629a3ba354fed449a65c60df3a6f2eda90fb98411b711df4b25d7be52a38.svg) AI AgentChat live and get a recommendation in minutes. ![](/assets/advisor_router/phone_call_picker-c48821ec36f4182d8ee3e54cfbd3937500eec54d7b7e0cfb80dc80a8a733842f.svg) Phone CallTalk it through live with a software advisor. **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Asterisk** Customer Service (1) Easy Integration (1) Complex Processes (2) Customer Service (1) **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** Reliability (3) Video Conferencing (3) Complex Processes (2) Billing Issues (1) Screenshots **Asterisk** ![Asterisk screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/71658/expirable-direct-uploads_2Fcff17457-6be8-44b8-bf16-92df7a89fa8f_2Fasterisk_landing_hardware_d65.png) **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** No screenshot available **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Asterisk** **9.0** /10 Based on 45 responses **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** **9.1** /10 Based on 91 responses Ease of Use **Asterisk** **7.8** /10 Based on 47 responses **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** **8.1** /10 Based on 92 responses Ease of Setup **Asterisk** **7.5** /10 Based on 37 responses **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** **6.9** /10 Based on 52 responses Ease of Admin **Asterisk** **7.9** /10 Based on 34 responses **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** **8.0** /10 Based on 54 responses Quality of Support **Asterisk** **8.3** /10 Based on 38 responses **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** **8.6** /10 Based on 87 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Asterisk** **8.3** /10 Based on 27 responses **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** **8.7** /10 Based on 53 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Asterisk** **7.9** /10 Based on 45 responses **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)** **8.4** /10 Based on 90 responses **Features** ratings from reviews VoIP Providers **8.6** /10 Based on 46 responses **8.6** /10 Based on 46 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 30.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 50.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 19.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 30.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 50.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 19.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 6.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 50.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 43.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 6.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 50.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 43.3% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Asterisk](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_07314eda85557677e4abd7e6334ea397/asterisk.png "Asterisk")](https://www.g2.com/products/asterisk/reviews) Asterisk Telecommunications 28.8% Information Technology and Services 21.2% Banking 5.8% Computer Software 5.8% Accounting 3.8% Other 34.6% [![Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565588/cisco-unified-communications-manager-callmanager.svg "Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager)")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-unified-communications-manager-callmanager/reviews) 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% Other 53.8% Alternatives **Asterisk Alternatives** ![3CX](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ff153aac01ae613678696e629e52116c/3cx.svg "3CX") [ 3CX ](/products/3cx/reviews) ![RingEX](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7fda7f2577052a09d5896be010850215/ringex.svg "RingEX") [ RingEX ](/products/ringex/reviews) ![Zoom Workplace](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c7b3378ce337ba60fdf54bb51ab3eebf/zoom-workplace.svg "Zoom Workplace") [ Zoom Workplace ](/products/zoom-workplace/reviews) ![GoTo Connect](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/00b3f9d992d71d88395014c459797575/goto-connect.svg "GoTo Connect") [ GoTo Connect ](/products/goto-connect/reviews) **Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) Alternatives** ![Genesys Cloud CX](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cca7778a7f52f5a71782576104666b99/genesys-cloud-cx.svg "Genesys Cloud CX") [ Genesys Cloud CX ](/products/genesys-cloud-cx/reviews) ![RingEX](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7fda7f2577052a09d5896be010850215/ringex.svg "RingEX") [ RingEX ](/products/ringex/reviews) ![3CX](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ff153aac01ae613678696e629e52116c/3cx.svg "3CX") [ 3CX ](/products/3cx/reviews) ![Vonage Business Communications](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d9a7c4d42111054e8f19a3e05fd07533/vonage-business-communications.svg "Vonage Business Communications") [ Vonage Business Communications ](/products/vonage-business-communications/reviews) ## Asterisk vs Cisco FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Cisco vs Asterisk? Cisco and Asterisk differ most clearly in their G2 ratings, with Asterisk rated higher by reviewers, and in their top-cited strengths: Cisco for reliability and Asterisk for easy integration. | [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-unified-communications-manager-callmanager/reviews) | [Asterisk](https://www.g2.com/products/asterisk/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (111 reviews) | 4.6/5 (59 reviews) | | Mid-Market | Mid-Market | | 6.9 | 7.5 | | 8.6 | 8.3 | | Reliability (3 all-time mentions) | Easy Integration (1 all-time mention) | ### How do the pricing models of Cisco and Asterisk compare? Asterisk is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its cost-effectiveness compared to Cisco. - **Cisco:** In recent reviews, several reviewers cite high licensing and maintenance expenses as a drawback, especially for smaller businesses. - **Asterisk:** Reviewers consistently highlight Asterisk's open-source, free-to-use model as a major advantage, noting significant cost savings and flexibility. - **Switching reasons:** Recent reviews mention organizations moving to Asterisk to avoid high costs associated with proprietary solutions. ### What are the best alternatives to Cisco and Asterisk? The best alternatives to Cisco and Asterisk are 3CX, Genesys Cloud CX, and RingEX. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-unified-communications-manager-callmanager/reviews) | 4.4/5 (111 reviews) | Mid-Market | Relatively expensive, especially for smaller businesses | Reliability (3 all-time mentions) | | [Asterisk](https://www.g2.com/products/asterisk/reviews) | 4.6/5 (59 reviews) | Mid-Market | Open-source and free to use, major cost savings | Easy Integration (1 all-time mention) | | [3CX](https://www.g2.com/products/3cx/reviews) | 4.4/5 (547 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [Genesys Cloud CX](https://www.g2.com/products/genesys-cloud-cx/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1558 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [RingEX](https://www.g2.com/products/ringex/reviews) | 4.2/5 (1432 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | ### Which VoIP Providers features should I prioritize when comparing Cisco and Asterisk? Buyers comparing Cisco and Asterisk should prioritize Ease of Setup, Quality of Support, Reliability, Integration Capabilities, and Cost. - **Ease of Setup:** Cisco scores 6.9, Asterisk 7.5. - **Quality of Support:** Cisco scores 8.6, Asterisk 8.3. - **Reliability:** Cisco has 3 all-time mentions for reliability, Asterisk does not have this as a top-cited theme. - **Integration Capabilities:** Asterisk is cited for Easy Integration (1 all-time mention), Cisco for Easy Integration (1 all-time mention). - **Cost:** Recent reviews highlight Asterisk's open-source, free-to-use model as a major advantage, while Cisco is noted for higher licensing and maintenance expenses. ### What are the pros and cons of Cisco vs Asterisk? Cisco's headline strength is reliability, while Asterisk's is easy integration and cost-effectiveness. - **Cisco strengths:** Reliability (3 all-time mentions), video conferencing (3 all-time mentions), robust feature set, and strong integration with other Cisco products. - **Cisco trade-offs:** Higher licensing and maintenance costs, complex administration, and less intuitive user interface. - **Asterisk strengths:** Easy integration (1 all-time mention), open-source and free to use, high customization, and flexibility for telephony infrastructure. - **Asterisk trade-offs:** Requires technical expertise for setup and administration, limited official support, and initial configuration can be challenging. ### Is Cisco or Asterisk better for small businesses? Asterisk is a better fit for small businesses due to its open-source model and cost advantages, while Cisco is primarily adopted by mid-market organizations. - **Cisco:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note that Cisco is not a profitable solution for small companies or those with fewer than 50 users due to higher costs. - **Asterisk:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers highlight its suitability for small businesses because it is open-source, free to use, and highly customizable. ### Which VoIP Providers platform has better integrations? Reviewers favor Asterisk for integrations, citing its flexibility and easy integration capabilities. - **Cisco:** Reviewers mention integration with other Cisco products and Microsoft software, with one all-time mention for Easy Integration. - **Asterisk:** Reviewers highlight easy integration with CRMs and other telephony tools, with one all-time mention for Easy Integration and additional qualitative mentions of broad compatibility. ### How do Cisco and Asterisk compare on customer support? Cisco and Asterisk are rated within 0.3 points on Quality of Support, indicating near parity with Cisco slightly ahead at 8.6 versus Asterisk's 8.3. - **Cisco:** Reviewers describe support as robust, with 24/7 TAC availability and positive experiences, though some note complex support processes and licensing requirements. - **Asterisk:** Reviewers note community-driven support and extensive online resources, but mention that official support is limited and technical expertise is often required for troubleshooting. ### Which is easier to implement, Cisco or Asterisk? Asterisk is rated higher for Ease of Setup, scoring 7.5 compared to Cisco's 6.9, indicating reviewers find Asterisk easier to implement. - **Cisco:** Reviewers describe the setup as complex, often requiring specialized knowledge and planning, with some noting a steep learning curve for new administrators. - **Asterisk:** Reviewers highlight straightforward installation for those with technical expertise, with many citing its flexibility and the availability of community resources to assist with setup. ### Which product has better Phone Calls? Both Cisco and Asterisk are highly rated for Phone Calls, with Asterisk holding a slight edge in overall G2 rating. - **Cisco:** G2 rating 4.4/5 (111 reviews); reviewers cite reliable call management and robust calling features. - **Asterisk:** G2 rating 4.6/5 (59 reviews); reviewers highlight flexibility, high call quality, and the ability to handle large call volumes efficiently. ## Asterisk vs Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) easier to use, administer, and do business with overall. However, reviewers preferred the ease of set up with Asterisk. - Reviewers felt that Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) meets the needs of their business better than Asterisk. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CallManager) over Asterisk.