10 Best PBX phone systems for businesses in 2026

There are plenty of phone systems available to small businesses, which can make choosing one feel tricky. PBX, or private branch exchange, is a reliable option for centralizing internal and customer communications.

But not all PBX systems are built the same.

Traditional on-premises setups are still valuable. However, most growing companies are shifting to a cloud-based VoIP phone system. They deliver more flexibility, lower costs, and advanced features without the headache of maintaining hardware or sacrificing call quality.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best PBX phone systems so you can feel confident you’re making the right choice.

What is a PBX phone system?

A private branch exchange, or PBX, is a type of phone system businesses use to route internal and external calls. Traditionally, PBX relied on physical phone lines and on-site equipment to connect callers. 

The building blocks of PBX date back to the 1870s. In the early days, live operators would plug phone lines into ports to connect calls — think “Mad Men” or “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Later, these manual systems were replaced by the PSTN, or public switched telephone network. This system powered landline phones for most of the 20th century.

Today, some systems still use physical wires. Many, though, rely on VoIP — Voice over Internet Protocol — to handle calls online. That shift has made PBX more affordable, easier to scale, and able to support modern features analog systems never could.

Types of PBX phone systems

There are three main types of PBX systems in use today: analog, on-premises, and cloud-based VoIP. Here’s how each one works.

1. Analog PBX phone systems

Analog PBX was invented in the 1960s. These phone systems connect your desk phones using physical telephone lines made from copper wires, or more recently, optic fibers.

Because of their dated technology, traditional PBX systems can’t access many features beyond what a traditional landline provides. For example, you won’t have: 

• Ring groups, 
• Voicemail-to-email, 
• Integrations with third-party tools like Slack, Salesforce, or Zapier

Plus, analog PBX phone systems cost thousands of dollars to set up because they require physical equipment. And installation can take anywhere from days to weeks.

2. On-premises PBX phone systems

On-premises PBX systems run on equipment installed inside your office. But instead of using physical wires like analog PBX systems, they connect through your internet network.

As you research on-premises systems, you may also come across the acronym IP PBX. Many on-premises phone systems are based on IP PBX, which stands for internet protocol private branch exchange. 

An IP PBX system connects to the internet through Ethernet cables, so you won’t need copper wires to manage incoming or outgoing calls. However, like analog PBXs, you’ll need to use physical desk phones.

You can use an on-premises PBX phone system to:

• Manage call routing to another business phone number
• Set up auto-attendants for customers
• Make phone calls with VoIP technology

Keep in mind, on-premises PBX systems require hardware to be stored on-site. You’ll need a dedicated closet to store all your tech, as well as physical desk phones to plug into available jacks.

You’ll also need to partner with an IT provider to service all of your physical equipment. They may need to install updated hardware or troubleshoot your tech as time goes on — and most updates won’t be free.

Finally, if you want to grow your business and add more users, you’ll need professional help. This means that on-premises PBX may lack the scalability you need to grow. This is especially true if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars to expand your phone system.

3. Cloud PBX phone systems

Cloud-based PBX systems let you create an internet-based phone network through a third-party provider. Sometimes called hosted PBX, virtual PBX, or VoIP, off-site providers manage these networks. This means you won’t need to store wires or other equipment at your business.

You can use cloud-based PBX systems to access modern features, including:

• The ability to work on-site or anywhere with a remote phone system
• The opportunity to use cell phones, laptops, and desktops rather than landlines for calling
• Customized call queues and call recording, depending on the provider

Cloud phone systems are easier to get up and running than analog or on-site options. You won’t need to purchase heavy equipment, and you’re not the sole party responsible for maintenance. Hosted PBX providers are tasked with managing your servers and usually provide customer service.For a deeper breakdown, check out our article on hosted vs on-premises phone systems.

The best PBX phone systems: A visual comparison

Here’s how the top 10 solutions stack up:

Provider	Best for	Starting price	Unlimited calling to US & Canada	SMS/MMS to US & Canada	Additional phone numbers
OpenPhone	Best VoIP PBX for growing businesses	$15 per user per month	✅	✅	$5 per number per month
Dialpad	Best cloud PBX for call centers with advanced AI needs	$15 per user per month	✅	US and Canadian customers only	Requires upgrade
3CX	Most cost-effective on-premises PBX system	Free basic features for up to 10 users	X	SMS with SIP provider integration	From your external phone provider
GoTo Connect	Best VoIP solution with video calling	Contact for a quote	✅, limited toll-free minutes	✅	Contact for a quote
RingCentral	RingCentral	$20 per user per month	✅, limited toll-free minutes	25 texts per user per month	$4.99 per number per month
Ooma	Best cloud PBX with overhead paging and intercom	$19.95 per user per month	✅	Requires upgrade	Starts at $9.99 per number per month
Asterisk	Best open-source on-premises PBX system	Free core open-source software	X	With third-party tools	From your external phone provider
8x8	Best VoIP solution ‌for global calling	Contact for a quote	✅	✅	Contact for a quote
MiVoice Business	Best on-premises PBX system for large, multi-location businesses	Contact for a quote	X	Requires upgrade	Contact for a quote
Avaya IP Office	Best for SMBs needing contact center features	Contact for a quote	X	X	From your external phone provider
Facebook Messenger	Facebook Messenger	Free	✅	✅	X
TextNow	TextNow	Free	✅	✅	X

10 best PBX phone systems

Here are 10 of the top PBX phone systems available. We’re looking at on-premises and hosted phone systems like VoIP solutions since they’re the most popular options.

1. Quo (formerly OpenPhone): Best VoIP PBX for growing businesses

Pros

• Unlimited calls and texts to the US and Canada
• One free new local or toll-free number per user
• Team collaboration features like internal threads and shared numbers
• Auto-attendant functions or IVR for inbound calls
• Messaging automations, including auto-replies, templated messages, and scheduled texts
• AI features like AI voice agent, call tags, and call transcripts and summaries
• Integrations with 7,000+ apps, including Slack, Salesforce, and HubSpot

Cons

• No verification through two-factor authentication*

*Nearly all virtual phone numbers share this problem. Companies like Facebook, Uber, and Google rarely let you authenticate accounts through a virtual phone number.

Quo is a modern VoIP business phone system designed for small and growing teams. Instead of using desk phones or complicated hardware, you can call from a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. All you need is an internet connection.

This flexibility makes it a strong fit for service-based companies, startups, and any team that needs to stay connected while on the move. You get unlimited calling and texting in the US and Canada. You can also work together with shared numbers and use powerful AI features to make communication easier as you grow.

You can route incoming calls to ring groups or specific teammates. Set up auto-attendants to let callers self-route calls. Need help handling calls after hours? Use our AI voice agent Sona to handle overflow calls.

Everything is managed through our call flow builder, a drag-and-drop interface that makes setup simple. Most PBX systems require hours of configuration or professional services. Quo lets you get up and running in minutes. 

Shared numbers let teammates answer calls and texts together, so conversations stay seamless even when multiple people are involved. Plus, every conversation can be recorded, transcribed, and summarized automatically. This makes follow-ups simple and ensures you always have the context you need.

Test Quo for yourself by signing up for our seven-day free trial today. Once you confirm it’s a fit, you can easily port in any existing US, Canadian, or North American toll-free number.

Key features of Quo

• One free local US or Canadian number, or North American toll-free number per user
• Free SMS and MMS support to the US and Canada
• Free calls to the US and Canada
• Shared numbers
• Call forwarding to phones and computers
• IVR or phone menus
• Text messaging automations like snippets, auto-replies, and scheduled messages
• OpenPhone AI voice agent Sona
• Call recording, on-demand and automatic
• Voicemail-to-text transcriptions
• Integrations with Slack, Zapier, Make, Google Contacts, Jobber, HubSpot, and Salesforce
• Quo API to unlock more integrations

Quo pricing

You can choose between three Quo pricing plans:

• Starter: $15 per user per month for unlimited calls and texts to the US and Canada, texting automations, AI voice agent Sona, on-demand call recording, voicemail transcription, and more
• Business: $23 per user per month for phone menus, call transfers, analytics and reporting, integrations with CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce, and more
• Scale: $35 per user per month for AI call tags, dedicated onboarding, and priority chat and email support

2. Dialpad: Best cloud PBX for call centers with advanced AI needs

Pros

• Unlimited calling in the US and Canada
• Built-in collaboration tools, including team messaging, audio rooms, and file sharing

Cons

• Base plan doesn’t let you add extra numbers
• Minimum seat requirements can make the total cost higher
• Popular integrations like Zapier and Slack require an upgrade

Dialpad is a cloud-based communications platform that combines calls, texts, and meetings in one system. The service includes unlimited calling in the US, Canada, and your home country, which means you won’t pay per minute.

The basic plan offers AI-powered features like real-time call transcriptions and analytics. But keep in mind many essential business features require an upgrade:

• Additional phone numbers require Pro, which costs $10 more per user per month
• International text messaging is only available on higher-tier plans
• Third-party integrations are limited to Google Workspace on the base plan — all other connections require an upgrade
• The basic plan restricts you to three ring groups or departments

The pricing structure creates more challenges. The Pro plan requires a minimum of three users, while Enterprise plans start at 100 users. This means you may need to pay for more seats than necessary just to access standard features.

If you want comprehensive tools with better value, consider Dialpad’s competitors before you make a decision.

Key features of Dialpad

• Unlimited calls in the US and Canada
• SMS and MMS to the US and Canada for US and Canadian customers
• HD video meetings
• Automated post-call summaries
• Real-time call transcriptions

Dialpad pricing

Here’s how Dialpad pricing works:

• Standard: $15 per user per month for unlimited calling, multi-level IVR, toll-free number support, call recording, and call and voicemail transcription
• Pro: $25 per user per month for international texting support, additional numbers, third-party integrations, and 25 ring groups
• Enterprise: A customized quote for unlimited ring groups, more integrations, and a 100% uptime guarantee

3. 3CX: Most cost-effective on-premises PBX system

Pros

• Cost-effective with a free tier for small teams
• Users report a relatively easy-to-manage interface
• Flexible call routing and digital receptionist setup
• Wire hardware compatibility with IP phones and SIP providers

Cons

• Need to pay for and manage your own SIP trunking services
• Technical expertise required for setup and maintenance
• Limited customer support — you’ll rely heavily on community forums
• Learning curve for new users to access advanced features

3CX is an IP PBX that gives you complete control over your phone system with modern VoIP capabilities. You can use it for free for teams with up to 10 users. Even for larger teams, the annual licensing costs less than most monthly VoIP subscriptions over time.

Its admin interface won’t make you want to pull your hair out — users consistently say it’s easier to manage than other enterprise systems. You can handle user setup, call routing, and queue configuration all from one place.

But there’s a tradeoff: 3CX requires more hands-on involvement than cloud-based alternatives. You’ll need to pay for and manage your own SIP trunking, the technology that connects your on-premises phone system to the public telephone network over the internet. 

You’re also on the hook for server maintenance, security updates, and fixing unexpected problems. Compare that to plug-and-play VoIP solutions like Quo, where someone else handles all the behind-the-scenes work. With 3CX, you’ll need an IT team or someone who won’t panic when troubleshooting network settings.

Key features of 3CX

• Voice calling and video conferencing with HD quality
• Mobile apps for Android and iOS devices
• CRM integration with popular platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot
• Auto-attendant and IVR for call routing
• Call recording and comprehensive reporting
• Instant messaging and team chat
• Conference bridging for multi-party calls
• Ring groups and call queues for efficient call distribution

3CX pricing

3CX offers three pricing tiers:

• 3CX Free: Free for up to 10 users with basic features
• 3CX PRO: Starts at $350 annually for eight simultaneous calls with unlimited users
• 3CX Enterprise: Starts at $425 annually for eight simultaneous calls with advanced features and unlimited users

The pricing scales based on your call volume. For example, 16 simultaneous calls cost $750 for PRO or $950 for Enterprise annually. You can add as many team members as needed without paying extra per person.

Keep in mind that these prices are for software licensing only. You’ll also need to budget for:

• SIP trunk services, costing $10-25 per month
• IP phones if you want them
• Server hardware or hosting costs
• Optional 3CX hosting starting at $295 annually

4. GoTo Connect: Best VoIP solution with video calling

Pros

• Free calling to 50+ countries
• Shared inboxes with an upgrade
• Offers video calls on the base plan

Cons

• Limited SMS and MMS
• Limited to 1,000 toll-free minutes per month across all plans
• Lack of collaboration features
• Integrations are limited unless you upgrade to the most expensive plan

GoTo Connect is a cloud-based phone system that covers calls, texts, and video meetings. It’s built for sales and customer support teams who need to communicate across different regions or channels.

The platform gives you unlimited calling to 50+ countries, though that depends on where you’re located. Their mid-tier plans come with call center features and a shared inbox that pulls messages from SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and regular texting.

While GoTo Connect has its strengths, the basic plan falls short in some key areas. Many of the features they highlight — like audio conferencing and texting — are already standard on most phone systems. The integration options are limited, too. They have a handful of integrations, like Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Google Workspace, and Miro. If you want to connect your CRM or set up workflow automation, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher plan.

All plans come with monthly texting credits. However,GoTo Connect doesn’t clearly explain how many credits you get or what overage charges cost if you go over your limit. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to budget.

GoTo Connect’s pricing and credit system can be hard to navigate. If you want an option with business-ready features, better texting support, and more transparent pricing, consider a GoTo Connect alternative.

Key features of GoTo Connect

• Free calling to 50+ countries, region-dependent
• Toll-free minutes included
• Video meetings for up to 250 participants
• Shared inboxes for channels like WhatsApp and Instagram
• Ring groups
• Screen sharing
• Smart call routing
• Instant-response messages

GoTo Connect pricing

At the time of writing, GoTo Connect’s pricing isn’t publicly published. You’ll have to reach out to sales for a quote.

5. RingCentral: Top UCaaS platform

Pros

• Unlimited calls in the US and Canada
• Limited internal collaboration tools, like document sharing and team messaging
• Offers video conferencing
• Offers desk phone rentals

Cons

• Limited to 25 texts per month
• Toll-free calls are capped at 100 minutes on the Core plan
• CRM integrations require an upgrade
• Limited storage with time-based deletion

RingCentral is a unified communications platform that offers calls, texts, and video conferencing. It also offers unlimited calling within the US and Canada, plus desk phone rentals if your team still relies on physical hardware.

RingCentral’s plans appear to offer many features, but they come with limitations. You won’t have access to unlimited messaging or toll-free minutes on any plan. The Core plan restricts you to just 25 texts per user per month and 100 pooled toll-free minutes for your entire account. The “unlimited” storage isn’t really unlimited either — your call recordings are deleted after 90 days and call logs after a year.

Unfortunately, the limitations don’t end there. You can only test with five users during the trial period. Plus,the platform separates calls and texts into different folders that break up conversation threads. And without built-in message scheduling, you’ll need a separate app to send texts ahead of time.

Key features of RingCentral

• SMS and MMS support
• Video meetings with up to 100 video participants per meeting
• Unlimited domestic calls with AI transcripts and summaries
• Voicemail transcriptions
• Multi-level IVR
• Desk phone rentals
• Call queues
• Call recording
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android

RingCentral pricing

RingCentral pricing depends on the number of users. For a team of one to five people, you have the following options:

• Core: $20 per user per month for 25 text messages, on-demand call recording, and up to 100 video meeting participants
• Advanced: $25 per user per month for 100 text messages, automatic call recording, and advanced call monitoring features like call whispering and call barging
• Ultra: $35 per user per month for 200 text messages, device analytics and alerts, and “unlimited” storage with time-based limits

6. Ooma: Best cloud PBX with overhead paging and intercom

Pros

• Unlimited calling in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
• Desk phone support for traditional setups
• Digital fax capabilities are included

Cons

• Offers limited integrations on base plans
• Offers limited integrations on base plans
• Call recording and voicemail transcriptions require upgrades
• Desktop app is unavailable on the base plan

Ooma is a VoIP provider that bridges old-school office setups with cloud-based calling. Every Ooma plan includes unlimited calling to the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. You can also connect your existing analog phones.

The overhead paging and intercom features are Ooma’s main draw. You can broadcast announcements across your entire facility or to specific departments, like calling all staff or just the front desk team. This works well for warehouses, medical offices, or retail stores where teams need instant communication beyond regular phone calls.

Ooma also supports digital fax and works seamlessly with existing desk phones. 

However, Ooma comes with some restrictions. For example, text messaging requires upgrading to the Pro plan, and even then, you’re limited to 250 messages monthly. Call recording and voicemail transcriptions also cost extra. These are standard features with most competitors.

Additionally, the base plan blocks calling on the desktop app — you’re stuck with desk phones and mobile apps only. Integrations are sparse until you reach the Pro Plus tier. If this sounds too limiting, check out some Ooma alternatives that offer more features in their base plans.

Key features of Ooma

• Ring groups and call forwarding
• Music on hold
• Call transferring
• Mobile apps for Android and iOS
• Virtual receptionist and auto-attendant
• Video conferencing with an upgrade
• Call recording with an upgrade
• Voicemail transcription with an upgrade
• CRM integration with an upgrade

Ooma pricing

The Ooma pricing plans for small businesses include:

• Essentials: $19.95 per user per month for unlimited calling, 50+ standard features, a virtual receptionist, and the mobile app
• Pro: $24.95 per user per month adds the desktop app with calling, text messaging up to 250 messages per month, video conferencing with up to 25 participants, and call recording
• Pro Plus: $29.95 per user per month adds CRM integration, text messaging up to 1,000 messages per month, video conferencing with up to 100 participants, team chat, and call queuing

7. Asterisk: Best open-source on-premises PBX system

Pros

• Free to start
• Unlimited customization options
• No vendor lock-in or licensing fees
• Active community support

Cons

• Technical expertise is required
• Harder to manage security
• No built-in web interface
• Lacks modern collaboration features
• No native video conferencing

Asterisk is an open-source phone system that lets businesses build custom communication solutions. Being open-source means you can use and modify the software without paying licensing fees.

You can customize how calls get routed. Personalized voicemail systems let you record greetings that match your brand. The platform also integrates with your business software to keep calls, contacts, and data in sync. This flexibility lets you design what your company needs rather than settling for pre-built features.

While Asterisk offers extensive customization options, there are considerable technical barriers. You need a working knowledge of Linux, script programming, networking, and telephony just to build basic communication features.

If Asterisk is too complex, you can use FreePBX. It makes configuring Asterisk easier by giving it a web interface. It’s still more complex to navigate than hosted VoIP solutions, but less difficult than running Asterisk by itself.

Key features of Asterisk

• VoIP and SIP protocol support
• Custom call routing and dial plans
• Interactive voice response, or IVR
• Call queues and monitoring
• Voicemail with email integration
• Conference bridging
• Call recording and reporting

Asterisk pricing

Since Asterisk is an open-source solution, the core software is free to download and use. However, you may need to pay for additional features like fax capabilities, which cost around $35 for a single concurrent fax license.

8. 8×8: Best VoIP solution ‌for global calling

Pros

• Unlimited international calling on some licenses
• Microsoft Teams integration is available
• Global local number support

Cons

• Can be complex to set up
• Smaller integration library
• Must contact sales for pricing and trial
• Outdated support articles

8×8 has been in the hosted PBX game since the 1980s. The company offers two contact center plans and one business plan. Plus it has communication APIs and a Microsoft Teams integration for businesses that need custom setups.

If you need to make international calls, 8×8 has you covered. The platform includes unlimited calling and texting to anywhere from 14 to 48 countries, depending on your license. You can also get local phone numbers worldwide, which helps customers in different countries see a familiar area code.

The downside is that 8×8 keeps their pricing and feature details under wraps. You won’t find clear information online, so you’ll need to contact sales for specifics. The system can also be complicated to configure if you’re not familiar with legacy systems. Also, 8×8 offers limited integrations. This can leave your telephone system disconnected from other business tools.

Key features of 8×8

• Calling and texting
• High-volume messaging
• Video meetings and AI meeting summaries
• Team chat
• Call recording
• Faxing
• Receptionist console for high call volumes
• Global coverage with local numbers
• Microsoft Teams integration
• Contact center capabilities

8×8 pricing

At the time of writing, 8×8’s pricing isn’t listed publicly. You’ll have to reach out to their sales team and request a quote.

9. MiVoice Business: Best on-premises PBX system for large, multi-location businesses

Pros

• Video meetings with screen sharing
• Microsoft Teams integration
• Flexible setup options

Cons

• Pricing is not publicly listed
• Users find customer service lacking
• Software upgrades often fail and require reboots
• Difficult to troubleshoot due to inconsistent interface design

Mitel is a unified communications solution that handles voice calls, video meetings, and text messages. MiVoice Business is an on-premises PBX solution built for organizations that want full control over their communications infrastructure.

MiVoice Business is well-suited for large-scale companies. You can scale from five to 65,000 users without needing to switch platforms as your business grows. The system also offers flexible setup options. You can choose between:

• On-premises installation
• Cloud hosting
• Hybrid models that work across multiple locations

But MiVoice Business isn’t without its limitations. With inconsistent menus across different areas, the system can be complex to configure. There are also frequent problems with upgrades failing and system instability, leading many users to look for Mitel alternatives.

Key features of Mitel

• Voice calling with advanced call control
• Video conferencing and screen sharing
• Team chat and messaging
• Auto-attendant and call routing
• Mobile and remote worker support
• Single Number Reach and hot-desking
• Unified messaging and voicemail

Mitel pricing

Mitel doesn’t publish pricing and requires contacting sales for a custom quote. This makes it difficult for small businesses to compare costs upfront or budget effectively without going through a lengthy sales process.

10. Avaya IP Office: Best for SMBs that need contact center features

Pros

• Microsoft Teams integration
• Video calling and collaboration features
• Scalable from five to 3,000 users across multiple sites
• Mobile apps and remote work capabilities
• Flexible setup options

Cons

• Pricing is not publicly available
• Complex setup that requires technical expertise
• Limited modern features compared to cloud competitors
• Expensive hardware and licensing costs

Avaya is a unified communications platform that combines voice calling, video conferencing, messaging, and contact center tools for businesses.

IP Office is Avaya’s on-premises solution that combines your phone system with contact center features. You get call routing, queue management, reporting, web chat, email, and fax handling through a single system.

The main advantage is scalability. You can start with five users and grow to 3,000 users across 150 different locations without switching systems. Microsoft Teams integration lets your team use collaboration tools they already know.

However, Avaya doesn’t publicly list its pricing, so you’ll need to contact sales for a quote. The licensing is also complex, with different editions and confusing capacity limits. If you need support, you’ll work through their partner network rather than getting direct help.

Key features of Avaya

• Contact center with voice, web chat, email, and fax support
• Auto-attendant and IVR functionality
• Call recording and reporting capabilities
• Voicemail-to-email conversion
• Conference scheduling and management
• Salesforce and Google application integrations
• BYOD — Bring Your Own Device — support

Avaya pricing

Avaya doesn’t publish IP Office pricing. You’ll need to contact their sales team or an authorized partner for quotes.

Why most growing businesses opt for VoIP PBX

Here are six benefits to using VoIP instead of an on-premises PBX:

1. Virtual phone systems are more cost-effective

With virtual phone systems, you don’t have to invest thousands of dollars just to get up and running. Platforms like Quo work on smartphones and computers so you can make phone calls and text from anywhere. 

You only pay to access the platform and its features, starting at $15 per user per month with Quo. You can also add as many additional numbers as you need while you grow, at only $5 per number.

2. Get the business communications features you need to grow

Traditional PBX systems mainly give you the basics, like calling, caller ID, voicemail, and simple call routing. VoIP PBX, on the other hand, unlocks the advanced features modern businesses rely on to scale:

• Integrations connect your phone system to tools like your CRM, so customer data stays in sync.
• AI features like AI voice agents handle overflow calls, answer FAQs, and capture details for follow-ups.
• Advanced call handling includes phone menus and ring groups so customers always reach the right person.
• Collaboration tools like internal threads let teammates share context, delegate tasks, and keep conversations moving.
• Call recording, call summaries, and transcripts make it easy to track details and follow up accurately.
• Automations handle routine tasks like sending appointment confirmation messages so your team can focus on higher-impact work.

3. Communicate how many people prefer: through texting

Most PBX systems don’t support texting. With a virtual phone system, you can call and text from the same phone number, so your customers can easily respond. With Quo (formerly OpenPhone), you can even automate specific touchpoints, including auto-replies, scheduled texts, or snippets for templated messages.

4. Easier to launch and scale as your team grows

On a VoIP system like Quo, you’ll never have to buy extra hardware to support your team. Just invite new team members to your Quo plan and have them download the softphone app on their computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Any new member can start making and taking calls on the same day — even within minutes of accepting their invite.

Want to add new business numbers to your network? Each user on your Quo plan comes with a free phone number in the US or Canada, including toll-free numbers. And you can also add new numbers in just a few clicks.

You can turn any number into a shared number so that everyone can share responsibility for calls and texts. Everyone on the same shared numbers gets visibility into conversations, so they always have context. 

In a nutshell: Your team can grow at its own pace. Your phone network can be as big or small as you need it to be at any time.

5. Less dependent on IT support

PBX phone systems require dedicated IT teams to perform updates, add lines, and maintain your system. If anything goes wrong, you’ll have to wait for support to fix it, which could take hours or even days.

Plus, ongoing PBX maintenance isn’t cheap. You might have to pay a retainer cost even if you don’t use IT services often, which could bloat your budget and cause more frustration later.

None of this is a problem with a virtual phone system. With Quo (formerly OpenPhone), you can use our library of support docs to see if your problem can be resolved in a couple of taps. If you need more support, you can contact us directly to chat.

And unlike most PBX phone systems, support from Quo is 100% free.

How to choose the best phone solution for your team

Not sure if PBX or virtual phone systems are the right choice for your business? Narrow down your options by running through this four-step process:

1. Identify your must-have phone features and create a short list of providers. Consider whether a specific provider offers the features you need right now. Also, can it scale up as your company grows or work alongside tools you’re already using?
2. Review provider’s contract lengths, uptime history, and potential fees. Make sure to also check out popular review sites and third-party forums to read other users’ experiences.
3. Reach out to ‌providers still in the running to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Remember to ask clarifying questions about the taxes and fees involved, as well as what you can expect both before and after launch day. How soon can you expect support, and through what channels can you get in touch?
4. Sign up for a trial so you can try before you buy. If the service in question doesn’t offer a hands-on presentation or at least a virtual demo, you may want to look for a provider that does. Quo offers a seven-day free trial so you can test our platform for yourself or with a few teammates.

8 features to look for in a PBX phone system

Here are the essential business phone features to look for so you know you’re choosing the right PBX:

• Unlimited calling and texting: Avoid surprise charges and keep customer communication simple and predictable.
• Shared numbers for teams: Let multiple teammates handle calls and texts from one business number for more visibility and smoother collaboration.
• Flexible pricing and lack of long-term contracts: Scale your plan up or down as your business needs change without being locked in.
• Call management features: Route calls, use auto-attendants, and forward to the right teammate so customers aren’t left waiting.
• CRM and app integrations: Keep every conversation and customer detail in sync across your tools.
• Messaging automations: Send auto-replies, schedule texts, or use templates like Quo’s snippets to save time on conversations.
• Call recording and transcriptions: Review conversations later for training, if a dispute arises, or for quick follow-ups.
• Free trials: Test the platform first to see if it fits your team’s workflow before making a commitment.

Quo: The best alternative to a PBX phone system

PBX phone systems aren’t going away anytime soon, but the old-school versions with costly hardware and clunky setups are being left behind. More businesses are choosing VoIP-based PBX because it delivers the same core calling functions. It also eliminates high startup costs and ongoing maintenance fees.

OpenPhone takes that a step further. It gives you all the scalability, flexibility, and features you need to grow — without desk phones, server rooms, or IT contractors. You can get your team set up the same day and add new numbers or users in just a few clicks.

With Quo (formerly OpenPhone), every new member of your plan comes with a free US, Canadian, or toll-free phone number. That way, you can expand your network without installing new hardware. 

You’ll also get all the features you’d typically expect from a traditional PBX, including call forwarding and custom voicemail greetings. Plus, we provide additional features like integrations and automations. That way, you can save time on repetitive tasks and focus on more impactful work.

Want to try Quo for yourself? Sign up for a seven-day free trial today.

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