The cost of a business phone system depends on more than the list price. Here are the real factors, and why the cloud (UCaaS) is usually cheaper than a traditional PBX.
What drives the cost
- Hardware: a traditional PBX requires on-site servers and equipment (high upfront cost). The cloud does not.
- Lines or trunks: physical lines are replaced by a cheaper SIP Trunk.
- Number of users: the cloud charges per user and scales as you grow.
- Maintenance: traditional means you pay for it (on-site tech); in the cloud it is included.
- Features: call center, recording, reports, messaging... in UCaaS they usually come integrated.
Traditional vs cloud: where the savings are
A traditional PBX front-loads spending into an upfront investment (CAPEX) plus variable maintenance. A cloud system is a monthly per-user cost (OPEX), with no hardware surprises and everything managed. For most companies, the cloud lowers the total cost.
Estimate your case in seconds
You can get a savings estimate based on your users and sites with our savings calculator, or explore the full platform on UCaaS.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an installation cost?
In the cloud the upfront cost is low: no hardware to buy. The details depend on your operation.
Can I keep my current PBX?
Yes. With a SIP Trunk you modernize connectivity without changing the whole system.
Do you give an exact quote?
Yes. The calculator gives an estimate; for a firm price, a rep builds your proposal.