---
description: Compare 3CX vs Asterisk for South African businesses. GetApp provides a side-by-side comparison with details on software price, features and reviews.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/getapp/og_logo-94fd2a03a6c7a0e54fc0c9e21a1c0ce9.png
title: Compare 3CX vs Asterisk | GetApp South Africa 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Telephony Software](/directory/294/telephony/software) > [3CX \<span\>vs\</span\> Asterisk](https://www.getapp.za.com/compare/103409/103549/3cx/vs/asterisk)

# Compare 3CX vs Asterisk

Canonical: https://www.getapp.za.com/compare/103409/103549/3cx/vs/asterisk

> Detailed comparison between 3CX and Asterisk. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | 3CX | Asterisk |
| **Overall rating** | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 465 | 44 |
| **Starting Price** | R350,00 | US$595,00 |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | Yes |
| **Free Version** | Yes | Yes |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Linux (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise), Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Linux (Desktop), Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) |
| **Support** | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live rep), Chat |
| **Training** | In Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos | In Person, Live Online, Videos |

## Key features

### 3CX

- API
- Auto-Dialer
- Automatic Call Distribution
- Call Logging
- Call Monitoring
- Call Recording
- Call Routing
- Call Transfer
- Caller ID
- Communication Management
- Computer Telephony Integration
- Employee Directory
- Mobile Access
- Predictive Dialer
- Reporting/Analytics
- SMS Messaging
- Text to Speech
- Video Conferencing
- Virtual Call Center
- VoIP Connection

### Asterisk

- API
- Auto-Dialer
- Automatic Call Distribution
- Call Logging
- Call Monitoring
- Call Recording
- Call Routing
- Call Transfer
- Caller ID
- Communication Management
- Computer Telephony Integration
- Employee Directory
- Mobile Access
- Predictive Dialer
- Reporting/Analytics
- SMS Messaging
- Text to Speech
- Video Conferencing
- Virtual Call Center
- VoIP Connection

## Links

- [View 3CX Profile](https://www.getapp.za.com/software/103409/3cx)
- [View Asterisk Profile](https://www.getapp.za.com/software/103549/asterisk)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.getapp.za.com/compare/103409/103549/3cx/vs/asterisk)

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