5 Best Free Cloud PBX Systems

Cloud PBX is a business phone system that makes and receives calls using the Internet instead of traditional phone lines. It effectively streamlines all internal and external calls to the right department or user extension.

Since communication occurs through the Internet, it entirely relies on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. Additionally, cloud PBX can also be referred to as hosted PBX, as both are mostly managed by a service provider off-site on the cloud.

3CX is an open-source phone system offering reliable business communication solutions and software. It offers free cloud PBX services on a trial period. However, certain costs do incur in the long run.

Among its multiple plans, including subscription-based (with cost), its 3CX SMB FREE package is specially designed for small and medium-sized businesses.

Key Features of 3CX
 

1. Live Chat SMS.
2. Ring group and auto attendant.
3. Free for up to ten users with hosting.
4. Web conference for up to 25 participants with unlimited time.
5. A remote working app for Android, iOS, Windows, and a web client.

Bitrix24 is an online workspace with a CRM at its heart. It can be used by various teams for collaboration and HR (Human Resources) automation.

While it’s mainly known as the VoIP call center software with CRM, Bitrix24 also provides free cloud-based PBX functionality with multiple standard features in its commercial plans.

Key Features of Bitrix24

1. Call transfers.
2. Voicemail boxes.
3. Extension Capabilities.
4. Putting callers on hold.
5. Call forwarding and recording.

Launched in 2006, Zadarma started its free cloud PBX business phone system in 2012, offering virtual phone numbers in seventy countries. The following year, it expanded its cloud PBX features with a new client interaction system.

Moreover, Zadarma reached new heights by releasing PBX 2.0 in 2021. Currently, it offers a business phone system with three plans, among which the Standard plan is available for free.

Key Features of Zadarma

1. Per-second billing.
2. 24/7 Customer support.
3. Access PBX and CRM for 5 users for free.
4. Cost-free integrations with top CRM systems.

MikoPBX is built on an open-source IP PBX platform, Asterisk. It's easy to configure and enriched with extensive VoIP features. While it is one of the best free solutions, the paid modules are also available to extend your PBX’s capabilities further.

From automatically blocking suspicious IP addresses to having no hidden charges, MikoPBX has many impressive features. Moreover, you can easily install and manage it via different web browsers.

Key Features of MikoPBX

1. Free license.
2. Supports any IP phone.
3. Open interface for integration.
4. Free call recording and storing.
5. Unlimited number of parallel calls.

As per VoipTiger itself, it is the first VoIP provider globally to provide a free cloud PBX for businesses of all sizes. You can configure its system and use its services instantly after setup. Moreover, VoipTiger is located in two data centers and offers a reliable uptime.

Alongside free advanced cloud PBX, it also offers phone numbers in fifty-plus nations.

Key Features of Voip Tiger

1. SIP trunks.
2. Music on hold.
3. Voicemail-to-email.
4. Personal ring strategy.
5. Interactive voice response.

To choose the perfect free PBX provider, consider its features, functionality, uptime, and integration capability.
 

1. Features and Functionality: Identify the core features essential for your business, such as voicemail, call recording, call forwarding, conference calling, and call queuing. Ensure that your selected provider can accommodate your current and future telephony needs.
    
2. Reliability and Uptime: Inquire and stay up-to-date with the provider’s service level agreement to ensure you get the service quality and uptime as agreed. Also, evaluate the provider’s customer support channels, technical expertise, and response time, before making the decision.
    
3. Integration and Compatibility: Ensure that your selected PBX system integrates with your existing communication system and CRM tools.
    
4. Recommendations and Referrals: You can also use social media platforms to get feedback and reviews from real users about the providers. Also, you can seek advice and recommendations from your peers if they know any PBX systems.

Cloud PBX is a virtual phone system that allows you to manage and route calls via the Internet instead of traditional phone lines. 3CX, Bitrix24, Zadarma, MikoPBX, and VoipTiger are some of the top free cloud PBX providers.

Though budget-friendly, free cloud PBX often offers limited features and charges extra for additional services. Sign up with Calilio for feature-rich cloud telephony. Our business phone system comes with basic cloud-PBX features alongside advanced AI-powered services, such as sentiment analysis, call transcription, and call summary, starting at just $12 monthly.

Yes, most free PBX providers are completely free to use without any licensing fees. However, they often come with limited features.

Yes, the term PBX is still used. Plus, it has other different variations, including cloud PBX and hosted PBX.

VoipTiger, MikoPBX, Zadarma, Bitrix24, and 3CX are some of the popular free PBX providers.