How much does 3CX cost in Saudi Arabia? Here is the short answer: 3CX pricing is an annual subscription for the whole system, based on the number of simultaneous calls and the edition you choose. There is also a free edition for small businesses with up to 10 users. But the license is only one part of what you will pay.
3CX is a business phone system (IP PBX) that runs your internal and external calls over the internet, in the cloud or on your own server, with apps for mobile and desktop. This guide explains how 3CX licenses are priced, how the editions differ, what changed in 3CX licensing in 2026, and the extra costs to plan for in Saudi Arabia: hosting, SIP trunks and setup.
Note: 3CX publishes its prices in euros and reviews them regularly, so the amount in SAR moves with the exchange rate and with 3CX updates. This guide explains how pricing works and what makes up the cost. For a current price in SAR for your business, request a quote.
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How Is 3CX Priced?
3CX does not charge per user or per extension. You pay for the number of simultaneous calls (SC) your system needs: the maximum number of calls happening at the same moment, including internal calls between colleagues. The price is one flat annual fee for the whole system.
Each size has a user limit. An 8SC license covers up to 40 users, 16SC up to 80 users and 32SC up to 192 users. Adding a new employee does not change your license cost as long as you stay within the limit.
How many simultaneous calls do you need? Look at your busiest hour: how many people are on the phone at once? As a guide, 3CX recommends 8SC for businesses with 16 to 40 users. Customer service and sales teams that spend most of the day on calls need more simultaneous calls per employee.
3CX Editions: Free, BASIC, PRO and AI
3CX comes in four editions. They differ in features, not in call quality.
3CX SMB Free
Free for up to 10 users, with free hosting. It suits very small offices or anyone who wants to try the system, and you can upgrade to a paid edition later.
3CX BASIC
A complete office phone system: mobile, desktop and web apps, SIP desk phones, multi-level IVR, ring groups, call transfer and parking, website live chat, SMS and basic call reports. It does not include call queues, call recording, WhatsApp or CRM integration.
3CX PRO
Everything in BASIC, plus what customer service and sales teams need: call queues, call recording, listen-in, whisper and barge-in for coaching, wallboards, SLA alerts, WhatsApp and Facebook integration, CRM integration, video meetings with up to 100 participants and links between branch offices.
3CX AI
Everything in PRO, plus AI features: call transcription, call summaries and sentiment analysis, an AI receptionist, an AI personal assistant, skill-based routing and video meetings with up to 250 participants. From 16SC upwards it also adds Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and built-in failover.
What Changed in 3CX Pricing in 2026?
3CX adjusted its euro prices in late January 2026 and said it reviews pricing on an ongoing basis, taking operating costs and currency movements into account. It has since cut license prices for larger systems. Always work from a current quote from a 3CX partner rather than an old price list you find online.
3CX also offers an extra discount on multi-year license renewals for larger systems. The discount does not apply to hosting.
What Does the Annual 3CX Subscription Include?
- Software updates, new versions and security updates.
- iOS and Android apps, the Windows app and the web client.
- An SSL certificate with automatic renewal and a ready-made FQDN for your system.
- The 3CX SMTP service for alerts and notifications.
- Updated templates for IP phones, VoIP providers and CRM integrations.
- Video conferencing and website live chat.
The subscription does not cover hosting fees, phone lines and call charges, desk phones, or local installation, setup and support.
The Total Cost of a 3CX Phone System in Saudi Arabia
When you build your budget, add these items to the license price:
- Hosting: you have three options. Hosted by 3CX for an annual fee based on size; your own cloud server with any provider, including data centers inside the Kingdom if your company or sector policy requires data to stay local; or a server on your premises.
- SIP trunks: to connect to the public phone network you need SIP trunks from a licensed telecom provider in Saudi Arabia. Line fees and call minutes are billed separately according to your plan.
- Desk phones: optional. Employees can use the 3CX app on mobile and desktop without buying hardware. Desk phones are usually only needed for reception and customer service.
- Installation and setup: designing call flows, the IVR, office hours and queues, connecting your lines and moving your numbers from the old PBX.
- Integrations: connecting 3CX to your CRM, Odoo or WhatsApp Business as needed.
- Training and support: training for staff and supervisors, and a support contract after go-live.
- VAT: added to invoices in Saudi Arabia.
What Determines the Cost of Your 3CX Phone System?
The cost of a 3CX system varies from one business to another. These are the main factors:
- Simultaneous calls: the biggest factor in the license price, based on how many people are on the phone at the same time.
- Edition: BASIC costs the least, then PRO, then AI, depending on the features you need.
- Hosting: hosted by 3CX, on your own cloud server or on your premises.
- External call volume: this sets the SIP trunk plan and call minutes you need.
- Phones and integrations: how many desk phones you need, and links to your CRM, Odoo or WhatsApp.
- Subscription term: renewing for several years can lower the license cost for larger systems.
A small business with a small customer service team will usually do well with PRO at the smallest size, an active call center needs more simultaneous calls, and a business that wants calls transcribed and analysed needs the AI edition. Review your current call logs before you choose a size.
Which 3CX Edition Is Right for Your Business?
- BASIC: you need a modern office phone system with extensions, an IVR and apps for staff, but no call center.
- PRO: the best fit for most businesses that handle customer service or sales by phone, because it adds queues, recording, performance reports, WhatsApp and CRM integration.
- AI: you handle a high volume of calls and want them transcribed and analysed, need an AI receptionist, or want Microsoft Teams integration.
If you use Odoo, you can connect it to 3CX to show customer details on incoming calls and log calls on the customer record. Learn more about our Odoo ERP solutions.
Tips to Reduce Your 3CX Costs
- Size your license on your real call volumes, not on headcount.
- Start with the 3CX mobile and desktop apps, and buy desk phones only where you need them.
- For larger systems, compare the cost of a multi-year renewal with its extra discount.
- Compare hosting by 3CX with your own server on cost, control and where your data is stored.
- Choose the AI edition only if you have a clear use for its features.
- Try the system first with the free edition or a PRO trial before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3CX free?
3CX SMB Free is free for up to 10 users and includes free hosting. The BASIC, PRO and AI editions are annual subscriptions priced by the number of simultaneous calls.
Is 3CX priced per user?
No. You pay one annual price for the whole system based on simultaneous calls, and each size has a user limit, such as 40 users for 8SC.
How much does 3CX cost in Saudi riyals?
3CX publishes its prices in euros, so the amount in SAR depends on the exchange rate, the edition, the number of simultaneous calls and your hosting choice. For an accurate, current price in SAR, ask a 3CX partner for a quote.
Do 3CX prices include VAT?
No. Published prices exclude taxes, and VAT is added to invoices in Saudi Arabia.
Can I connect my unified 920 number to 3CX?
In most cases yes, by working with the telecom provider that supplies the number, usually by routing it to the SIP trunks connected to your system. The exact method depends on the provider, so confirm it with them and with your 3CX partner first.
What is the difference between 3CX PRO and 3CX AI?
PRO covers call center needs such as queues, recording, reports, WhatsApp and CRM integration. AI adds call transcription, summaries and analysis, an AI receptionist and Microsoft Teams integration.
Do I need to buy desk phones for 3CX?
Not necessarily. The 3CX mobile, desktop and web apps are included in the subscription and are enough for most employees.
How Afaq Can Help
As a 3CX partner in Saudi Arabia, Afaq Alrasd Aldhki helps you size your simultaneous calls, choose the right edition and hosting, connect your SIP trunks and unified number, set up your IVR and queues, and integrate WhatsApp and Odoo, with training and technical support. Explore our 3CX business phone system solutions or request a quote in SAR for your business.
