Cloud phone system vs traditional PBX
Short answer: for most Australian small and medium businesses, a cloud phone system (hosted VoIP) wins on cost, flexibility and resilience. A traditional on-site PBX still suits some specific cases. Here's how to decide.
What's the actual difference?
A traditional PBX is a physical phone system installed in your building. You buy the hardware, house it, power it and maintain it. A cloud phone system (also called hosted VoIP) runs in the cloud and reaches your team over the internet — through apps on phones, computers and browsers, or IP handsets. There's no box in the cupboard.
Side-by-side comparison
When a cloud phone system is the better choice
- You have remote or hybrid staff who need to work from anywhere.
- You want to avoid a big upfront spend on hardware.
- You're growing or changing and need to add/remove users quickly.
- You want disaster recovery so calls never get lost.
- You'd rather someone else handle maintenance and upgrades.
When an on-site PBX might still make sense
- You have unreliable internet with no backup connection.
- You've recently invested in PBX hardware and want to sweat the asset.
- You have specialised on-premise requirements (some can also be met with a self-hosted 3CX deployment).
The WiseCloud approach
WiseCloud's cloud phone system is built on the 3CX platform and priced at $29.95 ex GST per unlimited line, calls included. You get enterprise call features — IVR, queues, recording, disaster recovery and mobile/desktop apps — without the hardware, complexity or cost of a traditional PBX. We also port your existing numbers for free.
Cloud vs PBX — quick answers
What is the difference between a cloud phone system and a PBX?
A traditional PBX is physical phone-system hardware installed at your office. A cloud phone system (hosted VoIP) runs in the cloud and is delivered over the internet, so there is no on-site box to buy or maintain and staff can make calls from anywhere.
Is a cloud phone system cheaper than a PBX?
For most small and medium businesses, yes. A cloud phone system has little to no upfront hardware cost and a predictable monthly fee, while an on-site PBX needs a large upfront investment plus ongoing maintenance.
Can I keep my phone numbers if I switch to cloud?
Yes. Your existing landline and business numbers can be ported to a cloud phone system, so customers keep dialling the same number. WiseCloud includes number porting at no extra cost.
What happens to a cloud phone system if the internet goes down?
A good cloud system has disaster recovery built in. WiseCloud automatically diverts calls to nominated mobiles or groups if your internet or power drops, so you never miss business — something a traditional PBX cannot do on its own.
Not sure which is right for you?
Tell us about your setup and team, and we'll give you honest advice — cloud, on-premise or a mix.