PBX vs VoIP: Which Business Phone System Is Right for You?
As UK businesses evolve in a digital-first world, choosing the right communication platform is crucial. The debate between PBX vs VoIP is one many businesses face when deciding how to future-proof their voice infrastructure.
At Splicecom, we provide flexible and reliable communication systems—whether you're looking for an on-premise PBX, cloud VoIP, or a hybrid model.
What Is a PBX Phone System?
PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a traditional phone system used to manage internal and external calls within an organisation. It operates using on-site hardware and connects to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) through ISDN or analogue lines.
Key Benefits of PBX
- Greater control with on-premise management
- Reliable and consistent voice quality
- Ideal for organisations with existing legacy systems
- Secure internal communication network
Learn more about our on-premises phone systems designed for maximum control and performance.
What Is VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) enables voice calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. It’s a modern, scalable solution that supports flexible working environments and unified communication tools.
Key Benefits of VoIP
- Lower upfront hardware and maintenance costs
- Fully scalable for growing or multi-site teams
- Ideal for hybrid and remote work setups
- Access to features like call recording, voicemail-to-email, mobile integration, and more
Check out our Cloud VoIP Phone Systems to unlock advanced communication flexibility.
PBX vs VoIP: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | PBX System | VoIP System |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | On-site hardware | Cloud/Internet-based |
| Installation Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Remote Access | Limited | Fully supported |
| Maintenance | Requires internal IT | Managed by a service provider |
| Scalability | Hardware expansion needed | Instantly scalable via software |
| Features | Basic to moderate | Full UC capabilities |
Which Is Best for Your Business?
The choice between PBX vs VoIP depends on your business structure, goals, and future plans:
- Choose PBX if you want local control and already have traditional infrastructure.
- Choose VoIP if you need flexibility, cost savings, and support for hybrid work.
Prepare for the ISDN Switch-Off
With BT’s ISDN switch-off scheduled for 2025, businesses using traditional phone systems must migrate to IP-based solutions. Don’t wait until the last minute—plan your transition now to avoid disruption.
Why Choose Splicecom?
- Designed and developed in the UK
- Secure, reliable, and future-ready systems
- Support for on-premise, cloud, or hybrid deployment
- Partnered with expert telecom resellers nationwide
- Fully compliant with SIP and IP telephony standards
Get Expert Advice Today
Need help choosing between PBX and VoIP? Our experienced consultants can assess your needs and recommend the best solution for your business.
Contact Us to speak with a voice specialist and arrange a free consultation.
