Best Open Source PBX Software of 2023

Best Open Source PBX Software of 2023

Open source PBX (Private Branch Exchange) software is a type of communication system that enables organizations to manage and route calls within their internal network, as well as between internal and external networks. There are several open source PBX software options available, including popular choices like Asterisk, FreePBX, Elastic, SIPfoundry, 3CX, OpenSIPS, PBXInAFlash, Kamailio, OpenPBX and FreeSWITCH. These software options offer flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, making them an attractive option for organizations of all sizes. They can be configured to suit specific needs and are compatible with a wide range of SIP phones, VoIP gateways, and SIP trunks. Additionally, open source PBX software is constantly being improved and updated by a community of developers, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and capabilities.

1. FreeSWITCH

FreeSWITCH is an open-source communication platform designed to route and interconnect various communication protocols, including voice, video, messaging, and other media types, across various networks such as the internet and private networks. It provides a modular architecture that can be extended with various plugins, allowing developers to customize and integrate it with their own applications and services. FreeSWITCH supports a wide range of communication standards and protocols, making it a versatile and flexible solution for building communication systems.

• FreeSWITCH is an open-source communication platform
• Designed to route and interconnect various communication protocols, including voice, video, messaging, and other media types
• Supports a modular architecture that can be extended with various plugins
• Allows developers to customize and integrate it with their own applications and services
• Supports a wide range of communication standards and protocols, making it a versatile and flexible solution for building communication systems

Because the FreeSWITCH team believes in exploiting the most recent technological breakthroughs, the platform supports all of the most popular communication technologies, including SIP, H.323, and WebRTC. For compared to other open source PBX systems, integrating this platform with third-party apps, systems, and software is quite simple when building a unified communications system.

FreeSWITCH has all of the basic calling features you’d expect from an enterprise-grade PBX, as well as a few that aren’t found anywhere else. Speech recognition and synthesis modules are two examples of modules that can be quite beneficial when creating a bespoke IVR.

2. Asterisk

Asterisk is an open-source communication platform that provides a wide range of features and functions for building communication systems, including voice and video calls, voicemail, conference calls, and call recording. It can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud, and it supports a variety of protocols and standards, including SIP, H.323, and WebRTC. Asterisk’s modular architecture allows developers to extend and customize its functionality using a variety of programming languages, making it a flexible solution for building communication applications and services. Additionally, Asterisk has a large community of developers and users who provide support and contribute to its ongoing development.

• Asterisk is an open-source communication platform
• Provides features for building communication systems, including voice and video calls, voicemail, conference calls, and call recording
• Can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud
• Supports a variety of protocols and standards, including SIP, H.323, and WebRTC
• Has a modular architecture that allows developers to extend and customize its functionality using a variety of programming languages
• Has a large community of developers and users who provide support and contribute to its ongoing development

Because Asterisk is the most well-known open source PBX, there is plenty of information available about it. Digium, the firm that maintains Asterisk, as well as several third parties, offer online courses, manuals, and live web classes.

3. Elastix

Elastix is a unified communication platform based on open source software that allows businesses to integrate and manage their communication channels, including IP telephony, email, fax, and chat, from a single interface. It provides a web-based GUI that simplifies the installation, configuration, and management of various communication tools and applications, such as Asterisk, FreePBX, and Hylafax. Elastix is designed to be easy to use, scalable, and customizable, and it supports a wide range of third-party integrations and plugins. Additionally, it offers features such as call center management, CRM integration, and reporting tools to help businesses optimize their communication processes and improve customer engagement.

• Elastix is a unified communication platform based on open source software
• Allows businesses to integrate and manage their communication channels from a single interface
• Provides a web-based GUI that simplifies installation, configuration, and management of communication tools and applications such as Asterisk, FreePBX, and Hylafax
• Designed to be easy to use, scalable, and customizable
• Supports a wide range of third-party integrations and plugins
• Offers features such as call center management, CRM integration, and reporting tools to optimize communication processes and improve customer engagement.

Aside from Asterisk, the Elastix system incorporates capabilities from a number of open source PBX solutions, including Openfirm and HylaFAX. You receive a powerful set of functions packaged in a user-friendly UI. If your company conducts outbound calling campaigns with a big number of prospects or customers, you’ll be pleased to learn that Elastix features a call center module with a predictive dialer.

4. SIPfoundry

SIPfoundry is an open-source community that develops and promotes the use of the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for building communication systems. It provides a range of software projects, tools, and resources for developing SIP-based applications and services, including the SIPxecs platform, which is a scalable and modular IP-PBX system that provides voice and video calling, messaging, and collaboration features. SIPfoundry also offers training, consulting, and support services to help businesses and organizations deploy and use SIP-based solutions effectively. Additionally, SIPfoundry collaborates with other open-source communities and industry partners to advance the development and adoption of SIP and related communication technologies.

• SIPfoundry is an open-source community that promotes the use of the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for building communication systems
• Provides software projects, tools, and resources for developing SIP-based applications and services
• Offers the SIPxecs platform, a scalable and modular IP-PBX system that provides voice and video calling, messaging, and collaboration features
• Provides training, consulting, and support services to help businesses and organizations deploy and use SIP-based solutions effectively
• Collaborates with other open-source communities and industry partners to advance the development and adoption of SIP and related communication technologies.

Because SIPfoundry is an open source PBX, you can download it for free, install it on your own server (on premise or in the cloud), and customize the code as needed. The organization behind this PBX system, on the other hand, offers professional support services to businesses that require them, starting at $495 per month for up to 100 users.

4. OpenSIPs

OpenSIPS is an open-source SIP server that is used for building real-time communication applications and services. It provides a robust and scalable platform that can handle high volumes of traffic and support a wide range of communication protocols, including SIP, WebRTC, and XMPP. OpenSIPS offers features such as load balancing, routing, failover, and security, which make it an ideal choice for building carrier-grade communication systems. It also supports scripting languages, allowing developers to customize and extend its functionality to meet specific requirements. Additionally, OpenSIPS has an active community of developers and users who contribute to its ongoing development and provide support.

• OpenSIPS is an open-source SIP server used for building real-time communication applications and services
• Provides a robust and scalable platform that supports high volumes of traffic and a wide range of communication protocols, including SIP, WebRTC, and XMPP
• Offers features such as load balancing, routing, failover, and security, making it ideal for building carrier-grade communication systems
• Supports scripting languages, allowing developers to customize and extend its functionality to meet specific requirements
• Has an active community of developers and users who contribute to its ongoing development and provide support.

OpenSIPs has been regarded as one of the fastest open source SIP servers, which sets it apart from the competition. A web-based interface allows you to manage your PBX and obtain all of the important information as well as make rapid setup adjustments. You can use the full instructions and tutorials on the OpenSIPs website if you need assistance getting the platform up and operating on your server.

5. FreePBX

FreePBX is a web-based graphical user interface that allows users to manage and configure the Asterisk open-source communication platform. It provides a range of features and functions, including call routing, IVR, voicemail, conference calls, and call recording. FreePBX is designed to be easy to use and customizable, and it supports a wide range of third-party modules and plugins that can extend its functionality. Additionally, it offers features such as call center management, CRM integration, and reporting tools to help businesses optimize their communication processes and improve customer engagement. FreePBX has a large community of developers and users who provide support and contribute to its ongoing development.

• FreePBX is a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) for managing and configuring Asterisk-based communication systems.
• It allows users to easily set up and manage VoIP phone systems, call centers, and other communication solutions.
• FreePBX is open-source software and is available under the GNU General Public License.
• It provides a wide range of features and functionality, including call recording, call queuing, IVR menus, and advanced routing options.
• FreePBX can be used with a variety of IP phones and softphones, including popular brands such as Cisco, Yealink, and Grandstream.
• It also supports the integration of third-party applications, such as CRM software and chatbots, to enhance the user experience.
• FreePBX can be installed on a variety of operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.
• It has a large community of developers and users who contribute to its development and offer support and resources for troubleshooting and customization.
• FreePBX is highly scalable and can be used for small businesses as well as large enterprises with thousands of employees.
• It is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional phone systems and can help businesses save money on long-distance calls and hardware costs.

6. 3CX

3CX is a software-based unified communications platform that enables businesses to easily and effectively manage their communication needs. It supports a wide range of communication channels, including voice, video, chat, and email, all of which can be accessed through a single platform. With its intuitive web-based management console, 3CX allows administrators to easily manage and configure the system, while users can access their communications from anywhere using the 3CX desktop or mobile apps. Additionally, 3CX is built on an open standard and supports integration with a wide range of third-party tools and services, making it a flexible and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.

• 3CX is a software-based unified communications platform that enables businesses to manage their communication needs.
• It supports various communication channels, including voice, video, chat, and email, which can be accessed through a single platform.
• 3CX has a web-based management console that allows administrators to manage and configure the system easily.
• The platform has a desktop and mobile app that users can use to access their communications from anywhere.
• 3CX is built on an open standard and supports integration with third-party tools and services, making it a flexible and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.
• It provides advanced features such as call recording, call reporting, and CRM integration, among others.
• 3CX has a built-in WebRTC video conferencing that allows users to host web meetings with their colleagues.
• The platform is easy to deploy and maintain, reducing the cost of ownership for businesses.
• It provides excellent customer support, including online resources, forums, and a dedicated support team.
• 3CX is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional phone systems, enabling businesses to save on long-distance calls and hardware costs.

7. Kamailio

Kamailio is an open-source SIP server that provides a powerful and flexible platform for building real-time communication systems. It can handle thousands of calls per second and provides features such as call routing, load balancing, and security. Kamailio is built on a modular architecture, allowing users to customize and extend its functionality with ease. It is used by telecommunications companies, VoIP service providers, and other businesses to build scalable and reliable communication systems.

• Kamailio is an open-source SIP server that provides a platform for building real-time communication systems.
• It can handle thousands of calls per second and provides features such as call routing, load balancing, and security.
• Kamailio is built on a modular architecture, making it flexible and customizable.
• It is used by telecommunications companies, VoIP service providers, and other businesses to build scalable and reliable communication systems.
• Kamailio supports a wide range of protocols, including SIP, WebSocket, XMPP, and others.
• The platform provides a powerful scripting language (SIP Routing Language) that allows users to create custom call routing and handling logic.
• Kamailio has a rich set of modules that provide additional functionality, including database integration, message queuing, and authentication.
• The platform is highly scalable and can be used in a variety of environments, from small businesses to large enterprises.
• Kamailio provides excellent performance and can handle millions of subscribers, making it a reliable solution for high-volume traffic.
• It is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional telecom systems and can help businesses save on hardware and maintenance costs.

The biggest disadvantage of this open source PBX system is that it has more advanced enterprise and carrier grade functionality than others, making it more difficult to use. However, if your staff has a thorough understanding of VoIP systems and the SIP protocol, they should be able to get it up and operating without too much trouble.

8. PBXInAFlash

PBX in a Flash (PIAF) is a free, open-source software platform that enables businesses to quickly and easily set up a fully-functional PBX system using Asterisk and FreePBX. It includes a wide range of features, such as voicemail, call recording, conference bridges, and IVR menus, all of which can be managed through a web-based GUI. PIAF is highly customizable and supports integration with third-party tools and services. It is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional phone systems, making it an ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, PIAF has an active community of developers and users who provide support and resources for troubleshooting and customization.

• PBX in a Flash (PIAF) is a free, open-source software platform that enables businesses to set up a fully-functional PBX system.
• It is based on the Asterisk and FreePBX platforms and includes a wide range of features, such as voicemail, call recording, conference bridges, and IVR menus.
• PIAF can be managed through a web-based GUI, making it easy for administrators to configure and customize the system.
• It is highly customizable and supports integration with third-party tools and services.
• PIAF is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional phone systems, making it an ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses.
• The platform has an active community of developers and users who provide support and resources for troubleshooting and customization.
• PIAF supports a wide range of VoIP providers and SIP trunking services, making it easy to connect to the PSTN.
• The platform can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud, providing flexibility and scalability for businesses.
• PIAF provides advanced features such as call reporting, call center management, and CRM integration, among others.
• The platform is easy to install and maintain, reducing the cost of ownership for businesses.

Everything you’ll need to get your system up and running is included in the installation package. You can pick whether your PBX will run on an Asterisk or FreePBX version during setup. The installer will also set up your MySQL database, SendMail email service, and Apache web server. If you need assistance at any point during the procedure, the PBXInAFlash website has a wealth of free reference materials.

You’ll get a complete collection of capabilities with this simple PBX solution, including caller ID lookup services, connectivity with Google Voice and other cloud-based services, faxing support, and automatic backups. The system is also one of the most dependable and bug-free on the market today.

9. OpenPBX

OpenPBX is an open-source telephony platform that provides businesses with a scalable, flexible, and feature-rich PBX system. It is built on the Asterisk and FreePBX platforms and supports a wide range of communication channels, including voice, video, and messaging. OpenPBX provides features such as auto-attendant, call routing, call recording, and conferencing, all of which can be easily configured through a web-based GUI. The platform is highly customizable and supports integration with third-party tools and services. OpenPBX is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional phone systems, making it an ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses.

• OpenPBX is an open-source telephony platform that provides a flexible and feature-rich PBX system.
• It is built on the Asterisk and FreePBX platforms and supports various communication channels, including voice, video, and messaging.
• OpenPBX provides features such as auto-attendant, call routing, call recording, and conferencing.
• The platform can be easily configured through a web-based GUI, allowing administrators to customize the system to meet their specific needs.
• OpenPBX is highly scalable and can handle a large volume of calls, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
• The platform supports integration with third-party tools and services, including CRM and messaging platforms.
• OpenPBX provides advanced features such as call reporting, call center management, and interactive voice response (IVR) menus.
• The platform is easy to install and maintain, reducing the cost of ownership for businesses.
• OpenPBX provides excellent customer support, including online resources, forums, and a dedicated support team.
• It is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional phone systems, enabling businesses to save on long-distance calls and hardware costs.

Businesses who connect with a large number of consumers on a regular basis may appreciate the platform’s CRM system. This is especially appealing to businesses who would prefer avoid the hassle and price of implementing a standalone CRM solution.

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