Cloud PBX vs Hosted VoIP the real difference, explained.
'Cloud PBX' and 'hosted VoIP' are often used to mean the same thing — but there's a subtle difference. Here's what each actually means and which to choose.
Providers are compared on what each publishes: list prices and the conditions attached to them, minimum terms and mid-contract rises, what the price includes (calls, set-up, porting, support hours), UK-based support, and whether failover is offered. Telexico’s own entries are our list prices. Where a provider has changed its terms since the date shown, the published source wins; tell us and we will correct it.
Compiled and reviewed by Mickey Mall, Director, Telexico Communications Ltd, Wolverhampton. Updated October 2026.
From £5 per user, per month.
No PBX hardware to buy and no big upfront cost — cloud phone systems that scale with your team. And because it’s all cloud-delivered, your platform can be activated the same day, with number porting typically completing in 5–14 working days.
"Hosted VoIP" vs "Cloud PBX".
Hosted VoIP
- The calling service — voice over the internet.
- Emphasis on the lines, numbers and call delivery.
- Often used for the overall internet-calling service.
- See hosted VoIP.
Cloud PBX
- The phone system in the cloud — the switchboard.
- Emphasis on features: routing, IVR, extensions, queues.
- The cloud version of a traditional on-site PBX.
- See cloud PBX.
Honestly? For most people it doesn't matter.
In practice the two come together: a modern cloud PBX runs on hosted VoIP, so you get both — the calling service and the smart phone-system features — in one package. The label matters far less than getting the right features, support and price.
We provide both as one managed system from £5/user/month. Tell us how you work and we'll set up the right thing. Get a quote →
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Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between cloud PBX and hosted VoIP?
They overlap heavily. 'Hosted VoIP' usually refers to the internet calling service; 'cloud PBX' refers to the phone system (switchboard) features in the cloud. In a modern setup you get both together.
Do I need cloud PBX or hosted VoIP?
Most businesses need both — and get both in one package. A cloud PBX runs on hosted VoIP, giving you calling plus features like routing, IVR and queues.
Which is cheaper?
They're the same package in practice — from around £5/user/month for the basic plan with Telexico, with no mid-contract rises.
Is one more reliable?
Reliability comes from the provider and your connection, not the label. We build on resilient infrastructure with optional 4G/5G failover.
Where to next?
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