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.
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, we can have you set up and live within 60 minutes.
"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 →
The services behind the comparison.
Everything we'd put in front of you instead — designed, installed and supported by a UK team.
Phone systems
Connectivity
AI & more
Compare it properly, with no hard sell.
Send us your current setup and bill. We'll review what you have, what you pay, and where we can simplify or improve it — and tell you honestly if you're better off where you are.
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.