| Feature | Hosted VoIP | Cloud PBX |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A fully managed cloud calling service — you get numbers, handsets or apps, and Telexico runs everything. | A complete phone exchange (PBX) hosted in the cloud — every extension, queue and rule your old on-site system had, without the box. |
| Best for | Small teams that want great calls with zero admin. | Growing teams needing call queues, IVR menus, departments and reporting. |
| Call handling | Core routing, voicemail, call forwarding, mobile apps. | Advanced: auto-attendants, IVR, hunt groups, queues, time/location rules. |
| Hardware | None — desk phones optional. | None — desk phones optional. |
| Scalability | Add users in minutes. | Add users, sites and departments in minutes. |
| Reporting | Basic call logs. | Full call analytics and wallboards. |
| Pricing | Lowest per-user cost. | Slightly higher per user for the extra features. |
Choose Hosted VoIP if…
- You're a small team or single site
- You want the simplest possible setup
- Great call quality matters more than deep features
Choose Cloud PBX if…
- You handle high call volumes or have departments
- You need IVR menus, queues or call reporting
- You're replacing a traditional on-site PBX
Our verdict
For most small businesses, hosted VoIP is all you'll ever need — it's simpler and cheaper. Choose a cloud PBX when call volumes grow and you need proper queues, menus and reporting. Either way you're on modern, resilient cloud infrastructure, and you can start on one and move to the other without changing numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Is hosted VoIP the same as cloud PBX?
They overlap heavily. Hosted VoIP is a managed calling service; a cloud PBX is a full hosted phone exchange with advanced call handling. A cloud PBX is essentially hosted VoIP with more features.
Do I need special hardware for either?
No. Both work through apps on your computer and mobile, and desk phones are optional if you prefer them.
Can I keep my existing number?
Yes — we port your existing numbers across at no loss, so customers reach you exactly as before.
Which is cheaper?
Hosted VoIP usually has the lowest per-user price. A cloud PBX costs a little more for the extra call-handling features.
Not sure which is right for you?
Tell us how your business works and we'll recommend the best fit — no hard sell, honest UK advice.