Comparison

3CX vs HCL Sametime

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

3CX

This app enables remote work by allowing users to access their office phone extension from any location. It facilitates calls, conference scheduling, team chat, and video conferencing directly from an iOS device.

Highlights
  • Office extension access anywhere
  • Schedule conferences
  • Chat with colleagues
  • Video calls
  • QR code setup
Features
Read full description

Stay connected and make remote work easier with 3CX. This app allows you to use your office extension from anywhere and not only for calls. Schedule conferences, chat with your colleagues and video call from your iOS device. Getting Started: 1. Install the app. 2. Open it, read and accept the license agreement and authorize the permissions the app needs (camera, microphone). 3. Open your web client or desktop app and click on the QR code in the top right corner. Details on how to access your web client are in your 3CX email sent by your administrator. 4. Open your camera on your iOS device and scan the QR code shown on your screen. 5. Your extension is configured and you’re now “Ready for calls”! Important: This app is only for use with 3CX V20 and is not a standalone app. More information: https://www.3cx.com/user-manual/installation-iphone/

About

HCL Sametime

Secure, persistent team chat and real-time meetings across web, desktop, and mobile. Ideal for regulated industries and government entities requiring data security and auditability.

Highlights
  • Persistent chat
  • Instant meetings
  • Cross-device support
  • Contact list management
  • File and photo sharing
  • Meeting recordings
  • Screen sharing
Features
Read full description

HCL Sametime: Secure Team Chat & Meetings HCL Sametime is a highly secure, persistent team chat and meetings platform designed for the modern enterprise. Communicate in real-time across web, desktop, and mobile with the confidence that your data remains private and protected. Built for Regulated Industries Sametime is the premier choice for government entities, financial institutions, and companies in regulated industries. Whether you are navigating strict data privacy laws (GDPR, HIPAA) or require data gravity solutions, Sametime ensures your communications are secure, auditable, and under your control. Key Features: Modern Collaboration: Persistent 1:1 and group chats, now featuring Channels for better team organization. Secure Meetings: Instant or scheduled meetings with audio/video, lecture-style support, and recording capabilities. Seamless Mobility: Multi-device support with QR code one-click setup and enhanced CarPlay integration. Smart Tools: Edit sent messages, search chat history, and preview rich URLs directly in the app. Broadcast & Share: Send files, photos, and broadcast announcements to your entire community. Pinned Priority: Keep your most important chats and meetings at the top of your list. Advanced Integration: Works with HCL Sametime server versions 10, 11, and 12. What’s New (HCL Sametime version 12.0.2 Required): Stream & Share: YouTube streaming, Live Streaming, and Camera/Screen share viewing. What’s New (HCL Sametime version 12.0.3 Required): Reactions: Streamline feedback and boost engagement with the ability to add emoji reactions to messages. Chat Search: Quickly retrieve critical information with an enhanced search to locate specific messages across your entire chat history. Read Receipts: Gain real-time visibility into your communications with indicators that confirm when your messages have been viewed by recipients. What’s New (HCL Sametime version 12.0.4 Required): Channels: Streamline department communication and project alignment within dedicated team spaces featuring full moderator controls. Edit Chat: Maintain flawless accuracy in your everyday communications with the flexibility to easily correct sent messages. Meeting Reactions: Boost live interaction and expressive feedback during video sessions with an expanded emoji palette. Meeting Summaries: Extract critical insights and catch up on missed meeting discussions seamlessly with intelligent transcript summaries powered by HCL Domino IQ. Connectivity to HCL Sametime server infrastructure is required. Learn more at: hcl-software.com/sametime

Screenshots

3CX4 screens
HCL Sametime4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: HCL Sametime at 36% against 3CX's 28%. 3CX's advantage is iOS requirement (16.3 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

3CX ships an update monthly, HCL Sametime every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
3CX versus HCL Sametime: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter3CXHCL Sametime
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (317 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews28.1% of reviews36.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings317 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.3 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size64 MB92 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer3CXHCL America Inc.

Customer experience

3CX

All ratings317 ratings
Positive35.0%
Neutral5.4%
Negative59.6%
Written reviews601 reviews
Positive28.1%
Neutral12.0%
Negative59.9%

HCL Sametime

Written reviews11 reviews
Positive36.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative63.6%

Bugs and requests

3CX

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Inability to answer/make calls
  • Freezing/crashing during calls
  • Missed call notifications not working
  • Incompatibility with certain iOS versions
  • Issues with call transfer and merging

Requested features

6 requests
  • Apple Watch support
  • Customizable ringtones
  • Do Not Disturb mode
  • Call transfer/parking functionality
  • Improved voicemail management
Show 1 more
  • Siri/voice control integration

HCL Sametime

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

3CX

No in-app purchases

None

HCL Sametime

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is 3CX free?
3CX is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HCL Sametime free?
HCL Sametime is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do 3CX or HCL Sametime have ads?
Neither 3CX nor HCL Sametime shows ads.
Which is updated more often, 3CX or HCL Sametime?
3CX ships an update monthly, and HCL Sametime every 2 months. Most recently, 3CX was updated on September 24, 2026 and HCL Sametime on August 21, 2026.

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