# 3CX vs HCL Sametime

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.

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

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

## The numbers

| Metric | 3CX | HCL Sametime |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.6 (317 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3cx/id992045982/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **317** | — |
| Positive reviews | 28.1% of reviews | **36.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 64 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.3** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [3CX](https://appshunter.io/developer/392927998) | [HCL America Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/392909135) |

## What reviewers say

### 3CX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3cx/id992045982)

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:** Siri integration, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works great
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Convenient mobile extension
- 👍 Reliable system
- 👍 Powerful features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Calls drop/disconnect
- 🐛 Call quality issues
- 🐛 Unreliable notifications
- 🐛 Frequent bugs and crashes
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with iOS updates

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- Apple Watch support
- Customizable ringtones
- Do Not Disturb mode
- Call transfer/parking functionality
- Improved voicemail management


### HCL Sametime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcl-sametime/id1480594237)

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:** Siri integration, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*