Choosing a Phone System for Your European Business

European small businesses have more options than ever for business phone systems. Whether you're a 5-person startup or a 50-person company with multiple offices, there's a solution that fits your budget and needs.

In this guide, we compare the most popular options available in Europe in 2026.

Option 1: Cloud PBX (Hosted)

A cloud PBX runs entirely in the cloud — no hardware to buy or maintain. You get a web portal to manage extensions, call routing, voicemail, and more.

Best for: Teams of 5-50 who want a simple, managed solution.

Top providers: 3CX (cloud), RingCentral, Zoom Phone, 8x8

Cost: EUR 10-25/user/month + DID numbers

Option 2: On-Premise PBX with SIP Trunking

Run your own PBX server (physical or virtual) and connect it to the phone network via SIP trunks. You control everything — extensions, call routing, recording, IVR.

Best for: Tech-savvy teams who want full control and lower per-user costs.

Top platforms: 3CX, FreePBX, Asterisk

Cost: Free software + EUR 1.49-5/month per DID number via DIDfarm SIP trunks

Option 3: Microsoft Teams Calling

If your team already uses Microsoft Teams, you can add PSTN calling with Direct Routing. This lets Teams users make and receive regular phone calls through their Teams app.

Best for: Microsoft 365 organizations who want one app for everything.

Cost: Teams license + DIDfarm SIP trunk (no per-user calling plan fees)

Option 4: Virtual Numbers Only (No PBX)

For solopreneurs and micro-businesses, you might not need a full PBX. Get a virtual phone number and forward calls to your mobile, or use a simple softphone app.

Best for: Solo operators and freelancers.

Cost: From EUR 1.49/month per number

Key Considerations for European Businesses

  • Regulatory compliance — some EU countries require identity verification for phone numbers. DIDfarm handles this process through an online portal.
  • GDPR — ensure your phone system provider processes call data within GDPR requirements
  • Multi-country presence — if you serve customers across Europe, get local numbers in each market via DIDfarm's coverage in 70+ countries
  • Number portability — check if you can port your existing numbers to the new system

Our Recommendation

For most European small businesses, we recommend 3CX + DIDfarm SIP trunks. 3CX offers a free tier for up to 10 users, and DIDfarm provides affordable DID numbers in any European country. This combination gives you enterprise features at startup prices.