How 3CX, Grandstream UCM and Yeastar differ in licensing, where they run, staff apps and handsets, and what to check before you choose.
3CX, Grandstream UCM and Yeastar are three of the IP phone systems most often chosen by UAE small and mid-sized offices. All three handle extensions, IVR menus, call recording, voicemail and SIP trunks from e& or du. They differ in how they are licensed, where they run and how staff use them from outside the office.
This page compares the approaches, not product spec sheets, because models, editions and terms change. Quicknet is an independent integrator and does not claim distributor or authorised-dealer status for any of the three.
3CX is licensed by simultaneous calls on a yearly basis, Grandstream states that its UCM has no per-extension or per-feature licence for built-in features, and Yeastar varies by edition. Ask what is paid yearly and what is paid once.
An appliance sits in your office, software runs on a server or virtual machine, and a cloud edition runs with a provider. Each changes who looks after the hardware.
All three offer apps so staff can use the office extension from home. Check the app, the network set-up and what remote staff need.
All three work with standard SIP phones such as Yealink and Fanvil. Check the supported-phone list and gateways for analogue lines before you buy.
Compare the links you need: Microsoft Teams, your CRM, call recording and IVR. Features depend on the edition and the model.
Ask who supports the system after installation, how updates are applied and what the AMC covers.
3CX is often considered when staff work remotely, when links to a CRM matter and when the office is comfortable with software running on a server or hosted. Grandstream UCM is often considered for offices that prefer a single appliance and a one-off hardware purchase. Yeastar is often considered by offices that want a polished staff app and a choice of appliance, software or cloud edition.
These are starting points, not rules. The deciding factors are your number of extensions, calls at the same time, existing phones and lines, remote staff and the support you want. See our pages on 3CX, Grandstream UCM and Yeastar, and the guide to PABX vs IP PBX vs cloud PBX.
A short list, confirmed at a free site survey:
| System | How it is licensed and where it runs | Often suits, and what to check |
|---|---|---|
| 3CX | Software licensed by simultaneous calls; runs on a server or virtual machine, in a cloud you rent or hosted. Edition names and limits have been changing in 2026. | Remote and hybrid teams and CRM links. Check the current edition and its limits on 3cx.com and the server or hosting you will use. |
| Grandstream UCM | Hardware appliance; Grandstream states that built-in features have no per-extension licence. Optional cloud services for remote access depend on the model. | Offices that want one appliance and a one-off purchase. Check the model's ports, user and call capacity on the datasheet. |
| Yeastar | Appliances (S and P series) plus software and cloud editions, with the Linkus app for staff. | Offices that want a polished staff app and a choice of form. Check the edition and the model that match your size. |
This is a general comparison, not a recommendation for your office. Editions and terms change, so confirm them with the vendor and in the written quote. Questions or corrections: jenson@quicknet.me.
Quicknet installs all three systems from three offices: the head office in Mussafah (Shabia ME-11, Abu Dhabi), the Abu Dhabi City office on Electra Street and the Al Ain branch. See PABX and communication systems in Al Ain.
Projects in Dubai and the other emirates are handled on a project basis by the Abu Dhabi team; Quicknet has no Dubai office. See VoIP and PABX services for Dubai projects.
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