The difference between the 3CX Apps

When new to 3CX it can be a bit overwhelming to understand the difference between the onboard tools (Apps) offered by 3CX.

Tools Offered by 3CX

3CX offers 6 Apps in total, which are grouped into 2 groups:

• Softphone Apps
• Web Apps

Softphone App

A Softphone is a software-based phone client that is installed on a device and everything is handled on the device.

3CX offers Softphones for:

• Windows App (PC)
• iOS devices (iPhone/iPad)
• Android devices

Web App

Web apps are different to softphones, as they are browser based, meaning the call and setup is handled by the browser and the interface (Chat, Team, Call History, ...) is displayed by the 3CX being a Webserver as a Webpage.

3CX offers the following Browser based Web Apps:

• Webclient
• Progressive Web App
• Desktop App

Webclient:

Now the main Web App is the Webclient, which is your entrance/gateway to all the other apps. 

The welcome email you receive contains a link that leads you to a webpage where you are asked to setup your personal password.

Once this is done you can login to the Webclient using your Extension number and your password.

You are then logged into the Webclient.

You can continue to only use the Webclient or choose one of the other Apps or multiple across all your devices.

Progressive Web App:

The Progressive Web App (PWA) is nothing else than a browser plugin (enhancement), that uses the running browser as basis, but has the ability to display a separate window. (Webclient = everything is inside the browser window (static), Progressive Web App = separate windows/overlays, more dynamic (progressive))

Desktop App:

The Desktop App again is a browser, like the Webclient, but it is a dedicated browser instance that runs in itself. If your Browser has an issue and hangs or crashes, the Desktop App will not be affected by this, while the Webclient and PWA will.

However, if your PC will crash, all programs crash.

Edge Browser Extension

As an Extension to the Webclient, the Edge Browser offers also the so called 'Edge Browser Extension'. This is an extension only to support Click2Call functionality and NOT a web app in itself.

What should I use?

This question everyone can only answer for himself, as people work different. 

if you want to use 3CX on your Mobile, of course you have to use the mobile app offered for your mobile phone.

Using a MAC or Linux computer you can only use the Webclient and/or PWA

While using Windows you can use the Windows App, Webclient, PWA and/or Desktop App

However, whatever you choose to work with, it is advised to only use 1 App per device, e.g.

If using Webclient, don't use the Windows Softphone or the Desktop app, as it can be confusing.

When installing a different app, e.g. Desktop App instead of Windows App, ensure to de-install the Windows App in order to not get confused with Multiple Apps running.

Please Note:

The PWA can't run without the Webclient

If you decide to use the Desktop App it is advised to close the Browser Tab which has the Webclient running.