Guide
Odoo, Zoho CRM or Bitrix24: which works best with 3CX?
All three work well with 3CX. Each is built and kept up to date by 3CX, and each names the caller, logs calls and chats, lets staff add a new caller, and calls with one click. Where they differ is the CRM plan you need, how strict they are about phone numbers, and what your CRM administrator sets up. If you already run one of them, keep it.
Side by side
| Odoo | Zoho CRM | Bitrix24 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built and kept up to date by | 3CX | 3CX | 3CX |
| 3CX edition | Pro or AI | Pro or AI | Pro or AI |
| 3CX version | Version 20 Update 10 or later | Version 20 | Version 20 |
| The CRM plan it needs | Custom, not the free plan or Standard | Standard or above, not the free plan | A paid Vibe+ plan, not the free plan or Essentials |
| What your CRM administrator sets up | An API key, and the database name | An app in Zoho's Developer Console, and one sign-in | An inbound webhook |
| How numbers are matched | Exactly, or on a set number of digits | Exactly, in the +254 form | Exactly, in the +254 form |
| A new caller can become | A contact | A lead or a contact | A lead or a contact |
| Calls and chats logged | Yes, as call and chat records | Yes, chats as tasks or calls | Yes |
| Also needed | Nothing more named by 3CX | The Projects module on, and a Zoho login per person | A Bitrix24 login per person |
What decides it
1. Does your plan let 3CX in?
3CX connects through the CRM's API, and each of the three opens it only on certain plans. Odoo opens it only on Custom, not its free plan or Standard. Bitrix24 keeps it for its Vibe+ plans, not the free plan or Essentials. 3CX's Zoho listing names Standard and above, not Zoho CRM's free plan. Check this first: it is the one thing that can stop the connection outright.
2. How are your numbers saved?
Zoho CRM and Bitrix24 match a caller on the whole number, so a contact saved as 0722 000 000 is not found when +254 722 000 000 rings. Odoo can match on a set number of digits instead, which is forgiving of a mixed list. Whichever you run, saving every number in the +254 form is worth an afternoon.
3. Who looks after the CRM?
Each needs a few minutes from whoever administers it: an API key in Odoo, an app registered in Zoho, or a webhook in Bitrix24. Zoho and Bitrix24 also log each call in the name of the CRM user whose email matches the person's 3CX extension, so everyone who takes calls needs a login.
What to expect from any of them
- The caller's name comes up in 3CX as the phone rings, from the CRM.
- New callers are added by staff, from a short form in the 3CX app, not created on their own.
- The call log can carry a link to the recording if you record calls; the recording stays in 3CX.
- Calls are made and answered in 3CX. None of the three uses the CRM's own telephony.
- All three need 3CX Pro or AI. Basic does not include CRM integration.
Each one in detail
3CX and Odoo
Callers named from Odoo, calls logged on the contact. Needs Odoo's Custom plan.
3CX and Zoho CRM
Callers named from Zoho, calls logged, leads added from 3CX. Numbers in +254 form.
3CX and Bitrix24
Callers named from Bitrix24, calls logged, leads added from 3CX. Needs a Vibe+ plan.
Running another CRM? Every system 3CX connects to, and what to do if yours is not on the list.
See it on a real system
A 30-minute session on a live system, walked through in your own terms. No obligation.
We confirm your slot within 24 hours. Prefer to write? Email or message us.