Cost Analysis2026-01-087 min read
Amazon Connect vs. Traditional PBX: The Real Cost Comparison
We break down the total cost of ownership between legacy PBX hardware and Amazon Connect for a 25-seat company.
The Hidden Costs of Legacy PBX
When businesses evaluate phone systems, they often compare the sticker price of hardware vs. a cloud subscription. But the real story is in the total cost of ownership (TCO) over 3–5 years.
Traditional PBX (25 seats, 3-year TCO)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hardware & installation | $18,000 |
| Annual maintenance contract | $3,600/yr × 3 = $10,800 |
| Phone line rentals | $1,200/yr × 3 = $3,600 |
| IT staff time (est. 4 hrs/month) | $7,200 |
| **Total** | **$39,600** |
Amazon Connect via Syntax Voice (25 seats, 3-year TCO)
| Item | Cost |
| One-time implementation | $2,500 |
| Monthly platform fee | $149/mo × 36 = $5,364 |
| AWS usage (est. 8,000 min/mo) | $720/yr × 3 = $2,160 |
| IT staff time | $0 (managed) |
| **Total** | **$10,024** |
75% Savings — and Better Service
The cloud option isn't just cheaper. It includes features that would cost tens of thousands more with legacy hardware: call recording, real-time dashboards, IVR, and automatic scaling.
Making the Switch
Migration is simpler than you think. Syntax Voice handles number porting, IVR configuration, and agent onboarding. Most businesses are fully migrated within a week.
Schedule a consultation to get a custom cost comparison for your business.