If you’ve ever tried coordinating announcements across a busy office, warehouse, school hallway, or retail floor, you know a solid SIP paging solution can be a game-changer. We’ve been installing and supporting these systems for years, and lately three models keep popping up in customer conversations: the Snom PA1+, Fanvil PA2S, and Fanvil PA3.
All three are legit SIP-based paging gateways designed to deliver clear announcements, background music, and even some extra control features over your VoIP network. But one might edge out in features over the other. Let’s break it down side-by-side so you can see exactly what you’re getting.
Quick Overview of Each Unit
The Snom PA1+ is the veteran in the lineup. It’s a straightforward, rock-solid announcement system that feels right at home in any Snom-heavy environment (or really any SIP PBX). Think clean HD audio announcements from any desk phone plus the ability to trigger doors or lights.
The Fanvil PA2S is the “Swiss Army knife” version. Smaller, more interfaces, and it throws video intercom into the mix if you connect an IP camera. Perfect for DIY installs where you want paging + security in one box.
The Fanvil PA3 leans hard into broadcasting. It’s built for scheduled or on-demand MP3 playback and one-touch intercom, with local storage options that the others don’t have. Great for campuses, malls, or anywhere you need timed announcements without always pulling from the PBX.
Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
| Feature | Snom PA1+ | Fanvil PA2S | Fanvil PA3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Amplifier Power | 6.5 W Class D (8 Ω) | Adaptive: ~10 W (PoE, 4 Ω) → up to 30 W (24 V DC, 4 Ω); ~5–15 W at 8 Ω | Adaptive: similar to PA2S (~10 W PoE to 30 W at 24 V DC, 4 Ω) |
| Line Out | Yes (600 Ω) | Yes (for active speakers) | Yes (for active speakers) |
| Audio Codecs | G.711, G.722, G.723.1, G.726, G.729, Opus | G.711 A/U, G.729A/B, iLBC, G.723.1, G.726, G.722, Opus | Similar to PA2S (G.711, G.722, Opus, etc.) |
| Network Ports | 2 × Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45, built-in switch) | 2 × 10/100 Mbps (WAN + dedicated camera port) | 1 × 10/100 Mbps |
| PoE Support | Yes (802.3af Class 3) | Yes (802.3af) | Yes (802.3af) |
| Alternative Power (optional) | 5 V DC adapter | 12–24 V DC (higher voltage = higher amp power) | 12–24 V DC (higher voltage = higher amp power) |
| Speaker Impedance Supported | 8 Ω native | 4 Ω or 8 Ω (power varies) | 4 Ω or 8 Ω (power varies) |
| Relay / Switch I/O | Multiple proprietary I/O ports (configurable relays for doors/lights) | Switch input/output (short-circuit, up to 2 A) | Switch input/output + extra control options |
| Video Intercom / Camera | No native support | Yes (dedicated RJ45 camera port, RTSP/ONVIF) | Optional RTSP/ONVIF camera support |
| Local Storage / MP3 Playback | No | No | Yes (USB + TF card slot for local MP3 files) |
| Scheduled / Timed Broadcast | Basic multicast paging | Time plan / task management | Strong focus: scheduled MP3 broadcasting |
| Other Key Interfaces | Mic-in (3.5 mm), external keyboard support, reset button | Mic/line-in, recording output (3.5 mm), DSS key port, emergency button support, volume buttons | Mic/line-in, one-key call interface, physical volume buttons, USB/TF for media |
| Dimensions (approx.) | 165 × 104 × 35 mm, 400 g | 113 × 83 × 28 mm (compact, aluminum) | Compact (similar size range to PA2S) |
| Mounting / Temp Range | Wall/ceiling mount included; indoor | Embeddable, wide temp (-30°C to 70°C or similar) | Embeddable, designed for public install temps |
| Best For | Reliable office paging, relay triggers, Snom ecosystems | Video intercom, emergency/security, compact DIY | Scheduled announcements, local MP3 storage, campuses/retail |
Power & Audio Performance
This is usually the first thing customers ask about—how loud can it actually get?
The Snom PA1+’s 6.5 W is plenty for most conference rooms, hallways, or small-to-medium spaces. Want more? Hook it to external amps via line-out. HD audio is standard across the board.
The Fanvil models pull ahead in raw power when you supply 18–24 V DC—up to 30 W at 4 Ω makes them better suited for noisier or larger areas (according to the input voltage to setting the output power). All handle wideband codecs like Opus and G.722 nicely.
Bottom line: Office or quiet zones → Snom’s fine and efficient. Warehouse, gym, or outdoor-adjacent → Fanvil with proper DC power wins on volume.
Network & Power Options
Snom edges out with true Gigabit ports and a built-in switch (great for daisy-chaining). Fanvils stick to 10/100 Mbps but offer that wider DC input range for max amplifier output. All support PoE cleanly.
Interfaces & Extra Features (This Is Where They Really Diverge)
Snom PA1+ shines with configurable relays and easy integration in most setups.
Fanvil PA2S brings video linkage, recording output, and DSS keys—ideal if security cameras or emergency buttons are in play.
Fanvil PA3 stands out for local USB/TF storage and scheduled playback—set daily chimes or emergency tones without constant PBX involvement.
Physical Size & Installation
Snom feels more “traditional install” sized. Both Fanvils are smaller, lighter, and easier to tuck away (PA2S especially for embedding).
So… Which One Should You Buy?
- Snom PA1+ → Bulletproof reliability, Gigabit, relay control, excellent snom support and warranty
- Fanvil PA2S → Video intercom, compact I/O, emergency/security focus.
- Fanvil PA3 → Scheduled/local MP3 broadcasts, public spaces, one-touch simplicity.
The winner depends on your priorities—volume, video, scheduling, or relays.
Got a project coming up? Hit us up at The Telecom Spot. We stock these, snd can bundle with phones/PBX/cabling. Just tell us your space and goals—we’ll point you right.
What’s your paging setup like right now?