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AI receptionist vs live answering service

Last verified

BASIS

Computed from 5 AI receptionist and 6 Live answering service products ยท last verified 2026-10-28.

Each option is the cheapest qualifying product of its tool type, including add-ons the job requires.

CROSSOVER43calls/month, at the cheapest tracked prices

Monthly cost by calls/month

AI receptionistLive answering service
$0$25$50$75$10012243648610743 calls/month

Cheapest tracked plan for each option at each volume, including add-ons the job requires.

What each includes by default

FeatureAI receptionistLive answering service
Live human agents20%100%
AI voice agent for outbound and inbound100%33%
Mobile softphone app0%67%
Sends SMS60%0%
Sends call summaries100%50%
Voicemail boxes0%50%
Local numbers80%33%
Call transcription80%50%
Signs a HIPAA BAA20%50%
Number porting60%33%
Bilingual (English and Spanish) answering60%83%
Call recording100%83%
Native CRM integration100%83%
Takes overflow when your line is busy80%67%
Toll-free numbers40%50%
Web chat channel60%67%
Answers 24/7 including holidays100%100%
Books into your calendar100%100%
Takes and delivers messages100%100%
Transfers calls to staff100%100%

Share of each option's qualifying products that include the feature in the base plan.

What teams actually use

Share using live answering service, by team size. From 10 recorded customer setups.

1 to 100%
100+0%

Qualifying products at default volume

ProductOptionTool typeMonthly cost
DialzaraAI receptionistAI receptionist$419
GoodcallAI receptionistAI receptionist$79
My AI Front DeskAI receptionistAI receptionist$79
Smith.aiAI receptionistAI receptionist$150
UpfirstAI receptionistAI receptionist$235
Abby ConnectLive answering serviceLive answering service$164
AnswerConnectLive answering serviceLive answering serviceCustom quotePublic estimates: $350 to $575 per month (4 sources)
PATLiveLive answering serviceLive answering service$49
RubyLive answering serviceLive answering service$250
Smith.aiLive answering serviceLive answering service$2,950
Specialty Answering ServiceLive answering serviceLive answering service$44

Next step for your size

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  • Decision guide record is a draft