AI receptionist or human answering service?

AI receptionists answer instantly, 24/7, usually for a flat monthly fee with a minute or call allowance. Human services use trained receptionists and handle unusual or upset callers better, but usually cost more per call.

Published price examples (UK)

• Face For Business (human): From £49/month, Unknown (charged by the second).
• Pocket Receptionist (human): £75/month, 30 calls.
• Reception Genie (AI): £8.99/month, About 20 call minutes.
• Cyberstaff (AI): £30/month, 100 minutes (about 50 calls).
• Answer.co.uk (AI) (AI): £10/month, No calls included.

When each fits

• Mostly routine calls (bookings, quotes, messages): AI is usually enough and cheaper.
• Sensitive, complex or high-value calls: consider a human service, or an AI service with a transfer to a person.
• Unsure: use a free trial on your real calls. 13 of the 24 providers listed publish a free trial.