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 (US)

• Abby Connect (human): $164/month, 50 Abby Minutes (50 human minutes, or 100 AI minutes).
• AnswerConnect (human): $350/month, 200 minutes.
• AnswerFirst (human): $30/month plus per-minute usage, No minutes included.
• Davinci Virtual (human): $129/month, 50 live answer minutes.
• Nexa (human): Not published, 100 minutes.
• PATLive (human): $49/month, No minutes included.
• Posh (human): $65/month, No minutes included.
• Ruby (human): $250/month, 50 receptionist minutes.
• Smith.ai Virtual Receptionists (human): $300/month, 30 calls.
• Specialty Answering Service (human): $44/month, No minutes included.
• AI-Receptionist.com (AI): $14/month, 75 voice minutes.
• echowin (AI): $0/month plus $10/month per number, Pay per minute ($0.20 a minute).
• Dialzara (AI): $29/month, 60 minutes.

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. 20 of the 34 providers listed publish a free trial.