Every missed call is a customer calling someone else.
We compare answering services and virtual receptionists on real pricing, coverage hours and features — by industry, so you get the one that fits your calls. Independent, no sign-up.
Top picks
24/7 answering with a free trial. True 24/7/365 live answering on all plans.
AI + human hybrid. AI Receptionist tier is far cheaper than live answering.
Budget 24/7 coverage. Cheapest true 24/7 live answering entry plan.
Compare at a glance
| Service | From | Includes | 24/7 | HIPAA | AI option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnswerConnect 24/7 coverage at scale | $350/mo | ≈200 minutes/mo | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Smith.ai AI + human hybrid | $293/mo | 30 calls/mo (live receptionists) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ruby Brand-quality first impressions | $245/mo | 50 minutes/mo | — | — | ✓ |
| PATLive 24/7 answering with a free trial | $205/mo | 75 minutes/mo | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| VoiceNation Budget 24/7 coverage | $70/mo | 20 minutes/mo | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| MAP Communications Low-volume pay-as-you-go | $47/mo | pay-as-you-go + $1.39/min | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Abby Connect Dedicated small-team feel | $329/mo | 100 minutes/mo | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| AnswerForce Trades & field services | $279/mo | ≈200 minutes/mo | ✓ | — | — |
| Specialty Answering Service (SAS) Flexible scripting on a budget | $38/mo | pay-as-you-go + ≈$1.29/min | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Davinci Virtual Receptionist + business address bundle | $129/mo | 50 live minutes/mo | — | — | — |
Published entry-plan pricing, rounded — verify with the provider; plans change often.
Find yours by industry
All industries →A law firm and a plumber need completely different call handling. Start with your industry:
What answering services really cost, and which pricing model fits your call volume.
Read more →When an AI answers better than a human, when it doesn't, and the hybrid setups that work.
Read more →All ten services ranked, with who each one is actually right for.
Read more →AnswerValet is an independent comparison site. We may earn a commission when you sign up through our links, at no cost to you — it never affects rankings. Verify pricing and features with providers before buying.