Best AI Receptionist Software (2026)
We tested and compared the top AI receptionist platforms for service businesses. Here's how they stack up on pricing, features, call quality, and scheduling.
An AI receptionist is software that answers your business phone calls using conversational AI — booking appointments, routing calls, and handling FAQs 24/7. We evaluated 6 leading platforms on price, call quality, scheduling integration, and overall value for service businesses.
Quick Verdict
SchedulingKit
AI receptionist + scheduling + CRM in one tool. Free plan available, paid plans from $12/mo — the best value by far.
Smith.ai
If you need live human backup for complex calls (legal intake, medical triage), Smith.ai's hybrid model is the premium choice.
DialZara
Basic AI call handling at $29/mo. Good for solopreneurs who just need calls answered — but limited on scheduling and CRM.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SchedulingKit | Smith.ai | My AI Front Desk | DialZara | Goodcall | Greet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ||||||
| Starting Price | $12/mo | $95/mo | $99/mo | $29/mo | $49/mo | $99/mo |
| 24/7 Call Answering | ||||||
| Appointment Booking | ||||||
| Built-in CRM | ||||||
| Chatbot Included | ||||||
| Human Backup | ||||||
| Multi-Language |
Detailed Reviews
1. SchedulingKit
Editor's PickPros
- Built-in scheduling, CRM, and AI receptionist in a single tool
- Free plan includes core AI receptionist features
- Lowest paid tier at $12/mo — fraction of competitors
Cons
- Newer platform with a smaller user community
- Advanced call routing limited to paid plans
2. Smith.ai
Pros
- Hybrid model blends AI with trained human receptionists
- Handles complex intake workflows for legal and medical
- Strong integrations with popular CRMs and calendars
Cons
- Expensive — plans start at $95/mo with per-call overages
- No free plan or free trial of full features
3. My AI Front Desk
Pros
- Handles phone, text, and web chat from a single AI agent
- Customizable AI scripts for different call scenarios
- Appointment scheduling built into the phone flow
Cons
- No free plan; starting price is $99/mo
- Call quality can vary on high-volume lines
4. DialZara
Pros
- Most affordable entry point at $29/mo
- Simple setup with pre-built call scripts
- Supports voicemail transcription and call summaries
Cons
- Limited scheduling and CRM integrations
- AI conversation quality lags behind premium tools
5. Goodcall
Pros
- Clean dashboard with call analytics and transcripts
- Customizable greetings and AI persona
- Built-in call routing and transfer logic
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to alternatives
- No built-in scheduling — requires external calendar tools
6. Greet
Pros
- Purpose-built for phone call automation
- Low-latency voice AI with natural-sounding responses
- After-hours call handling with escalation rules
Cons
- No scheduling, CRM, or chatbot features included
- Starting price of $99/mo with no free tier
AI Receptionist FAQ
Common questions about AI receptionist software.
What is an AI receptionist?
An AI receptionist is software that answers your business phone calls using conversational AI. It can greet callers, answer common questions, route calls, qualify leads, and book appointments — all without a human picking up the phone. Most AI receptionists work 24/7 and can handle multiple simultaneous calls.
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
Prices range from free (SchedulingKit's free plan) to $800+/mo for hybrid AI-human services like Smith.ai. Most standalone AI receptionist tools cost $29–$149/mo. The total cost depends on call volume, features needed, and whether you need human backup.
Can an AI receptionist replace a human receptionist?
For routine calls — scheduling, FAQs, call routing — yes. AI receptionists handle these faster and cheaper than humans. However, for complex or sensitive conversations (legal intake, medical triage), many businesses prefer a hybrid approach where AI handles the first touch and escalates to a human when needed.
Do AI receptionists work with existing phone systems?
Most AI receptionists integrate with standard phone systems through call forwarding. You either forward your existing business number to the AI service, or the AI provides a dedicated number. Some tools also offer SIP integration for VoIP systems.
What's the difference between an AI receptionist and an AI chatbot?
An AI receptionist handles phone calls using voice AI, while a chatbot handles text-based conversations on your website or messaging platforms. Some platforms, like SchedulingKit, offer both — so you can cover phone, web, and SMS channels from one tool.
How accurate are AI receptionists at booking appointments?
Modern AI receptionists are highly accurate when connected to your real-time calendar. They check availability, match services to time slots, and confirm bookings within the conversation. Accuracy depends on how well the tool integrates with your scheduling system — native integrations (like SchedulingKit's) tend to be more reliable than third-party calendar syncs.
Can an AI receptionist handle after-hours calls?
Yes — this is one of the biggest advantages. AI receptionists work 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They can take messages, book appointments for the next available slot, or escalate urgent calls based on rules you set.
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