How Much Does an AI Receptionist Cost? The Complete Pricing Guide

AI receptionists cost $50–$500 per month for small to mid-sized businesses, with enterprise solutions starting at $800 or more. But advertised prices rarely tell the full story—setup fees, integration costs, and overage charges can add 30–60% to your final bill.

AI receptionists handle incoming calls 24/7, route inquiries, book appointments, and answer common questions without human intervention. Compared to human receptionists, they offer dramatic savings:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, human receptionists earned a median hourly wage of $17.90 in May 2023 ($37,232 annually), plus 25-40% more in benefits and payroll taxes—totaling $3,100-4,300 monthly. AI receptionists cost 85-95% less while providing around-the-clock coverage.

Many businesses search for the cost of  “ai receptionist”,  ‘virtual receptionist cost’, or ‘answering service pricing’ and discover that AI-powered solutions offer the same benefits at a fraction of traditional rates.

The challenge? Pricing varies wildly between providers. Some charge per minute, while others use flat monthly fees, and many have hidden costs that only become apparent after you sign up.

This guide shows you:

• What AI receptionists actually cost by business size and call volume
• Head-to-head pricing comparisons across 14 leading providers
• Hidden fees that inflate your bill
• Six factors that drive your costs
• How to calculate ROI and choose the right solution

How Much Does an AI Receptionist Cost?

For most small to mid-sized businesses, costs range from $50 to $500 per month, while enterprise solutions typically start at $ 800 or more per month. AI receptionist pricing varies widely depending on features, call volume, and business size.

Unlike traditional answering service cost structures that charge per call or per agent, AI receptionists offer more flexible pricing that scales with your actual needs.

Here’s what you can expect to pay based on your company size and needs:

Business Type	Monthly Cost	Call Volume	Key Features	Best For
Solo/Micro Business	$25–$100	50-300 calls	Basic call answering, message taking, simple routing, self-service setup	Low-volume businesses, after-hours coverage, budget-conscious solopreneurs
Small Business	$100–$300	300-1,000 calls	Call answering, routing, appointment scheduling, CRM integration, call logs, email support (24-48hr)	Most small businesses, service companies, growing practices
Mid-Size Company	$300–$600	1,000-5,000 calls	Multi-line support, advanced integrations, custom workflows, analytics dashboard, priority support (<4hr)	Mid-size companies (20-100 employees), multi-location businesses
Enterprise	$800–$2,000+	Unlimited	Custom AI training, dedicated account manager, white-label options, compliance features (HIPAA, SOC 2), custom SLAs, 24/7 dedicated support	Large organizations (100+ employees), franchises, healthcare networks, agencies

Switching to an AI receptionist can save businesses 85–95% of traditional staffing costs while providing 24/7 coverage. These savings become even more significant when you factor in the real cost of missed calls that human receptionists create during breaks, sick days, and after-hours.

Still weighing your options? Here is a detailed comparison of AI receptionist vs human receptionist vs virtual receptionist that breaks down exactly when each makes sense for your business.

Understanding AI Receptionist Pricing Models

Different providers use different pricing structures. If you’ve researched answering service pricing before, you’ll notice AI solutions offer more variety—from pay-per-minute to flat monthly rates.

Here are the five most common pricing models:

1. Pay-Per-Minute

2. Pay-Per-Call

3. Flat Monthly

4. Tiered Plans

5. Per-User

6. Custom/Enterprise

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how each pricing model works, what it typically costs, and what to watch out for:

Pricing Model	How It Works	Typical Cost	Best For	Watch Out For
Pay-Per-Minute	Charged per minute of call time	$0.05-$0.99/min	Low, unpredictable call volume	Costs spike during busy periods; 500 min/month = $25-$495
Pay-Per-Call	Charged per completed call	$2-$5 per call	Businesses with short, frequent calls	Can get expensive with longer consultations
Flat Monthly	Fixed monthly fee regardless of usage	$39-$500/month	Predictable call volume, budget certainty	May include hidden call/minute caps
Tiered Plans	Different feature levels at set prices	$50-$200-$500+	Growing businesses needing scalability	Forced upgrades when you hit limits
Per-User	Charged per team member	$19-$65/user/month	Small teams (5-10 people)	Costs multiply: 10 users × $19 = $190/month
Custom/Enterprise	Negotiated pricing	$800-$2,000+/month	Large organizations, franchises	Requires sales calls, less transparent

Per-minute pricing seems cheapest, but becomes expensive at scale. Flat monthly pricing offers predictable budgeting—crucial for businesses with fluctuating call volumes. Understanding the model that best suits your business is critical for avoiding unexpected charges.

AI Receptionist Pricing Comparison of Top Providers 

Here’s how 14 leading AI receptionist solutions compare—including transparent assessments of pricing, features, and ideal use cases.

We analyzed each provider’s pricing structure, feature set, and real-world performance to give you an honest comparison:

Provider	Starting Price	Pricing Model	Key Features	Best For
Welco	$39/mo	Flat monthly subscription	24/7 AI answering, visual workflow builder (no coding required), 20+ languages, SMS management, unlimited concurrent calls	Small to mid-sized businesses needing predictable costs and full automation
Smith.ai	$95/mo (50 calls)	Per-call + tiered	Hybrid AI + 500 human agents, bilingual support, CRM integration, lead qualification	Businesses wanting human backup for complex calls
My AI Front Desk	$79/mo (annual) or $99/mo	Per-minute tiered	100+ AI voices, 7,000+ Zapier integrations, 5-minute setup, appointment scheduling	Solo professionals and small teams on tight budgets
Synthflow AI	$29/mo (50 min)	Usage-based tiered	SOC 2 & HIPAA compliant, 30+ languages, no-code platform, white-label options	Developers and agencies needing customization
Retell AI	$0.07/min	Pay-as-you-go	Developer-first API, ultra-low latency (<800ms), custom LLMs, bilingual support	Developers building custom voice solutions
RingCentral AI Receptionist	$59/mo (100 min)	Per-minute + base	Integrated phone system, multilingual, appointment booking, analytics	Existing RingCentral customers
Quo (OpenPhone)	$19/user/mo	Per-user subscription	Multi-line, team calling, AI answering, shared inbox, mobile-first	Small teams needing unified phone + messaging
JustCall AI	$99/mo (100 min) or $0.99/min	Usage-based	14-language support, CRM integration, predictive dialer, SMS workflows	Sales teams and call centers
Dialzara	$29/mo (60 min)	Tiered subscription	40+ AI voices, Google Calendar integration, 6,000+ Zapier integrations	Budget-conscious small businesses
Goodcall	$66/mo (100 customers)	Per-customer	Unlimited minutes, no-code setup, skills-based routing, REST API	Businesses with predictable customer bases
Rosie	$49/mo	Flat monthly	Bilingual (English/Spanish), unlimited minutes, appointment scheduling	Service businesses needing bilingual support
Bland AI	$0.09/min	Pay-per-minute	Developer API, conversational AI, webhook integrations, voice cloning	Developers and high-volume operations
Vapi AI	$0.05/min	Pay-per-minute	Voice AI infrastructure, real-time conversation, modular architecture	Developers building custom voice apps
Upfirst AI	Custom	Usage-based	Industry-specific training, multilingual, advanced routing, HIPAA compliant	Enterprise and multi-location businesses

Need help choosing the best AI receptionist for your small business?

Our full guide on AI Receptionists for Small Businesses breaks down exactly what features matter, how to handle fluctuating call volume, and which platforms offer the best value based on your team size and service type.

Key Pricing Insights of AI Receptionist

What these 14 providers reveal about AI receptionist pricing:

Pricing Insight	What to Know
Flat Monthly vs. Per-Minute	Per-minute pricing ($0.05-$0.99/min) looks cheap but 500 minutes = $25-$495/month. Flat rates offer predictable budgeting.
Minute Cap Traps	Plans at $29-$99/mo often cap at 50-100 minutes. Overage fees ($0.50-$1.00/min) can double your bill during busy months.
Per-User Costs Scale Fast	$19/user × 10 team members = $190/mo—often more than flat-rate team plans.
Entry-Level Sweet Spot	$29-$49/month range (Dialzara, Synthflow, Welco, Rosie) offers best value for small businesses.
Human Backup Premium	Hybrid AI + human services (Smith.ai) cost 2-3× more but worth it for complex call handling.
Developer Platforms	Lowest per-minute rates (Vapi $0.05, Retell $0.07, Bland $0.09) but require technical expertise and implementation time.
Compliance Costs More	HIPAA-compliant solutions start at $99/mo+ (except Synthflow at $29/mo with limits).
Hidden Fees Matter	A $39/mo flat rate with no overages often costs less annually than $29/mo with caps and fees. Always calculate total cost.

Starting price is just one factor. Consider your call volume, required features, and potential overage charges to determine true cost. The cheapest advertised price rarely reflects what you’ll actually pay—especially as your business grows.

Learn how to calculate the true ROI of your AI receptionist investment beyond just the monthly fee.

6 Factors That Drive Your Overall AI Receptionist Cost

Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and avoid surprise bills. While advertised prices give you a starting point, your actual cost depends on how these six variables apply to your specific business.

1. Call Volume & Usage

The most significant pricing factor. Your monthly call volume directly determines which pricing tier is most suitable.

Here’s how call volume maps to pricing:

Monthly Call Volume	Typical Plan Type	Price Range	What to Expect
0-100 calls	Starter plans	$50-$150	Basic answering, limited features
100-500 calls	Professional plans	$150-$400	Full features, integrations included
500-1,500 calls	Business plans	$400-$800	Multi-line, advanced routing, analytics
1,500+ calls	Enterprise/custom	$800+	Dedicated support, custom solutions

💡 Pro Tip: Review your last 3 months of call logs before choosing a plan. Add a 20-30% buffer for growth.

⚠️ Watch Out For: “Unlimited calls” can sometimes mean unlimited inbound but limited outbound, or caps on concurrent calls.

2. Feature Complexity

Features are the second-biggest cost driver. More sophisticated capabilities require more advanced AI and infrastructure.

Here’s how features impact your monthly bill:

Feature Tier	Monthly Cost Impact	What’s Included
Basic (Usually included)	Base price	Call answering and routing, voicemail transcription, and basic business hours setup
Mid-Tier	+$50-$150/month	Appointment booking with calendar sync, CRM integration (Salesforce, HubSpot), call recording and analytics, SMS capabilities
Premium	+$150-$500/month	Custom AI voice training, multi-language support (3+ languages), advanced workflow automation, white-label options, API access for custom integrations

3. Integration Requirements

Connecting your AI receptionist to existing business tools affects total cost.

Standard vs. custom integration costs:

Integration Type	Typical Cost	Examples
Standard Integrations (Usually free)	Included	Google Calendar, Outlook, popular CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot basics), Zapier connections
Custom Integrations	$50-$300 per integration	Custom API development, legacy system connections, specialized industry software (EMR, practice management), real-time data syncing.

Note: Custom enterprise integrations may exceed $1,000 per tool.

The right integrations can significantly impact your ROI. Popular connections include appointment scheduling, CRM systems, and SMS capabilities for follow-up communications. Read our guide on AI receptionist integration capabilities to understand which connections drive the most value.

Question to Ask: “Which integrations are included free, and what requires custom development?”

4. Customization Level

How much you personalize the AI affects setup and ongoing costs.

Customization pricing breakdown:

Customization Level	Cost Range	What You Get
Template Setup	$0-$50	Pre-built scripts, standard voice
Moderate Customization	$100-$300	Custom greetings, basic call flow design, branded hold music
Advanced Training	$500-$2,000	Industry-specific vocabulary training, custom voice cloning, complex multi-step workflows

Question to Ask: “How much customization is included in setup, and what costs extra?”

5. Support & Service Level

The type of support you receive varies depending on the pricing tier.

Support levels and response times:

Support Level	Cost	Response Time	What’s Included
Self-Service	Included	N/A	Knowledge base, video tutorials, email support (24-48hr)
Standard Support	Included	12-24 hours	Email support, chat during business hours
Priority Support	+$100-$200/month	2-4 hours	Phone support, faster response times, dedicated Slack channel
Premium/White-Glove	Enterprise only	<1 hour	Dedicated account manager, quarterly reviews, proactive optimization

6. Industry-Specific Requirements

Certain industries pay premiums for compliance and specialized features.

Industry compliance costs:

Industry	Additional costs	Requirements	Why It Costs More
Healthcare	+15-30%	HIPAA compliance, patient privacy protocols, EMR system integration	Strict regulatory requirements, encrypted storage, audit trails
Legal	+20-40%	Conflict checking, confidentiality safeguards, client privilege handling	Attorney-client privilege protection, compliance documentation
Financial Services	+25-50%	Security certifications, regulatory compliance, encrypted communications	Financial data protection, SEC/FINRA compliance, enhanced security

Industry compliance costs vary significantly. For example, dental practices and medical clinics require HIPAA compliance, while real estate agencies and contractors typically need simpler setups with scheduling and intake form capabilities.

Your total AI receptionist cost is rarely just the advertised base price. A $99/month plan can become $300+/month once you factor in:

• Your actual call volume (not just the plan’s base allocation)
• Essential integrations for your CRM and calendar
• Customization needed for your industry terminology
• Support level required for your team
• Compliance features mandated by your industry

Smart approach: Start with basic features and scale up only after you’ve proven ROI. Most businesses overpay by buying features they never use—begin with the essentials and add capabilities as needed.

Hidden Costs That Inflates Your AI Receptionist Pricing

The advertised price—whether for an AI receptionist or traditional answering service—is rarely the final cost. A ‘$99/month’ plan can easily become $200+ once hidden fees kick in.

Here are the five most common hidden charges to watch for:

1. Setup & Onboarding Fees

2. Custom Integration Costs

3. Overage Charges (Per Call or Minute)

4. Add-On Features or Premium Tools

5. Early Termination Penalties

Here’s how these hidden costs typically show up — and how to avoid them before they impact your budget:

Hidden Cost	Typical Range	How to Avoid
Setup & Onboarding	$0-$500 one-time	Ask: “What’s included in setup?” before signing
Custom Integrations	$200-$1,000 each	Verify YOUR specific tools are included free
Overage Fees	$0.40-$1.50/call or minute	Choose unlimited plans or set alerts at 80% capacity
Feature Add-Ons	$25-$200/month	Start with basics; add features only after proven ROI
Early Termination	20-50% of contract	Choose month-to-month or ask about cancellation terms

The Overage Trap

The most common hidden cost: Plans advertise low monthly rates but cap your minutes or calls.

Example: A $59/month plan includes 100 minutes. If you use 200 minutes at $0.50/minute overage, your bill jumps to $109—an 85% increase.

Protection: Review your call volume over the last 3-6 months and add a 30% buffer before choosing a plan.

Features like call transfer to your team or advanced routing should be included in your base price—not charged as add-ons that inflate your bill.

Always calculate total cost based on your actual usage, not the advertised base price. A transparent $250/month flat-rate plan often costs less annually than a “$99/month” plan loaded with hidden fees and caps.

Calculate Your ROI: Is an AI Receptionist Worth It?

Simple ROI Formula

Monthly Value = (Cost savings) + (Revenue from captured calls) – (AI cost)

Example: If you spend $3,500/month on a part-time receptionist and switch to a $200/month AI solution, you save $3,300/month in direct costs. Add revenue from previously missed calls, and the value compounds.

When Does AI Make the Most Sense?

Factor	Strong ROI Fit	May Need Different Approach
Call Volume	200+ calls/month	Under 50 calls/month
Current Costs	$3,000+/month on reception staff	Already minimal reception costs
Missed Calls	Frequently miss calls or after-hours inquiries	Capture 95%+ of all inquiries
Call Complexity	Mostly routine, repetitive questions	80%+ require complex human judgment
Business Model	Appointment-based with no-show issues	Relationship-driven, personal touch critical
Volume Patterns	Seasonal spikes or unpredictable surges	Steady, easily managed volume

Quick AI Receptionist ROI Calculator

Three questions to determine if AI makes sense:

1. How much do you currently spend on reception per month?
   (Include salary, benefits, and the time your team spends answering calls)
2. How many calls do you miss per week?
   (Check your voicemail or call logs for the past month)
3. What’s the average value of a call or appointment?
   (Think: typical sale amount, consultation fee, or lifetime customer value)

Example calculation:

Let’s say you miss 10 calls weekly and each is worth $200:

Step	Calculation	Result
Missed calls per month	10 calls × 4.33 weeks	43 calls
Potential monthly loss	43 calls × $200	$8,600
Revenue captured by AI (30%)	$8,600 × 0.30	$2,580
AI receptionist cost	–	$250
Net monthly gain	$2,580 – $250	$2,330
Annual impact	$2,330 × 12	$27,960

For a deeper dive into measuring value beyond simple cost savings, check out our guide on how to actually measure AI receptionist ROI, which covers metrics like conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and opportunity cost.

Calculate for your business

Step	Your Calculation
Missed calls per month	_____ calls × 4.33 weeks = _____ calls
Potential monthly loss	_____ calls × $_____ value = $_____
Revenue captured by AI (30%)	$_____ × 0.30 = $_____
AI receptionist cost	$_____
Net monthly gain	$_____ – $_____ = $_____

If the net gain is positive, AI pays for itself.

How to Choose the Right AI Receptionist for Your Budget

Step 1: Know Your Numbers

Calculate what you’re spending now:

• Current reception costs (salary + benefits)
• Time your team spends on calls
• Revenue lost from missed calls

Step 2: Identify Must-Have Features

Don’t pay for features you don’t need. Start with basics:

• 24/7 availability
• Appointment scheduling
• CRM integration

Add advanced features (multi-language, custom training, analytics) only after the basics prove ROI.

Step 3: Estimate Your Call Volume

Review your last 3 months of call logs and add a 25% growth buffer. This determines which pricing tier fits your needs.

Step 4: Test Before You Commit

Always run a free trial. Evaluate:

• Voice quality and naturalness
• Accuracy with your industry terms
• Integration setup ease
• Dashboard usability
• Support responsiveness

Walk away if you see multiple red flags during testing.

If you’re currently using a human receptionist, our complete migration guide walks you through testing and transitioning without disrupting your operations.

Focus on Value AI Receptionist Offers, Not Just Price

A $150/month AI with high call conversion delivers more value than a $50/month AI with poor performance.

Example: 100 monthly calls at $200 average value:

• Budget AI (60% conversion): $12,000 revenue – $50 cost = $11,950 net
• Quality AI (90% conversion): $18,000 revenue – $150 cost = $17,850 net
• Difference: $5,900/month more value ($70,800 annually)

 Bottom Line: The best AI isn’t the cheapest—it’s the one that converts calls into customers most effectively.

5 Costly Pitfalls to Avoid When Selecting an AI Receptionist

1. Choosing Based on Price Alone

Poor voice quality causes callers to hang up. Test voice quality extensively during trials—make at least 20 calls yourself.

2. Not Verifying YOUR Specific Integrations

“Works with CRMs” doesn’t mean it works with YOUR CRM version. Get written confirmation and ask for a live demo showing your specific tools integrating before you buy.

3. Underestimating Your Call Volume

Overage fees can double your bill. Review your last 3-6 months of call logs and add a 30% buffer for growth.

4. Ignoring Scalability

Outgrowing your plan forces expensive migrations. Before signing, ask: “What’s your upgrade path? Can I keep my phone number if I upgrade?”

This is especially critical for growing businesses. If you’re planning to expand, read our guide on how to scale AI reception across multiple locations to avoid costly migrations down the road.

5. Skipping the Trial Period

Never sign an annual contract without thoroughly testing it. Run a 14-30 day trial with real call volume—make at least 50 test calls covering various scenarios.

What Should You Actually Budget for an AI Receptionist?

Budget Recommendations by Business Type

Business Size	Realistic Monthly Budget	What This Gets You
Solo/Micro Business	$75-$150	Basic call answering, voicemail transcription, appointment scheduling, after-hours coverage
Small Business (5-20 employees)	$150-$300	Full-featured service: 24/7 answering, CRM integration, appointment booking, call analytics, standard support
Mid-Size Company (20-100 employees)	$300-$600	Multi-location support, advanced call routing, priority support, custom workflows, analytics dashboard
Enterprise (100+ employees)	$800-$2,000+	Custom AI training, dedicated account manager, SLA guarantees, compliance features, white-label options

For most small businesses, the sweet spot is $150-300/month. This range delivers professional 24/7 call handling with core integrations and predictable costs—without surprise overage fees or hidden charges.

What Separates Good from Great AI Receptionists

When evaluating providers in your budget range, prioritize:

• Transparent Pricing – All-in costs with no hidden fees
• Proven Voice Quality – Natural conversation flow that doesn’t frustrate callers
• Included Integrations – CRM, calendar, and communication tools connect without additional fees
• Visual Workflow Customization – Modify call flows without coding or technical expertise
• Unlimited Concurrent Calls – No busy signals during peak hours or marketing campaigns
• Scalability – Clear upgrade paths without migration fees or phone number porting complications
• Responsive Support – Answers in hours, not days

Your Next Steps

The bottom line: AI receptionists aren’t an expense—they’re an investment in capturing revenue you’re currently missing.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Calculate your current cost – Review what you’re spending on reception now, including missed calls and opportunity costs
2. Define your must-haves – Identify essential capabilities using the framework in Step 2
3. Request all-in pricing – Ask for total monthly cost including your expected call volume and required integrations
4. Test with real calls – Run free trials with at least 50 calls before committing

Use the frameworks in this guide to compare providers, calculate your true costs, and choose the solution that delivers the best value for your business.

Ready to see how an AI receptionist fits your budget? Explore Welco’s pricing and compare it to other solutions on the market. Start with a free trial to test with real calls before committing