Smith.ai vs MyAIFrontDesk: Which AI Receptionist to Choose?

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Smith.ai vs MyAIFrontDesk

If you’re searching for “Smith.ai vs MyAIFrontDesk”, you’re likely trying to solve one thing: missed calls that are costing you business. Maybe your team is busy, perhaps you don’t have a dedicated receptionist, or maybe after-hours calls keep slipping through.

Whatever the reason, you want an AI receptionist that answers every call, sounds professional, and actually helps your customers — something today’s AI answering services are built to do. Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk are two well-known options people compare when they’re looking for 24/7 call handling, lead qualification, and appointment scheduling.

And with the call center AI market predicted to reach $7.08B by 2030, according to Grand View Research, it’s clear that more businesses are making the switch to AI receptionist rather than relying solely on human staff.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk compare across features, pricing, call quality, integrations, and honest user feedback — so you can quickly see which one fits your business best.

We’ll also show where Welco, a newer AI receptionist made for fast setup and natural, human-like conversations, fits into the picture, and why many businesses are choosing it as a modern alternative.

Overview of Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk

Business phone systems are evolving fast. Gone are the days when businesses needed full-time staff dedicated to answering calls. Today, tools like Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk are transforming how businesses handle inbound communication, manage leads, and book appointments without missing a single opportunity.

What is Smith.ai Used For?

Smith.ai is a hybrid AI-human virtual receptionist service combining artificial intelligence with live North American agents to manage incoming calls and web chats. From lead qualification to appointment scheduling and client intake, Smith.ai is a comprehensive platform to handle frontline customer engagement, helping businesses maintain professional communication through its dual-layer approach of AI automation and human backup.

While there are many alternatives to Smith.ai, the platform stands out for its conversation quality, human oversight, and reliability for sensitive interactions. Features such as conflict-of-interest checks for legal clients, bilingual support, and seamless CRM syncing make it a widely chosen virtual receptionist solution among law firms, professional services, and businesses that value the human touch.

What is MyAIFrontDesk Used For?

MyAIFrontDesk is a fully AI-powered call handler designed for automated, round-the-clock phone answering without human involvement. MyAIFrontDesk has use cases across multiple industries and niches, including healthcare clinics, beauty salons, and solo practitioners. This tool offers affordable, scalable options for handling unlimited simultaneous calls, enabling small businesses and solopreneurs to avoid the expense of hiring full-time receptionists or subscribing to expensive hybrid services.

Thus, while MyAIFrontDesk is more focused on basic AI automation at low cost, Smith.ai takes things further with human agent backup and sophisticated call handling.

 Apart from these two platforms, there’s another solution—Welco—an advanced AI receptionist offering natural conversation quality, real-time actions, and custom workflows without requiring human agents. Whether it’s qualifying leads, booking appointments with instant calendar sync, or answering after-hours calls so you never miss opportunities outside business hours, Welco provides end-to-end call automation with professional-grade voice quality that sounds as natural as a trained human receptionist.

Stop Losing Money to Missed Calls

Welco  uses advanced AI to handle calls professionally while you run your business. Stop missing leads because you’re busy.

Understanding what each platform does helps, but knowing who uses them matters more. Let’s examine that next.

Who uses Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk?

Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk serve businesses across industries that need consistent call coverage without expanding headcount. Professional services, healthcare practices, home service companies, and small businesses rely on these platforms to capture every inbound opportunity. 

Various Smith.ai alternatives and MyAIFrontDesk competitors exist, but each platform attracts specific user types. User feedback reveals distinct patterns in who benefits most from each solution:

PlatformBest Suited For
Smith.ai• Law firms
• Professional services
• Agencies
MyAIFrontDesk• Medical and dental practices
• Salons and spas
• Small retail stores
• Solo practitioners
Welco.aiRestaurants and food service
Real estate agencies
• Professional services
Home service contractors
• Small to mid-sized businesses

Understanding which industries each platform targets helps narrow your decision. Next, we’ll examine how these solutions stack up feature by feature.

Smith.ai vs MyAIFrontDesk: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Here’s how Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk stack up based on pricing structure, call handling capabilities, setup complexity, and integration options. Welco AI pricing is also included to give you a complete picture of the features, benefits, and pricing across all three solutions.

FactorsSmith.aiMyAIFrontDeskWelco AI
Starting Price$95/month (50 calls)$79/month (Starter)$39/month (60 minutes)
Call HandlingAI + live agent backup 24/7Pure AI automationAdvanced AI with custom workflows
Setup TimeQuick setupSetup in minutesUnder 15 minutes
Free Trial30-day money-back guaranteeFree trial available7 days free trial
Integration Options7,000+ integrations6,000+ integrations (Pro plan)8,000+ apps via Zapier, Salesforce, HubSpot
Unlimited PlanEnterprise (custom pricing)Not available$159/month
Live Agent BackupYes (included)NoNo
Customer Support24/7 live agents availableStandard supportExtended support hours, priority support available

Each AI receptionist platforms takes a different approach to call handling, which is why the pricing and features vary so much. Smith.ai includes human agents, making it the most expensive option. 

Each platform takes a different approach to call handling, which is why the pricing and features vary so much. Smith.ai includes human agents, making it the most expensive option. MyAIFrontDesk keeps costs lower with a simpler AI-only model. Welco offers an advanced AI receptionist with human-like conversation quality, custom workflows, and real-time actions—without the high cost of live agents.

For detailed pricing breakdowns, check out these guides on Smith.ai AI Receptionist Pricing and MyAIFrontDesk AI Receptionist Pricing

Ready to Automate Your Call Handling?

Welco delivers professional call answering with advanced features and seamless integrations. Set up in minutes and never miss another opportunity.

Both Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk offer distinct advantages depending on your needs. To choose wisely, you need deeper insights into how each platform performs. Let’s examine the features, pricing, and real-world performance.

Smith.ai vs MyAIFrontDesk: Comprehensive comparison

Choosing between Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk requires understanding how they differ in terms of features, pricing, and capabilities. This section breaks down everything you need to know.

1. Core Feature Comparison Between Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk

Smith.ai or MyAIFrontDesk—which platform handles calls better? Here’s a detailed feature breakdown

FeaturesSmith.aiMyAIFrontDeskWelco AI
24/7 Call Answering
Appointment Scheduling
Call Recording & Transcripts
Live Agent Backup
CRM IntegrationLimited
Custom Call WorkflowsLimited
Multilingual SupportLimited
Call Transfer
SMS Notifications
Intake Forms
API AccessEnterprise only✓ (Business plan)

2. Pricing Plans and Options Offered by Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk

Budget matters when selecting an AI receptionist. Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk take different pricing approaches. Beyond the monthly rate, consider what’s included. For a comprehensive breakdown of AI receptionist costs across the industry, see this guide on How Much Does an AI Receptionist Cost.

Pricing FactorsSmith.aiMyAIFrontDeskWelco.ai
Starting Price$95/month$79/month$39/month
Pricing StructurePer-call volume tiersAnnual saves 20%Minute-based tiers
Free Trial30-day money-backFree trial7 days
Free Version
Setup Costs
Overage Charges$2.40/call (Starter tier)Not specifiedPay only for additional minutes

Answer Every Call Without Breaking the Bank

Welco.ai combines advanced AI call handling with transparent pricing. Get professional call answering that scales with your business.

3. What Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk Handle Well (And Where They Have Room to Grow)

Smith.ai or MyAIFrontDesk—each platform has distinct strengths and weaknesses. Understanding where each excels helps you choose the right fit. Here’s what users report based on verified reviews and real-world experience.

Smith.ai

What Smith.ai Handles WellWhere It Has Room to Grow
The hybrid model combines AI efficiency with human judgment for complex calls.Receptionist quality varies—you don’t always get the same agent handling your calls.
24/7 availability with North America-based professionals ensures no missed opportunities.Dashboard navigation sends you to the landing page when reviewing call history, requiring extra clicks.
Bilingual support in English and Spanish expands your customer reach.Primary calendar integration is Calendly, not Google Calendar—requires manual workarounds.
Deep CRM integration with Salesforce, HubSpot, Clio, and 7,000+ apps via Zapier.Higher pricing compared to pure AI solutions—starts at $95/month for 50 calls.
Professional lead qualification and appointment scheduling keep your pipeline active.Per-call overage charges can add up quickly during busy periods.

MyAIFrontDesk

What MyAIFrontDesk Handles WellWhere It Has Room to Grow
A five-minute setup gets you operational immediately without technical expertise.Sales process described as misleading by some users regarding ease of setup.
Affordable entry point at $99/month with 200 minutes included.Zapier integrations are complicated—often requiring external help despite marketing claims.
Natural-sounding conversations using neural TTS with millisecond response times.Minimal presence on review platforms makes independent verification difficult.
100+ AI voice options let you match your brand personality.Not truly DIY for advanced needs—technical expertise required for customization.
Integrates with Calendly, Vagaro, Booksy, and Google Calendar for scheduling.Answers approximately 80% of calls—better than voicemail but not perfect coverage.

Both Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk excel at basic call handling, but businesses that require advanced features such as custom workflows, unlimited calling, and comprehensive integrations may need to explore alternatives like Welco.

4. What Users Say About Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk

We’ve covered features, pricing, and pros and cons of Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk. But what do actual users say about these platforms? Let’s find out.

Smith.ai User Experiences

The following Smith.ai reviews—both positive and negative—are sourced from verified platforms  G2 and Capterra.

What Users Appreciate
G2 review card showing Fred G., a sales partner from a small business, praising Smith.ai’s AI receptionist for being highly responsive, natural-sounding, easy to set up, and well-integrated into their workflow.
G2 review card showing Dat C., a physical therapist and small-business owner, praising Smith.ai’s AI receptionist for working well in a solo medical practice, offering customizable responses, and allowing frustrated callers to connect to a real person.
G2 review card showing Sam S., a small-business owner, praising Smith.ai for blending AI automation with human support, improving customer communication, responsiveness, and handling both routine and complex calls effectively.
Challenges Users Encountered
Review card showing Ramon, an office manager at a US law practice, sharing feedback on Smith.ai—praising accurate call handling but noting occasional issues when reps don’t follow detailed instructions, which can lead to lost clients.
Review card showing Kyle, an attorney in US legal services, praising Smith.ai for easy setup and excellent support, while noting that local staff cannot run the chat box—only remote receptionists and bots are supported.
Review card showing Chad, a vice president in a US construction company, strongly criticizing Smith.ai for poor service, administrative issues, repeated billing after cancellation, and difficulty resolving overcharges.

MyAIFrontDesk User Experiences

MyAIFrontDesk reviews below are gathered from G2, Capterra and Trustpilot, representing real user experiences.

What Users Appreciate
Review card showing John H., active medical staff at a small business, praising MyAIFrontDesk for real-time AI customization but noting that users miss having access to live support.
Review card showing a verified reviewer, owner of a service business, praising MyAIFrontDesk for being an advanced AI receptionist that handles appointment scheduling and common questions effectively, offering better coverage than voicemail.
Challenges Users Encountered

Ready for a Smarter AI Receptionist Solution?

Frustrated with inconsistent service quality, complicated setups, or limited features? Discover Welco.ai—professional call handling with transparent pricing and seamless integrations.

We’ve compared Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk across features, reviews, pros, cons, and pricing. With all this information, you’re ready to make an informed choice.

Smith.ai vs MyAIFrontDesk: Choosing the right AI receptionist

We’ve analyzed both platforms across features, pricing, reviews, and performance. Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk each excel in specific areas. Here’s how to decide:

  • Smith.ai works well for businesses that value human backup and are willing to pay a premium per-call rates. The hybrid model suits law firms needing occasional live agent support for complex inquiries.
  • MyAIFrontDesk fits small practices that want a fast setup and basic automation. This platform handles straightforward appointment scheduling and FAQs for dental practices, salons, and solo practitioners on a tight budget.
  • Welco delivers comprehensive call management with advanced AI, call management, and enterprise-grade integrations. Use this platform to automate your in-bound customer communication workflow—from intelligent call routing and lead qualification to multi-calendar scheduling and CRM syncing. Welco scales with your business, offering transparent pricing, multilingual support, and custom workflows that Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk can’t match.

Questions to ask while choosing between Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk

When selecting an AI receptionist, answer these questions:

  • Does the platform integrate seamlessly with your existing tools, such as CRM, scheduling software, or practice management systems?
  • Can the system handle your industry’s specific requirements, including compliance needs and terminology?
  • Are the pricing plans structured to match your call volume patterns and budget constraints?
  • Does the platform support complex call routing, including transfers, escalations, and multi-department workflows?
  • Can you customize the AI’s responses, greetings, and call handling to match your brand voice and business processes?

Answering these questions helps you choose the AI receptionist that fits your business requirements.

Go Beyond Basic Call Answering With Welco

While Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk handle call answering, Welco offers a comprehensive solution for end-to-end customer communication automation. The advanced conversational AI handles routine inquiries, qualifies leads, schedules appointments across multiple calendars, and integrates with your existing tools—all while maintaining your brand voice and delivering the reliability expected from modern call answering services.

What sets Welco apart:

  • Visual workflow builder for custom call handling scenarios without coding
  • Real-time actions during calls—booking appointments and updating CRMs instantly, not after
  • 8,000+ integrations, including native Salesforce and HubSpot connections
  • Transparent pricing starting at $39/month
  • Enterprise features like multilingual support, custom intake forms, and sentiment tracking

Whether you’re losing leads to missed calls or struggling with inconsistent call handling, Welco.ai streamlines your communication processes without the per-call fees or human agent limitations of traditional solutions. Beyond just answering calls, businesses using AI receptionists report significant improvements in lead capture rates and ROI—making it easier to justify the investment and track performance.

Still weighing your options? We’ve compared Welco against other leading AI receptionist solutions for small businesses to help you find the right fit.

Ready to see Welco in action? Book a demo with our team today and start your 7-day free trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Which AI receptionist is best for small businesses, Smith.ai or MyAIFrontDesk?

Both Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk serve small businesses, but they take different approaches. MyAIFrontDesk offers the most affordable entry point at $79/month with pure AI automation, making it budget-friendly for solo practitioners. Smith.ai starts at $95/month and includes hybrid AI-human support, which works better for businesses that need reliable call quality and occasional live-agent backup. For small companies planning to scale, Welco offers the best value with transparent pricing starting at $39/month with more advanced features than either competitor.

Can AI receptionists handle calls as well as human receptionists?

Modern AI receptionists handle routine calls effectively—answering questions, booking appointments, and qualifying leads. Smith.ai addresses this by offering live agent backup for complex situations. MyAIFrontDesk relies entirely on AI, which works well for straightforward inquiries but struggles with nuanced conversations. The technology continues to improve, with platforms like Welco using conversational AI that adapts to different scenarios while maintaining consistent quality, without per-call fees or human dependencies.

How do Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk compare in terms of integrations?

Both platforms offer integrations, but their depth varies. MyAIFrontDesk connects with scheduling tools like Calendly, Vagaro, and Google Calendar, plus 6,000+ apps through Zapier on the Pro plan. Smith.ai integrates with legal-focused CRMs (Clio, MyCase) and offers 7,000+ Zapier connections.

Welco provides the most comprehensive integration ecosystem, with 8,000+ apps via Zapier, native connections to major CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot), and advanced API access for custom workflows—delivering enterprise-grade connectivity at small-business prices.

Are there any better alternatives to Smith.ai and MyAIFrontDesk?

Yes, several AI receptionist platforms exist, including RosieAI, GoodCall, Synthflow, RingCentral, and DialZara. Each offers different features and pricing models. Additionally, Welco stands out as a comprehensive solution, offering advanced call management, multilingual support, after-hours call answering services, and complete automation capabilities that go beyond introductory call answering.

Written by
Anshee Mowar
Anshee Mowar
Editor , Welco.ai
Anshee Mowar works on the marketing team at Welco.ai. She writes about how AI phone receptionists help small businesses handle calls better, from reducing missed business opportunities to improving customer service. Her goal is to break down the tech in a way that makes sense for small business owners who just need their phones answered reliably.