Per-call billing
Smith.ai publishes call-based plans. This can make costs easier to estimate when your calls vary significantly in length because the allowance is based on qualifying calls rather than receptionist minutes.
Live receptionist comparison · Updated August 2026
Compare virtual receptionist services for small business.
Virtual receptionists give callers a real person without requiring a receptionist at your location. Compare the billing model first: some providers charge by receptionist minutes while others charge by completed calls.
Editorial policy: Affiliate compensation does not determine placement. Use the linked provider sources to confirm terms. AnswerConnect figures are historical and require reconfirmation; they are not a current quote.
Quick comparison
Three established live receptionist options
Starting price alone can be misleading because a 30-call allowance and a 200-minute allowance measure usage differently.
Swipe or scroll the table to compare all columns →
| Provider | Best starting point | Published starting price | Included usage | Billing | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby | Premium minute-based live coverage | $250/mo | 50 minutes | Per minute | 24/7 |
| Smith.ai | Businesses that prefer per-call billing | $300/mo | 30 calls | Per call | 24/7 |
| AnswerConnect | Businesses needing more included live minutes | Previously $350/mo; confirm | 200 minutes | Per minute | 24/7 |
Provider pricing and plan terms can change. Verify current pricing and contract terms directly with the provider before purchasing. Links are informational unless specifically identified as affiliate links.
How to choose
Per-call vs. per-minute virtual receptionist pricing
Per-minute billing
Ruby and AnswerConnect publish minute-based plans. Estimate your average handled call length as well as monthly call volume before comparing these plans with a per-call service.
24/7 coverage
All three providers compared here advertise around-the-clock live coverage. Still check whether your specific plan has additional charges or rules for specialized services.
Workflow features
Appointment scheduling, lead intake, warm transfers, bilingual answering and CRM integrations can matter more than the lowest advertised price if your receptionist is part of your sales workflow.
Provider snapshots
What stands out
Ruby
Starts at $250 per month for 50 receptionist minutes. Ruby says its virtual receptionist plans include 24/7 live answering and offer scheduling, bilingual handling, lead qualification and other front-office capabilities.
Smith.ai
Starts at $300 per month for 30 calls. Smith.ai uses per-call pricing and includes 24/7 bilingual receptionists, appointment booking, lead screening, warm transfers and other live receptionist functions.
AnswerConnect
Earlier published Entry-plan terms were $350 per month for 200 minutes and a $49.99 setup fee; confirm current pricing. The provider advertises 24/7 real-person answering, scripting, CRM integrations and desktop/mobile apps.
Before choosing
Calculate your expected usage.
A service that appears more expensive can become the better value when it includes substantially more usable call time. Estimate monthly inbound calls, average handled-call length, transfers and scheduling activity before comparing monthly plans.
What to compare
Human service still has different operating models.
Billing unit
Determine whether you pay by receptionist minute, call, plan allowance or overage.
Coverage hours
Check business hours, extended hours, weekends and true 24/7 availability.
Call handling
Compare message taking, transfers, intake scripts and appointment scheduling.
Business fit
Look for industry experience and escalation workflows that match your callers.
Decision guide
When virtual reception is the stronger choice
A human virtual receptionist makes sense when caller experience requires judgment, empathy or natural conversation but the business does not need someone physically at the front desk.
Research standard: We use provider-published terms for pricing and features and do not invent missing details. Always confirm current terms before purchasing.