Guide · updated October 2026
Best AI Receptionists for Small Businesses (2026): Pricing Compared
An AI receptionist answers your business phone (and often your messages) 24/7, answers common questions and books appointments, so you stop losing customers to voicemail. Here is how the main options compare for small businesses like barbershops, salons, cleaning companies, contractors and gyms.
1. Aamy
Best for: Small businesses whose customers call AND message on WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook, in any language
From $49/mo · 7-day free trial, no card
- Answers calls, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook 24/7
- Books in Google Calendar, Square or Calendly
- Speaks the caller's language (English, Spanish, Portuguese and more)
- Asks for Google reviews and follows up with leads automatically
2. Rosie
Best for: Phone-only answering in English and Spanish
From $49/mo (250 minutes)
- Simple setup
- iOS and Android apps
- Direct calendar booking from $149/mo
3. Smith.ai
Best for: Businesses that need live human receptionists
From $300/mo (30 calls)
- Live human agents 24/7
- Lead intake
4. Ruby
Best for: Live human receptionists with a premium budget
From $250/mo (50 minutes)
- Live receptionists 24/7
- Bilingual answering
- Payment collection and intake
5. RingCentral AI Receptionist
Best for: Businesses already on RingCentral phones
From $49/mo (100 minutes), $0.50/min after
- Part of a big business phone platform
- Six languages
- Google and Outlook calendars
6. Quo (OpenPhone)
Best for: Teams that need a full business phone app with an AI agent
From $19 per user/mo; AI calls billed by usage
- Business numbers and texting for the team
- Sona AI agent answers after hours
How to choose an AI receptionist
- Channels: if customers text or DM you, pick one that also answers WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.
- Booking: check that it books directly in the calendar you already use (Google Calendar, Square, Calendly).
- Languages: if you serve Spanish or Portuguese speakers, make sure it switches languages automatically.
- Pricing model: flat or per-minute plans are usually cheaper than per-call pricing for busy businesses.
- Trial: test it with your own calls before paying.
This guide is published by Aamy. Competitor prices come from their public pricing pages in October 2026 and may change.