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Are AI phone answering services any good?
Short answer
They're good at answering every call, taking details and booking simple jobs, day or night. They're weaker with emergencies, strong accents, complex quotes and angry customers, so set clear rules for when to pass a call to you. Prices on providers' own pages ran from a free 25-call plan to about £57 a month when we checked.
What they do well
- Answer instantly, so you don't lose work to the next number on Google.
- Take the name, number, address and job details, then text or email you a summary.
- Book slots into your calendar or job software if they connect to it.
- Answer the same questions every time: hours, areas covered, call-out charges.
Where they struggle
- Emergencies. Script exactly when to put the call through. A reported gas leak shouldn't be booked for next week; HSE's advice for a suspected gas leak includes calling 0800 111 999.
- Pricing. Don't let it quote; let it book a visit.
- Upset customers usually want a person.
- Accuracy. Check summaries for the first few weeks.
What they cost
From each provider's pricing page on 17 October 2026: Smith.ai has a free plan for 25 calls a month; Upfirst starts at $24.95 for 30 calls; Moneypenny's AI receptionist is from £49 a month on a quote; Powered Now's receptionist add-on is £29 a month on a plan from £28 excl. VAT. US services charge in dollars. See how much does an AI receptionist cost in the UK? for the full table.
Test before you commit
Use a free trial, then ring it yourself with your five most common calls, including an emergency and a time-waster. Check what it sends you afterwards, whether you can get a UK number, and how you cancel.
Related questions
Is there an app that answers my phone with AI?
Yes. Several services answer calls diverted from your mobile or landline. See what is an AI receptionist? and our AI receptionists compared.
Do I need to tell callers it's AI?
Being upfront avoids complaints. See do I have to tell customers I use AI?
Sources
- Smith.ai pricing
- Upfirst pricing
- Moneypenny AI receptionist
- Powered Now pricing
- HSE: domestic gas FAQs
Checked 17 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
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- Can I use ChatGPT for customer service?
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- Does Gemini have voice chat like ChatGPT?
- Does Otter AI work with Teams, Zoom and Google Meet?
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