Comparisons · AI receptionists
Comparison
Smith.ai AI Receptionist vs Frontdesk (My AI Front Desk)
An AI receptionist that answers calls 24/7, qualifies leads and books appointments, with live human backup available. Phone answering plus web chat, two-way text, a simple CRM and automations in one plan.
| Smith.ai AI Receptionist | Frontdesk (My AI Front Desk) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free: 25 calls a month, then $3.00 a call. Pro: $150 a month (75 calls, about $2.00 a call). Enterprise: from $500 a month. | Business-in-a-Box: $99 a month, or $79 a month billed annually, including 200 voice minutes. |
| Free plan | Yes. 25 calls a month with 24/7 answering, recordings, transcripts, summaries and calendar booking. | No. No free plan listed. |
| Best for | Trying an AI receptionist properly before spending anything. | Businesses that want phone, chat and text handled in one place. |
| Watch out for | Per-call billing gets expensive with many short calls. Live agents are based in North America. | You pay for features you may not use if you only need calls answered. |
| UK notes | US company, priced in dollars; confirm UK number support. | US company, priced in dollars. |
| Made by | Smith.ai | My AI Front Desk |
| Checked | 2026-10-14 | 2026-10-14 |
Our verdict
For most small UK businesses starting out, Smith.ai AI Receptionist is the easier first pick because it has a free plan. Pick Frontdesk (My AI Front Desk) instead if this sounds like you: businesses that want phone, chat and text handled in one place.
UK price difference
Cheapest paid plans: Smith.ai AI Receptionist $150 (Pro, per month); Frontdesk (My AI Front Desk) $99 (Business-in-a-Box, per month (or $79 billed annually)). Frontdesk (My AI Front Desk) is $51 a month cheaper at entry level, though billing terms differ. Check on the provider page whether VAT is included before you buy.
Who should pick which?
- Choose Smith.ai AI Receptionist for: trying an AI receptionist properly before spending anything.
- Choose Frontdesk (My AI Front Desk) for: businesses that want phone, chat and text handled in one place.
Only Smith.ai AI Receptionist has a free plan, so you can try it first at no cost. Prices change, so check the provider's page before buying.
Other ai receptionists to consider
Upfirst
An AI receptionist that answers, summarises and transfers calls and books appointments.
Rosie
An AI answering service that takes messages, sends booking links and, on higher plans, books and transfers calls.
Goodcall
An AI phone agent billed per unique customer rather than per minute.
Moneypenny AI Receptionist
A UK answering company offering an AI receptionist with the option of real receptionists.
Full details
Smith.ai AI Receptionist tool page · Frontdesk (My AI Front Desk) tool page · How we check prices
Sources
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