7 Best Answering Services for Small Businesses in 2025

1. Marlie Ai

Marlie Ai emerges as a revolutionary force in the world of answering services, replacing traditional call centers with a sophisticated 24/7 AI phone assistant. It is engineered specifically for small to midsized service businesses where every missed call is a missed opportunity. Marlie instantly answers calls in under two seconds with a remarkably natural and friendly voice, handling routine inquiries and freeing up your team to focus on core, revenue-generating activities.

This platform stands out by offering a powerful, cost-effective alternative to human agents. Operating at just $0.25 per minute, Marlie can slash call-handling expenses by up to 80% compared to the industry standard of around $2 per minute. For businesses looking to maximize their budget without sacrificing professionalism, this represents a significant competitive advantage. As you consider AI-powered services like Marlie Ai, understanding the fundamental concepts of AI can be beneficial. For a deeper dive into this technology, explore The Basics of AI for Small Businesses.

Key Features and Capabilities

Marlie Ai is more than just a call-answering bot; it's an intelligent operational hub. It is fully customizable to your business's unique voice and personality, ensuring a consistent brand experience.

• Autonomous Task Handling: Marlie can book jobs, schedule appointments, collect caller details, process payments, and answer frequently asked questions without human intervention.
• Intelligent Call Routing: Callers are not trapped in a frustrating loop. They can press '0' or use specific keywords to be instantly transferred to a live person, blending AI efficiency with the essential human touch.
• Built-in Efficiency Tools: The platform includes spam call blocking, automatic text notifications to customers, real-time call logs, and complete call recordings for quality assurance.
• Proven Results: Businesses using Marlie report a 20-60% increase in booked jobs, a 94% customer satisfaction rate, and an average of 15 hours saved per week.

Ideal Use Cases

Marlie's versatility makes it a powerful asset for a wide range of industries:

• Service Businesses (Locksmiths, Towing, HVAC): Answers calls and books jobs while technicians are in the field.
• Medical Practices & Pharmacies: Manages appointment scheduling, answers FAQs, and handles prescription refill requests, allowing staff to focus on patient care.
• Law Firms: Provides professional, 24/7 intake for new clients, ensuring no lead is lost after hours.

Pricing and Getting Started

Marlie Ai's pricing starts at an accessible $49 per month, with a pay-as-you-go model of $0.25 per minute for calls. This structure allows businesses to scale their usage without being locked into expensive, high-volume contracts. Setup is streamlined and requires no additional hardware. The platform offers a risk-free 14-day free trial, giving you the opportunity to test its capabilities firsthand.

Website: https://www.marlie.ai

Pros:

• Significantly reduces call-handling costs by up to 80%.
• 24/7 instant-answer capability ensures no missed leads.
• Automates routine tasks like scheduling and FAQs.
• Increases booked jobs and boosts revenue.
• Includes smart features like spam blocking and call recordings.

2. Ruby

Ruby positions itself as a premium virtual receptionist and live chat service, making it one of the best answering services for small businesses that prioritize a polished, professional first impression. Its US-based receptionists are trained to act as a seamless extension of your team, providing a high-touch, human-centric experience for every caller, 24/7/365. This focus on quality interactions and brand representation is what sets Ruby apart from more basic, message-taking services.

The platform is designed for businesses like law firms, healthcare clinics, and home service providers that require more than just message-taking; they need sophisticated call handling, appointment scheduling, and lead qualification performed with a consistently professional tone. Ruby's bilingual (English/Spanish) support and options for HIPAA and PCI compliance make it a secure and versatile choice for businesses in regulated industries.

Key Features & Offerings

Ruby simplifies its service structure with transparent, tiered plans based on receptionist minutes, ensuring all users get access to the same core features regardless of their plan. This straightforward approach allows businesses to scale their usage up or down as call volume changes.

• 24/7/365 Live Receptionists: Human agents are always available to answer calls, ensuring no opportunity is missed.
• Optional Live Chat: Businesses can bundle live chat services with their receptionist plan at a discounted rate, creating a cohesive customer engagement strategy.
• Specialized Compliance: HIPAA and PCI-compliant options are available for businesses handling sensitive patient or payment information.
• Bilingual Support: Receptionists are available to assist both English and Spanish-speaking callers, broadening your customer reach.

Pricing and Plan Structure

Ruby's pricing is built on a monthly subscription model based on a set number of receptionist minutes. Plans typically start around $300-$500 per month and increase with the minute allowance. While this premium pricing reflects the quality of service, the minute-based billing can be a drawback for businesses with unpredictable, spiky call volumes, which could lead to overage fees.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Simple, Transparent Plans: The tiered minute structure is easy to understand and makes budgeting predictable.
• Stellar Reputation: Ruby consistently receives high marks on third-party review sites for its professionalism and reliability.

Cons:

• Premium Cost: Pricing is higher than many competitors, which may not be feasible for all small businesses.
• Minute-Based Billing: Can be less cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating call volumes compared to per-call models.

For a deeper dive into how this provider stacks up, you can learn more about Ruby's services and its place in the market.

Website: https://www.ruby.com/

3. Smith.ai

Smith.ai distinguishes itself with an AI-first approach backed by live human agents, making it one of the best answering services for small businesses focused on growth, automation, and efficiency. It offers both a cutting-edge AI receptionist and a traditional human virtual receptionist service, allowing businesses to choose the model that best fits their operational needs and budget. This flexibility, combined with a transparent per-call pricing model, is ideal for tech-savvy companies that want to leverage powerful integrations to streamline workflows.

The platform is engineered for businesses that need deep connections with their existing software, such as CRMs, calendars, and practice management systems. Its vast integration library of over 7,000 tools enables sophisticated lead screening, appointment booking, and customer data capture directly within the tools you already use. This focus on automation and workflow efficiency makes it a powerful choice for service businesses, law firms, and medical clinics aiming to maximize productivity without increasing headcount.

Key Features & Offerings

Smith.ai's feature set is designed to automate and enhance customer interactions, whether through its AI or human receptionists. The platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools that go far beyond simple message-taking to actively support business growth.

• AI or Human Receptionists: Businesses can choose an AI-first model with human backup or a fully human-staffed service, providing unique flexibility.
• 7,000+ Integrations: Connects seamlessly with most CRMs, calendars, and workflow tools to automate tasks like lead intake and scheduling.
• Per-Call Pricing: Billing is based on the number of relevant calls, not minutes, which includes free spam and sales call blocking for predictable costs.
• Bilingual Support: Live receptionists are available to handle both English and Spanish-speaking callers, expanding market reach.

Pricing and Plan Structure

Smith.ai offers two distinct pricing tracks: one for its AI receptionist and another for its live virtual receptionists. The AI plans are particularly affordable and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making them a low-risk option. The live receptionist plans are priced per call, starting from around $285 per month for 30 calls. While this per-call model offers clarity, businesses should be mindful that the initial choice between AI and human services can seem complex.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Highly Automation-Friendly: The extensive integration catalog is a major advantage for businesses looking to automate workflows.
• Clear Per-Call Economics: Per-call pricing with free spam blocking makes it easy to forecast costs and measure ROI.
• Strong Customer Ratings: The service is highly rated on platforms like G2 and Capterra for its technology and reliability.

Cons:

• Potentially Confusing Models: The dual AI vs. human pricing structures can be difficult to navigate for new users.
• Scaling Quality Concerns: Some recent user feedback has noted occasional variability in service quality as the company has grown.

For a more in-depth comparison, you can explore alternatives to Smith.ai and its market position.

Website: https://smith.ai/pricing/ai-receptionist/

4. PATLive

PATLive positions itself as a flexible and transparent US-based answering service, making it a strong contender among the best answering services for small businesses that value straightforward pricing and the ability to test a service thoroughly before committing. It provides 24/7/365 live receptionist coverage, ensuring that businesses from locksmiths to medical clinics can capture every lead and support every customer, regardless of the time of day. The service is designed for teams that need reliable call handling, from basic message taking to more complex tasks like appointment scheduling and order processing.

A key differentiator for PATLive is its commitment to transparency and ease of use, highlighted by its fully-featured 14-day free trial. This allows a small business to not only experience the quality of the receptionists but also to accurately gauge their monthly minute usage, helping them select the right plan from the start. With month-to-month agreements and no setup fees, it offers a low-risk entry point for businesses looking to professionalize their phone presence without long-term contracts.

Key Features & Offerings

PATLive provides a comprehensive suite of features designed to integrate seamlessly into a small business's operations. All plans come with access to its web and mobile apps, giving users real-time control over their account and access to detailed reporting.

• 100% US-Based Receptionists: All agents are based in the United States, ensuring clear communication and a professional demeanor.
• Comprehensive Call Handling: Services extend beyond message taking to include call screening, lead intake, appointment scheduling, order processing, and dispatching.
• Web and Mobile Apps: Provides on-the-go control to update your status, view messages, and track call activity in real time.
• No Contracts or Setup Fees: Offers month-to-month flexibility, making it easy to start, change, or cancel service as business needs evolve.

Pricing and Plan Structure

PATLive uses a transparent, tiered model based on receptionist minutes, with plans clearly outlining the included minutes and the per-minute overage rate. This structure provides predictability for budgeting. While bilingual Spanish support is available, it comes at an additional monthly fee, which is an important consideration for businesses serving a diverse clientele.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong Free Trial: The 14-day trial is fully featured, allowing businesses to validate the service and estimate their minute usage accurately.
• Transparent Pricing: Clear plan tiers with published overage rates and included local or toll-free numbers remove financial guesswork.

Cons:

• Minute-Based Billing: Can be less economical for businesses with consistently long or complex calls that consume minutes quickly.
• Extra Fee for Spanish Support: Unlike some competitors, bilingual services are not standard and require an additional monthly payment.

Website: https://www.patlive.com/pricing

5. Moneypenny

Moneypenny, which acquired and integrated the US-based service VoiceNation, offers a uniquely flexible approach, making it one of the best answering services for small businesses seeking both scalability and technological variety. It stands out by providing both dedicated human receptionists and advanced AI voice agents, allowing businesses to start with a cost-effective solution and scale up to more personalized services as they grow. This dual offering caters to a wide range of needs, from simple 24/7 message-taking to complex call handling with CRM integration.

The platform is designed for businesses that want a low-cost entry point without sacrificing the potential for sophisticated features later. This makes it ideal for service-based businesses like HVAC technicians or locksmiths who need immediate call capture, as well as for growing professional practices that will eventually require appointment scheduling and order processing. By blending human-powered service with AI efficiency, Moneypenny provides a clear growth path within a single ecosystem.

Key Features & Offerings

Moneypenny organizes its plans into distinct families—Essential for foundational needs and Personalized for more advanced requirements—with add-ons available for customization. The inclusion of AI answering plans provides an innovative option for businesses looking to optimize costs and efficiency.

• Human and AI Answering: Choose between 24/7 live receptionists or an AI voice agent, with the ability for AI to escalate complex calls to a human agent.
• Included Business Numbers: All plans come with a local or toll-free number, helping maintain a professional image.
• Scalable Add-Ons: Enhance basic plans with features like CRM integration, appointment scheduling, and order processing as your business needs evolve.
• Mobile App & Dashboard: Manage calls, view messages, and update your status in real time from anywhere using their dedicated online portal and mobile application.

Pricing and Plan Structure

Moneypenny's pricing starts at a very accessible entry point, particularly for its AI and Essential plans. The structure is designed to let businesses begin with a basic package and add more services as required. However, some plans, especially the AI options, may have setup fees, and determining the exact minute allocations for tiered plans often requires direct contact with their sales team.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Low Entry Price Point: The starting cost is highly competitive, making it easy for small businesses to get started.
• Hybrid Human/AI Model: Offers the flexibility to choose between human-powered service and AI efficiency under one provider.

Cons:

• Potential Setup Fees: Some plans, particularly AI-focused ones, come with an initial setup cost.
• Pricing Comparison Confusion: The brand's history with VoiceNation can sometimes make it difficult to compare historical and current pricing plans.

Website: https://www.moneypenny.com/us/

6. AnswerConnect

AnswerConnect stands out among the best answering services for small businesses by combining a strict human-first approach with a strong commitment to sustainability. It provides 24/7 live answering and chat services powered entirely by human receptionists, intentionally avoiding bots and voicemails to ensure every customer interaction is genuine. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that want to guarantee a personal touch and build strong customer relationships from the first call.

The service is built for scalability, offering customizable scripts and a responsive onboarding process that helps integrate their receptionists into your existing workflows. AnswerConnect's focus on environmental initiatives, such as planting a tree for every customer and every employee, adds a unique value proposition for eco-conscious brands that want their partners to reflect their company values.

Key Features & Offerings

AnswerConnect equips small businesses with the tools needed for comprehensive customer communication management, all delivered with a human touch. Its feature set is designed for seamless integration and round-the-clock availability.

• Always-On Live Receptionists: Guarantees 24/7/365 coverage from live agents, ensuring no reliance on automated systems or voicemail.
• Minutes-Based Monthly Plans: Provides clear, scalable plans based on call minutes, allowing businesses to adjust their subscription as their needs change.
• CRM and App Integrations: Offers both desktop and mobile apps, along with integrations for popular CRM platforms to streamline lead and customer data management.
• Sustainability Initiatives: The company's focus on positive environmental impact, including tree planting programs, differentiates it from competitors.

Pricing and Plan Structure

AnswerConnect uses a minutes-based monthly billing model, which is common in the industry. However, specific pricing details for the US market are often not listed publicly on their website and typically require contacting their sales team for a custom quote. This approach allows them to tailor plans to specific business needs but can be a hurdle for those seeking immediate pricing information.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent Customer Satisfaction: The service consistently receives high marks for its professional, friendly, and effective receptionists.
• Human-First Approach: By avoiding bots and IVR, it enhances the caller experience, which can lead to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.

Cons:

• Opaque Pricing: Requiring a sales call to get pricing details can be inconvenient for businesses in the initial research phase.
• Minute-Based Billing: While scalable, this model can lead to unpredictable costs for businesses with fluctuating call volumes.

To see how this provider compares to others, you can find a more complete overview of telephone answering services for small business.

Website: https://www.answerconnect.com/

7. Go Answer

Go Answer positions itself as one of the best answering services for small businesses by focusing on transparency, flexibility, and specialized support. Its US-based agents provide 24/7/365 bilingual service, making it an excellent choice for companies that need reliable, professional call handling around the clock. The platform is particularly known for its straightforward pricing and quick setup, which includes a 14-day free trial, allowing businesses to test the service risk-free.

While Go Answer serves a wide range of industries, it has carved out a niche with its legal intake expertise, making it a strong contender for law firms needing precise lead qualification and client intake. The service is built to function as a direct extension of a business's team, offering everything from basic message-taking to more complex appointment scheduling and customer support, all with a clear, upfront cost structure.

Key Features & Offerings

Go Answer's feature set is designed for simplicity and effectiveness, ensuring businesses have the tools they need without unnecessary complexity. The ability to pause or adjust plans easily provides a level of agility that is highly valued by small businesses with fluctuating call volumes.

• 24/7/365 Live Answering: Guarantees that every call is answered by a live agent, regardless of the time or day.
• Bilingual Support: Agents are available to assist both English and Spanish-speaking customers, expanding market reach.
• Flexible Plan Management: Businesses can pause or change their minute plans as their needs evolve, avoiding long-term commitments.
• Legal Intake Specialty: Offers specialized services for law firms, including detailed intake forms and lead screening.

Pricing and Plan Structure

Go Answer is notable for its transparent pricing, with all plan tiers and overage rates published directly on its website. Plans are based on a monthly allowance of receptionist minutes, with tiers ranging from 0 to over 10,000 minutes. This clear, minute-based model simplifies budgeting, though it means longer, more in-depth calls will consume the allowance more quickly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Clear and Transparent Pricing: Publicly listed plans and competitive overage rates eliminate billing surprises.
• Solid User Satisfaction: Consistently receives positive feedback on third-party review sites for its reliability and professionalism.

Cons:

• Minute-Based Billing: Can be less cost-effective for businesses with consistently long customer calls.
• Fewer Native Integrations: Offers fewer built-in tools and integrations compared to larger, more established platforms.

Website: https://www.goanswer.io/

Top 7 Answering Services Comparison

Final Thoughts

Navigating the landscape of the best answering services for small businesses can feel overwhelming, but making an informed choice is a pivotal step toward enhancing customer communication and operational efficiency. We've explored a range of top-tier options, from the AI-powered precision of Marlie Ai to the dedicated human touch of services like Ruby and Moneypenny. Each platform brings a unique set of features, pricing structures, and specialized capabilities to the table.

Your final decision shouldn't be about finding a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it's about identifying the service that aligns perfectly with your specific business model, call volume, and customer interaction style. A bustling HVAC company may prioritize 24/7 immediate dispatching, while a multi-location medical clinic needs HIPAA compliance and careful patient triage.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

To select the ideal partner, revisit your core needs. A great starting point is to audit your current call-handling process. Pinpoint where the biggest challenges lie: Are you missing calls after hours? Is your front desk staff overwhelmed with routine inquiries? Are you losing potential leads because you're busy on a job site?

Consider these key factors before making your final decision:

• Technology vs. Human Touch: Do you need the efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of an AI voice agent, or does your client base expect the personalized empathy of a live receptionist? Sometimes, a hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds.
• Integration Capabilities: How well will the service integrate with your existing CRM, scheduling software, or dispatch system? Seamless integration is crucial for maintaining a single source of truth and avoiding manual data entry.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Choose a service that can grow with you. Review the pricing tiers and feature sets to ensure they can accommodate an increase in call volume or an expansion to new locations without causing major disruptions.
• Industry Specialization: For fields like healthcare or legal services, compliance (like HIPAA) is non-negotiable. Ensure your chosen service has proven experience and the necessary certifications for your industry.

Implementing Your New Answering Service

Once you've made a selection, a successful rollout depends on clear preparation. Begin by documenting your most common call types and creating simple scripts or call flows. This ensures the receptionists, whether human or AI, handle inquiries with the consistency and accuracy that reflects your brand.

Taking the time to invest in a quality answering service is more than just an operational upgrade; it's a direct investment in your customer experience and your business's reputation. By offloading the critical task of call management, you empower yourself and your team to focus on what you do best: delivering exceptional products and services.

Ready to see how an AI-powered voice agent can transform your call handling and capture every lead, 24/7? Discover how Marlie Ai provides intelligent, instant, and affordable support tailored to your business needs. Visit Marlie Ai to learn more and get started.