How Much Does an AI Receptionist Cost? (2025 Guide)

You're probably here because you're tired of missing calls.

Maybe you're juggling customers while your phone rings in the background, or you're losing after-hours inquiries to voicemail that nobody ever checks. The question isn't really about cost. It's about whether you can afford to keep missing opportunities.

AI receptionists in 2025 typically run anywhere from $25 to $3,000+ per month, depending on what you need. Most small businesses land somewhere between $50 and $300 monthly for a solid setup that actually works.

Compare that to a full-time human receptionist at $3,000 to $4,000 per month in salary and benefits, according to industry compensation data, and the math gets interesting fast.

What really matters: the right AI receptionist doesn't just save you money. It captures the leads you're currently losing at 2 AM, on weekends, or when you're elbow-deep in a customer project and can't pick up.

AI Receptionist Cost vs. Traditional Receptionist Pricing#

The cost difference between AI and traditional options is pretty stark. An AI receptionist can save you 85 to 95% compared to hiring someone, according to recent cost analysis research.

Real numbers tell the story. A human receptionist in the U.S. averages about $37,000 yearly (roughly $3,100 monthly), and that's before you factor in the extra 25 to 40% for benefits.

Outsourced live answering services aren't much better. Traditional human answering services charge around $230 to $290+ monthly for just 50 minutes or 30 calls of coverage, per industry pricing data. Meanwhile, AI-based services often give you unlimited calls for a flat rate.

Quick Cost Comparison#

The pattern is clear. AI receptionists cost far less while giving you round-the-clock coverage at a fixed price.

You're not paying by the minute or stressing about overtime.

What Factors Affect AI Receptionist Pricing?#

Not all AI receptionist services charge the same, and understanding why helps you avoid overpaying.

Features and capabilities matter most. Basic call answering and message-taking sits at the low end. Advanced stuff like appointment scheduling, intelligent call routing, CRM integration, and bilingual support typically lives in higher-tier plans, according to feature comparison data. A simple voicemail replacement is cheap. An AI that books appointments and answers detailed questions costs more (but does a lot more).

Call volume impacts pricing significantly.

Most providers base their fees on usage. Some charge per minute, others per call, and some offer truly unlimited plans for a flat rate. Higher volumes or unlimited-call packages naturally cost more than bare-bones plans, as pricing research shows. Always estimate your typical call volume before choosing.

Pricing models vary wildly → pay-per-minute plans might look cheap initially but get expensive fast if calls run long. Per-call plans charge a set amount regardless of duration. Flat monthly subscriptions offer predictable costs, according to industry pricing analysis. Pick the wrong model for your business and you'll waste money.

Customization options add cost. Services that let you heavily personalize the AI, integrate with your existing systems, or provide custom training typically charge premium prices. Enterprise features like HIPAA compliance or multi-location support push costs higher, per market research. Support levels affect pricing too. Established providers with priority support, dedicated account managers, or white-glove service charge more. Newer startups with self-service setups come cheaper but with less hand-holding, based on provider comparison data.

Watch for hidden fees. Setup costs, overage charges, and add-on expenses aren't always obvious upfront.

Some services require one-time setup fees (ranging from $50 to $100+ for new clients, for example). Others charge extra for additional phone numbers, premium integrations, or language support, according to detailed pricing breakdowns. A plan that seems cheaper on paper might cost more once you add necessary extras.

AI Receptionist Pricing Models Explained#

Understanding billing structures helps you compare apples to apples.

① Flat monthly fees give you a fixed price, usually for unlimited usage or a very high cap.

Some AI receptionist plans charge $39 to $150 monthly for unlimited calls, per pricing data. This model provides cost certainty, which is valuable when you're trying to budget. Just make sure "unlimited" actually means unlimited (some providers have fair-use policies buried in the fine print).

② Per-minute pricing bills you for every minute of call time.

Rates range from roughly $0.05 to $0.99 per minute depending on the provider. This can work if you get very short calls or low volumes. But it gets expensive fast. If your average call runs 3 minutes and you're paying $1 per minute, that's $3 per call. Get 100 calls monthly and you're looking at $300, according to cost calculations.

③ Per-call pricing charges a set amount for each call answered, regardless of length.

AI services might charge $2 to $4 per call, based on market rates. This makes costs predictable when call lengths vary widely.

Tiered plans bundle a certain number of minutes or calls with specific features. You might see Basic (50 calls), Standard (150 calls), and Pro (500 calls) at increasing price points.

These look like flat plans until you exceed your limit, then overage fees kick in, blending into per-minute or per-call charges. Some providers offer tiers starting at 30 calls for around $25, scaling up to 600 calls for $299, with additional calls billed separately.

Hybrid pricing shows up with add-on services. Some AI receptionists integrate with phone systems and charge separately for the AI component. Others combine AI with human backup, charging different rates for each type of assistance.

The key: match the pricing model to your actual call patterns. If you have unpredictable or heavy volume, flat-rate unlimited makes sense. If you only get a handful of short calls weekly, a small tier or pay-per-call might work better. Always calculate the effective cost per call for your specific situation.

AI Receptionist Plans by Budget: What You Get#

Entry-level options ($15 to $50 monthly) give you basic coverage.

Several AI receptionist services offer starter plans with limited minutes or calls included. These typically cover essentials like 24/7 answering, simple Q&A, and message forwarding, according to pricing tiers. They're designed for freelancers or very small businesses (basically getting a smart voicemail replacement).

The catch? Limited allowances (like 50 to 60 minutes) disappear quickly. If you consistently need more, you'll upgrade fast or pay overages. This tier works best if you only get a few calls weekly or want to test AI call handling cheaply.

Standard small business plans ($50 to $300 monthly) represent the sweet spot for most companies.

This range usually includes healthy usage allowances or outright unlimited calls, plus a full feature set. Many popular AI receptionist solutions start around $49 to $99 per month and offer unlimited minutes or high call caps, per market analysis.

For example, Eden offers a Plus plan at $39 with 200 minutes (then $0.20 per additional minute) and a Pro plan at $99 with unlimited calls. The Pro plan includes appointment scheduling, call transfers, calendar integration with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook Calendar, bilingual support, and spam filtering. Other services in this range follow similar patterns.

Real talk: The $50 to $300 range covers what the majority of small businesses actually need. You get 24/7 call answering, appointment booking, basic integrations, and real-time notifications without breaking the bank.

High-end and enterprise plans ($500 to $3,000+) serve large businesses or those with specialized requirements.

These start around $500 to $800 monthly and can exceed $2,000 for extensive usage, based on enterprise pricing data. What justifies this cost? Custom AI training, support for multiple locations or franchises, dedicated account management, and integration into complex systems. Some providers offer custom packages for multi-location setups, per enterprise offerings. If you need specialized compliance, multiple languages beyond English and Spanish, or tens of thousands of call minutes, expect higher pricing.

Even at $1,000+ monthly, an AI receptionist can make financial sense for enterprises when compared to staffing multiple receptionists or losing customers to missed calls. But if you're a typical small business, you won't need anywhere near this much.

AI Receptionist Pricing: Real Provider Examples#

Eden starts with a 7-day free trial. Here's how the plans compare:

*Coming soon

Eden's approach focuses on flat monthly pricing with unlimited talk time on mid and high tiers, making costs predictable.

Other AI receptionist providers follow similar patterns, with professional plans typically ranging from $49 to $99 monthly for unlimited minutes. Features often include appointment scheduling, custom AI training, and 24/7 coverage. Some providers use per-call tiered models starting around $25 monthly for 30 calls, scaling up to $299 for 600 calls. This pay-as-you-grow structure works well if your call volume fluctuates.

Some AI receptionists integrate with existing phone systems. For instance, if you already use certain VoIP providers, you might find AI receptionist add-ons that layer onto your current subscription. These can be cost-effective for existing customers but mean paying for two services.

Free trials and starter allowances let you test before committing. Almost every top provider offers trial periods (7 to 14 days, or free minutes) where you can validate the AI in real scenarios before spending a dime.

Note: All prices reflect current 2025 rates. AI service pricing is competitive and changes, so always check the latest pricing directly.

Hidden AI Receptionist Costs to Watch For#

Setup fees aren't always advertised upfront. Some providers charge onboarding fees ranging from $50 to a few hundred dollars. Many newer AI services don't charge this, but always check for "setup fee" or "one-time charge" in the fine print.

Overage charges can sting if you exceed your plan's limit.

These can run steep (like $0.50 to $1+ per extra minute, or several dollars per extra call). If you normally get 100 calls but spike to 150 one month, those extra 50 could cost more than upgrading to the next tier. Sometimes the system automatically bumps you up, sometimes it doesn't. Verify the policy.

Integrations might cost extra. Basic connections (like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook for scheduling) typically come included in mid-tier plans. But certain integrations might be premium features. Extra phone numbers for campaign tracking often carry a small monthly fee per number, per add-on pricing data.

Support and training levels vary. Lower-cost services are usually self-serve (you configure everything via an online dashboard, which is fine for most people). Higher-priced plans might include personal onboarding or custom AI training on your materials. If you want the provider to build custom call flows or import a detailed knowledge base for you, there might be added cost or that capability might only exist in enterprise plans.

The ROI you're not calculating: Missing even a single valuable call (that goes to voicemail and never gets returned) could mean losing a job worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.

An AI receptionist helps convert those opportunities. Some providers point out that even a $100 to $200 monthly plan pays for itself by capturing one extra customer you would've otherwise lost, according to ROI analysis.

Plus, handling routine calls automatically frees up your staff's time. That's a labor cost saving that doesn't show up on the invoice but absolutely matters when justifying the expense.

How to Choose the Right AI Receptionist Plan#

When you ask "how much does an AI receptionist cost," you're really asking what's affordable and worthwhile for your specific situation.

Most small businesses spend $50 to $150 monthly for a quality AI receptionist handling calls 24/7 with scheduling and messaging features, based on small business spending patterns. This represents a fraction of what you'd pay for a live answering service or employee.

Cheaper options exist under $30 monthly, but they come with tight limits. If you have very low call volume or just want to experiment, these can work temporarily. Just be ready to upgrade when your needs grow.

Unlimited vs. metered plans: If you hate surprise bills and your call volume is moderate or high, lean toward flat-rate plans with unlimited minutes or calls.

As cost analysis shows, a $39 monthly flat rate with no overages often costs less annually than a $29 plan with caps and fees, because those extras add up fast. Predictable billing has real value.

Consider your peak times. If calls come in bursts (maybe marketing drives heavy volume one month and less the next), make sure your plan can scale. Some providers let you adjust month-to-month or only charge overages as needed, offering flexibility versus strict contracts.

Take advantage of trials. Almost every top provider offers free trial periods (7 to 14 days, or free minutes) where you can test the AI receptionist in real business scenarios. This validates whether the service actually meets your needs before you commit financially.

Calculate total ownership cost. Add up any extras (phone system requirements, setup fees, expected overages). Compare that to the value you get, both in saved wages and improved customer capture.

For many businesses, the math strongly favors AI. Research shows a mid-range plan can save over $22,000 annually compared to an in-house receptionist, per savings calculations. Even smaller plans yield significant savings while keeping your business responsive around the clock.

Why Eden AI Receptionist Offers the Best Value#

You've seen the numbers across different providers. Now let's talk about what makes Eden a practical choice for businesses that can't afford to keep missing calls.

Straightforward pricing without surprises.

Eden's Plus plan at $39 monthly includes 200 minutes of call time, with additional minutes at $0.20 each if you exceed that. The Pro plan at $99 monthly gives you unlimited calling with no per-minute charges. No surprise bills, no complicated math to figure out what you'll actually pay.

Features that actually capture revenue.

The Pro plan includes appointment scheduling that syncs with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook, intelligent call transfers to your team, bilingual English/Spanish support, and spam filtering that blocks robocalls.

These aren't extras. They're included because they're what small businesses actually need to stop losing opportunities.

24/7 availability without hiring staff.

While you're sleeping, helping customers, or just trying to get through your day, Eden answers every call. No voicemail. No "call back during business hours." Just professional handling of every inquiry, any time of day.

Quick setup that doesn't waste your time. You don't need technical expertise or hours of configuration. Pick a number, connect your existing line, customize the greeting, and you're live. The whole setup takes minutes, not days.

Think about it this way: If you miss just two calls monthly from potential customers who move on to a competitor, what's the cost of that lost business?

Probably more than $39 or $99. Eden essentially pays for itself by capturing opportunities you're currently leaving on the table.

AI Receptionist Cost FAQs#

How much should I budget for an AI receptionist?

Plan for $50 to $150 monthly if you're a small business with typical call volume. This range gets you unlimited or high-volume calling with full features like scheduling and transfers. If you're on a tight budget and have very low call volume, entry plans starting around $25 to $40 can work, but expect limits. Larger businesses with complex needs might spend $300+, but most companies don't need that level.

Is an AI receptionist cheaper than a human receptionist?

Much cheaper. A human receptionist costs roughly $3,000 to $4,000 monthly when you factor in salary and benefits. Even outsourced live answering services run $200 to $600 for limited minutes. AI receptionists typically cost $50 to $300 monthly for unlimited coverage, saving you 85 to 95% compared to hiring someone.

What hidden fees should I watch for?

Look out for setup or onboarding fees (some charge $50 to $100+), overage charges if you exceed your plan's minutes or calls, and extra costs for add-ons like additional phone numbers or premium integrations. Always read the full pricing details before committing. Calculate what you'd pay in a high-volume month, not just the base price.

Do AI receptionists charge per minute or per call?

It depends on the provider. Some use per-minute pricing ($0.05 to $0.99 per minute), others use per-call pricing ($2 to $4 per call), and many offer flat monthly rates with unlimited usage. Flat-rate plans often make the most sense for small businesses because they provide predictable costs regardless of call length or volume.

Can an AI receptionist actually save my business money?

Yes, in multiple ways. You save on receptionist wages and benefits (thousands monthly). You capture leads that would otherwise go to voicemail and never convert. You free up staff time from answering routine calls.

Even capturing one or two extra customers monthly typically covers the entire cost of the service, making it a net gain rather than an expense.

What pricing model works best for small businesses?

Flat monthly rates with unlimited calls work well for most small businesses because they eliminate surprise bills and make budgeting simple. If your call volume is extremely low and predictable, a tiered plan with a modest call allowance might save money. Avoid per-minute plans unless your calls are very short (they can get expensive fast with longer conversations).

Does Eden require a long-term contract?

No. Eden offers month-to-month pricing with no long-term commitments. You can start with a 7-day free trial to test the service with your actual call volume, then continue monthly without being locked into annual contracts. If it's not working for you, you can cancel without penalty.

What's included in Eden's Pro plan at $99 per month?

The Pro plan includes unlimited call minutes, 24/7 AI answering, appointment scheduling with calendar integration (Google and Microsoft Outlook), intelligent call transfers to your team, bilingual English/Spanish support, spam filtering to block robocalls, call recordings and transcripts, and real-time notifications.

Basically, everything a small business needs to handle calls professionally without hiring staff.

How do I know if I need the Plus or Pro plan?

If you get more than 200 minutes of calls monthly (roughly 65 calls at 3 minutes each), the Pro plan at $99 with unlimited minutes makes more financial sense than paying overage fees on the Plus plan. Also, if you need appointment booking or call transfers, those features only come with Pro. Start with the free trial to see your actual usage, then pick the plan that fits.

Are there any free AI receptionist options?

A few services offer limited free trials or very small free allowances (like 10 to 20 minutes monthly), but these aren't practical for ongoing business use. Free tiers exist mainly for testing. For actual business coverage, expect to pay at least $25 to $50 monthly for entry-level service or $99+ for full-featured unlimited plans.

The Real ROI of AI Receptionist Investment#

AI receptionists aren't one-size-fits-all in cost, but they're highly cost-effective when matched to your business size.

Whether you're looking at a $39 starter plan or investing $150 in a more advanced AI assistant, the ROI usually justifies it. The real measure isn't just the monthly fee. It's how many customers you capture, how much staff time you save, and the professional image you project by never missing a call.

By understanding the factors and ranges we've covered, you can confidently budget for an AI receptionist and choose the right plan.

In almost every case, you're paying a small monthly fee for peace of mind that your phones are covered 24/7.

And when you're ready to stop losing opportunities to voicemail, Eden is waiting with a 7-day free trial. No commitment, no complicated setup. Just the chance to see what happens when every call to your business gets answered professionally, around the clock.