This page is for the comparison shoppers!
If you're evaluating answering services, AI receptionists or voice AI platforms, here's some advice: start by picking the CATEGORY of provider.
These things go by different names, but here's how we see the world:
Human answering service. Actual humans answer on your behalf. Generally low capability, but done for you. It's rare to find a happy customer of a human answering service. It's a tough business, and churn is brutal.
General voice AI platform. DIY platforms built for developers. The big examples are Retell + Vapi, both excellent if you have the know-how, time + staff to manage them. Cuz the agents don't train themselves!
Vertical-specific voice AI platform. Like Retell + Vapi, but with training wheels for non-technical users + some pre-built agents for common use cases. Still DIY, but generally more approachable than a Retell.
CRM-native voice AI. The agents built into the software you already run. They have the benefit of data access, but can be limited + also expensive. And they only work inside that one platform, so you're still the one setting them up and tuning them.
Voice AI agency. For the folks who say "I know AI is the future, but I'm not gonna learn this stuff, and I'd rather not hire full-time staff. I want someone to do it for me." This is where we sit. Probably not the cheapest, but likely the fastest + best ;)
Narrow down the category first. Then explore the options within it below.
The names contractors ask us about most.
A human answering service with an AI layer: AI plus live receptionists, mostly for law firms and professional-services businesses. Covers what plans cost once add-ons stack up, what reviewers say, and when a home-services agent fits better.
A vertical-specific voice AI platform for home services: well funded, deeply integrated with ServiceTitan, and built around large multi-location operators. For $5M to $50M shops asking whether it fits their size.
A home services platform built around texting, with well-reviewed SMS automation, acquired by Yelp in January 2026. Covers what that changes and whether you want a platform to run or a service that runs for you.
Your software probably sells its own AI now. Jobber, ServiceTitan + Housecall Pro all do, and GoHighLevel sells one through agencies. Is it enough? Or do you keep your software and add an agent that books right into it? These pages help you decide.
Built into Jobber as an add-on that answers calls and texts. Covers where it suits a small crew and where conversation counts and emergency handling get tight.
Built into ServiceTitan, its own voice agent books jobs against live technician capacity. Covers how it is billed and when a dedicated agent that books into ServiceTitan wins.
Built into Housecall Pro, CSR AI answers calls and chat as an optional paid add-on. The price is not published, so this covers who it fits and what to ask sales.
An agency-built toolkit inside an agency CRM, so quality depends on whoever builds it. Covers billing, limits, and what to ask your agency.
No shortlist yet? Start here.
Eight options judged on booking the job, price in your busiest week, and speed to go live. Includes our pick by trade.
Picks the category first, then the vendor: AI-first agents, human virtual receptionists, and call centers, with the prices vendors publish. Useful if you want human receptionists in the mix.
Flat monthly, unlimited concurrent calls, live in about two weeks, and you'll love it or it's free.