How much does an AI receptionist cost per month?
Key Facts
- An AI receptionist costs as little as $99/month—90% less than a full-time human hire.
- Missed calls cost up to $15,000 each in high-value industries like HVAC and legal services.
- 74.1% of business calls go unanswered, turning leads into lost revenue for competitors.
- AI receptionists reduce missed calls by 95%+, capturing high-intent inquiries 24/7.
- Switching to AI saves $46,000+ annually compared to hiring a full-time receptionist.
- Answrr’s $99/month plan includes 300 minutes, Cal.com, Calendly, and GoHighLevel integration.
- ROI breakeven is often achieved within just one quarter—making AI a fast-return investment.
The Hidden Cost of Silence: Why Missed Calls Are Costing You Thousands
The Hidden Cost of Silence: Why Missed Calls Are Costing You Thousands
Every unanswered call is a missed opportunity—potentially thousands in lost revenue. In high-intent industries like HVAC, legal, and healthcare, a single missed call can mean losing a $15,000+ job. With 74.1% of business calls going unanswered, the financial toll of silence is no longer theoretical—it’s measurable.
- 85% of callers who reach voicemail never call back
- Missed high-value calls can cost up to $15,000 each
- 77% of operators report staffing shortages, increasing call abandonment
- 95%+ reduction in missed calls with AI receptionists
- ROI breakeven often achieved within one quarter
A real-world example: A mid-sized HVAC company in Texas missed three after-hours emergency calls during a winter storm. Each was a potential $12,000+ service job. The calls went unanswered because their receptionist worked 9-to-5. The company lost all three leads—and a competitor won them. According to ServiceAgent.ai, this kind of loss is not rare—it’s systemic.
The true cost isn’t just the missed call. It’s the erosion of trust, the reputation damage, and the lost revenue from customers who now see your business as unreliable. As ServiceAgent.ai warns: "Every missed call is revenue for a competitor."
This is where AI receptionists become a strategic necessity—not just a cost-saving tool. Unlike human staff, AI systems like Answrr operate 24/7, capturing every lead, every emergency, every high-intent inquiry. With Rime Arcana voice technology and long-term caller memory, they don’t just answer calls—they build relationships.
And the savings? Up to 90% compared to hiring a full-time receptionist. While a human receptionist costs $3,000–$5,000/month including benefits and overhead, Answrr’s Starter Plan starts at $99/month—with 300 minutes included and seamless integration with Cal.com, Calendly, and GoHighLevel.
Next, we’ll break down exactly how that $99/month translates into real-world savings—without sacrificing quality, consistency, or coverage.
AI vs. Human: A Realistic Cost Breakdown for Small Businesses
AI vs. Human: A Realistic Cost Breakdown for Small Businesses
Every missed call costs more than you think—up to $15,000 in lost revenue for high-value industries like HVAC and legal services. For small businesses, the choice between human, virtual, and AI receptionists isn’t just about cost—it’s about protecting revenue. With 74.1% of business calls going unanswered, the financial risk of inaction is real.
Let’s break down the true monthly costs using verified data:
- Full-time human receptionist (U.S.): $3,000–$5,000/month
(including salary, benefits, taxes, training, and overhead) - Live virtual assistant (mid-tier): $300–$2,000/month
- AI receptionist (basic plan): $25–$300/month
- AI receptionist (flat-rate, e.g., NextPhone): $199/month
- Answrr Starter Plan: $99/month (300 minutes included)
According to Fourth, AI receptionists deliver up to 90% cost savings compared to in-house staff. That’s not just cheaper—it’s strategic.
While a human receptionist may seem like a reliable option, their cost extends far beyond salary. The average annual cost exceeds $50,000 when factoring in benefits, taxes, and office space. Even a virtual assistant at $500/month adds up to $6,000/year—and still requires supervision, onboarding, and consistency checks.
Meanwhile, 85% of callers who reach voicemail never call back, meaning your business is losing leads before they even speak to someone. A live virtual assistant may answer calls, but their 24/7 coverage is often fragmented, leading to gaps during emergencies.
Answrr’s $99/month Starter Plan offers a full suite of capabilities that far exceed basic AI tools:
- ✅ 24/7 availability with no overtime or shift scheduling
- ✅ Seamless integration with Cal.com, Calendly, and GoHighLevel
- ✅ Rime Arcana voice technology for natural, human-like conversations
- ✅ AI-powered setup in under 10 minutes—no technical skills needed
- ✅ Long-term caller memory to personalize follow-ups
Unlike competitors that charge extra for integrations or overage fees, Answrr’s model is predictable and scalable—perfect for businesses with fluctuating call volumes.
Consider a small HVAC company that misses one emergency call. That single missed lead could cost $15,000+ in lost revenue. With Answrr, you capture every call—day or night—turning missed opportunities into bookings.
Research from NextPhone shows that over five years, switching to an AI receptionist can save $291,060 compared to hiring a full-time employee.
The bottom line? You’re not just saving money—you’re protecting revenue.
Now, let’s explore how to choose the right AI solution for your business.
How Answrr Delivers 90%+ Savings with Seamless Integration
How Answrr Delivers 90%+ Savings with Seamless Integration
Every missed call costs more than just a moment—it can mean $15,000+ in lost revenue for high-value industries like HVAC or legal services. With 74.1% of business calls going unanswered, the cost of inaction is staggering. Answrr slashes this risk while delivering up to 90% cost savings compared to hiring a full-time human receptionist—without sacrificing 24/7 availability or lead capture.
Answrr’s $99/month Starter Plan includes 300 minutes and leverages Rime Arcana voice technology for natural, human-like interactions. Unlike traditional phone systems or live virtual assistants priced at $300–$2,000/month, Answrr eliminates overtime, benefits, training, and overhead—saving businesses $46,000+ annually versus an in-house hire.
- 24/7 availability—never miss a high-intent call, even at 2 a.m.
- No overtime, no benefits, no payroll taxes—pure operational efficiency
- Seamless integration with Cal.com, Calendly, and GoHighLevel—eliminates tool sprawl
- AI-powered setup in under 10 minutes—no technical expertise required
- Enterprise-grade voice AI with long-term caller memory and MCP protocol support
Answrr’s integration with Cal.com, Calendly, and GoHighLevel is not just a feature—it’s a strategic efficiency engine. One home services business reported saving 8 hours per month in manual scheduling after switching to Answrr, thanks to real-time sync across all platforms. This integration alone reduces administrative overhead by up to 10 hours monthly, according to ServiceAgent.ai.
With 95%+ reduction in missed calls and a ROI breakeven period of just one quarter, Answrr isn’t just affordable—it’s a revenue protection tool. For businesses facing $3,000–$5,000/month in full-time receptionist costs, Answrr’s $99/month plan delivers 90%+ savings while scaling effortlessly.
The real question isn’t “how much does an AI receptionist cost?” It’s “what’s the cost of not having one?” And with Answrr, the answer is clear: zero risk, maximum return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an AI receptionist like Answrr actually cost per month?
Is $99/month for an AI receptionist worth it if I only get a few calls a day?
Are there hidden fees with Answrr, or is $99 really all I’ll pay?
How does Answrr compare to other AI receptionists that cost $199 or more?
Can I really set up Answrr in under 10 minutes like it says?
What if my call volume spikes—will I get charged extra with Answrr?
Turn Every Call Into Cash: The Smart Business Move You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Every unanswered call isn’t just a missed connection—it’s a direct hit to your bottom line. With 74.1% of business calls going unanswered and 85% of voicemail callers never returning, the cost of silence is real and measurable, especially in high-intent industries where a single missed call can mean losing $15,000 or more. Human receptionists, while valuable, come with steep monthly costs—$3,000 to $5,000—plus benefits, overtime, and staffing gaps that leave you vulnerable outside business hours. Enter AI receptionists like Answrr: operating 24/7 with Rime Arcana voice technology and long-term caller memory, they capture every lead, every emergency, and every high-intent inquiry—without the overhead. With up to 90% cost savings compared to full-time staff and seamless integration with Cal.com, Calendly, and GoHighLevel, Answrr eliminates the need for multiple tools and reduces administrative burden. The result? A 95%+ reduction in missed calls and an ROI breakeven often achieved within one quarter. Don’t let silence cost you your next big client. Take the next step today—see how Answrr can protect your revenue, build trust, and turn every call into a closed deal.