You’re in the middle of helping a customer when the phone rings. Then it rings again. You silence it—and just like that, a sale walks away.
Sound dramatic? Think again. The numbers say otherwise—85% of callers won’t try again if you miss them the first time¹. In a small business, that’s not just a missed call. It’s lost trust, lost revenue, and maybe even a lost customer for life.
Ready to stop bleeding leads every time the phone rings? We’ll break down the 10 best small business answering services—and show you how to pick the right one for your budget, call volume, and growth goals.
Key takeaways
-
An answering service is like a virtual receptionist—handling calls, booking appointments, and qualifying leads so you never miss a customer.
-
Whether human, AI, or hybrid, there’s a fit for every team. CloudTalk, Smith.ai, and Abby Connect offer powerful tools tailored to your business size, budget, and needs.
-
24/7 coverage doesn’t need 24/7 staff. With automation and smart routing, answering services keep you responsive—even after hours or on vacation.
-
The right phone answering service can help cut costs by up to 30%, boost efficiency, and build trust.
-
Don’t pick based on price alone. Look for providers that offer flexibility, integrations, and real support—not just a phone line.
Answer every call, even when you’re off the clock.
What Is an Answering Service for Small Business?
An answering service is a professional call-handling solution that acts like a virtual receptionist that works 24/7—handling calls, taking messages, routing them to the right person, booking appointments, and even qualifying leads when you’re unavailable. Unlike voicemail, which only records messages, a phone answering system for small businesses engages callers and resolves needs in real time.
For example, if someone calls after business hours to schedule a service, the answering service can confirm availability, book the slot, and send a message with the details—all without interrupting your evening.
This service helps you stay reachable even during vacations or when you’re out of office—capturing leads, booking appointments, and routing calls without needing extra staff.
Serve more customers without growing your headcount.
Head-to-Head: Top Answering Services for Small Businesses
Here’s an overview of the top small business answering service software providers—comparing their best use cases, standout features, and starting prices at a glance:
| Provider | Best For | Key Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CloudTalk | AI voice agents for smarter inbound call handling | AI answering, smart routing, CRM sync, call transcriptions, performance insights | $19/user/month (Lite, NAM & LATAM only), $25/user/month (Starter) |
| AnswerConnect | Human support with 24/7 live agents | 24/7 live agents, lead capture, appointment scheduling, bilingual support, CRM integrations | Custom quote |
| Abby Connect | Blending AI tools with human receptionists | Dedicated teams, live + AI receptionists, bilingual, call handling scripts, CRM integrations | $99/month (AI plans) |
| MoneyPenny | Flexible, no-contract call handling | 24/7 bilingual receptionists, custom scripts, warm transfers, CRM sync | $145/month |
| Posh | Boutique firms & legal practices | Bilingual live answering, voicemail transcription, lead capture, mobile app | £49/month |
| Smith.ai | Lead qualification and intake at scale | Live + AI hybrid, lead qualification, CRM & calendar sync, spam blocking | $95/month (AI plans) |
| PATLive | U.S.-based human answering with full coverage | 24/7 live agents, call transfers, lead capture, appointment scheduling | $235/month |
| Davinci Virtual | Full virtual office support, including call routing | Live receptionists, call forwarding, voicemail management, toll-free/local numbers | $129/month |
| MAP Communications | Employee-owned, U.S.-based support | 24/7 live answering, HIPAA compliant, bilingual agents, appointment scheduling, custom scripts | $49/month (pay-as-you-go) |
| RingCentral | All-in-one phone, messaging & AI-powered call routing | AI receptionist, call routing rules, voicemail management, CRM integrations, multilingual support | $20/user/month |
Why Trust CloudTalk?
10 Best Answering Services for Small Business Owners Who Need 24/7 Coverage
Here’s a closer look at the 10 best phone answering services for small businesses—what they offer, their pricing, and how their features stack up.
#1 CloudTalk
CloudTalk is the best AI answering service for small business—trusted by 4,000+ teams for its smart, scalable phone solutions for small business. Its AI-powered answering service handles inbound calls instantly—qualifying leads, routing them smartly, and syncing data directly with your CRM for seamless follow-ups.
Key Features
-
AI Voice Agent (A.K.A. CeTe): Handles inbound calls 24/7—qualifies leads, confirms meetings, collects feedback, and escalates to a human agent when needed.
-
Smart Call Routing: Uses CRM data, caller intent, or language to send calls to the right team or person.
-
Call Transcriptions & Summaries: Capture every detail with automatic logs and key highlights.
-
Seamless CRM Integrations: Works out of the box with Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, and Zendesk.
-
AI Performance Insights: Monitor live calls, analyze sentiment, and track agent efficiency in real time.
Pros
-
AI handles answering, routing, and transcription—freeing up agents for complex cases
-
Reliable call quality and an intuitive dashboard that requires no technical setup
-
Customizable workflows and 160+ international numbers to support global expansion
Cons
-
Dependent on a stable internet connection
-
No built-in video conferencing
Pricing
CloudTalk offers four flexible pricing plans:
-
Lite (19/user/month]): Only available in NAM & LATAM
-
Starter (25/user/month])
-
Essential (29/user/month)
-
Expert (49/user/month)
-
Custom (Varies)
What Users Are Saying
AI Voice Agents
Nudge expiring offer
Riley, Sales Reminder Agent
Qualify a student lead
Avery, Course Inquiry Agent
Get a payment reminder
Casey, Payment Reminder Agent
Qualify a patient lead
Jordan, Healthcare Intake Agent
Qualify insurance lead
Taylor, Insurance Intake Agent
Accept updated terms
Quinn, T&C Acceptance Agent
Qualify legal inquiry
Drew, Legal Intake Agent
Get post-interview feedback
Jamie, Candidate Feedback Agent
Pre-screen a candidate
Skyler, Applicant Pre-screen Agent
Confirm account action
Morgan, Action Reminder Agent
Get a renewal reminder
Logan, Subscription Renewal Agent
Get CSAT after support
Morgan, CX Feedback Agent
Get NPS or demo feedback
Parker, Post-Sales Feedback Agent
Qualify a trial lead
Blake, Trial Signup Qualifier
Sales Reminder
Agent
Client
Sales / Marketing
Course Inquiry
Agent
Client
Education / EdTech
Payment Reminder
Agent
Client
Financial Services
Healthcare Intake
Agent
Client
Healthcare
Insurance Intake
Agent
Client
Insurance
T&C Acceptance
Agent
Client
Legal Services
Legal Intake
Agent
Client
Legal Services
Candidate Feedback
Agent
Client
Recruitment / HR
Applicant Pre-screen
Agent
Client
Recruitment / HR
Action Reminder
Agent
Client
SaaS / Software & Apps
Subscription Renewal
Agent
Client
SaaS / Software & Apps
CX Feedback
Agent
Client
SaaS / Software & Apps
Post-Sales Feedback
Agent
Client
SaaS / Software & Apps
Trial Signup
Qualifier
Client
SaaS / Software & Apps
Out of office? AI is always on the line.
#2 AnswerConnect
AnswerConnect is a live, human‑powered call answering service for small businesses that ensures real people answer every call. Available 24/7 across the US, UK, and Canada, it offers custom scripts, bilingual support, and lead capture to help you stay connected & professional.
Key Features
-
24/7 live agents who answer calls, relay messages, and act as virtual receptionists
-
Lead capture and qualification during calls
-
Appointment scheduling & calendar management services included.
-
CRM integrations to sync call data, leads, and appointments automatically
-
Bilingual support (English & Spanish) and custom scripting for consistent brand voice.
Pros
-
Monthly contracts with no long-term lock-in
-
Easy-to-use platform with accessible call history
-
Highly customizable scripts and workflows
Cons
-
More expensive than automated phone answering servicex for small businesses due to live staffing
-
Limited geographic presence outside the US, UK, and Canada for some features
-
Pricing is not clearly listed online, making it harder to estimate costs upfront
Pricing
Pricing isn’t available upfront—you’ll need to submit your contact details to access pricing information.
What Users Are Saying
We’ve been using their services for year now and attest to realize le services. All three of my businesses benefit from their services. They provide round the clock customer support and competitive pricing.
#3 Abby Connect
Abby Connect blends live receptionists with smart tools to support call handling for small businesses. They answer calls, qualify clients, and schedule appointments 24/7 or on-demand. This phone answering service for small business offers a balance of human connection and reliable coverage.
Key Features
-
Dedicated receptionist teams: Each business gets a team of five to seven trained receptionists who handle calls, take messages, and answer questions.
-
Custom call handling: Creates custom answering scripts, client intake questions, call forwarding, warm transfers with hold music, and call blocking/filtering.
-
Abby AI: Offers small business automated answering service for call summaries, voicemail transcription, and sentiment analysis.
-
Integrations: Connects with popular CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, Clio, Lawmatics, Zapier, and calendar tools.
Pros
-
Dedicated small teams of virtual receptionists
-
Personalized onboarding support with dedicated account managers
-
Bilingual receptionists handle calls in English and Spanish for broader customer support
Cons
-
Costs tend to be higher, especially with high minute usage
-
May have a longer onboarding process due to customization and integration setup
Pricing
Human Receptionist Plans
-
Essential: $329/month
-
Professional: $599/month
-
Growth: $1,380/month
AI Receptionist Plans
-
Starter: $99/month (after 14-day free trial)
-
Essential AI: $165/month
Live Web Chat Plans
-
10 Chats: $129/month
-
30 Chats: $329/month
-
50 Chats: $469/month
What Users Are Saying
We have had Abby for a long time now. They help so much to sort our incoming calls. They are attentive and respond to our questions and concerns quickly. Every once in a while they may not get the name of the client that is calling correct, but it is nothing that we cant quickly figure out.
#4 MoneyPenny (former VoiceNation)
Moneypenny (formerly VoiceNation) is a 24/7 phone answering service for small business offering live call support, bilingual agents, and customizable scripts. Calls are answered by US-based receptionists with instant notifications and live transfers. With flexible, no-contract plans, it’s a strong small business phone answering solution for service-based teams.
Key Features
-
24/7 bilingual receptionists: Receptionists answer calls around the clock in English or Spanish.
-
Custom call scripts: Every call follows your preferred messaging and tone.
-
Warm call transfers: Agents announce callers before transferring, or transfer blindly if preferred.
-
Unlimited caller info: There are no restrictions on the details agents can collect from callers.
Pros
-
U.S.-based receptionists trained to reflect your brand tone and priorities
-
Flexible usage with no long-term contract and proactive account support
-
Easy-to-use dashboard and app for full control, even on the go
Cons
-
Entry plans start higher than some competitors, which may deter microbusinesses
-
Some features like appointment booking are only included in personalized tiers
Pricing
-
Essential Plan: from $145/month
-
Personalized Plan: from $189/month
What Users Are Saying
Moneypenny is a great team who help look after our private medical practice when we are unavailable to assist our patients. Prompt emails are sent to us with the telephone message, and the team is always on hand to help.
#5 Posh
Posh is a UK-based phone answering service for small businesses that offers 24/7 service. It focuses on tailored call handling, bilingual service, and strong integration tools. It’s popular among law firms, Real Estate agents, and small businesses seeking a polished, reliable front‑desk experience.
Key Features
-
24/7 live answering: Every call is answered promptly, day or night, including weekends. and holidays
-
Lead capture: Agents gather contact details and qualifying info from new callers.
-
Call transfers: Choose between warm or blind call transfers based on your preferences.
-
Voicemail transcription: Get voicemails delivered in text format via email or app.
Pros
-
Quick setup—within 48 hours, with full onboarding and support
-
Modern mobile app offers in-app calling, texting, and complete control
-
First-party tech ensures speed, reliability, and better data handling
-
Affordable pricing plans starting at £49/month
Cons
-
Lack of built-in call recording, which may be important for quality review or compliance
-
No live chat support; text messaging is the only form of chat offered
-
Pricing can be comparatively high per-minute for calls above the included minutes
Pricing
-
Chic: £49/month (≈$61) or £1.40/min (≈$1.75/min)
-
Vogue: £69/month (≈$86)
-
Elegant: £119/month (≈$149)
-
Luxurious: £239/month (≈$299)
-
Prestigious: £399/month (≈$500)
-
Lavish: £559/month (≈$700)
-
Exclusive: £1,099/month (≈$1,375)
What Users Are Saying
The Posh agents have been an extension of our own team. Smart, articulate, and well trained – many of our clients had no idea they were speaking with someone that was not physically in our office. I highly recommend their service.
#6 Smith.ai
Smith.ai is a 24/7 virtual receptionist service that blends live, North America–based agents with AI technology to handle calls, chats, texts, and messages. It supports lead qualification, intake, and scheduling while syncing seamlessly with CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce. Unlike scripted services, Smith.ai adapts to each caller with smart, structured conversations
Key Features
-
24/7 live virtual receptionists and AI hybrid: US-based receptionists answer calls live with AI-assisted support.
-
Lead qualification and intake during calls: Customs questions, screening, and identifies serious leads.
-
Multichannel Support: Answers phone calls, web chats, texts, and social messages.
-
Spam Blocking and Call Screening: Protects businesses from unwanted spam calls and screens leads effectively.
Pros
-
Seamless CRM and calendar integrations reduce manual data entry
-
Scales easily, handling multiple calls at once without missed connections or busy signals
-
Bilingual receptionists offer support in English and Spanish to serve diverse audiences
Cons
-
Receptionists may vary across calls, leading to occasional inconsistency in experience
-
Dashboard navigation could be improved for easier review of older call logs
Pricing
AI Receptionist Plans
-
Starter – $95/month · 50 calls included · $2.40 per additional call
-
Basic – $270/month · 150 calls included · $2.30 per additional call
-
Pro – $800/month · 500 calls included · $2.10 per additional call
-
Enterprise – Custom pricing available
Virtual Receptionist Plans
-
Starter – $292.50/month · 30 calls included · $11.00 per additional call
-
Basic – $787.50/month · 90 calls included · $10.00 per additional call
-
Pro – $2,025/month · 300 calls included · $8.00 per additional call
-
Enterprise – Custom pricing available
What Users Are Saying
Smith.ai has been a fantastic addition for our small business. The onboarding process was a breeze, with their support team guiding us every step of the way. Spam calls are no longer an issue, which saves us tons of time.
#7 PATLive
PATLive is a live answering service with all U.S.‑based agents. It offers 24/7 support, customizable scripts, and multiple phone number lines. It’s suited for companies that prefer human receptionists, want flexible minute‑based plans, and need reliable coverage across all hours.
Key Features
-
24/7 live answering: U.S.-based virtual receptionists available around the clock, including holidays
-
Call transfers and screening: Forward all calls, overflow only, or based on your schedule.
-
Lead capture and client intake: Collect detailed caller information and qualify new lead.s
-
Appointment scheduling: Books, reschedules, or cancels appointments on your behalf.
Pros
-
Flexible setup options for full-time, overflow, or after-hours call handling
-
Proprietary call-handling software ensures every interaction follows your workflow
-
User-friendly dashboard and mobile app for complete control anytime, anywhere
Cons
-
Minute‑based plans can lead to higher costs if calls are long or frequent.
-
Some users report variability in how well agents follow scripts²
-
A few users mention errors in names, emails, or message content³
Pricing
-
Starter – $235/month · Includes 75 minutes · $2.25/additional minute · 1 phone number
-
Standard – $415/month · Includes 200 minutes · $2.10/additional minute · 3 phone numbers
-
Premium – $650/month · Includes 350 minutes · $1.90/additional minute · 5 phone numbers
-
Pro – $1,050/month · Includes 600 minutes · $1.85/additional minute · 10 phone numbers
What Users Are Saying
PATLive performs dedicated service for our members, and anytime I have an issue, they are prompt to reply and open/honest about answering any questions. A very transparent company that works to keep their agents trained..
#8 Davinci Virtual
Davinci is a virtual receptionist and small businesses call answering service that blends professional live call handling with customizable business phone features. It offers live call answering, scheduling, call forwarding, voicemail management, and web chat—plus toll-free or local numbers.
Key Features
-
Live virtual receptionists: Answer calls with a friendly, personalized greeting, screen calls, take messages, and forward calls.
-
Toll-free and local numbers: Includes dedicated toll-free (888, 855, 866, 877) and local business phone numbers.
-
Call forwarding and screening: Allows customizable call forwarding rules using a drag-and-drop interface to route calls by time of day, order, or caller type.
-
Voicemail management: Delivers voicemails to email as audio files, with an optional voicemail-to-text transcription add-on.
Pros
-
Bilingual receptionists available for broader customer reach
-
Higher-tier plans include appointment scheduling, outbound calls, and order processing
-
Flexible plans let you pick the minutes and add‑ons you need
Cons
-
Onboarding process can be slow and overly complex
-
More advanced receptionist features require upgrading to the Premium plan
Pricing
-
Business 50 – $129/month for 50 live answer minutes
-
Business 100 – $239/month for 100 minutes
-
Premium 50 – $249/month for 50 minutes with extra features
-
Premium 100 – $319/month for 100 minutes with extra features
What Users Are Saying
We experienced some difficulties getting fully setup and operational, but Davinci was responsive to our concerns and worked to a solution. We seem to be working smoothly now.
#9 MAP Communications
MAP Communications is a phone answering software for small businesses that offers 24/7 U.S.-based live answering, virtual receptionist, and call center services with bilingual support and industry-specific expertise. Known for their personalized service, HIPAA-compliant security, and powerful tech integrations, MAP blends human agents with smart software to deliver reliable, professional call handling.
Key Features
-
24/7 live answering: Agents are always available to handle calls, even nights, weekends, and holidays.
-
Live call transfer: Easily route calls to the right department or team member in real time.
-
Appointment scheduling: Agents can book, modify, and confirm appointments directly into your calendar.
-
HIPAA compliant: Receptionist are trained to securely handle sensitive patient information for healthcare clients.
Pros
-
Bilingual agents available to support both English and Spanish-speaking callers
-
Custom scripts and lead qualification tools ensure consistent, branded caller experiences.
-
U.S.-based, employee-owned team delivers professional and personalized support.
Cons
-
Can be more costly than basic answering services, especially for higher call volume
-
Billing structure can be confusing, with some users reporting unexpected charges⁴
Pricing
-
Pay-As-You-Go – $49/month · No included minutes; $1.37 per additional minute
-
Business (Most Popular) – $179/month · 125 minutes included; $1.30 per additional minute
-
Enterprise – $339/month · 250 minutes included; $1.28 per additional minute
-
Premium – $649/month · 500 minutes included; $1.28 per additional minute
What Users Are Saying
This service has significantly improved my ability to manage tasks efficiently. I can complete the call and promptly add a note for future reference.
#10 RingCentral
RingCentral is an all-in-one cloud communication platform offering VoIP phone service, video meetings, messaging, and contact center tools. As a virtual answering service, it stands out with AI-powered call handling, customizable routing rules, real-time transcriptions, and call forwarding across devices.
Key Features
-
AI-Powered virtual receptionist: Uses natural language processing to answer common inquiries, provide instant information, and route calls.
-
Customizable answering rules: Allows you to set specific call routing rules based on time of day, day of the week, or caller identity.
-
Automated call routing and voicemail management: Calls can be automatically routed, forwarded to mobile or home phones, or sent to voicemail with custom greetings.
-
Integration with CRM and knowledge bases: The AI can access company knowledge bases to provide accurate answers, and integrates with CRM systems.
Pros
-
Unified communications platform combines calling, messaging, and video in one place
-
Supports local numbers and multilingual capabilities in 100+ countries
-
Visual IVR and admin tools make it easy to customize call flows and manage settings
Cons
-
Some users mention difficulty reaching responsive customer support⁵
-
Others report that canceling or updating accounts involves unnecessary steps or delays⁶
-
A few users note challenges enabling basic SMS features for low-volume texting⁷
Pricing
RingCentral offers three pricing plans:
-
Core ($20/user/month)
-
Advanced ($25/user/month)
-
Ultra ($35/user/month)
What Users Are Saying
I appreciate Ring Central’s platform. However, getting answers and support from customer service can be challenging. It is not easy to have multiple lines going to the same number
Stop missing calls. Start gaining customers.
Why Answering Services Help Small Businesses Grow Faster
Think of an answering service as your front line 24/7—handling calls, filtering leads, and making your business look good even when you’re off the clock. Here’s why so many small businesses count on them:
-
Cut costs by up to 30%: Hiring a full-time receptionist costs over $4,500/month⁸. Answering services—especially those using AI-powered virtual assistants—offer similar support at a fraction of the cost, helping small businesses reduce labor expenses by up to 30%⁹.
-
Reduce missed opportunities: As mentioned, 85% of callers won’t try again if their call goes unanswered¹⁰. With a live answering service, you ensure those leads aren’t lost, helping you turn every call into a potential sale.
-
Free up your team’s focus: Let your staff concentrate on growing the business while trained or AI agents handle call volume. No more distractions from ringing phones.
-
Scale easily as you grow: Whether you’re getting 5 calls or 500, answering services flex with your business—no hiring sprints or stretched teams required.
-
Capture better leads: A virtual receptionist ask the right questions to qualify leads before passing them to you. That means less noise and more ready-to-buy prospects.
How to Find the Answering Service That Fits Your Small Business
Choosing an answering service can feel like picking your first hire—it’s a big decision, and you want to get it right the first time. To help you cut through the noise, here’s a quick checklist to guide you:
-
Assess your business needs: Start by defining what you want to solve or improve. Are you looking to reduce missed calls, schedule appointments, or capture leads? Think about your average call volume and what types of calls you typically receive.
-
Make a list of must-have features: Do you need 24/7 coverage, bilingual support, or custom scripts? Decide what’s essential—and what’s just nice to have—before comparing providers.
-
Check integration capabilities: The service should plug into your current tech stack—especially your CRM, calendar, or help desk. If it doesn’t integrate, it won’t help.
-
Watch out for hidden fees: Some services charge extra for holidays, overages, or advanced features like appointment booking. Always ask about minute rounding and extra charges.
-
Look for scalability and flexibility: Your business might grow fast—make sure your provider can keep up. That means handling more calls without increasing fees or sacrificing service quality.
-
Don’t skip the trial: Free trials and consultations let you see how the service performs with your actual customers. If it doesn’t impress during the trial, it won’t get better later.
Recommended Articles
That Missed Call? It Just Went to Your Competitor
In business, you don’t get many second chance. In fact, over 50% of customers will switch to a competitor after just one bad experience¹¹. And missing a call is often all it takes.
The good news? You don’t need a full-time receptionist—or a time machine—to stay on top of every call. Whether you go human, AI, or the best of both, answering services can help you win back hours, close more deals, and turn chaos into calm.
CloudTalk is the best AI answering service for small businesses—ensuring your customers never feel ignored, even when you’re off the clock. With faster responses, smarter routing, and seamless phone solutions for small businesses, you get happier customers without growing your headcount
Still letting calls go to voicemail? It’s time to switch.
Try CloudTalk’s AI-powered answering service today and be always there for your customers—even off the clock.
Turn “we’ll call you back” into “how can we help?”
Sources
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
- 06
- 07
- 08
- 09
- 10
- 11
