Answers · updated Sep 29, 2026
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
At 200 calls a month (3 min each, 600 talk-minutes), the cheapest AI receptionist resolves to about $42/mo (Retell AI), and the median across 20 priceable vendors is $159.95/mo. Sticker prices start near $0 pay-as-you-go but the real cost depends on call volume.
As of Sep 29, 2026 · figures linked to their source in the table below
The data behind this answer
| Vendor | Cost @ 200 calls/mo | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Retell AI | $42 retellai.com verified Sep 27, 2026 STALE | Pay As You Go |
| Hey Jodie | $49 heyjodie.com verified Oct 12, 2026 | Basic |
| Goodcall | $79 goodcall.com verified Oct 23, 2026 | Starter |
| Bland | $84 bland.ai verified Sep 27, 2026 STALE | Start (Free) |
| AptaBook | $99 aptabook.com verified Oct 13, 2026 | Starter |
| My AI Front Desk | $145 myaifrontdesk.com verified Jun 27, 2026 STALE | Free |
| Rosie | $149 heyrosie.com verified Sep 27, 2026 STALE | Scale |
| Phonely | $150 phonely.ai verified Oct 12, 2026 | Pro |
Figures normalized and sourced as of Sep 29, 2026. See the methodology for how each number is captured, dated and normalized, or the full comparison matrix for every vendor.
Frequently asked
What is the cheapest AI receptionist?
At 200 calls/mo, Retell AI is the cheapest at $42/mo on its Pay As You Go plan. The ranking changes with call volume — usage-based platforms win at low volume, flat plans at high volume.
What does an AI receptionist cost per month on average?
The median effective monthly cost across 20 vendors that can be priced at 200 calls/mo is $159.95/mo. Entry sticker prices cluster lower, but headline price rarely equals the cost at real volume.
Why do AI receptionist prices vary so much?
Vendors bill three incompatible ways — flat monthly, per talk-minute, and per call — so prices only become comparable once a workload is fixed. A $0 pay-as-you-go platform and a flat managed service can land dollars apart at real volume.