Top Virtual Receptionist Services Comparison
By Sheila Morgan | Published: 2025-03-30 | Category: Virtual Receptionist Services
About Virtual Receptionist Services
Virtual receptionist services provide businesses with remote live agents to handle incoming calls, manage scheduling, take messages, and perform other administrative tasks. These services enhance customer experience and operational efficiency without the overhead of in-house staff.
Scoring Criteria
- → Feature Set
- → Pricing & Value
- → Customer Support
- → Integration Capabilities
- → Customization & Scalability
The Best Virtual Receptionist Services
#9
AnswerFirst
By AnswerFirst
Provides 24/7/365 call center and receptionist services with a focus on reliability, customization, and HIPAA compliance.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web Portal
Best For: Medical Offices, Property Management, Service Dispatch, Disaster Recovery Support
Key Features
- ✓24/7/365 Answering: Always-on service including holidays. (Included)
- ✓HIPAA Compliance: Secure handling of patient information. (Included)
- ✓Custom Scripting: Tailor call flows and agent responses precisely. (Included)
- ✓Appointment Setting: Schedule appointments using various tools. (Available)
- ✓Dispatch Services: Coordinate service calls and technicians. (Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Per Minute Plans
$1.50 / per minute
- Pay-as-you-go flexibility
- 24/7 service
Limitations: Can be costly for high volume, Base rate may apply
Monthly Plans (Example)
$150.00 / monthly
- Bundled minutes (e.g., 100)
- Lower effective per-minute rate
- Standard features
Limitations: Overage charges apply
Pros
- + Highly customizable scripting
- + Strong HIPAA compliance
- + Reliable 24/7/365 operation
- + Flexible pricing options (per minute or monthly)
Cons
- - Web portal interface less modern than some
- - Integrations may require more setup
Verdict
"A highly reliable and customizable option, especially strong for medical fields needing HIPAA compliance or businesses requiring intricate call scripting."
#8
MoneyPenny
By Moneypenny
Well-established provider offering dedicated receptionists, known for professionalism and catering to specific sectors like legal and property.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile App
Best For: Legal Firms, Property Agencies, Finance, Small to Large Enterprises
Key Features
- ✓Dedicated Receptionist: A single receptionist or small team handles your calls. (Core Offering)
- ✓Industry Expertise: Specialized teams for legal, property, finance. (Available)
- ✓Mobile App & Portal: Manage calls, availability, and messages. (Included)
- ✓Outbound Calling: Receptionists can make calls on your behalf. (Available)
- ✓Live Chat Services: Option to add managed web chat. (Add-on)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard Call Handling (Example)
$200.00 / monthly
- Approx. 60 minutes/calls (varies)
- Dedicated receptionist
- Message taking
Limitations: Pricing based on call volume/minutes - requires quote
Custom Plans
Contact Vendor
- Tailored volume
- Specific integrations
- Live chat options
Limitations: Requires consultation for quote
Pros
- + Highly professional reputation
- + Dedicated receptionist model
- + Strong industry specializations (Legal, Property)
- + Good mobile app
Cons
- - Pricing is not transparent online - requires quote
- - Can be more expensive
- - Primarily UK-based, though serves US
Verdict
"A high-quality option, particularly for UK or US businesses in legal or property sectors valuing a dedicated, professional receptionist."
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#7
NEXA
By NEXA
Virtual receptionist service specializing in industries like home services, healthcare, legal, and real estate, focusing on lead qualification and intake.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile App
Best For: Home Services (HVAC, Plumbing), Legal Intake, Medical Practices, Real Estate, Franchises
Key Features
- ✓Industry Specialization: Agents trained for specific industry needs and terminology. (Included)
- ✓Lead Qualification & Intake: Gather detailed information based on specific criteria. (Included)
- ✓Appointment Scheduling: Book qualified leads directly into schedules. (Included)
- ✓CRM Integration: Connects with industry-specific and general CRMs. (Available)
- ✓24/7/365 Service: Constant availability for call handling. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Growth
$269.00 / monthly
- 100 minutes
- Basic lead capture
- Standard reporting
Limitations: Industry focus might influence fit
Scale
$699.00 / monthly
- 300 minutes
- Advanced lead qualification
- Appointment scheduling
Limitations: Minute overages apply
Enterprise
$1699.00 / monthly
- 800 minutes
- CRM integration
- Custom workflows
Limitations: Higher cost for extensive features
Pros
- + Strong industry specializations
- + Excellent for lead qualification and intake
- + 24/7 availability
- + Good integration options
Cons
- - Pricing can be higher, especially with overages
- - May be overly specialized for businesses outside their core industries
Verdict
"Best suited for businesses in NEXA's specialized industries (Home Services, Legal, Medical) that require expert lead qualification and intake."
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#6
PATLive
By PATLive
24/7 live answering service known for its straightforward pricing, reliability, and suitability for call overflow and after-hours support.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile App
Best For: Businesses needing after-hours/overflow support, Appointment-based businesses, Event registration, Customer service
Key Features
- ✓24/7 Live Answering: US-based agents available all hours. (Included)
- ✓Appointment Scheduling: Syncs with popular calendars. (Included)
- ✓Lead Collection: Capture essential information from callers. (Included)
- ✓Event Registration: Handle registrations over the phone. (Available)
- ✓Simple Scripting: Easy setup for call handling instructions. (Included)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic
$199.00 / monthly
- 125 minutes
- 24/7 coverage
- Basic message taking
Limitations: Limited minutes
Standard
$349.00 / monthly
- 250 minutes
- Appointment scheduling
- Lead capture
Limitations: Minute-based
Premium
$649.00 / monthly
- 500 minutes
- Advanced features
- Custom reporting
Limitations: Minute-based
Pros
- + Reliable 24/7 service
- + Straightforward per-minute pricing
- + Easy to set up and manage
- + Good for overflow and after-hours calls
Cons
- - Fewer advanced features and integrations than competitors
- - Basic scripting capabilities compared to others
Verdict
"A dependable and easy-to-use service, particularly suitable for businesses needing reliable 24/7 coverage or overflow support without complex features."
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#5
Davinci Virtual Office Solutions
By Davinci Virtual
Offers virtual receptionist services alongside virtual office addresses, meeting spaces, and mail forwarding, providing a comprehensive virtual presence.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Startups needing a business address, Remote businesses, Companies needing occasional meeting spaces, Basic call answering
Key Features
- ✓Live Receptionist Services: Handle calls, take messages, transfer calls. (Included (Plan dependent))
- ✓Virtual Business Address: Prestigious addresses available globally. (Add-on / Bundled)
- ✓Mail Forwarding: Receive and forward postal mail. (Add-on / Bundled)
- ✓Meeting Space Rentals: Book conference rooms and day offices. (Add-on)
- ✓Auto Receptionist/IVR: Automated call routing options. (Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Business 50
$129.00 / monthly
- 50 live receptionist minutes
- Basic call handling
- Voicemail
Limitations: Primarily receptionist focused, Minutes based
Premium 100
$239.00 / monthly
- 100 live receptionist minutes
- Appointment scheduling
- Order processing
Limitations: Minutes based
Premium 200
$349.00 / monthly
- 200 live receptionist minutes
- Advanced call handling
- Administrative tasks
Limitations: Higher minute plans available
Pros
- + Combines receptionist services with virtual office solutions
- + Wide range of physical address locations
- + Affordable entry-level plans for basic answering
Cons
- - Receptionist service features less robust than specialized providers
- - Integrations are limited
- - Focus is broader than just call answering
Verdict
"A good option for businesses needing both basic call answering and a virtual business address/mail handling service."
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#4
Abby Connect
By Abby Connect
Provides a dedicated team of receptionists for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on building relationships and personalized service.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile App
Best For: Law Firms, Marketing Agencies, Consultants, Home Services
Key Features
- ✓Dedicated Receptionist Team: A small team handles your calls for consistency. (Included)
- ✓Bilingual Receptionists: Option for English/Spanish service. (Available)
- ✓Call Screening & Transferring: Efficiently manage incoming calls based on your rules. (Included)
- ✓Appointment Booking: Integrates with common calendar software. (Included)
- ✓Client Intake Forms: Receptionists can complete basic intake during calls. (Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Abby Starter
$349.00 / monthly
- 100 anytime minutes
- Dedicated team
- Basic call handling
Limitations: Limited minutes
Abby Growth
$629.00 / monthly
- 200 anytime minutes
- Appointment scheduling
- Client intake
Limitations: Overage minute costs
Abby Enterprise
$999.00 / monthly
- 500 anytime minutes
- Advanced integrations
- Custom scripting
Limitations: Higher tier cost
Pros
- + Dedicated team model fosters familiarity
- + Strong focus on personalized service
- + Good bilingual options
- + Positive customer feedback on receptionist quality
Cons
- - Pricing is on the higher side
- - Fewer integrations compared to tech-focused services
Verdict
"Excellent for businesses that value a consistent, personalized caller experience provided by a familiar, dedicated team."
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#3
AnswerConnect
By AnswerConnect
24/7/365 live answering service focused on customer support, lead capture, and appointment setting, with a strong emphasis on business continuity.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile App
Best For: Customer Support Departments, Franchises, E-commerce, Service Industries needing 24/7 coverage
Key Features
- ✓24/7 Live Answering: Agents available around the clock, including holidays. (Included)
- ✓Lead Capture & Qualification: Gather information from potential customers. (Included)
- ✓Order Taking: Handle customer orders over the phone. (Available)
- ✓CRM Integration: Connects with popular CRM platforms. (Available)
- ✓HIPAA Compliance: Suitable for healthcare providers. (Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard
$249.00 / monthly
- 125 minutes
- Basic call handling
- Message taking
Limitations: Limited minutes
Pro
$449.00 / monthly
- 250 minutes
- Appointment scheduling
- Lead capture
Limitations: Overage costs per minute
Enterprise
$1199.00 / monthly
- 750 minutes
- Advanced scripting
- Dedicated support options
Limitations: Higher starting price point
Pros
- + Reliable 24/7/365 coverage
- + Good for lead capture and basic customer support
- + HIPAA-compliant options available
- + Clear per-minute plans
Cons
- - Integrations are less extensive than some competitors
- - Can be expensive if minute usage is high
Verdict
"A solid choice for businesses needing dependable 24/7 call coverage, lead capture, and support, especially those in healthcare."
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#2
Smith.ai
By Smith.ai
Technology-forward virtual receptionist and intake service combining human agents with AI for efficiency in call handling, web chat, and SMS.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile App (iOS, Android)
Best For: Solo & Small Firms (Legal, Financial), Service Businesses, Marketing Agencies, SaaS Companies
Key Features
- ✓Live Call Answering (24/7): North America-based agents handle calls, screen spam, and qualify leads. (Included)
- ✓Web Chat & SMS Answering: Engage website visitors and respond to texts. (Available Add-on)
- ✓Appointment Scheduling: Syncs with calendars for seamless booking. (Included)
- ✓CRM/Software Integrations: Extensive list of integrations including Zapier. (Included)
- ✓Payment Collection: Receptionists can take payments over the phone. (Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Starter
$285.00 / monthly
- 30 live calls
- 1 CRM integration
- Spam blocking
Limitations: Per-call pricing model
Basic
$480.00 / monthly
- 60 live calls
- 2 CRM integrations
- Appointment scheduling
Limitations: Higher cost per call overage
Pro
$1080.00 / monthly
- 150 live calls
- Unlimited CRM integrations
- Complex call handling
Limitations: Higher overall cost
Pros
- + Excellent integration capabilities
- + Handles calls, web chat, and SMS
- + Per-call pricing can be cost-effective for some
- + Strong lead screening/qualification features
Cons
- - Per-call pricing can become expensive with high volume
- - Setup can be more complex due to extensive options
Verdict
"Ideal for tech-savvy businesses needing robust integrations and multi-channel communication handling (calls, chat, SMS)."
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View Top Ranked Software
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#1
Ruby Receptionists
By Ruby
Premium live virtual receptionist and chat service focused on creating meaningful connections and offering a highly personalized experience.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Mobile App (iOS, Android)
Best For: Small to Medium Businesses, Legal Firms, Financial Services, Healthcare Practices
Key Features
- ✓Live Call Answering: Professionally trained US-based receptionists answer calls in your company name. (Included)
- ✓Appointment Scheduling: Receptionists can book appointments directly into your calendar system. (Available)
- ✓Bilingual Services: Spanish-speaking receptionists available. (Add-on)
- ✓Mobile App: Manage calls, messages, and settings on the go. (Included)
- ✓Integrations: Connects with various CRM and legal practice management software. (Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Call Essentials
$349.00 / monthly
- 50 receptionist minutes
- Basic call handling
- Mobile app
Limitations: Limited minutes
Call & Essentials
$599.00 / monthly
- 100 receptionist minutes
- Appointment scheduling
- Outbound calling
Limitations: Higher cost per minute overage
Call, Chat & Essentials
$999.00 / monthly
- 200 receptionist minutes
- Managed Live Chat
- Advanced features
Limitations: Premium pricing
Pros
- + Highly professional and friendly receptionists
- + Excellent mobile app
- + Strong focus on customer experience
- + Good integration options
Cons
- - Significantly more expensive than competitors
- - Minute-based plans can be costly for high volume
Verdict
"Best for businesses prioritizing a premium, high-touch customer experience and willing to invest more."
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Final Thoughts
The virtual receptionist market offers diverse solutions, from premium, high-touch services like Ruby to technology-driven platforms like Smith.ai and reliable 24/7 providers like AnswerConnect and AnswerFirst. Key differentiators include pricing models (per minute vs. per call vs. bundled plans), integration capabilities, availability of specialized features (like HIPAA compliance or web chat), and the level of personalization offered.
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