AI Answering Service for Contractors: AI vs Human Prices (2026)

Updated October 23, 2026. Contractors usually choose between an AI answering service, a human answering service, or a hybrid. Prices below come from each vendor's pricing page on the date shown.

Human and hybrid answering services

Ruby Human virtual receptionist / answering service (not AI)
Virtual receptionist: 50 min $250/mo; 100 min $395/mo; 200 min $720/mo; 500 min $1,725/mo; larger plans via sales. Live chat: 10 chats $143/mo; 30 $335; 50 $520 (20% off chat when bundled with a receptionist plan). No activation, onboarding or setup fees per Ruby. Overage rates not published on the pricing page.Source: www.ruby.com · checked 2026-10-16 · verified on vendor pricing page
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Smith.ai AI + human receptionist
AI-first Free $0 (25 calls, $3.00/call after); Pro from $150/mo (75 calls, $2.00/call); Enterprise from $500/mo (300 calls, $1.67/call)Source: smith.ai · checked 2026-10-13 · verified on vendor pricing page
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Abby Connect AI + human receptionist
Starter $165/mo (50 Abby Minutes); Essential $329 (100); Professional $599 (200); Growth $1,380 (500); minutes double when AI handles the callSource: www.abby.com · checked 2026-10-13 · verified on vendor pricing page
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AI answering services

OnCrew Home-services specialist
Starter $49/mo (100 calls); Pro $149/mo; Multi-Truck $349/mo; $0.99 per extra call; $0.05 per extra alert textSource: oncrew.ai · checked 2026-10-13 · verified on vendor pricing page
ServiceTitanJobberHousecall ProView details →

Sameday Home-services specialist
Launch from $449/mo (500 min); Scale from $789/mo (1,000 min); Enterprise customSource: toolchase.com · checked 2026-09 (per source) · unverified (secondary source)
ServiceTitanJobberHousecall ProView details →

Avoca AI Home-services specialist (mid-market)
Not published (sales-quoted)Source: marketplace.servicetitan.com · checked 2026-10-12 · vendor publishes no price
ServiceTitanHousecall ProView details →

Lucrovox Home-services specialist
Not published; tiers up to 100 / 500 / 2,000 callsSource: toolchase.com · checked 2026-09 (per source) · unverified (secondary source)
ServiceTitanJobberHousecall ProView details →

Upfirst General SMB receptionist
Starter $24.95/mo; Premium $59.95/mo; Pro $159.95/mo; Scale $299/mo (lower with annual billing)Source: www.upfirst.ai · checked 2026-10-13 · verified on vendor pricing page
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Rosie General SMB receptionist
Professional $49/mo; Scale $149/mo; Growth $299/mo; Website Texting add-on $50/moSource: heyrosie.com · checked 2026-10-13 · verified on vendor pricing page
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More: AI receptionist vs answering service · After-hours answering for contractors · Ruby alternatives.

FAQ

What's the difference between an AI answering service and a human one?

An AI answering service uses a voice agent to answer every call; a human service like Ruby uses live receptionists. Hybrid services such as Smith.ai and Abby Connect combine both.

How much does a human answering service cost?

Ruby lists 50 min $250/mo; 100 min $395/mo; 200 min $720/mo; 500 min $1,725/mo; larger plans via sales (ruby.com/pricing, checked 2026-10-16).

Is there a free AI answering option?

Smith.ai lists an AI-first Free plan: $0 (25 calls, $3.00/call after) (smith.ai pricing, checked 2026-10-13). See free trials and plans.

Prefer live human receptionists? Ruby answers calls 24/7 with US-based receptionists. Per Ruby's affiliate program, new customers who sign up through a partner link can get up to $150 off their first full month.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure