Phone Answering Comparison

Smith.ai vs Ruby Receptionists

Smith.ai and Ruby are the two best-known virtual receptionist services for small business, but they take different approaches. Smith.ai pairs human receptionists with AI tooling and prices per call, with strong CRM integrations and lead-qualification workflows. Ruby is a pure human-receptionist service priced by minutes, known for polished call handling and its mobile app. Both cost hundreds per month for a busy line, which is why fully-AI receptionists have become the fast-growing third option.

Smith.ai

Per-call pricing is easier to predict than per-minute billing

AI-assisted human receptionists with lead qualification and intake

Deep integrations (CRMs, calendars, intake forms, chat)

Outbound callbacks and appointment booking included on many plans

Ruby Receptionists

Longest track record in the virtual receptionist space

Highly polished, personable human call handling

Strong mobile app for call handoff and status control

Bilingual answering available

Our Verdict

Smith.ai generally wins for lead capture and integrations; Ruby wins for white-glove human answering. Both are strong but expensive at volume. If you want every call answered 24/7 at a flat rate closer to /mo, a fully-AI receptionist now covers most small-business needs — hear one live by calling (844) 255-7157, which is answered by our own AI receptionist.

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