How were these services compared?

Each comparison uses the plans and capabilities the vendor publishes on its own website, checked in October 2026, and links to the pages the figures came from. Where a detail could not be confirmed on a first-party page, the comparison says so instead of guessing.

Is Masheev always the cheaper option?

No. Masheev charges $18/month plus metered usage, which is usually lowest at small and irregular volumes. Services that bundle a large block of minutes, or offer unlimited minutes, can cost less per minute at steady higher volumes. Each comparison includes a worked example at a stated call volume.

No, it is AI first. The AI answers routine calls and messages, your own team takes over any conversation from the shared inbox, and Masheev learns from how they resolve escalations. It does not supply receptionists of its own, so if you want a live person employed by the service on every call, a human or hybrid service is the better fit.

Can I keep my existing phone number?

Yes. You forward your existing business number to Masheev, always or only when you are busy or do not answer, depending on your carrier's forwarding options. You can also add a new number.

AI receptionist alternatives, compared on published pricing

How Masheev compares with the answering services people most often consider, using the prices and features each vendor publishes. Where another service is the better fit, the comparison says so.

Start free See pricing

Conversations

Tomas Lindqvistnow

I was told I would get money back on the callout.

You

Aisha Patelnow

Can you come out on Saturday?

Draft2

Marcus Boatengnow

Call completed, job booked

AI1

Website visitor18m

Chat ended, Saturday hours confirmed.

Marcus BoatengThu

Job #1032 closed, invoice sent by text.

Aisha PatelWed

Warranty PDF sent for the Rinnai unit.

Unknown callerTue

No voicemail left. Screened by AI.

Website visitorMon

Quote request routed to Dana for follow-up.

You

8 conversations today · 6 handled by AI · 2 needed you

Demo board. Synthetic conversations, real product interface.

How do you choose between AI receptionist services?

Start with who answers: software, a person, or software with a person behind it. Human and hybrid services cost more per call and suit callers who need judgment or comfort. AI services cost less and suit routine questions and bookings.

Then look at how usage is billed: per minute, per call, per unique caller, or a flat fee plus metered usage. The same month of calls can cost very different amounts under each model, so price your own volume rather than comparing headline prices. Masheev is AI first, with your own team able to take over, at $18/month plus published usage rates, with phone, SMS and web chat in one inbox.