AI receptionist vs answering service
Both answer the phone when you can't, but they work very differently. Here's a plain comparison of cost, coverage and what each can actually do, so you can choose what fits your business.
Card required. No charge if you cancel within 14 days. Available to businesses in the UK and US.
A still of the Masheev console: a full inbox of conversations, one of them an AI-drafted WhatsApp reply awaiting a person's approval.
Demo board. Synthetic conversations, real product interface.
AI receptionist vs answering service: what's the difference?
A traditional answering service uses human operators who mainly take messages and pass them on. Most cover only the phone, can put callers on hold during busy periods, and bill per minute or per call, with after-hours coverage often costing extra.
An AI receptionist can answer routine questions and complete configured tasks such as booking across supported channels, with handoff to your team when needed. Masheev launches with phone, SMS and web chat; email, WhatsApp, Instagram and Google Reviews are approval-gated betas. Plans start at $18/month with measured usage and unlimited seats.
Side by side
Where the two differ most. Answering services vary, so check the terms of any you compare.
| Capability | Masheev | Answering service |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage hours | Hours you configure | After hours often costs extra |
| Busy periods | Up to plan and provider limits | Hold times are common |
| Answers questions and books | Mostly takes messages | |
| Phone, SMS and web chat | Usually phone only | |
| Email, WhatsApp, Instagram | Approval-gated betas | Rarely |
| Your knowledge and handoff rules | Varies by service | |
| Multilingual conversations | Varies | |
| Typical pricing | Flat fee + usage | Per minute or per call |
Which one fits
The right answer depends on what your calls are actually about.
A human answering service fits when
- Most calls are emotionally sensitive or unusual enough to need a person every time.
- Call volume is very low and irregular, and you only need messages taken.
- You want a live operator on every call regardless of what the caller needs.
An AI receptionist fits when
- Many calls are routine: hours, prices, availability, bookings and changes.
- You'd rather have fewer callbacks than a longer list of messages.
- Your own team should handle the complex cases, with the context already written down.
Frequently asked questions
Explore more
Fewer messages, fewer callbacks
An AI receptionist that handles routine requests on supported channels during the hours you set, and hands the rest to your team. From $18/mo.
Card required. No charge if you cancel within 14 days. Available to businesses in the UK and US.