Short answer: Most AI-only receptionists cost between $25 and $300 per month. Hybrid services that add human backup run roughly $255 to $1,275+ per month. Fully custom systems — built and trained around your specific business — sit higher because they include the build, integrations, and ongoing tuning. The right choice depends on your call volume, the features you need, and how much the AI should sound like you.
The four pricing tiers, explained
1. Budget AI — about $25–$65/month
Entry-level tools that answer calls and take messages. They're cheap because they cap call volume (often 30–50 calls) and skip features like emergency routing, CRM sync, or calendar booking. Fine for very low-volume businesses; frustrating once you grow.
2. Flat-rate AI — about $149–$299/month
The sweet spot for most small businesses: unlimited inbound calls and full features — call routing, calendar sync, CRM integration, and spam filtering — for one predictable monthly price. Examples in this band include flat-rate services around $199/month.
3. Per-call / metered AI — base fee + per-call
Some providers charge a lower base (e.g., ~$79–$99/month) plus a fee per call or per minute (commonly ~$1.60–$1.90 a call). Cheap if you're quiet, but costs climb fast during busy seasons — the months you can least afford a surprise bill.
4. Hybrid AI + human — about $255–$1,275+/month
AI handles routine calls and real people take over the complex ones. The most coverage, the highest price, and usually per-call overages on top ($7–$11 each).
At a glance
| Tier | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Budget AI | $25–$65/mo | Very low call volume, message-taking only |
| Flat-rate AI | $149–$299/mo | Most small businesses wanting unlimited calls |
| Per-call AI | Base + ~$1.60–$1.90/call | Seasonal or unpredictable volume |
| Hybrid (AI + human) | $255–$1,275+/mo | Complex calls needing human judgment |
| Custom build | Setup + flat monthly | Businesses that want it fully tailored and on-brand |
Figures reflect commonly published 2026 market pricing and vary by provider, region, and features.
What actually drives the price
- Call volume & caps. Unlimited plans cost more upfront but protect you from overage shock.
- Features. Appointment booking, CRM sync, call transfer, and bilingual support add cost — and value.
- Customization. A generic bot is cheap; one trained on your services, pricing, and tone takes real setup.
- Integrations. Connecting your calendar, phone system, and tools is where "simple" plans often add fees.
- Support & tuning. Someone keeping the AI accurate as your business changes is worth paying for.
Hidden fees to watch for
The sticker price is rarely the real price. Before you sign, ask about: per-call or per-minute overages, setup fees, integration add-ons, and volume caps that force an upgrade. A flat monthly rate with no per-call fees is usually the most predictable for a busy small business.
AI receptionist vs. a human receptionist
A full-time human receptionist costs roughly $35,000+ a year plus benefits — and only answers during business hours, one call at a time. An AI receptionist covers calls 24/7, handles spikes, and costs a fraction of one hire. The strongest setups don't replace your team; they catch the calls your team can't.
So what should you budget?
For most local businesses, a flat-rate plan in the $150–$400/month range hits the balance of unlimited calls, real features, and predictable cost. If you want the receptionist to genuinely sound like your business — your services, your tone, your booking rules — a custom build is worth the higher setup, because it converts more of those answered calls into actual customers.
How Stacklight prices it
Stacklight's AI receptionist is part of our Enterprise plan, starting at $6,400 setup plus $399/month — a fully custom system built from scratch around your business, with no per-call fees, calendar and routing integration, monthly tuning, and the option to cancel anytime. Most builds go live in about a week. If you only need website chat, our AI chat assistant starts lower, at $2,000 setup plus $159/month.