A virtual receptionist service is a professional phone answering service that handles incoming calls and customer inquiries on behalf of a business. It provides essential services like answering calls, scheduling appointments, and delivering key information. They’re designed to streamline communication, ensuring that businesses can manage high call volumes without the need for a full-time, in-house receptionist.

Virtual answering services often offer 24/7 support, allowing companies to stay connected with customers anytime, anywhere.

A virtual receptionist service provides 24/7 availability, cost savings, improved customer service, and seamless call management to maintain business continuity.

• 24/7 Availability: Ensures that calls are answered around the clock, even outside regular office hours.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for hiring full-time staff, saving on labor costs and office space by opting for a receptionist as a service.
• Improved Customer Service: Provides a professional and consistent experience for every caller, boosting customer satisfaction.
• Better Call Management: Allows internal teams to focus on other tasks with features such as call routing, message taking, and even appointment booking integrations.
• Business Continuity: Handles calls even during busy hours or emergencies, ensuring no calls are missed.

The top virtual receptionist services for businesses are Ruby Receptionist, Nexa, Abby Connect, Smith.ai, Moneypenny, AnswerConnect, MyOutDesk, Connect Communications, AnswerForce, and My Receptionist.

Ruby, formerly known as Ruby Receptionist, is the best virtual receptionist service for small and growing businesses. Their receptionists handle calls with a script you provide, allowing you to craft the perfect greeting and communicate with the touch of your brand tone. The company also offers live chat support, which is a great way to engage customers digitally, alongside the traditional phone service.

Additionally, its mobile app keeps your customers connected with real-time updates, while bilingual support in English and Spanish helps you serve a broader customer base.
 

Key Features:

• Text Messaging
• Live Chat
• Outbound Call Campaigns
• Mobile App and Desktop Portal

Nexa offers a top virtual receptionist solution tailored to legal, healthcare, real estate, and home services. From answering calls to lead management, their service can be customized to fit a variety of business models. They also provide a customer portal named NexaInsights, which allows businesses to track calls, manage reports, and access real-time data.

Initially launched as Answer 1 Communications, the company rebranded to Nexa after new leadership took over in 2015. Since then, the company has grown to over 600 employees and now serves more than 5,000 businesses across the United States.

Key Features:

• Text Messaging
• Live Chat
• Outbound Call Campaigns
• Mobile App and Desktop Portal

Abby Connect is a US-based virtual answering service that combines skilled human receptionists with advanced technology to provide exceptional customer support. Each client is assigned a dedicated team that learns their business needs to ensure friendly and consistent service.

Abby Connect boasts a large and diverse client base, with its impressive track record of handling over one million calls. This clearly indicates its reach and reliability.

Key Features:

• Weekend Answering
• AI Call Summary
• Call Screening and Transfer
• Live Website Chat Support

Smith.ai is recognized for its innovative blend of AI technology with live receptionist services. It serves various industries, including legal firms, home services, marketing agencies, and healthcare providers. By offering personalized and professional support, Smith.ai allows businesses to focus on growth while ensuring their customers receive timely and helpful assistance.

Key Features:

• AI-Assisted Call Answering
• Live Website Chat Support
• HIPAA-Compliant Communications
• Spam and Robocall Filtering

Moneypenny is a UK-based virtual receptionist service. Lately, the company has also expanded its operations to the US, with offices in Atlanta, Georgia. Moneypenny's commitment to combining advanced technology with highly trained staff has positioned it as a leader in the virtual receptionist industry.

The company has been recognized worldwide for its excellence in service and workplace culture. It has been featured multiple times in “The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For” and praised for its innovative approach to customer communication.

Key Features:

• AI Receptionist
• Online Dashboard
• Digital Receptionist
• Call Tracking

AnswerConnect is a top-rated virtual receptionist service across the US, serving over 6,000 businesses, from solo ventures to large companies. It allows you to craft your own communication style and workflow. You can decide how the calls and chats should be handled and instruct the live receptionists.

Additionally, businesses can get instant updates and review call recordings and chat transcripts via an easy-to-use app or website.

Key Features:

• Lead Capture Tools
• Urgent Call Handling
• Inbound Direct Response
• After Hours Virtual Receptionist

MyOutDesk offers virtual receptionist answering services as part of its broader virtual assistant solutions. Designed to support businesses with day-to-day communication, it manages inbound calls, appointment scheduling, and general administrative tasks. With ongoing performance monitoring and support, MyOutDesk ensures reliable, high-quality receptionist services that improve client satisfaction.

Key Features:

• Secure Handling of Sensitive Data
• Ongoing Performance Monitoring
• Call Screening
• Appointment Scheduling and Calendar Management

Connect Communications provides the best virtual receptionist services for small businesses. Its professional call handling ensures that every call, including cold calls, is answered with a courteous and professional voice. To provide the service, they can provide their number to the customers or take the forwarded calls from your business.

Connect Communications staff are well-trained to take and record messages from the customers, which they later forward to you via email or SMS. For any specialized inquiries, they can also transfer calls directly to you if needed

Key Features:

• Standard Message Taking
• Call Transfers
• Bespoke Operator Training
• Interactive On-Screen Guidance

AnswerForce is a 24/7 live answering and virtual receptionist service provider based in Portland, Oregon. It focuses on personalized customer interactions, helping businesses maintain strong client relationships.

Serving over 2,500 small and medium-sized businesses across the US, Canada, and the UK, AnswerForce has earned notable recognition, including the "Best Answering Service 2025" award from Forbes and the "Service of the Year 2024" from the RIA Contractor’s Choice Awards.

Key Features:

• After-Hours Call Handling
• Call Centre Solutions
• Order Taking
• Franchise Answering

My Receptionist provides 24/7 virtual receptionist answering services for small and mid-sized businesses. Their core services include online scheduling, appointment reminders, and secure mobile messaging.

My Receptionist follows your call handling instructions to serve your customers and maintain your brand image. Serving a wide range of industries, MyReceptionist also excels in message taking, call transferring, CRM integration, gift card processing, and more.

Key Features:

• Custom Scripting
• Customized Greetings
• Instant Message Delivery

While choosing a virtual receptionist, look for service availability, call handling features, pricing transparency, and data security.

• Service Availability: Ensure the service offers round-the-clock availability if your business operates outside standard hours or serves customers in different time zones.
• Call Handling Features: Look for features like call screening, routing, voicemail, and call forwarding, which are essential in customer care centers.
• Reputation and User Reviews: Check third-party reviews and customer feedback to assess the service’s reliability and customer service quality.
• Pricing Plan: Review the cost structure carefully, whether it’s a per-minute charge or tier packages. Also, ensure there are no hidden fees.
• Security and Confidentiality: Confirm the provider has strict data protection protocols to safeguard customer information and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.

Delegating the responsibility of handling business calls to a virtual receptionist service can significantly streamline operations. By outsourcing this essential task, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce overhead costs, and ensure that every customer call is answered professionally and promptly.