Virtual Receptionist Pricing Guide 2026

The virtual receptionist typically costs around $25 to $3,000 monthly, depending on its type, whether it is an AI receptionist, a live agent or an AI with human support.

AI receptionists handle the calls automatically based on predefined rules and are generally the most affordable option. Live virtual receptionists are charged based on per-minute or usage-based billing and cost more comparatively.

Hybrid virtual receptionists, which combine AI handling with human backup, fall in the middle. They usually cost more than pure AI solutions but less than fully live services.

An AI virtual receptionist is the most affordable option, with monthly costs ranging from $25 to $300.

Most service providers offer lower-tier plans, starting from $25 to $100, which are ideal for small businesses with low call volume. These plans usually include 24/7 call answering, basic call routing, and simple follow-ups.

higher-tier plans are often priced between $150 and $300, and come with more advanced capabilities, such as natural voice interactions, calendar scheduling, CRM integration, and smarter call handling rules.

A live virtual receptionist is usually expensive due to the involvement of human agents for call handling. Monthly costs generally start at $150 and can exceed $2,000 for high call volume.

Entry-level plans generally cost between $150 and $250, usually including 30 to 50 receptionist minutes per month. For example, if each call lasts about one to two minutes, this allows roughly 15 to 30 short calls in a month. The service typically covers basic call answering, message taking, and simple call transfers.

Mid-tier plans, priced from $400 to $800, often include 100 to 200 minutes per month and support tasks such as call screening and warm transfers. Similarly, enterprise plans typically start at $1,500 per month and include higher minute limits.

A hybrid virtual receptionist model combines AI call handling with live-agent support and typically costs between $300 and $900 per month. In this setup, AI handles routine calls, while live agents manage more complex interactions.

The common virtual receptionist pricing models include subscription-based, per-minute, and per-call models.

Subscription-based pricing charges a flat monthly fee that includes a predefined number of calls or minutes. Businesses select a plan tier based on expected usage, and any activity beyond the included limits may result in additional charges. This model works best for businesses with predictable inbound calls.

• Starter or basic tier (up to 100 minutes): The starter plan typically includes basic call answering, custom greetings, and message delivery via email or SMS. It works well for solo professionals or small teams that need simple call coverage.
• Professional or growth tier (150–300 minutes): Mid-tier supports moderate call volume and includes appointment scheduling, call screening, and basic CRM logging. It is suitable for growing businesses that need more structured call handling.
• Enterprise or scale tier (500+ minutes): This tier is designed for high call volume and complex call routing. It usually includes advanced routing options, priority support, and deeper customization, making it ideal for larger teams.

Per-minute pricing models charge businesses based on the total time a receptionist spends handling calls. This model is most common with live virtual receptionist services. It works well for businesses with fluctuating or seasonal call volume, but monthly expenses can vary since billing depends on call duration rather than a fixed allowance.

With per-call pricing, businesses pay a fixed rate for each call answered, regardless of how long the call lasts. This structure simplifies billing and makes it easy to track usage. However, it requires close monitoring of call volume, as costs can increase quickly if the number of inbound calls rises unexpectedly.

The cost of a virtual receptionist depends on the service type, call volume, service hours, feature complexity, and customization options.

The type of receptionist determines how usage is measured and billed. AI receptionists are usually charged under flat or usage-based plans, while live receptionists are billed based on the time spent handling calls.

The number of calls received each month strongly influences the cost of a virtual receptionist. Under per-minute or per-call plans, higher call volume leads to higher charges.

Virtual receptionist pricing also depends on when calls are answered. Coverage limited to business hours costs less than evening, weekend, or 24/7 availability. Most services usually charge extra for after-hours or holiday coverage.

The service providers also charge extra for added features. For basic answering and message taking, the price is often lower.

Extra features such as call screening, appointment booking, lead intake, or warm call transfers require more processing or agent involvement, which can increase the total cost.

Custom call scripts, branded greetings, department-specific routing, or tailored workflows add setup and maintenance effort. These custom elements often come with additional fees or require higher-tier plans.

Here’s a quick look at what some of the top virtual receptionist providers charge and what you get for your money.

Beyond the general cost plan, the virtual receptionist pricing depends on the setup and onboarding charges, overage cost, after-hour cost, contract terms, cancellation, and international call charges. While these costs are not always included in the plan, they can impact your final cost.

Many providers charge a one-time setup fee to configure call flows, greetings, and routing rules. If the service includes live agents, onboarding may also involve training, which may increase the cost.

Most plans include a fixed number of minutes or calls. When usage exceeds these limits, extra minutes are billed separately. Overrun charges often apply automatically and may be priced higher than the base rate.

Calls answered outside standard business hours may be billed differently. Live receptionist services often apply higher rates for evenings, weekends, or holidays, while some plans charge separately for 24/7 coverage.

Some virtual receptionist services require long-term contracts or minimum commitments. Early termination may result in cancellation fees, and unused minutes may not roll over or be refunded.

Handling international calls or transferring calls across borders often involves additional per-minute charges. These fees are usually separate from domestic call rates.

To choose the right virtual receptionist for your budget, start by reviewing call patterns to decide pricing models. Then, check pricing transparency, match coverage hours to real demand, and pick a plan that allows easy upgrades as your call volume grows.

1. Analyze the call pattern: Review how many calls come in each day, how long they usually last, and when they occur. This helps determine whether you need a flat plan, per-minute pricing, or a hybrid setup.
2. Prioritize key features: Ensure the service providers include all the features you need. This could be 24/7 availability, message taking, appointment scheduling, or call screening. Avoid paying extra for advanced tools that are rarely used.
3. Check pricing transparency: Choose providers that clearly explain what is included in the plan and when additional charges apply. Transparent pricing reduces the risk of unexpected fees for overages, setup, or extended service hours.
4. Match coverage hours to actual demand: Confirm whether the service covers only business hours or includes evenings, weekends, or 24/7 availability. Paying for full-time coverage is unnecessary if calls mostly come in during standard working hours.
5. Ensure plan flexibility and scalability: Select a service that allows easy plan changes as call volume grows or declines. Flexible pricing and scalable plans help keep costs aligned with actual usage over time.

The cost of a virtual receptionist depends on how calls are handled, how much call traffic a business receives, and which features are required. Pricing varies across AI-based, live, and hybrid receptionist models, with some services charging flat monthly fees and others billing based on usage.

Choosing the right virtual receptionist means considering call volume, service hours, feature needs, integrations, and possible hidden charges such as setup or overage fees. Reviewing these factors in advance helps your business avoid unexpected charges.