How Much Does a Virtual Receptionist Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Virtual receptionist pricing varies from $100 to $1,500/month depending on call volume and service type. Here's a complete breakdown — and when AI is the better value.
Virtual receptionist pricing models
There are three main pricing models for virtual receptionist services:
1. Per-minute pricing
You pay for every minute your calls are handled by a live agent. Typical rates: $0.75–$1.50 per minute.
Example: 200 minutes of calls per month at $1.00/min = $200/month.
The catch: calls often run longer than expected, and minutes roll over (or don't). Bills can spike during busy months.
2. Per-call pricing
You pay a fixed rate per call answered, typically $3–$8 per call.
Example: 100 calls/month at $5/call = $500/month.
Easier to budget, but still scales directly with call volume.
3. Monthly subscription (minutes bundle)
Most services offer tiered plans with included minutes:
| Plan tier | Included minutes | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | 50 minutes | $100–$150/month |
| Business | 200 minutes | $250–$400/month |
| Professional | 500 minutes | $500–$800/month |
| Enterprise | Unlimited | $1,000–$2,000/month |
Overage rates apply for minutes beyond the bundle — usually $1.00–$1.75/min.
What's included at each price point?
$100–$200/month (starter tier)
- Basic call answering and message taking
- Limited call types handled
- Business hours only, or limited after-hours coverage
- Basic call log
$300–$600/month (business tier)
- Appointment scheduling
- Custom call scripts
- Some after-hours coverage
- CRM integration (limited)
$700+/month (professional tier)
- Dedicated agents familiar with your business
- 24/7 coverage
- Outbound call capabilities
- Deeper integrations
Hidden costs to watch for
- Setup fees: $50–$250 one-time
- Overage rates: Can double your bill in a busy month
- After-hours surcharge: Many services charge extra for calls outside 9–5
- Long-term contracts: Some require 6–12 month commitments
AI receptionist vs virtual receptionist: cost comparison
For most SMBs, an AI receptionist costs $49–$249/month flat — and 24/7 coverage included.
If your business takes 150+ calls per month, an AI receptionist is almost certainly cheaper. It also answers faster, never has a bad day, and is trained specifically on your business rather than a generic script.
The main trade-off: AI handles predictable calls (bookings, FAQs, intake) extremely well. For genuinely complex, unpredictable calls, human judgment still has an edge.
For most businesses — dental, medical, trades, legal, real estate — 80–90% of inbound calls are routine. That's the AI's sweet spot.
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