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AI receptionist vs. answering service: what to compare before you sign up

If you run a small business and miss calls, you've probably looked at two options: a live answering service with people on the phones, or an AI receptionist. Both answer when you can't. They work and charge differently.

Onda · October 17, 2026

Live answering service

A person answers your calls. Some callers prefer that. Plans are often built around a set number of minutes or calls each month. Before you sign up, ask:

• How many minutes or calls are included, and what each extra one costs
• Whether there is a contract or a cancellation fee
• Whether after-hours, weekend or holiday calls cost more
• How messages reach you: email, text or an app

AI receptionist

An AI answers, takes the details and sends them to you in writing. Before you sign up, ask:

• Whether callers are told they are speaking with an AI
• What happens when you run out of minutes
• Whether it books appointments on its own or leaves that to you
• Whether you keep your own phone number
• Whether it answers in your callers' languages
• How you cancel

The real question: what does a missed call cost you?

Start with your phone's call log. For one week, count the calls you didn't answer. If one new customer is worth a few hundred dollars to your shop, that count tells you more than any price chart.

What Onda costs

• Onda: $199 a month, 500 minutes.
• Onda Plus: $349 a month, 1,000 minutes, plus email intake with draft replies and Google Calendar booking.
• One-time $99 setup, not refundable. Our team sets it up and tests it with you.
• If you run out of minutes, we add 100 for $29 on your next bill. Minutes are counted by the second.
• No annual contract. You can cancel online at callonda.com/cancel.
• 7-day trial on your real calls. There is no monthly fee during the trial.

Callers are told they are speaking with an AI assistant. You keep your business number, and you confirm bookings and prices yourself.