Smith.ai is a well-established answering service with an AI receptionist and live human receptionists behind it, billed per call. Amernet’s AI receptionist answers, books and transfers 24/7, is free with inbound calls included, and can sit on the phone system you already have. Here is how they compare, using the prices each company publishes.
Smith.ai figures are from its published AI receptionist pricing, checked October 2026; per-call rates vary by plan size and change over time, so check smith.ai for current terms. Amernet pricing is current as published on our pricing page. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will correct it.
Yes. Amernet’s AI receptionist is free and answering inbound calls costs nothing; Smith.ai’s paid plans start at $150 a month for 75 calls. Both have a free option: Smith.ai’s covers 25 calls a month, and Amernet’s free plan needs no credit card. At higher volumes, compare current usage terms on both pricing pages.
No. Amernet is an AI receptionist: when a call needs a person it transfers to your own team, introducing the caller first. If you need an outside human receptionist service behind the AI, Smith.ai offers that and we do not.
Yes. Forward your existing number, port it to Amernet, or keep your phone system as it is and add the AI receptionist as an extension behind it.
Minutes to get an agent answering. Give it your hours, services and booking calendar, ring it yourself to test, then point your calls at it.
More on how an AI receptionist compares and where it fits.
Free to start, no credit card. Keep your number or get a new one in minutes.
