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In today’s hectic corporate environment, answering every call is important for maintaining a company’s reputation. Phone answering services play a key role in helping businesses manage incoming calls, boost customer satisfaction, and improve productivity. For customer-service focused businesses, these services can effectively handle inquiries, organize meetings and process payments. 

Missing calls can lead to lost business and frustrated customers. Studies regularly show that companies that utilize reliable phone answering services experience a significant increase in customer retention and happiness. Whether it’s a small business wanting budget-friendly choices or a big company requiring 24/7 support, the right phone answering service can greatly improve daily operations.

What is a Phone Answering Service? 

A professional phone answering service answers company calls. Companies can choose between live receptionists or advanced AI technologies for these services. Phone answering services fall into three categories: 

• Live Agents: Trained professionals answer calls and queries. 
• Automated Systems (IVR & VoIP): IVR systems provide call routing and self-service options. 
• AI Agents: Smart, human-like communication helps organizations perform better while preserving a personal touch. 

Criteria for Choosing Phone Answering Services 

When choosing a phone answering service, companies should consider several important factors to find the best option for them: 

• Usability: Choose a solution that’s easy to set up and matches your business. Setting up virtual or live phone answering services should be simple and need no technical knowledge. 
• Pricing: Companies should choose a service with flexible price options that match their budget and size. Affordable phone answering services are ideal for both startups and small businesses, but larger companies may need more advanced plans with more features. 
• Customer service: Businesses and global operations requiring constant contact should provide 24/7 service. 
• AI & Automation: AI can streamline and automate calls for certain businesses, offering a cost-effective solution to manage high call volumes with minimal staffing. 

Best 7 Phone Answering Services in 2025

Businesses need effective phone answering services to avoid missed calls in today’s fast-paced environment. Here are the top 7 phone answering services, each with distinct advantages for businesses.

1. Jotform 

Overview
Jotform’s AI phone answering system uses smart AI agents and customized templates. Due to its user-friendly interface and ease of use, Jotform offers businesses high-volume automated phone answering services without sacrificing quality.

Best For 
SMBs seeking scalable AI-integrated and affordable phone answering services. This is for companies that need quick setup and customized solutions.

Key Features

• AI-powered phone answering
• Custom industry templates
• Smooth Jotform form and workflow integration

Limitations

• It may not work well for large enterprises with extremely particular responding needs

Plans/Pricing

• Starter: FREE
• Bronze: $34/month (Billed annually)
• Silver: $39/month (Billed annually)
• Gold: $99/month (Billed annually)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pro/Cons

• Pros: Cost-effective, easy to set up, AI, customizable templates.
• Cons: It may not scale well for large businesses with complex needs.

2.RingCentral

Overview 

RingCentral offers configurable cloud phone and call management. One platform with audio, video, team chat, and fax are suitable for all sizes of enterprises. 

Best For

Designed for enterprises and teams seeking a flexible unified communications solution.

Key Features

• Cloud-based phone answering
• Video conferencing and team messaging features
• Voicemail transcription and call forwarding

Limitations

• Some users report issues with call quality during peak hours
• Pricing can be high for small businesses

Plans/Pricing

• Core: $20/user/month (paid annually)
• Advanced: $25/user/month (paid annually)
• Ultra: $35/user/month (paid annually) 

Pro/Cons

• Pros: All-in-one communications tool, high scalability, robust integrations
• Cons: Pricey for smaller teams, occasional call quality issues

3. CallHippo

Overview

CallHippo’s cloud-based phone answering allows organizations to set up local or worldwide customer service lines. It automates incoming call routing and voicemail.

Best For 

Ideal for companies seeking worldwide presence, local phone numbers, and efficient call management.

Key Features

• Automatic call forwarding
• Call analytics and reporting
• Integration with CRM tools

Limitations

• Limited advanced features in lower pricing tiers
• Basic call features in the cheapest plan

Plans/Pricing

• Starter: $18 Per User/Month
• Popular: $30 Per User/Month
• Ultimate: $42 Per User/Month
• Enterprise: Talk to Us 

Pro/Cons

• Pros: Global coverage, customizable options, CRM integrations
• Cons: Limited features on lower tiers, basic interface

4. Grasshopper

Overview 

Virtual phone answering service Grasshopper is cloud-based for small enterprises. It enables call forwarding, voicemail, and personalized greetings and is easy to set up and operate. 

Best For 

Small companies who want a professional, affordable, and easy-to-set-up phone system.

Key Features

• Customizable call forwarding and voicemail greetings
• Virtual business phone numbers
• Call screening and call blocking

Limitations

• Lacks advanced features like video conferencing
• Limited integration options compared to competitors

Plans/Pricing

• True Solo: $14/month for one user, phone number, and extension.
• Solo Plus: $25/month for unlimited users and three extensions 
• Small Business: $80/month for unlimited users and extensions

Pro/Cons

• Pros: Easy to use, affordable, and good for small businesses
• Cons: Lacks advanced features and integrations

5. Ruby

Overview

Ruby personalizes businesses with real virtual receptionists. These services handle inbound calls and personalize help.

Best For

Ideal for small businesses seeking personalized phone response with real receptionists. 

Key Features

• Live virtual receptionists available 24/7
• Customizable call handling
• Appointment scheduling integration

Limitations

• Higher price points compared to automated services.
• It can be overkill for businesses with minimal call volume

Plans/Pricing

• Great for startups: $245/month (50 minutes per month) 
• Great for one-person businesses: $385/month (100 minutes per month) 
• Up to 200 receptionist minutes: $705/month (200 minutes per month) 
• Great for small businesses of all kinds: $1,695/month (500 minutes per month) 

Pro/Cons

• Pros: Personalized service, high-quality receptionists, 24/7 availability.
• Cons: Expensive for small businesses, limited scalability.

6. AnswerConnect

Overview

AnswerConnect is a phone answering service designed to provide businesses with 24/7 live answering and promptly handle all calls.

Best For

Businesses require around-the-clock call answering, with a focus on customer service.

Key Features

• Call forwarding and message taking
• Customizable greeting options
• Secure data handling

Limitations

• Pricing is higher than automated services
• Limited integrations with CRMs

Plans/Pricing

• Entry: 200 minutes $350 per month + $49.99 setup fee 
• Growth: 300 minutes $395 per month, no setup fee 
• Standard: 400 minutes $575 per month + $49.99 setup fee

Pro/Cons

• Pros: High-quality live answering, round-the-clock service, customizable greetings
• Cons: Higher cost, limited CRM integrations

7. Abby Connect

Overview

Abby Connect is another premium live call-answering virtual receptionist. Businesses needing expert phone handling can use its high-end customer service.

Best For

Small to medium-sized businesses that need top-tier customer service with live agents.

Key Features

• Call screening and message taking
• Detailed reporting and analytics
• Virtual assistant options

Limitations

• Pricing may not be suitable for businesses with limited budgets
• Lacks some automation features

Plans/Pricing

• Essential: $329 per month; Up to 100 minutes 
• Professional: $599 per month; Up to 200 minutes 
• Growth: $1380 per month; Up to 500 minutes

Pro/Cons

• Pros: Professional call handling, 24/7 availability, custom solutions.
• Cons: Higher pricing, fewer automated features.

Choosing the Best Service for Your Business 

When selecting the best phone answering service, consider factors such as your business development goals, customer contact needs, and budget.  Jotform’s AI phone answering solution is cost-efficient and effective for startups and organizations who wish to avoid live phone answering services. Ruby and AnswerConnect offer services with genuine people if personal customer interaction is important. 

A reliable phone answering service can enhance your response time, improve efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. Whether you opt for a virtual, business  or AI-based phone answering service, the right tool can help your organization to stay competitive and meet customer expectations.

Featured Image by Austin Distel on Unsplash

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