Ruby Alternatives
Thinking about Ruby? Here are four options, with the price each one lists and who each one fits. KaiCalls is first because it is ours. Pick the one that fits how you work.
Start Kai BackupWhat Ruby is
A live answering service staffed by people.
The smallest plan is $250/month for 50 minutes. Larger plans add minutes: $395 for 100, $720 for 200 and $1,725 for 500. Prices are per month.
As listed on ruby.com on 17 Oct 2026. Check their site for the current price.
Why people look for another option
- You want to pay a flat price, not watch a block of minutes.
- Most of your calls are short, and you only need help with the ones you miss.
- You want your own cell to ring first, with backup only for the calls you miss.
4 Ruby alternatives
1. KaiCalls
A business phone line with Kai, your secretary. Your cell rings first. When you can't pick up, Kai answers, takes the message and texts you who called.
Kai Backup is $10/mo for ~20 Kai-answered calls/mo. $2 for your first week, then $10/mo. Cancel anytime.
Fits: You answer most calls yourself and want backup for the ones you miss, at a flat monthly price.
2. Smith.ai
An answering service you can set up AI-first or people-first.
The people-first Starter plan is $300/month for 30 calls, then $11.50 per extra call. Billed per call, not per minute, month to month.
Fits: You want to pay per call, with the choice of people or AI first.
As listed on smith.ai on 17 Oct 2026. Check their site for the current price.
3. AnswerConnect
A 24/7 live answering service staffed by people.
No dollar prices are shown. You pick a monthly plan by the minutes you expect to use. Work after the call, like taking a message, counts toward minutes.
Fits: You want people answering day and night, and you are fine asking for a quote.
As listed on answerconnect.com on 17 Oct 2026. Check their site for the current price.
4. Dialzara
An automated phone answering service that uses AI.
Business Lite is $29/month for 60 minutes, then $0.48 a minute. Billed monthly, with a 7-day free trial.
Fits: You want automated answering at a low entry price, and paying by the minute is fine.
As listed on dialzara.com on 17 Oct 2026. Check their site for the current price.
Forwarding is optional
Your KaiCalls number can be your main business line. If customers already call an old number, forward only the calls you don't pick up. Forward-all sends Kai every call, and your own phone stops ringing.
Questions
What are the best Ruby alternatives?
KaiCalls, Smith.ai, AnswerConnect and Dialzara are four options. KaiCalls fits owners who answer most calls and want backup for the ones they miss. The others fit different needs, listed above with their prices.
How much does Ruby cost?
The smallest plan is $250/month for 50 minutes. Larger plans add minutes, up to $1,725 for 500. That is as listed on ruby.com on 17 Oct 2026.
How much does KaiCalls cost?
Kai Backup is $10/mo for ~20 Kai-answered calls/mo. $2 for your first week, then $10/mo. Cancel anytime.
How is KaiCalls different?
Your cell rings first. Kai, your secretary, answers only the calls you miss. Then Kai texts you who called and what they need.
Do I have to forward my calls?
No. Forwarding is optional. You can use your KaiCalls number as your main business line. If customers already call an old number, forward only the calls you do not pick up. Forward-all would send Kai every call and your own phone would stop ringing.
Is Kai a person?
No. Kai is a secretary built into your phone line. Kai answers in a natural voice, takes the message, and sends it to you.