Smith.ai Alternatives
Thinking about Smith.ai? 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 Smith.ai is
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.
As listed on smith.ai on 17 Oct 2026. Check their site for the current price.
Why people look for another option
- You get more calls than a 30-call plan covers, and per-call charges add up.
- You want a lower monthly price to start.
- You want your own cell to ring first, with backup only for the calls you miss.
4 Smith.ai 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. Ruby
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.
Fits: You want live people on your calls and a set block of minutes each month.
As listed on ruby.com on 17 Oct 2026. Check their site for the current price.
3. Goodcall
An automated phone answering service that uses AI.
Starter is $79/month for 100 unique callers a month, then 79 cents per extra caller. Minutes are not metered. You can build a free demo first.
Fits: You get many repeat callers and want to pay by the number of different people who call.
As listed on goodcall.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 Smith.ai alternatives?
KaiCalls, Ruby, Goodcall 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 Smith.ai cost?
The people-first Starter plan is $300/month for 30 calls, then $11.50 per extra call. Smith.ai also has an AI-first option. That is as listed on smith.ai 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.