An AI receptionist answers every call instantly, 24/7, at a fixed monthly price and can book straight into your calendar. A human answering service gives a person on the line but usually charges per call or per minute and often only takes messages. Voicemail is free, but many callers won't leave a message. Hiring a receptionist gives the most personal service but costs the most and only covers working hours.
Side-by-side comparison
| AI receptionist | Human answering service | In-house receptionist | Voicemail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Answers 24/7 | Yes | Depends on plan | No | Records only |
| Answers instantly, every call | Yes, unlimited at once | Usually, at peak times may queue | Only if free | No |
| Books into your calendar | Yes | Sometimes | Yes | No |
| Knows your prices and services | Yes, from your own information | Partly, from a script | Yes | No |
| Speaks other languages | Orra: 10+ languages | Rarely | Depends on the person | No |
| Typical cost model | Fixed monthly, with minutes included | Per call or per minute | Salary plus employer costs | Free |
| Holiday, sickness, lunch cover | Not needed | Included | Needs cover | Not applicable |
When an AI receptionist is the right choice
- You miss calls while you're with a customer, on a job or after hours.
- Most calls are bookings, prices, opening times or simple questions.
- You want every call answered the same way, with a written summary.
- Your customers speak more than one language.
When a human answering service is the better choice
- Most of your calls are sensitive or emotional and need a person every time.
- You get very few calls a month, so paying per call costs less than a monthly plan.
When to hire a receptionist
If you need someone front of house to greet people, handle post and do admin as well as answer the phone, a person is still the answer. Many businesses use an AI receptionist alongside their team to cover overflow, lunch breaks, evenings and weekends.
The hybrid that most small businesses end up with
Forward calls to Orra only when you're busy or closed. Your team answers when they can, Orra catches the rest, and anything urgent comes straight back to a person. You keep your number and lose nothing if you stop.
See how it works for estate agents, salons, electricians and every other trade, or read how to choose an AI receptionist.
Test Orra on your own business, right now
Tap Talk to Orra, say your business name and town, then play one of your customers. She answers as your receptionist. Free, no sign-up, about two minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AI receptionist better than an answering service?
For most calls about bookings, prices and opening hours, yes: it answers instantly, 24/7, books into your calendar and costs a fixed monthly amount. For calls that always need a human, a staffed answering service is better. Many businesses combine both.
Is an AI receptionist cheaper than a human receptionist?
Usually, yes. Orra starts at £149 a month plus VAT and covers every hour of the day. A human receptionist costs considerably more once wages, holiday and employer costs are included, and only covers their working hours.
Can an AI receptionist transfer calls to me?
Yes. You set the rules, for example emergencies or named customers, and Orra passes those calls or messages to you straight away.
Will callers hang up on an AI?
Many callers won't leave a voicemail, but a natural-sounding AI that answers instantly gives them someone to talk to. Test it yourself: ring a live demo and judge whether your customers would stay on the line.
Can I use an AI receptionist only after hours?
Yes. With Orra you choose when calls forward: all the time, only when you're busy, or only outside opening hours.
Sources
- Fasthosts: What's the best AI receptionist in the UK? (2026)
- ISPreview: BT Business launches an AI receptionist for firms (October 2026)
Prices and features of other providers change. Check each provider's own website before you buy. Orra is our product, so we've kept this guide factual and shown where other options suit some businesses better.