The best phone answering service for modern, tech-savvy businesses is Ambs Call Center. It’s a top pick from HubSpot and other reviews. Ambs Call Center is known for reliability, 24/7 live support, personalization, and strong integrations.
Prices and plans vary by usage and industry, so check the comparison below to find the best fit for your business.
Evaluate the Top Phone Answering Services (Pricing, Features, and More)
|
Service |
Best For |
Starting Price (Monthly) |
24/7/365 Support |
Bilingual |
CRM Integration |
Unique Features/Notes |
|
Ambs Call Center |
Businesses of all sizes |
$175/100 min |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Free integrations, HIPAA compliant, award-winning, no holiday fees, change plan at any time |
|
AnswerConnect |
Lead mgmt, integrations, reliability |
$325/100 min |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Forbes #1, high reviews, flexible plans |
|
Ruby Receptionists |
Professional services, polish |
$135–$385 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Voicemail-to-text, high client service scores |
|
Posh |
Flexible CX, mobile access |
$65/0 min + $2.25/min |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (Zapier, 3k+ apps) |
HIPAA optional, real-time call notes |
|
VoiceNation |
Budget-friendly, quick setup |
$50/30 min |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Fast trial, intuitive portal |
|
AnswerHero |
Value first, clear pricing |
$79/50 min |
Yes |
Yes |
— |
No setup/holiday fees |
|
PATLive |
Budget-Conscious, full 24/7 |
$235 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Lower-cost plans for higher call volumes |
|
MAP |
Startups |
$179 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Startup-focused options |
Benefits of Answering Services
1. 24/7 Availability
Your business stays responsive even after hours, on weekends, and during holidays. Ensures you never miss an important call or lead, improving customer satisfaction and trust.
2. Improved Customer Experience
Professional agents provide polite, helpful, and timely responses. Calls are answered quickly, reducing wait times and frustration.
3. Cost Savings
Cheaper than hiring full-time, in-house receptionists. Pay only for the time or services used—ideal for small businesses or startups.
4. Increased Productivity
Filters out non-essential or spam calls so your team can focus on core tasks. Messages and appointments can be efficiently routed to the right team members.
5. Lead Capture & Sales Support
Trained agents can qualify leads, take orders, or schedule Consultations. Helps prevent lost revenue from missed inquiries.
6. Professional Image
Gives even small businesses the appearance of being larger and more established. Custom scripts ensure brand-Consistent communication.
7. Multilingual Support
Some services offer multilingual agents, expanding your reach to diverse customer bases.
8. Emergency Response Handling
For medical, legal, or repair services, trained agents can prioritize and dispatch urgent calls.
9. Appointment Scheduling & Reminders
Many services integrate with calendar systems to manage bookings and send reminders.
10. Scalability
Easily scale up or down during busy seasons or growth phases without hiring new staff.
Alternatives to Phone Answering Services
1. Voicemail with Custom Greeting
- Description: Set up a professional voicemail message.
- Pros: Simple, low-cost (or free), always available.
- Cons: No live response, risk of missed leads.
- Tips: Use a professional greeting and offer alternative contact methods (text/email).
2. Auto-Attendant / IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
- Description: Automated phone system that routes calls (e.g., "Press 1 for Sales...").
- Pros: Scalable, professional, no human needed.
- Cons: Can frustrate callers if overcomplicated.
- Popular Tools:
- Google Voice
- Grasshopper
- OpenPhone
- Dialpad
3. Virtual Receptionist AI (AI Voice Assistants)
- Description: AI-powered phone systems that can answer and respond to simple queries.
- Pros: 24/7 availability, scalable, lower cost than live agents.
- Cons: Not great for complex or emotional calls.
- Tools to Explore:
- AI Receptionist from Ambs Call Center
4. Call Forwarding to Mobile / Team Members
- Description: Forward calls to a cell phone or rotate between team members.
- Pros: Human response, personal touch.
- Cons: Can interrupt productivity, limited availability.
- Best For: Small teams or solo professionals.
5. Business Texting Services
- Description: Let clients text instead of call.
- Pros: Quick, convenient, preferred by many customers.
- Cons: May not suit urgent or sensitive conversations.
- Platforms:
- Google Voice
- WhatsApp Business
- Podium
- myAmbs Mass Texting Service
6. Online Scheduling & Contact Forms
- Description: Capture intent through forms or appointment software.
- Pros: No phone required, very efficient.
- Cons: Less personal, might miss impulsive callers.
- Popular Tools:
- Calendly
- Acuity Scheduling
- Jotform / Typeform
7. Live Chat on Website
- Description: Chat widget with live or automated responses.
- Pros: Great for lead capture, 24/7 if automated.
- Cons: Not for users who prefer phones.
- Options:
- Tidio
- LiveChat
- Intercom
- Drift
8. Hybrid Solutions
- Description: Use a combo of AI + human + automation.
- Example: AI answers basic questions, escalates to human if needed.
- Tools:
- Hybrid answering service from Ambs Call Center
Answering Service Reviews (Competitors)
|
Provider |
Strengths / Positive Reviews |
Weaknesses / Criticisms |
Notable Comments / Context |
|
Ambs Call Center |
Consistently praised for professionalism, flexibility, and attentive service that feels more personal than large competitors (Trustpilot). |
Some clients mention occasional scheduling adjustments or small delays in message updates, but issues are typically resolved quickly (Birdeye). |
Family-owned providing 100% US-based answering services, many customers say Ambs “feels like part of the team” (Clutch). |
|
Ruby |
Widely recognized for polished, friendly receptionists and strong brand reputation (ConsumerAffairs). |
Pricing can escalate quickly, and some users say minute usage is hard to manage (Trustpilot). |
Clients like Ruby’s warmth but often note it comes at a premium (Forbes). |
|
PATLive |
Reviewers value the 24/7 coverage and friendly agents who follow scripts well (Trustpilot). |
Several complaints about inconsistent call handling and surprise billing after trial periods (BBB). |
Works best for businesses needing constant availability, but quality can vary by agent (FitSmallBusiness). |
|
AnswerConnect |
Strong feedback for responsive, U.S.-based agents and helpful onboarding (Clutch). |
Some clients report unexpected charges or difficulty resolving billing disputes (BBB). |
Positive service experience overall, though transparency on plan changes is a concern (Trustpilot). |
|
Moneypenny (formerly VoiceNation) |
Known for professional UK and U.S. teams and smooth client onboarding (Capterra). |
Clients report frustration with cancellations and communication clarity among some agents (Trustpilot). |
Offers strong brand credibility but mixed feedback on account management (BBB). |
Looking for a Reliable Phone Answering Service?
Choosing the right partner can make all the difference between missed calls and meaningful connections.
At Ambs Call Center, we combine decades of experience with a personal touch. We're real people who care about your callers as much as you do.
Whether you need 24/7 coverage, after-hours support, or help managing overflow during busy times, our team ensures every call gets answered with professionalism and empathy. We don’t just take messages, we:
- Protect your reputation
- Capture every opportunity
- Give you back time to focus on what you do best
Ready to experience the peace of mind that comes with a reliable phone answering service?
