Best AI Phone Answering Systems for Businesses

Missed calls mean missed opportunities. Customers expect instant support, but long wait times and limited business hours create frustration. Hiring more agents increases costs, yet poor response times drive customers away. 

AI phone answering systems fix this by handling calls automatically, providing instant responses, and reducing workload for businesses. Industries like e-commerce, healthcare, and real estate use AI phone answering services to manage inquiries, book appointments, and improve customer interactions. 

AI solutions offer human-like conversations, 24/7 availability, and real-time analytics, making them the best AI phone answering systems for modern businesses.

What Is an AI Phone Answering System?

An AI phone answering system is an automated solution that uses artificial intelligence to handle inbound and outbound calls without human intervention. Unlike traditional IVR, which relies on rigid menus, AI-powered systems understand natural speech and respond in real-time.

Businesses use AI phone answering services to manage high call volumes, reduce wait times, and improve efficiency. These systems operate 24/7, ensuring no missed calls. 

Natural Language Processing (NLP) allows AI to interpret speech, detect intent, and engage in human-like conversations. Companies benefit from cost savings, improved customer interactions, and scalable call management.

How Do AI Phone Answering Systems Work?

Handling customer calls efficiently requires more than just automation. AI phone answering systems rely on advanced technologies to provide fast, accurate, and human-like responses.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI analyzes speech, detects intent, and responds like a human. Best tools like Brilo AI use NLP to provide seamless, context-aware conversations that feel natural and engaging.

• Machine Learning (ML): AI continuously improves by learning from previous interactions. This enables smarter responses, better accuracy, and enhanced customer engagement over time.

• Speech-to-Text & Sentiment Analysis: AI transcribes conversations, detects emotions, and adjusts responses based on tone. Businesses use this data to optimize customer interactions and improve satisfaction.

• Real-Time Call Transcription: AI records and transcribes calls instantly, offering actionable insights for businesses. Companies can analyze call data to enhance support and streamline operations.

• Seamless Human Handoff: AI detects complex issues and smoothly transfers calls to human agents when necessary. AI phone answering systems ensure seamless call escalation for better customer experiences.

Best AI Phone Answering Systems

Businesses rely on AI phone answering systems to improve customer support, automate call handling, and reduce operational costs. AI in customer service enhances efficiency, response time, and customer satisfaction. 

The following are the best AI-powered solutions, ranked for their features, performance, and scalability.

1. Brilo AI

Brilo AI is an advanced AI phone answering system built for businesses needing fast, accurate, and automated call handling. The AI agent, Casey, delivers human-like conversations, reducing agent workload and improving customer experience. With real-time call analytics and 24/7 availability, Brilo AI ensures businesses never miss an opportunity.

Key Features

• Human-Like AI Conversations: AI engages naturally, improving customer satisfaction and reducing the need for human intervention.

• Automated Call Handling: AI manages 40% of calls autonomously, reducing workloads and cutting follow-ups by 25%.

• Live Call Transcription: AI transcribes calls instantly, allowing businesses to analyze customer interactions and improve service quality.

• Seamless Integration: Supports over 6,000+ apps, making it easy to sync data with CRMs, scheduling tools, and business software.

• 24/7 Availability: AI answers calls around the clock, ensuring businesses never miss a customer inquiry.

Use Cases

• E-commerce: Brilo AI for e-commerce handles order tracking, returns, and product inquiries, improving shopping experiences.

• Healthcare: Clinics use AI for appointment scheduling, reminders, and patient communication.

• Real Estate: Automates property inquiries, lead qualification, and viewing bookings.

• Hospitality: AI assists with hotel reservations, restaurant bookings, and concierge services.

Pricing Plans

• Starter Plan ($49/month): Includes 160 minutes, 1 AI agent, 1 AI phone number, and 1 workspace, with extra minutes priced at $0.18 per minute.

• Pro Plan ($149/month): Offers 600 minutes, 3 AI agents, 1 AI phone number, and 3 workspaces, with additional usage charged at $0.16 per minute.

• Growth Plan ($499/month): Provides 2,500 minutes, unlimited AI agents, 1 AI phone number, and 5 workspaces, with extra minutes costing $0.14 per minute.

2. Google Voice AI

Google Voice AI is a cloud-based AI phone answering system designed for small businesses and freelancers. It integrates with Google Workspace, offering basic AI call handling and voicemail transcription. Google Voice AI provides an affordable solution for businesses that need simple AI-powered communication without complex call center features.

Key Features

• AI-Powered Voicemail Transcription: AI converts voicemails into text, allowing users to read messages instead of listening.

• Call Forwarding & Screening: AI filters spam calls and directs important calls to the right team members.

• Multi-Device Access: Calls can be answered on mobile, desktop, or tablet, ensuring flexibility.

• Google Workspace Integration: AI syncs with Google Calendar, Gmail, and Contacts, improving workflow.

• Affordable Business Numbering: Provides businesses with custom phone numbers for professional communication.

Use Cases

• Small Businesses: AI manages basic call routing, voicemail, and spam filtering.

• Freelancers & Remote Teams: AI forwards calls to different devices, ensuring seamless communication.

• Startups: Provides an affordable phone solution with voicemail transcription.

Pricing Plans

• Starter Plan: $10/month per user (Basic call handling and voicemail).

• Standard Plan: $20/month per user (Multi-device access and Google Workspace integration).

• Premier Plan: $30/month per user (Advanced call management features).

3. Five9 Virtual Agent

Five9 Virtual Agent is an enterprise-grade AI phone answering system designed for large businesses and call centers. It offers AI-powered self-service, advanced speech recognition, and CRM integrations. Five9 is ideal for companies that require scalable AI-driven customer support and real-time analytics to optimize call performance.

Key Features

• AI-Driven Self-Service: AI answers customer queries without human agents, improving efficiency.

• Advanced CRM Integration: Syncs with Salesforce, Zendesk, and HubSpot for streamlined workflows.

• AI-Powered Speech Recognition: Detects customer intent and provides personalized responses.

• Omnichannel Support: AI handles voice, chat, email, and SMS inquiries.

• Real-Time Analytics: Businesses track customer interactions and agent performance through AI insights.

Use Cases

• Large Enterprises: AI manages high call volumes, reducing agent workload.

• Financial Services: AI assists with fraud detection and account inquiries.

• E-commerce: Handles order processing and return requests automatically.

Pricing Plans

• Five9 offers custom pricing based on business needs. Companies must contact sales for a quote.

4. Talkdesk Virtual Agent

Talkdesk Virtual Agent is a cloud-based AI phone answering service that delivers multilingual support and AI-driven automation. It provides businesses with AI-powered call handling, predictive routing, and omnichannel engagement, making it ideal for companies serving global customers.

Key Features

• Multilingual AI Support: AI handles calls in multiple languages, making it ideal for global businesses.

• Agent Assist AI: AI guides human agents in real-time, improving response accuracy.

• Omnichannel Engagement: AI supports voice, chat, email, and SMS inquiries.

• Customizable Workflows: Businesses tailor AI responses and call routing to fit their needs.

• Predictive Call Routing: AI routes calls based on customer history, improving resolution speed.

Use Cases

• International Businesses: AI handles multi-language customer support.

• E-commerce & Retail: AI answers FAQs and assists with product recommendations.

• Call Centers: Supports large-scale customer service operations.

Pricing Plans

• Talkdesk provides custom pricing based on the number of users and AI capabilities required.

5. RingCentral AI Answering

RingCentral AI Answering is another cloud-based popular AI-powered phone system designed for small and mid-sized businesses. It offers automated call routing, voicemail transcription, and integration with business tools, making it an affordable and efficient AI solution.

Key Features

• AI-Powered Call Routing: AI directs calls to the right department based on customer intent.

• Voicemail Transcription: AI converts voicemail messages into text, making them easier to manage.

• Cloud-Based Phone System: Businesses access AI-powered calls from any device.

• Call Analytics & Reporting: AI tracks call data and performance metrics for businesses.

• CRM & Team Integration: AI connects with Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and Google Workspace.

Use Cases

• Small & Medium Businesses: AI handles incoming calls and voicemail management.

• Remote Teams: AI ensures seamless call forwarding and collaboration.

• Customer Support: AI assists with automated call routing and inquiries.

Pricing Plans

• Core Plan: $20/user per month (Basic AI call routing and voicemail transcription).

• Advanced Plan: $25/user per month (Team collaboration and analytics tools).

• Ultra Plan: $35/user per month (Full AI capabilities and CRM integration).

How AI Phone Answering Improves Customer Support

Businesses rely on AI phone answering systems to handle high call volumes, reduce response times, and improve service efficiency. Top AI platforms for customer service ensures faster resolutions and better customer experiences.

• Reduces Wait Times and Improves Efficiency: AI handles multiple calls simultaneously, eliminating hold times and ensuring instant responses to customer inquiries.

• Available 24/7 to Handle Customer Queries: AI operates round the clock, allowing businesses to provide consistent support without hiring additional staff.

• Boosts Customer Satisfaction (Brilo AI Increases CSAT by 15%): AI delivers fast, accurate, and personalized responses, improving customer experiences and loyalty.

• Smart Routing to Human Agents for Complex Queries: AI identifies complex issues and seamlessly transfers calls, ensuring efficient resolutions without frustrating customers.

Features to Look for in the Best AI Phone Answering System

Choosing the best AI phone answering system requires evaluating key features that improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Advanced AI phone agents are revolutionizing customer support by providing human-like interactions, fast responses, and seamless automation.

• Human-Like Conversation Capabilities: AI engages naturally using advanced speech recognition and NLP. Responses feel smooth and realistic, making interactions more engaging and reducing caller frustration.

• Fast Response Time and Multiple Call Handling: AI instantly answers multiple calls simultaneously, eliminating wait times. Businesses can scale customer service operations without increasing labor costs.

• Live Call Transcription & Real-Time Analytics: AI captures call details, analyzes conversations, and provides valuable insights. Businesses track customer concerns and optimize service quality based on real-time data.

• Seamless Handoff to Human Agents: AI detects complex queries and transfers calls to human agents when needed. Brilo AI ensures smooth escalations for a frictionless customer experience.

• Strong Integration with CRM and Business Tools: AI connects with existing platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and payment systems. Automated data syncing enhances workflow efficiency and customer relationship management.

Get the Best AI Answering Phone Agents with Brilo AI

Businesses need AI phone answering systems to handle high call volumes, reduce costs, and improve customer support. Automated solutions improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and response times. Choosing the best AI phone answering system ensures seamless communication and better customer experiences.

Brilo AI leads with scalable automation, human-like conversations, and real-time analytics. Companies across industries trust Brilo AI for 24/7 support, seamless CRM integration, and advanced call management.

Sign up today

FAQs

How much does an AI phone answering system cost?

AI phone answering systems vary in cost based on features, usage, and provider. Prices typically range from $10 to $500+ per month, with premium plans offering advanced automation, analytics, and seamless CRM integration.

Can I use AI to answer phone calls?

Yes, AI phone answering systems handle inbound and outbound calls using speech recognition and NLP. AI-powered solutions provide human-like interactions, automate responses, and ensure 24/7 customer support with seamless call management.

What is the best AI phone answering service provider?

The best AI voice answering services provide accurate speech recognition, automated call routing, and real-time analytics. Brilo AI excels in handling high call volumes, reducing response times, and improving customer satisfaction with AI-driven automation.

Is there a free AI phone answering system?

Most AI phone answering systems require a subscription, but some offer free trials. Businesses can test AI-powered solutions like Brilo AI to experience automated call handling, real-time transcription, and seamless customer interactions.