Short answer: Smith.ai wins for most small businesses. Ruby is the better fit for businesses that want real people answering, with AI only as a helper.
Firms that want a live North America-based receptionist behind the AI
Free plan (25 calls); paid from $150/mo for 75 calls
Checked Nov 11, 2026
Why it stands out:
The catch:
Businesses that want real people answering, with AI only as a helper
$250/mo for 50 minutes
Checked Nov 11, 2026
Why it stands out:
The catch:
Plan detailsGreen = best value in this table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price and limits | ||
| Entry price | $150/mo | $250/mo |
| 200-minute month | $162.50 | $720 |
| Included on entry plan | 75 calls | 50 minutes |
| Extra minute | $1.00 | Not stated |
| Calendar booking | On the entry plan | On the entry plan |
| Call transfer | Warm transfer | Warm transfer |
| Languages | 2 | 2 |
| Free trial | Free plan | Not stated |
| Setup | Self-serve | Set up with you |
| Integrations | Native integrations | Native integrations |
| Human backup | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA (brand statement) | Not stated | Stated |
| Contract | Month-to-month, 30 days' notice to cancel | Monthly plans |
Price for our reference month of 200 minutes (about 80 calls): Smith.ai $162.50, Ruby $720.
Smith.ai (8.7/10) is best for firms that want a live North America-based receptionist behind the AI. The catch: per-call pricing is high: $150 buys 75 calls on Pro, and extra calls cost $2.50 each.
Ruby (7.9/10) is best for businesses that want real people answering, with AI only as a helper. The catch: it is the most expensive option here by far: $250 for 50 minutes, $720 for 200.
Full reviews: Smith.ai and Ruby. See where both land in the main ranking.