Guide
AI receptionist pricing, explained.
The pricing models, the fees that hide in the small print, and how to compare what you’ll really pay each month.
By Taha Mujtaba, Founder of Zynvox
The short answer
AI receptionists are usually priced per minute, per call or as a flat monthly fee, often with a one-time setup fee. The headline price rarely tells the whole story: compare the total monthly cost for your real call volume, including setup, phone numbers, texting and any overage charges.
The three pricing models
- Per minute: you pay for the time the AI spends on calls. Cheap in quiet months, expensive in busy ones.
- Per call or per conversation: a fixed price per call handled. Predictable per call, but your bill still rises with volume.
- Flat monthly: one price for the month, sometimes with a usage limit. Easiest to budget, and it doesn’t punish your busiest season.
Fees to look for
- Setup or onboarding fees — and exactly what they include.
- Phone number fees, if a new number is needed.
- Texting fees per message, if texts are billed separately.
- Overage charges when you go past a monthly limit.
- Extra charges for integrations, extra locations or extra users.
- Contract length and cancellation terms.
How to compare providers
- Take your real numbers: calls per month, and how many come after hours.
- Ask each provider for the total monthly cost at that volume, with every fee included.
- Check what each call ends with: a message for you to return, or a booked appointment.
- Ask what happens with emergencies at night, and whether a person is ever involved.
- Weigh the cost against the jobs it saves. Our missed-call calculator helps with that.
What Zynvox costs
Zynvox uses a one-time setup fee plus a flat monthly price. Founding partners pay Starter at $197 setup + $79/month or Pro at $497 setup + $197/month, with a 14-day free trial and no contract. Full details are on the pricing page.
Related
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
It depends on the pricing model. Some charge per minute or per call, some a flat monthly fee, and many add a setup fee and texting or phone-number costs. Compare the total monthly cost for your real call volume, not the headline price.
Is per-minute or flat monthly pricing better?
Per-minute pricing can be cheaper when you get very few calls, but bills grow in busy seasons. A flat monthly price is easier to budget and doesn’t punish you for a heatwave or a storm.
Why do some AI receptionists charge a setup fee?
Setup covers the work of learning your services, prices, hours and emergency rules, connecting your calendar and testing the call flow before it goes live. Ask exactly what the fee includes.