Best Answering Service of 2025| Side by Side Reviews

When it comes to finding an Answering Service comparing quotes is the key to getting a top product for the lowest price.

Here is helpful information and a list of top answering service providers of 2025, user reviews, and buying tips, so you can find the best price from companies in your area.

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REVIEW FEATURES, PRO'S & CONS, PRICING, & MORE  

Using an answering service can elevate your business and give your employees more time to focus their attention on important tasks. It's also a great way for a business to save money but not skimp on service.

But with so many answering services out there, which one is best for your business?

Featured Answering Service Providers

Top 10 Answering Service Companies

Are you looking to use an answering service for your business? Check out this list of the top ten answering services.

1. Ansafone

Ansafone is a premier multi-channel contact center solution known for its outstanding customer service and innovative communication strategies. Catering to a wide range of industries, Ansafone adapts its services to meet the unique needs of its clients, offering inbound call handling, outbound communication, and omnichannel support. Here are three key advantages that set Ansafone apart:

1. Cutting-Edge Technology

Ansafone utilizes advanced CRM integrations, state-of-the-art telephony systems, and AI-driven tools to ensure seamless and efficient operations. These technologies enable predictive customer service, allowing businesses to proactively address client needs and deliver superior customer experiences.

2. Highly Trained Workforce

The company places a strong emphasis on employee training and industry-specific expertise. Ansafone’s skilled team excels in managing a variety of customer interactions with professionalism, resulting in improved engagement and higher satisfaction levels.

3. Customized Solutions for Diverse Industries

Ansafone specializes in tailoring its services to align with the unique requirements of each client. Whether it’s healthcare, retail, finance, or another industry, Ansafone designs solutions that optimize customer service and communication for maximum effectiveness.

With its commitment to technological innovation, skilled personnel, and customized solutions, Ansafone stands out as a trusted partner for businesses aiming to enhance their customer service capabilities.

Pricing

There are various pricing tiers at Ansafone. While their rates are not currently published on their website, it is estimated that their starting monthly base rate is around $135 – $150.

With this plan, you'll get:

1. Multi-Channel Support: Offers support across various channels like phone, email, live chat, and social media.
2. Inbound Call Handling: Efficient management of incoming calls, including customer inquiries, order taking, and appointment scheduling.
3. Outbound Communication: Includes services like telemarketing, customer satisfaction surveys, and follow-up calls.
4. Omnichannel Support: Provides a seamless customer experience across different communication channels.
5. Advanced CRM Integration: Integration with customer relationship management systems for better data management and personalized service.
6. State-of-the-Art Telephony Systems: Utilizes the latest in telephony technology for clear, reliable communication.
7. AI and Machine Learning Tools: Incorporates AI for predictive customer service and efficient problem-solving.
8. Bilingual Support: Offers services in multiple languages to cater to a diverse customer base.
9. Customized Solutions: Tailors services to meet the specific needs of different industries and businesses.
10. Professional Training and Development: Ensures staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about specific industry requirements.

These features collectively contribute to a robust and adaptable customer service solution for a variety of business needs.

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2. Answer America Review

Looking for an updated review of Answer America and its call center? Here's our latest review.

Answer America is a straightforward, user-friendly answering service that offers reliable 24/7 availability without outsourcing calls. Its simplicity and transparency make it an appealing choice for businesses seeking dependable call center solutions. Here are three key advantages:

1. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

Answer America charges a flat rate of $1.20 per minute, allowing businesses to pay upfront for their desired monthly usage. This straightforward pricing model offers predictability, with potential discounts for higher usage levels, making it a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes.

2. Convenient Online Account Management

Clients can easily manage their accounts through an intuitive online portal. This portal allows users to access and update account details, providing flexibility and control over service preferences anytime.

3. 100% U.S.-Based Call Handling

Answer America ensures high-quality customer interactions by keeping all calls managed in-house, with no outsourcing. This approach guarantees consistency and reliability, critical for maintaining brand reputation and customer trust.

Answer America’s affordability, user-friendly management tools, and commitment to keeping operations in-house make it a solid choice for businesses seeking a simple yet effective answering service.

Pricing

There are several bundles that you can choose from when using Answer America's service.

With Bundle 1, you pay for $30 worth of calls, and Bundle 2 is $50. However, things get interesting at Bundle 3.

With this package, you pay $100 and get an extra $10 of bonus credit. Plus, each call will only cost you $1.09.

With Bundle 4, you pay $200 and get $30 of extra credit. And calls only cost $1.04.

You pay $400 for Bundle 5 and receive $100 of bonus credit. Also, calls will only cost you $0.96.

Finally, Bundle 6 costs $750 and gets you an extra $250 of bonus credits. And calls per minute will cost $0.90.

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3. XACT Telesolutions Review

With XACT Telesolutions, you'll get features such as outbound and inbound call handling, email management, and webchat.

With their technical support services, XACT can provide support for organization apps. They can also help your customers with browsers of your Internet web support.

The company's agents can interact with your software to provide better support to your customers who call in.

Your callers can also contact the XACT Help Desk through a variety of channels. For example, they can call a toll-free number. Your customers can also reach the help desk through email, voice-based chat, and text.

With Web Chat, XACT offers you two options. You can choose to have Proactive Web Chat, where agents will ask customers if they want to chat when they visit your website.

There's also the more popular Reactive Web Chat which is where customers will click to chat with a support agent.

Pricing

XACT Telesolutions is more customizable when it comes to their pricing plans. If you want to know prices, you'll have to request a quote and fill out a questionnaire, telling them about your company and the services you need.

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4. Answer Connect Review

Is Answer Connect a trusted answering service? How must does their service cost? Here's what we know about them:

Unlike many of the other answering services on this list, AnswerConnect doesn't use call centers. Instead, they utilize home offices.

Despite that, the company's agents are available 24/7, every day of the year. Their virtual receptionists will answer the phones in your company's name. And if no one from your team is available to have the call patched through, the receptionist will take a detailed message.

• Small Business Answering Service
• Virtual Receptionist
• After Hours Answering
• 24/7 Live Answering
• Bilingual Services
• Call Forwarding
• 1800 Number Answering Service

You can choose to get that message through text or email or access it through AnswerConnect's online portal.

The agents also handle order taking. They can keep the phone lines open for your customers. Plus, if you sell products online, they can answer questions that customers have so you can prevent those empty shopping carts.

AnswerConnect claims that by using home offices instead of call centers, they are treating their agents better. They also don't require commuting and thus save on greenhouse gas emissions.

Plus, since there's no need to pay for a big office for all of their agents, they can save you money.

24/7 call answering services provide a friendly, professional experience to your customers. These companies can answer all of their questions and handle any calls that might come in during off-hours or when you're busy at work.

Pricing

Again, you'll have to request a quote from AnswerConnect in order to see how much their services are going to cost you. But signing up is easy and can be accomplished in a matter of minutes.

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5. Specialty Answering Service (SAS) Review

How long has Specialty Answering Service been in business? Are they reliable? What's the cost? Here's our full review.

Specialty Answering Service has been around for nearly 30 years. Their telephone answering service gives you 24/7 live support.

They also offer bilingual receptionists and order taking. And with over 300 agents, Specialty Answering Service has the ability to handle up to 30,000 calls a day.

Pricing

Specialty Answering Service doesn't use contracts. So you're not obligated to do anything long-term. Instead, they utilize a month-to-month plan.

Clients are billed per minute and can adjust or cancel at any time. There are also no cancellation fees. And perhaps best of all, clients can get a two-week free trial.

This answering service offers 8 different bundles. It's important to point out that you don't get any extra perks with any of the bundles. However, the higher price of the bundle, the less you'll pay per minute for the calls.

The cheapest bundle is the Economy plan. This costs $31 per month and calls cost $1.19 per minute.

Every bundle after Economy will get you a designated number of minutes. So the 100 Minute plan will cost you $117 for the month. Each additional minute will cost $1.09.

The most expensive plan is $7,749. You get 10,000 minutes for the month. Each additional minute will cost you $0.79.

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6. Ruby Receptionists Review

Is Ruby Receptionists expensive? Do they answer calls for attorneys? Are they any good? Here's our updated review.

Over 10,000 business owners trust Ruby for their front-line communications, making it a modern and technologically advanced answering service. Ruby focuses on enhancing the customer experience and helping small businesses connect with their clients seamlessly. Here are three key advantages of using Ruby:

1. Innovative Tools for Enhanced ROI

Ruby offers a unique ROI calculator on its website, allowing businesses to estimate the potential return on investment from using their virtual receptionist services. This feature highlights the tangible value Ruby provides in saving time and improving customer interactions.

2. Comprehensive App Management

Ruby’s mobile app empowers users to manage their accounts effortlessly. Business owners can return customer calls, adjust call-handling preferences, and oversee communications directly from the app, providing flexibility and convenience.

3. Generous Referral Program and Resources

Ruby incentivizes referrals with a $150 gift card for both the referrer and the referred. Additionally, they offer valuable resources, such as a free ebook on the benefits of having a virtual receptionist, to help businesses optimize their customer service strategy.

Ruby stands out for its innovative tools, user-friendly management features, and commitment to supporting small businesses through helpful resources and incentives. It’s a trusted partner for businesses looking to deliver exceptional customer experiences in a digital-first world.

Pricing

There are three pricing plans with Ruby. The plans are fairly more expensive than the ones offered by other answering service companies.

The Call Ruby 100 plan gets you 100 minutes for the month. It costs $309 and you only get coverage from 5 am–9 pm Monday through Friday. On weekends, it's 6 am–6 pm.

And this is all going on Pacific Time.

The Call Ruby 200 plan will cost you $589 per month for 200 minutes. You'll get a bilingual receptionist answering and frequent callers will be answered personally.

Lastly, the Call Ruby 500 plan gets you 500 minutes a month for $1,369. None of these plans offer 24/7 answering, unfortunately.

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7. VoiceNation Review

How much does VoiceNation charge? Are they a trusted answering service? Here’s what we found.

VoiceNation is a 24/7 answering service known for its reliability, speed, and industry-specific expertise. With a free mobile app and comprehensive features, they are an excellent option for businesses across various sectors. Here are three key advantages of using VoiceNation:

1. User-Friendly Mobile App with Advanced Features

VoiceNation’s free mobile app enables real-time message access, call returns, and detailed reporting. Users can also track their minutes and manage their accounts on the go, making it a highly convenient tool for busy professionals.

2. Industry Expertise and HIPAA Compliance

VoiceNation is especially well-suited for the medical, legal, and real estate industries, offering tailored solutions to meet their unique needs. With HIPAA-compliant services, it ensures client medical information is handled securely and professionally.

3. Proven Reliability and Exceptional Accuracy

VoiceNation boasts low hold times and industry-leading accuracy, ensuring excellent customer service experiences. Operating without interruption since 2009, the company has established itself as a trusted and dependable partner in the live answering space.

VoiceNation’s combination of advanced technology, industry expertise, and unwavering reliability makes it a top choice for businesses seeking a high-quality answering service.

Pricing

There are four pricing plans when using VoiceNation. Their most affordable plan is called 30 for 30. With this plan, you pay $30 per month for 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, you only get messaging services. This means agents will simply take messages.

The Business plan costs $75 per month and you get 50 minutes. With this plan, you will get custom scripting, instant activation, unlimited users, and a dedicated account manager.

The Professional plan gets you the same perks as the business plan. However, this plan costs $225 per month and gets you 150 minutes.

With the Executive plan, you get 350 minutes for $525 per month.

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8. NovusCall Review

Starting business in 2006, NovusCall will provide its customers with either a toll-free number or a local phone number. It's important to point out that this answering service does not offer 24/7 answering.

Instead, they can answer calls from 8:00 am Eastern Time to 6:00 pm Pacific Time.

Their agents can set up meetings for your clients and schedule appointments. They can access your online calendar so you're always up to date on what's going on.

And with their customer relationship management skills, NovusCall's agents can update customer profiles and track activity.

Pricing

There are three pricing plans that NovusCall offers.

The cheapest plan is the Starter plan. This costs $199.95 per month and you'll get 75 calls. Plus you'll have access to a voicemail box and you'll get unlimited talk time.

The Entrepreneur plan is their most popular. It costs $389.95 for the month and you get 150 calls. Plus, you'll get access to two voicemail boxes and your own toll-free number.

The Business plan is their most expensive. It costs $579.95 for the month and gets you 250 calls. You'll also get access to three voicemail boxes and a virtual fax number.

NovusCall is unique in that they don't charge per minute but instead give you a maximum number of calls.

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9. MAP Communications Review

Is MAP Communications a good answering service? What's the cost? Are they reliable? Here's what we found in this year's review.

If you're looking for an answering service on a budget, MAP most likely is not for you.

MAP Communications is both a call center and an answering service. They answer the phones for some of the world's most well-known companies including Canon, the NBA, and Coca-Cola.

Not only do they offer 24/7 answering but they also provide disaster recovery servicing and message dispatch answering.

The company is also 100% employee-owned. So you're speaking to one of the owners every time you call them.

The company is also fully HIPAA compliant and doesn't use long-term contracts.

Pricing

There are three pricing tiers for MAP Communications. Their first tier is the Standard plan which costs $39 per month. You get text and email delivery, a free 800 number, and 24/7 service.

However, there are no minutes included in this plan. So you have to pay $1.15 for every minute.

The second plan is known as Business. It costs $149 for the month and you get 125 minutes. Each additional minute will cost you $1.09.

The final plan is the Executive plan. You'll get 225 minutes for $249. It will cost you $1.07 for each additional minute.

MAP Communications is a company that, unlike many others in the industry, only employs Americans. The backbone of all they do rests on an experienced team of live receptionists with compassion for their customers’ needs who can deliver exceptional levels of service to everyone who calls or chats into our call centers.

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10. GoAnswer

GoAnswer offers answering services, contact center services, and legal intake services. They can communicate with your customers via phone, live chat, texting, and email.

Your customers will also make over-the-phone orders and schedule appointments with GoAnswer's agents. The company also offers a 30-day free trial. That's the longest free trial of any company on this list.

You can access your company's portal on GoAnswer's app. Plus, they're HIPAA compliant. And their legal intake service is able to help with large mass tort campaigns.

GoAnswer works with over 5,000 businesses across the country. And they're especially skilled at working with companies that operate in publishing, e-commerce, legal, real estate, and finance.

Pricing

Like some of the other answering services on this list, GoAnswer requires potential clients to request a quote. They don't have standard one-size-fits-all plans.

This can be beneficial since it allows you to only pay for the services you want. Unfortunately, you don't have the ability to compare plans like you would with other answering services.

Getting a free quote is easy, however. Plus, it's good to know that their plans generally start at $50 per month.

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The Importance of Comparing the Top Answering Services

By knowing and comparing the top answering services in America, you'll be better prepared to help your customers and save money at the same time.

Are you interested in getting reviewed? Contact us today!

Other Top-Ranked Answering Services to Consider

Sound Telecom

MoneyPenny

Signius Communications

AMBS

Stericycle

Contact One

Callsbo

OnBrand24

How do Answering Services Work?

An answering service is designed to handle incoming calls for businesses, providing professional support to ensure that no calls are missed. Here's a detailed breakdown of how an answering service works, from the moment a call comes in to how operators manage it and relay information to the client.

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1. Incoming Call is Received

• Routing the Call: When a customer dials your business number, the call is automatically routed to the answering service. This is achieved through call forwarding, which can be set up to forward calls based on specific criteria (e.g., after hours, when the line is busy, or all the time).
• Screen Pop Technology: Once the call connects to the answering service, the operator’s screen displays the relevant client information, such as the company name, any scripts to follow, and specific instructions for handling different types of calls.

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2. Operator Answers the Call

• Greeting: The operator answers the call with a customized greeting based on your business's preferences (e.g., “Thank you for calling [Your Business Name]. How may I assist you today?”).
• Tone and Professionalism: Operators are trained to use a friendly and professional tone, adapting to the nature of your business to ensure the call feels like it’s being handled directly by your company.

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3. Handling the Call

Operators follow specific instructions to handle the call appropriately, depending on the caller's needs. Here are the main actions they can take:

A. Taking a Message

• Details Captured: The operator asks for essential details such as the caller’s name, phone number, email address, and the reason for their call.
• Message Logging: The information is logged into the answering service’s system and categorized for easy access and delivery.
• Message Delivery: The message can be sent to you in real-time via email, text message, or both, depending on your preference.

B. Transferring a Call

• Live Transfer: If the call needs to be transferred to a specific person or department, the operator performs a live transfer by placing the caller on hold and dialing the designated number.
• Screened Transfer: The operator first speaks with the recipient to explain the caller’s needs before transferring the call.
• Unsuccessful Transfer: If the transfer is unsuccessful (e.g., the recipient is unavailable), the operator can take a message and inform the caller that their inquiry will be returned.

C. Providing Information

• FAQs: Operators can answer frequently asked questions, such as business hours, directions, or basic service/product inquiries, using pre-approved scripts.
• Appointment Scheduling: Some answering services integrate with scheduling software to book or manage appointments directly.
• Order Processing: For retail businesses, operators can take orders, process payments, or assist with product inquiries.

D. Escalating Urgent Matters

• Prioritizing Emergency Calls: For businesses like medical offices or legal firms, operators can identify urgent calls and follow specific protocols, such as paging on-call staff or transferring directly to an emergency line.

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4. Post-Call Actions

• Call Summary: After the call, a summary is created that includes the caller’s details, the nature of the inquiry, and any actions taken (e.g., message forwarded, call transferred).
• Data Delivery: The summary is sent to the business owner or team via the preferred communication channel.
• Call Recording (Optional): Many services record calls for quality assurance or to provide a detailed record of customer interactions.

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5. Customization and Reporting

• Custom Instructions: Businesses can customize how calls are handled based on their industry, priorities, or time of day. For example, after-hours calls might always result in a message, while daytime calls are prioritized for transfers.
• Reports and Analytics: Answering services often provide usage reports detailing call volume, response times, and the types of interactions handled, helping businesses assess the service’s value.

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Key Features Operators Can Perform:

1. Message Taking: Capturing detailed information and delivering it via text, email, or a dashboard.
2. Call Transfers: Connecting callers to specific people or departments based on business needs.
3. Customer Support: Answering basic questions, troubleshooting, or escalating issues.
4. Appointment Scheduling: Booking, rescheduling, or canceling appointments through integrated systems.
5. Order Processing: Taking orders and payments over the phone.
6. Emergency Handling: Following protocols for urgent calls, including paging on-call staff.

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By handling a wide variety of tasks, answering services provide businesses with the flexibility to focus on core operations while ensuring that all customer calls are addressed promptly and professionally.