The Best AI Receptionist Software for UK Businesses (and What They Cost)

Running a small or medium-sized business often means juggling multiple roles. You’re the manager, the marketer, the customer service rep – and sometimes the receptionist too. But what if you could hand over your front desk duties to an AI receptionist that never takes a break, works 24/7, and costs a fraction of hiring staff?

AI receptionist software is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, offering affordable and professional call answering, appointment scheduling, and customer service automation. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best options available right now, their features, pros and cons, and what you can expect to pay.

Why Choose an AI Receptionist?

Traditional receptionists are invaluable, but they can also be expensive – with UK salaries ranging from £20,000–£28,000 per year plus National Insurance, holiday pay, and training costs.

By contrast, an AI receptionist provides:

• 24/7 availability – no missed calls, even after hours.

• Lower costs – predictable monthly pricing starting from under £20.

• Scalability – handle dozens of calls at once.

• Integrations – syncs with calendars, CRMs, and booking systems.

• Consistency – always professional, never tired.

The Best AI Receptionist Software (UK-Friendly Options)

1. Smith.ai

Smith.ai is one of the better-known names in AI receptionist services, offering both AI-driven and human-backed receptionists. Features include call answering, lead screening, intake, appointment scheduling, and integrations with tools like HubSpot, Pipedrive, and Clio.

Pricing: From around £75/month for their AI plan.

Pros:

• Combines AI with real human agents if needed.

• Excellent integrations with CRMs and calendars.

• Professional voice quality.

Cons:

• Doesn’t include built-in CRM or email marketing — relies on integrations.

• More expensive than some UK-focused competitors.

2. My AI Front Desk

Specialised in small businesses, this platform automates call answering, FAQs, and appointment booking. Its AI voices are natural and work well for customer-facing sectors like healthcare, beauty, and trades.

Pricing: Starts at about £38/month (billed annually).

Pros:

• Affordable entry point.

• Strong appointment booking functionality.

• Good for service-based industries.

Cons:

• No built-in CRM or email marketing.

• Limited scalability for larger businesses.

3. Dialzara

A cost-effective AI receptionist service with a dedicated phone number, unlimited calls, and full customisation of greetings and responses. Great for sole traders or startups.

Pricing: From £23/month.

Pros:

• Low-cost and transparent pricing.

• Unlimited calls included.

• Quick setup.

Cons:

• No CRM or email marketing.

• More basic than others — mainly call handling only.

4. Ambs Call Center (AI Receptionist)

US-based but with UK clients, Ambs offers multilingual AI receptionists, appointment booking, and optional human support.

Pricing: Starts from £15/month.

Pros:

• Very affordable entry-level pricing.

• Multilingual capabilities.

• Hybrid support (AI + humans available).

Cons:

• Not UK-native; may feel less localised.

• Doesn’t include CRM or email marketing.

5. Goodcall

Goodcall is more of a build-your-own AI phone agent than a ready-made receptionist. If you need something bespoke (e.g. outbound sales, multilingual support, deep customisation), this is ideal.

Pricing: Quotation-based, typically higher cost.

Pros:

• Highly customisable.

• Can handle complex call flows.

• Suitable for enterprise needs.

Cons:

• Not a plug-and-play solution — requires setup.

• No built-in CRM or marketing features.

6. HighLevel (via MarketerM8)

HighLevel, available in the UK through MarketerM8, goes beyond call handling. It includes Voice AI and Conversation AI, which can answer calls, WhatsApp, SMS, and live chat messages. Crucially, it comes with a full CRM, sales pipeline management, email & text marketing, funnels, and automation tools. This makes it more of an all-in-one business platform than a standalone receptionist.

Pricing: From £97/month with MarketerM8.

Pros:

• Complete CRM and marketing automation built-in.

• Handles calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and chat in one system.

• Customisable follow-up workflows (e.g. missed call texts, nurture campaigns).

• Scales with your business — not just a receptionist.

Cons:

• Slightly higher entry price than basic AI receptionist tools.

• More features = steeper learning curve.

Which One Is Right for You?

• On a budget / sole trader → Ambs or Dialzara.

• Service-based businesses (appointments) → My AI Front Desk.

• Professional firms (legal, accountancy, consultancy) → Smith.ai.

• Enterprise or bespoke needs → Goodcall.

• All-in-one CRM + AI receptionist for UK businesses → HighLevel (via MarketerM8).

Final Thoughts

For UK businesses, an AI receptionist isn’t just a gimmick – it’s a cost-saving, productivity-boosting tool that ensures your clients are always answered professionally. With prices starting from as little as £15–£20 per month, it’s a much more affordable option than hiring staff – and in many cases, can be set up in just a few hours.

But if you want your AI receptionist to do more than just answer the phone — to also capture leads, send follow-ups, book appointments, and drive sales — then a platform like HighLevel offers the best long-term value.

Want to see how an AI receptionist actually works in practice?
Sign up for our next AI Employee Workshop or watch our most recent session here.