Ahoya

AI vs. a receptionist

What a front desk really costs

A great receptionist is worth a lot — but they cost thousands a month, work one shift, and take one call at a time. Here's the honest comparison.

Hire a receptionist

$3,000–4,000
per month, plus benefits
  • Hours covered: ~40/week
  • Calls at once: One
  • After-hours & weekends: No
  • Books appointments: Yes
  • Sick days & turnover: Yes
  • Setup: Hire, train, ramp

Answering service

$300–1,000
per month, often per-minute
  • Hours covered: 24/7
  • Calls at once: Limited
  • After-hours & weekends: Yes
  • Books appointments: Rarely — takes messages
  • Sick days & turnover: No
  • Setup: Scripting + onboarding
Best value

Ahoya AI

$49
per month — free to start
  • Hours covered: 24/7
  • Calls at once: Unlimited
  • After-hours & weekends: Yes
  • Books appointments: Yes — onto your calendar
  • Sick days & turnover: Never
  • Setup: ~5 minutes

Cost ranges are typical US figures for comparison, not quotes. Ahoya pricing is public on the pricing page.

See what your missed calls are already costing

Most businesses lose more to unanswered calls each month than an AI receptionist costs for a year.

Run the numbers

Staff your front desk for $49, not $4,000

Live in 5 minutes. No card, no setup call — free to start.

Start freeSee pricing