Smith.ai might sound good on paper. It promises to replace in-house receptionists and save businesses thousands with AI agents. But if you look closer, you’ll find that more convenient options are available.

With Smith.ai, some features are only included on annual plans or come as add-ons to monthly plans. You’ll also need to factor in Smith.ai’s pricey overage fees — that aren’t easy to scale as your team grows. And considering full training usually takes four to six weeks, it might not be the best option if you want to start handling calls right away.

Searching for a more cost-effective AI answering service? This guide breaks down 10 Smith AI alternatives. You can compare their pricing, features, and limitations to find a better fit for your business.