When it comes to handling your law firm’s calls, both AI Receptionist from Smith.ai and CaptureNow offer 24/7 coverage, lead qualification, and seamless call management. However, not all AI call answering tools are created equal. Below, we break down the differences to help you decide which solution will work best for your law practice. (And if you're looking for a solution for a different type of business, we have you covered there, too. Unlike CaptureNow, Smith.ai is industry-agnostic.)
Features: What each solution brings to the table
Both AI Receptionist by Smith.ai and CaptureNow handle the essentials, including:
- 24/7 call answering: Never miss an important call, day or night.
- Lead qualification: Ensure your firm’s time is spent on clients that fit your firm’s practice area.
- Call transfers: Connect clients to the right team members.
- Instant call summaries: Stay in the loop with detailed email recaps.
- Recording & transcription: Accurate records of every conversation.
- CRM and software integration: Keep your technology stack connected.
- No coding or prompt writing: Simplify adoption without technical headaches.
What sets Smith.ai apart
The features above are table stakes — minimum capabilities that barely scratch the surface of what your law firm needs to truly excel. Don’t let these basics distract you from the features that are the real game-changers.
The human touch your clients expect
Let’s face it: AI has come a long way, but it’s not yet able to replace humans fully. The Smith.ai advantage is in the combination of advanced AI technology and real, live receptionists. No other AI answering service, not even CaptureNow, offers human backup. Smith.ai handles routine calls and answers common questions, and whenever the need for human intervention arises, Smith.ai’s human receptionists are available 24/7 to handle the tasks that AI can’t — ensuring every client interaction is handled with expertise and care. This hybrid approach guarantees that your clients — and your reputation — are in good hands. Don’t take our word for it: Our receptionists have 5-star ratings on Clutch and G2.
Beyond Smith.ai’s 24/7 receptionist support, when you compare the additional tools that Smith.ai brings to your law firm, the difference in these two AI answering solutions becomes clear:
- Appointment scheduling: CaptureNow stops at lead qualification, but Smith.ai takes the next step by booking consultations directly on your calendar. A real human being books the meeting for your callers!
- Automatic quality assurance: We built a proprietary tool that leverages AI to replicate thousands of scenarios to ensure the AI handles calls correctly, so we catch opportunities for improvement before your caller ever dials your number.
- Answer FAQs about your firm: From billing questions to practice areas, AI Receptionist by Smith.ai provides instant answers to save your team time.
- Zapier & Make integrations: Smith.ai connects with thousands of apps, giving you the flexibility to automate workflows that CaptureNow can’t match.
- Reporting & analytics: Get a clear picture of call performance to make data-driven decisions for your firm.
- Slack and Teams notifications: Stay informed in real-time with updates on your business communication tools.
Why transparency matters: the pricing debate
CaptureNow keeps its pricing structure a secret, making it harder to shop confidently without involving a salesperson. While it's not listed on their website, we managed to find a post on LinkedIn where CaptureNow's co-founder talks about pricing. In contrast, Smith.ai offers clear, upfront pricing on our website so you can make informed decisions without the guesswork. Plus, with a 14-day money-back guarantee, you can experience the positive impact of AI Receptionist on your firm without the risk.
The final verdict
If you’re looking for a solution beyond the basics, Smith.ai delivers more value, greater transparency, and the flexibility that your law firm needs to thrive. From booking appointments to integrating with your favorite tools, Smith.ai is the superior choice for your AI call answering service over CaptureNow.