Smith.ai vs. Simple Phones

Reliable, around-the-clock call answering is essential in today's fast-paced business world. Both Smith.ai and Simple Phones offer AI-powered receptionist services to enhance customer interactions. However, while both AI call-answering solutions aim for similar goals, their execution differs significantly. 

Let’s compare these solutions to find the more complete, adaptable solution for your modern business.

Features that both solutions offer

• 24/7 call answering: Never miss a call, day or night.
• Appointment scheduling: Book meetings straight into your calendar.
• Call screening & transfers: Route calls to their intended destinations.
• FAQ handling: Provide accurate answers to common questions.
• Voice customization: Select the AI voice that best suits your brand.
  
  

What sets Smith.ai apart

While both solutions offer essential AI answering features, AI Receptionist from Smith.ai stands out with a human-in-the-loop approach, bilingual support for all plans, advanced lead qualification, robust analytics, instant call summaries, simple DIY customizations, and scalable plans that adapt to your business growth.

Always-on human escalation

Smith.ai combines AI with human receptionists who can seamlessly take over when needed for a hybrid approach to AI call answering. Our highly trained receptionists are available 24/7/365, giving your callers a professional experience even when your team is unavailable for transfer — so there are no dropped balls or dead ends.

Simple Phones is fully AI, which works fine for simple calls. However, for complex or sensitive situations that require a human touch, there is no human intervention if your team is offline, leaving your callers hanging.

Bilingual support for all

AI Receptionist includes English and Spanish language support on every plan, with no upgrades required. That means broader reach, better customer satisfaction, and no language barriers — without paying extra.

Simple Phones supports multiple languages, but on the Basic plan, you only get one language for your one agent. You'll need to upgrade if you need bilingual support for your callers.

Advanced lead qualification

AI Receptionist filters leads with custom, location-based, and service-based questions. Only qualified callers reach your team, so you spend less time chasing dead ends and more time closing valuable deals.

Simple Phones doesn’t say much about lead qualification on the website. That’s a red flag if you’re trying to separate real prospects from tire-kickers.

Robust analytics 

Smith.ai delivers in-depth analytics, including call trends, call dispositions, and more. We provide valuable data to optimize workflows, improve service, and make smarter business decisions.

Simple Phones only provides basic call logs and transcripts, which are somewhat helpful — but not the thorough, insightful metrics that a growing business needs.

Instant call summaries

Smith.ai sends instant summaries via email and/or text for your convenience. You’re always in the loop, ready to follow up fast and stay on top of customer conversations without logging in.

With Simple Phones, there’s no mention of real-time call summaries, meaning you may have to take time out and check the dashboard to stay updated.

Simple customization

Smith.ai gives you control over updating anything in your dashboard. Change instructions, update calendars, toggle on integrations — it’s your system, your way. And if you need guided assistance, Support is always standing by.

Want to make changes in Simple Phones? According to their website, you'll need to send in customization requests to tweak your AI agent, even for simple changes to call instructions or FAQs.

Scalable, uninterrupted coverage

Smith.ai charges simple, transparent per-call overage rates ($3.75–$4.25 per call) and helps you scale smoothly as your volume grows. No shutdowns, no surprises, just continued service.

In contrast, Simple Phones doesn't allow overages. If you exceed your call limit, your phone number will be disabled. You might even need a new plan or a new number. This can lead to a frustrating experience, one you likely want to avoid for your business if you desire uninterrupted coverage.

The final verdict: Smith.ai is the obvious choice

Simple Phones is a decent option for basic, AI-only customer engagement — but for growth-minded business owners who value human backup and powerful features built to scale with your business, AI Receptionist wins as your 24/7 AI call answering partner.