Smith.ai vs. Thoughtly

When comparing AI Receptionist from Smith.ai and Thoughtly, both platforms deliver basic features like 24/7 call answering, lead qualification, call routing, and detailed analytics. But when it comes to simplicity, scalability, and delivering results, Smith.ai pulls ahead. Here’s a closer look at why Smith.ai is the smarter choice for businesses looking for seamless phone AI and live receptionist services.

What’s included with both platforms?

Both AI Receptionist from Smith.ai and Thoughtly offer core AI call-answering capabilities essential to managing high call volumes and improving customer experience. The features that come with both solutions include:

• 24/7 call answering: Ensure every caller gets a response, day or night.
• Simultaneous call handling: Easily manage call volume spikes during busy seasons.
• Lead qualification: Identify high-value callers and route them accordingly.
• Call routing: Transfer calls to the right person or department as needed.
• Appointment booking: Thoughtly integrates with a few scheduling tools like Calendly and Mindbody, but Smith.ai books appointments live on the call with any software that provides a public booking link.
• Comprehensive analytics: Gain insights from detailed reports to optimize your business processes.
• Data security: Both platforms prioritize protecting your information with industry-leading security standards.
• No-code dashboard: Manage and customize your settings without writing a single line of code.

While these features are a great starting point, there are key differences that make Smith.ai the better choice for businesses of all sizes.

Where Smith.ai shines

Human backup available 24/7

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 Thoughtly, offers 24/7 human backup. AI Receptionist handles routine calls and answers common questions, and whenever the need for human intervention arises, Smith.ai’s receptionists are available 24/7 to handle the tasks that AI can’t — ensuring every client interaction is handled with expertise and care. 

Smith.ai guarantees that your clients — and your reputation — are in good hands. Don’t take our word for it: Smith.ai has had 5-star ratings on Clutch and G2 and has 10 years of call center experience compared to less than two years of theirs. Thoughtly relies entirely on AI, leaving your callers without a human fallback for more complex situations.

The easiest no-code setup

Managing settings and customizations shouldn’t require hours of learning or troubleshooting. While Thoughtly’s dashboard is functional, it’s overly complex, adding unnecessary friction to your setup. Smith.ai also offers a simple, intuitive interface that anyone can navigate. Thoughtly offers full-service setup only if you pay an extra setup fee — Smith.ai proactively comes with white glove setup and continued support at no extra cost. If simplicity matters to you, Smith.ai wins hands down.

Unmatched appointment scheduling

Thoughtly limits appointment booking to specific tools like Calendly and Mindbody, restricting flexibility for businesses using other systems. AI Receptionist integrates seamlessly with any software that offers a public booking link, giving your business the freedom to choose the tools that work best for you.

Powerful integrations

Smith.ai connects natively with CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, Clio, and countless others along with Slack and Microsoft Teams instant notifications. Thoughtly’s CRM options are limited, and their Slack notifications are still in development.

Pricing transparency: Smith.ai vs. Thoughtly

Pricing should never be a guessing game. Smith.ai offers straightforward, transparent per-call pricing, so you always know what you’re paying. 

Thoughtly, on the other hand, uses a feature-based subscription plus credit-based pricing model, which can quickly become confusing and difficult to track. First, you must choose your base subscription (ranging from free to $35/mo), which provides access to gated features. Then, you need to purchase the number of credits you anticipate needing each month. For example, each call answered will vary in the number of credits as credits are billed per automation and length of the call. Answering a call might cost you 10 credits or 100 — making it hard to predict your actual costs. Plus, phone numbers are an additional 500 credits a month each. 

With Smith.ai, you pay based on call volume, with no hidden fees or complex formulas. This clarity makes budgeting easier and eliminates surprises, so you can focus on running your business.

The verdict

Thoughtly covers the basics, but Smith.ai goes beyond to deliver exceptional value with its hybrid model, flexible integrations, easy setup, and transparent pricing. If you’re looking for an AI answering solution that’s easy to use, adaptable to your needs, and backed by real humans, AI Receptionist from Smith.ai is the clear winner.