Smith.ai vs. GoodCall

When it comes to choosing the right AI phone answering service, both AI Receptionist from Smith.ai and GoodCall promise 24/7 availability and essential call-handling features. But which one truly delivers the value and expertise your business needs? Let’s break it down to see why Smith.ai consistently wins.

Feature comparison: what’s included with both solutions

Both Smith.ai and GoodCall handle the basics, including:

• Calls answered 24/7: Ensure your business never misses an opportunity.
• Call routing: Direct calls to the right department or person effortlessly.
• Lead qualification: Screen leads for quality (note: GoodCall limits this to higher-tier plans).
• Answers frequently asked questions: Both services can answer common questions about your business.
• Call transfers: Seamlessly connect callers to your internal departments.
• Instant call notifications by email: Stay informed with detailed call recaps.
• Recording and transcription: Maintain an accurate record of every conversation.
• Zapier integration: Automate workflows with thousands of connected apps.
• No coding is required: Both platforms can be set up without technical expertise or coding.

These features are table stakes — basic capabilities that every AI phone agent should provide. Don’t let these bare essentials overshadow the standout differences that truly impact your business operations.

What sets Smith.ai apart

North America-based receptionists 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 GoodCall, offers 24/7 human backup. AI Receptionist from Smith.ai handles routine calls and answers common questions, and if 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. 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.

Appointment scheduling

GoodCall sends an SMS message for callers to schedule their appointments themselves. Smith.ai goes a step further, booking appointments live during the call, so you never miss an opportunity.

Native CRM integrations

Smith.ai connects seamlessly with top CRM platforms like Salesforce, Hubspot, Clio, and many more, offering powerful integrations that GoodCall can’t match. This means every call will be tracked inside your CRM, including contact information and a summary of each call.

Plan structure: Simplicity vs. complexity

GoodCall’s plans are both feature-based and volume-based, which means the functionality you receive depends on how much you’re willing to pay. 

So, if you want to configure complex workflows, collect caller information, and build logic to determine responses based on caller input, you’ll need to upgrade beyond the starter plan. For example, let’s say you want new leads to book appointments if they are qualified; if they are unqualified, you simply want to take a message and end the call. GoodCall customers cannot access this varied approach without upgrading; Smith.ai includes these features in all plans.

An upgrade is required anytime you need GoodCall to handle anything beyond the basics. These are essential tools for creating workflows, but GoodCall limits access based on plans, making the “Starter” plan a non-starter. 

GoodCall also restricts access to detailed call and customer information, offering only 7- or 30-day retention on lower-tier plans. Adding more team members to your account also requires upgrading to a more expensive plan.

GoodCall’s tiered approach complicates the experience, forcing you to pay more for essential features that should be standard.

With Smith.ai, all plans include the same robust functionality — no tiers, no hidden costs, no surprises. The only factor that affects your pricing is call volume. This straightforward approach ensures every business has access to Smith.ai’s full suite of features, from appointment scheduling to integrations, without worrying about arbitrary limitations.

Free spam blocking

Smith.ai charges per call, while GoodCall bills per unique caller. Here’s the kicker: Smith.ai blocks spam and sales calls for free, so irrelevant calls don’t add to your bill — saving you money, time, and frustration. GoodCall lacks this feature, so you’ll be paying for spam callers.

Notifications via Slack and Microsoft Teams

Stay updated in real-time with call notifications delivered straight to your communication tools. GoodCall lacks this crucial feature for businesses that rely on modern workflows.

Why expertise and reputation matter

Smith.ai has been a leader in call center services for over 10 years, with thousands of satisfied customers and glowing reviews across the web. Our clients praise our reliable, friendly service and game-changing AI phone agents.

GoodCall, despite claiming to serve 20,000 customers, has minimal online reviews, leaving potential users with little insight into their actual performance. With Smith.ai, you’re choosing a partner that’s proven, trusted, and committed to making every interaction a win for your business.

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The verdict

If you’re looking for an AI phone answering service that goes beyond the basics, Smith.ai is the clear choice. From live appointment scheduling to spam blocking and unmatched human support, we deliver the tools, experience, and reliability your business deserves.

For growth-minded business owners who care about price transparency, a wide range of integration solutions, and robust customizations that deliver exceptional results, Smith.ai is the superior choice for your 24/7 AI call answering partner over GoodCall.