Best AI Answering Services for Contractors (2026)
Updated October 20, 2026 · Prices checked Oct 2026 · Affiliate disclosure
| Tool | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rosie | From $49/mo | Home services & small businesses |
| Smith.ai AI Receptionist | Free tier; Pro from $150/mo | Any trade |
| Jobber | From $29/mo | All home service trades |
Quick answer
For most small trade businesses, Rosie Professional at $49/mo is the cheapest way to stop missing calls. If you need calendar booking and live transfers, step up to Rosie Scale at $149/mo. If you get under 25 calls a month, Smith.ai's free plan costs nothing.
Why missed calls matter
A missed call in the trades is usually a lost job: the homeowner calls the next contractor on Google. AI receptionists answer 24/7, capture the details and text you a summary.
Rosie
Minute-based plans: $49 (250 min), $149 (1,000 min) and $299 (2,000 min). English and Spanish on every plan. Watch out: going over your minutes auto-upgrades you to the next plan.
Smith.ai
Per-call pricing: free for 25 calls, $150 for 75 calls, $270 for 150. Option to escalate to a live human. Good if your call volume is low or unpredictable.
Jobber AI Receptionist
Included on Jobber's Plus plan ($399/mo annual for 5 users). Makes sense only if you already run your business on Jobber Plus.
Our pick
Solo or small crew: Rosie. Low volume: Smith.ai Free. Already on Jobber Plus: use the built-in receptionist.
Frequently asked questions
Do AI receptionists sound robotic?
Modern ones sound natural, but test them yourself with the free trial before forwarding your real line.
Can I keep my business number?
Yes, these services generally work by forwarding your existing number.