Smith.ai vs Ruby: which receptionist service is right for you?
Updated 2026-10-29 · Facts checked against vendor websites on the date shown · How we compare
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Short answerRuby is a live-human receptionist service billed by the minute ($250/mo for 50 minutes on 29 Oct 2026), with 24/7 Spanish and HIPAA options. Smith.ai is billed by the call ($300/mo for 30 calls) and lets you choose AI-first, hybrid or human-first handling. Short calls favour Ruby; long calls favour Smith.ai; if you want AI in the mix, Smith.ai.
Prices and trials from each vendor's own website, checked 2026-10-29. Plans change often: confirm on the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Head to head
| Ruby | Smith.ai |
|---|
| Who answers | Live receptionists | AI-first, hybrid or human-first (US-based agents) |
| Entry plan (29 Oct 2026) | $250/mo, 50 receptionist minutes | $300/mo, 30 calls |
| Extra usage | Larger plans on Ruby’s site | $11.50 per call |
| Spanish | 24/7 Spanish/bilingual | Spanish line +$1 per call |
| Booking | Optional scheduling | $1.50 per booked appointment |
| HIPAA | Options listed | Not listed in the facts we checked |
| Integrations | “5,000+” claimed, none named on the pricing page | HubSpot, Salesforce, Clio, Zapier, Calendly, Acuity |
| Trial | Not stated | No trial; 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Also offers | Website chat from $143/mo | Call recording and transcription |
Pricing break-even
Ruby’s 50 minutes at $250 is $5 a minute. Smith.ai’s 30 calls at $300 is $10 a call. So:
- Calls averaging 2 minutes: Ruby ≈ $10 a call, same as Smith.ai.
- Calls under 2 minutes: Ruby is cheaper per call.
- Calls over 2 minutes: Smith.ai is cheaper per call.
This uses entry-plan list prices; both have bigger plans with different rates.
Choose Ruby if
- You want every call answered by a person.
- Your calls are short (messages, transfers).
- You need HIPAA options or 24/7 Spanish built in.
Choose Smith.ai if
- You want AI to take routine calls to cut cost.
- Your calls are long (intake, qualification).
- You need named CRM integrations like Clio or HubSpot.
Consider instead
- PATLive: live receptionists from $99/mo for 50 minutes, bilingual included, 14-day trial.
- Abby Connect: AI and humans on the same call, $164/mo for 50 blended minutes.
- An AI receptionist if neither price works: see the best AI receptionists.
FAQ
Is Ruby cheaper than Smith.ai?
It depends on call length. Ruby's entry plan was $250 for 50 minutes; Smith.ai's was $300 for 30 calls (29 Oct 2026). If your average call is under about 1.5 minutes, Ruby's 50 minutes covers more calls. For longer calls, Smith.ai's per-call price works out cheaper.
Does Ruby use AI?
Ruby is a live receptionist service. It lists optional AI transcripts, but calls are answered by people.
Which is better for law firms?
Both target legal. Smith.ai lists Clio integration and lead intake; Ruby lists legal among its main markets. Compare intake scripts and integration with your practice management software.
Do both offer Spanish?
Yes. Ruby lists 24/7 Spanish/bilingual cover. Smith.ai offers a Spanish line at +$1 per call.