What an AI receptionist actually costs
Most cost between $109 and $299 a month. WhatsApp platforms add per-message fees on top, and usually charge for the AI separately. ChatMunshi is $19 a month, flat, AI included. Here is the whole picture, with everyone else's published prices.
| Service | What it is | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Receptionists | Human answering service | $235/mo for 50 minutes of answered calls |
| Smith.ai | Human + AI answering | $300/mo for 30 calls |
| AnswerConnect | Human answering service | $350/mo for 200 minutes |
| Typical AI receptionist | AI voice receptionist | $109–$299/mo Google's own AI Overview calls this the “most common sweet spot” |
| WhatsApp platforms | WhatsApp API software | $39–$149/mo plus per-message fees, and AI usually costs extra |
| ChatMunshi | AI receptionist on WhatsApp | $19/mo AI included. No per-message markups. Ever. |
Competitor prices are their own published list prices as of August 2026, and the $109–$299 range is what Google's AI Overview reports for the category. Prices change — tell us if you spot one that has, and we'll correct it.
Our three plans
One price, everything in. No per-message markups, no AI add-on, no surprises.
Starter
For a single owner getting started.
- 1 WhatsApp number
- 2,000 AI-answered messages / month
- AI receptionist, 24/7, all languages
- Bookings and lead capture
- Email support
Growth
For busy shops that run on bookings.
- Everything in Starter
- 7,500 AI-answered messages / month
- Voice replies — it speaks back
- Vertical receptionist templates
- Deposits requested in chat
- Free appointment reminders
- Priority support
Business
For multi-branch and high volume.
- Everything in Growth
- 20,000 AI-answered messages / month
- Premium AI model
- Multiple numbers & branches
- Staff seats — your team in one shared inbox
- Dedicated onboarding & support
Free trial: 25 AI-answered messages or 7 days, no card needed. Cancel anytime from your dashboard.
Why we can charge so much less
We answer messages, not calls
Phone answering means voice minutes, telephony and often a human on standby. Answering a WhatsApp message costs a fraction of that, so the price reflects it.
We only reply inside the free window
WhatsApp lets a business answer a customer free for 24 hours after they write. That is all ChatMunshi does — so there is no per-message bill for us to mark up.
The AI is included, not an add-on
Most platforms sell you the software, then the AI, then the messages. We have one number on the invoice, and it is the one on this page.
Pricing questions, straight answers
How much does an AI receptionist cost?
Most AI receptionists charge between $109 and $299 per month, and human answering services run from $235 to $350 for a limited number of calls or minutes. ChatMunshi is $19 per month flat, with the AI included and no per-message charges, because it answers WhatsApp messages rather than phone calls — which costs far less to run, and we pass that on.
Why is the WhatsApp Business API so expensive elsewhere?
Most WhatsApp platforms charge a monthly software fee, then add a markup on every message Meta charges them for, then charge again for AI. Three meters running at once. ChatMunshi only ever replies inside WhatsApp's free 24-hour service window, so there is no per-message bill to mark up — and we never send the paid message types that would create one.
Are there any per-message fees?
No. Answering a customer who messaged you first is free on WhatsApp, and that is all ChatMunshi does. We deliberately do not offer broadcasts or bulk campaigns, because those are the features that would put a charge on your Meta account.
What happens if I go over my monthly allowance?
The receptionist pauses and we tell you — we never bill you for an overage. Upgrading resumes it immediately. The allowance is fair use, not a meter.
Do I need a credit card to try it?
No. The free trial covers 25 AI-answered messages or 7 days, whichever comes first, with no card required.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes, from your dashboard in one click. You keep the service until the end of the period you have already paid for.
Still deciding? See how the receptionist works or start free — 25 messages, no card.