10 Best AI Phone Answering Systems for 2025

The biggest turn-off for a customer is when a business has poor customer service. The irritation increases when you are put on hold, and there is no one to answer your queries, or when you are subjected to a loop of pre-recorded messages. Approximately 67% of callers will in the end hang up when they are unable to reach a live representative to resolve their issues. This not only frustrates the customer but also hampers the business. As the world moves towards innovation, such as AI, this problem can also be addressed.
Today, AI phone answering systems are now common, as they not only pick up calls but also engage with customers in multiple languages while providing a pleasant experience. These AI systems do not require even a coffee break, enabling them to work 24/7. In a recent press release, Gartner mentioned that by the end of 2025, approximately 80% of customer service will be handled seamlessly by AI.
So, if you're a start-up looking for a roadmap to a skilled customer experience or a full-grown enterprise trying to sound less robotic than your current IVR, then you are in luck. In this article, we will look at the 10 best AI phone answering systems that are going to redefine customer experience.
What Is an AI Phone Answering System?
An AI phone answering system is a smart, automated service. The system aims to answer phone calls using artificial intelligence instead of a human receptionist or customer support agent. However, this system is more than just a glorified voicemail system.
The AI phone system utilizes Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) to understand the caller's intent, conduct human-like conversations, provide accurate answers, and handle calls without human intervention.
You can think of it as:
- A 24/7 virtual receptionist who never sleeps, never forgets any details, and also speaks multiple languages.
- A customer service agent who becomes knowledgeable with every call and constantly improves.
- A scalable tool that can handle thousands of calls without putting any caller on hold.
What Can AI Phone Answering Systems Do?
An AI phone answering system can conduct the following functions seamlessly:
- Conversation and speech recognition.
- Instant call routing to the correct department.
- Appointment booking and calendar integration.
- Log in calls and update contact records.
- Transcriptions and analytics.
- Conducting multilingual as well as emotionally aware interactions.
To sum up, an AI phone system enables businesses to automate and scale their entire customer engagement while maintaining a responsive and personal feel.
Why Are Businesses Switching to AI Phone Answering Systems?
No customer likes waiting for hours for a single query to be resolved. Additionally, businesses today cannot afford to miss a single call, as it can result in the loss of a customer. Approximately 83% of customers expect to be able to speak to a human representative who can resolve their query immediately when they reach out to the business. This shows that even a slight delay can compromise customer satisfaction levels, ultimately harming the company.
Let's look at some reasons why businesses today are now switching to AI phone answering systems:
- AI phone systems don't require breaks for sleep or lunch, and they don't get sick. This ensures that your business remains operational at all times.
- AI phone systems are not robotic. Modern AI systems are now capable of detecting tone, intent, and even the levels of customer frustration. They are trained on millions of interactions. Hence, they can hold smooth and contextual conversations that feel entirely human.
- When it comes to humans, hiring, training, and managing an entire call center can be a costly endeavor. On the other hand, some of the best AI answering services cost a fraction and offer scalability effortlessly.
- No senseless hold music. The AI Phone system ensures that calls are picked up instantly, routed to the correct departments efficiently, and resolutions are provided without delay.
- AI phone systems don't just respond; they listen, learn, and log every interaction happening with the customer. These interactions are then fed into an analytical dashboard, which helps businesses improve over time.
- Regardless of the language the customer speaks, AI phone systems can handle it all.
- It is now easy to integrate modern AI phone systems with CRM tools like Zendesk, Freshdesk, and HubSpot; hence, every call is tracked, followed up on, and personalized.
Top 10 Best AI Phone Answering Services To Try in 2025
With the rise of AI and automation, the search for the best AI answering services is also increasing, as these AI phone answering systems are scalable, smart, and so human-like. Here is a list of 10 platforms that lead the voice automation revolution:
1. Anyreach.ai
The AI call center agents from Anyreach.ai can speak in more than 28 languages with natural accents. It is trained to have human-like conversations, thanks to NLP and deep learning models. With the Agent Cloning feature, AI can replicate a best-performing representative while being available 24/7.
2. Emitrr
The platform offers AI call handling, smart appointment booking, and even voicemail-to-text. It can be integrated with Google Calendar, CRMs, and even SMS automation.
3. Answering AI
The platform supports about 172 languages and is great at handling repetitive queries, including FAQs and booking calls. It also offers real-time availability management and can be integrated with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook.
4. MrCall
Regardless of the industry, the platform provides rapid development and industry-specific templates. Businesses can use features such as automatic responses, accurate and quick call transfers, appointment management, and integration with CRM systems.
5. Zendesk Voice with AI
Zendesk Voice with AI is an AI phone system that understands and resolves customer issues like a pro. With contextual assistance, the CSAT is boosted considerably. It also helps to identify opportunities, find issues with the quality, and increase productivity.
6. RingCentral AI Voice
This AI phone answering system offers seamless AI-to-human handoff. It is fast, accurate, and can effortlessly route complex queries. It is also scalable without increasing operation costs. The platform provides a consistent and high-quality customer experience.
7. Five9 Intelligent Virtual Agent
Five9 Intelligent Virtual Agent is one of the best platforms that utilizes AI agents to automate FAQs, schedule appointments, facilitate AI-driven call routing, and enable predictive dialing. Five9 offers scalability with a user-friendly interface.
8. Abby Connect AI Receptionist
Abby Connect blends human receptionists with AI technology. It provides the option for personalized call handling with custom call scripting and warm call transfers. It also offers integration with CRMs and business tools to streamline workflow.
9. HubSpot Conversation
HubSpot is essentially a CRM that integrates AI-powered tools to improve the customer experience. It offers complete pipeline visibility. This platform is ideal for HubSpot users seeking to automate phone interactions.
10. Freshdesk
Freshdesk Omni or Freddy AI agent that can check order details, create new leads, share invoices, fetch product details, update ticket information, update customer information, and also reschedule appointments.
Feature to Look for in AI Phone Answering System
To select the best AI answering service, make sure to look for the following aspects:
- Seamless integration with calendars and popular CRMs for smooth scheduling and follow-ups.
- Intelligent call routing and 24/7 uptime to ensure no customer is ever left hanging.
- Effortlessly manage call routing and appointment scheduling.
- Built-in analytics and call transcription to uncover actionable insights.
- Emotionally intelligent conversations with natural, human-like voice tones.
- Multilingual capabilities to engage callers across global markets.
- Enterprise-grade security, privacy controls, and full regulatory compliance.
- Flexible pricing and easy scalability to grow with your business.
Conclusion
In a world where every customer interaction matters, businesses need to adopt a mechanism that ensures guaranteed customer satisfaction. An AI phone answering system is certainly a game-changer. Whether you are an entrepreneur who has just started a business or a well-established enterprise looking to scale up the support aspect of your business, AI phone systems offer speed, efficiency, and, more importantly, empathy without interruption. It is best to understand your business requirements before finalizing the best AI answering service provider. Remember, now AI isn't just answering calls; they are taking care of customers, building trust, and thereby driving growth.
FAQs About AI Phone Answering Systems
Is it possible for AI to sound like a human?
Yes, AI has reached new heights of advancement, and with the invention of AI phone answering systems, AI can sound like a real human while engaging in conversation with customers.
Can the AI script and tone be customized?
Yes, almost all systems allow customization regarding script, tone, and call flow, as per industry standards.
Can AI handle appointments and reminders?
AI phone systems can be integrated with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Outlook to schedule appointments and send reminders.
Is it possible for AI to understand caller intent or frustration?
AI systems now analyze tone and words to understand caller intent as well as frustration levels.