Comparison
AI receptionist vs human receptionist
A good receptionist does far more than answer the phone. But if the phone is the problem, a person on wages is a big cost to cover it. Here's how the two compare.
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Side by side
| Feature | CallMate | A human receptionist |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49, $99 or $199 + GST a month | Wages plus super (12% superannuation guarantee), leave and on-costs |
| Hours covered | 24/7, including nights and weekends | Their working hours, unless you roster more people |
| Sick days and holidays | No cover needed | Calls need covering when they're away |
| Busy times | Answers the calls you forward to it | One call at a time |
| Front desk work | Phone only | Greets visitors, handles admin, judgement calls |
| Getting started | Live after signup | Recruiting, onboarding and training |
Competitor details as listed on ato.gov.au (super guarantee rate from 1 July 2025), checked November 2026. Prices and features can change, so check their site before you decide.
CallMate prices exclude GST. CallMate details are from this site.
Your call
Which should you choose?
A human receptionist may suit you if
you need someone on site greeting customers and doing admin as well as the phones.
CallMate may suit you if
the main problem is calls you can't get to, especially after hours and on the tools.
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Straight answers
Common questions
How much does a receptionist cost compared to an AI receptionist?
A receptionist costs their wage plus the 12% superannuation guarantee, leave and other on-costs, and covers only the hours they work. CallMate costs $49, $99 or $199 + GST a month and answers 24/7. Use our comparison tool to put your own wage figures in.
Can an AI receptionist replace a human receptionist?
For answering the phone, taking details and booking jobs, it can cover a lot. It won't greet people at the counter, do admin or make judgement calls on unusual problems. Plenty of businesses use both: staff in hours and CallMate for overflow and after hours.
Can an AI receptionist back up my office staff?
Yes. Forward calls to CallMate when your staff are busy, on lunch or gone for the day. Your team answers what they can and CallMate takes the rest, texting the details so nothing slips through.
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