Stella vs Smith.ai

Missing a call often means losing a customer, but hiring a full-time receptionist is expensive. You are likely weighing these two options because you need reliable help answering the phone while you run your day-to-day operations. One service gives you remote human operators who answer calls and qualify leads, but they charge you by the interaction. The other gives you a dedicated AI employee who answers every missed call for a flat rate, and can even stand right by your front door to greet walk-in visitors. You are deciding between paying a premium per call or securing unlimited AI coverage.
Better for unlimited AI coverage

Stella

Stella is a friendly AI employee who answers your phone around the clock and can even greet visitors in person at your business for one predictable monthly cost.

Predictable flat rate for unlimited calls

Greets walk-in customers in person

Instant conversational intake forms

Better for remote human receptionists

Smith.ai

Smith.ai provides live human receptionists who answer calls, screen leads, and book appointments for your business. You pay based on how many calls or chats they handle.

Real human voices on the line

Outbound calling for sales campaigns

Complex lead screening and routing

Better for most use cases:

Stella

Stella gives you an always-on AI employee who handles unlimited calls without per-minute fees. She covers both your phone and your front door, offering complete coverage for one highly affordable subscription.

Limited Supply

Your most affordable hire.

Stella works for $99 a month.

Hire Stella

Supply is limited. To be eligible, you must have a physical business.