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Comparison • Canada5 min read · March 2, 2026
AI Receptionist vs Traditional Answering Service
AI receptionists and live answering services both handle calls. Here's how they differ.
SA
Sowa Answers
London, ON
Cost
Live services charge $1–$2 per minute. AI is a flat monthly plan with an included bank of talk minutes — Sowa's Essential plan is $79 CAD/mo with 750 minutes included, then $0.15/min.
Availability
Live services have hours. AI is true 24/7.
Consistency
Human reps vary. AI is always on-script.
When live might make sense
Complex or emotionally charged calls are still better with a person, which is why Sowa alerts you and lets you take over at any point.
Stop losing calls to voicemail.
Your wise 24/7 AI receptionist for Canadian trades and clinics. From $79 Essential.
Sowa Answers
Answer every call, capture leads, and book jobs while you stay focused on the work.
Try the live demo
- London, Ontario, Canada
- Call 226-271-8422
- hello@sowaanswers.com