11 Best AI Answering Services in Australia (2026): Compared & Tested
Finding an AI answering service that actually works for Australian businesses isn't easy. Most comparison articles are written by Americans, for Americans, with American pricing. They don't mention AEST time zones, Aussie accents, or how much a full-time receptionist costs in Sydney vs Mackay.
We evaluated 15+ AI phone answering services using standardised scenarios (new customer enquiry, emergency call, appointment booking, and FAQ handling). Where trials or demos were available, we tested with Australian numbers and measured response time, voice quality, and outcome. We also compared pricing, setup requirements, integrations, and Australian compatibility.
Full disclosure: TransferToAI is our product. We've included it in this comparison because we genuinely believe it's the best value for Australian tradies and service businesses. But we've been honest about where other services have different strengths, and we'll tell you when another option might suit your situation better.
11 services made the cut — 8 Australian-built and 3 international options. We excluded services that didn't meet our baseline requirements for Australian businesses (e.g., no Australian numbers, unclear pricing, noticeable response delays, or limited call handling). Note: We initially reviewed DigitalOn (Sunshine Coast) but found they are a web/marketing agency that builds AI solutions for other companies (including AiDial), rather than a direct AI receptionist product — so they are not included in this list.
Quick Summary: Best AI Answering Services Australia
Australian-Built Services
| Service | Best For | From (AUD/mo) | Setup Fee | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TransferToAI | Tradies & service businesses | $99 | None | ✅ 14 days |
| Sophiie.ai | Service businesses (general) | ~$300 | ~$800 | Demo only |
| Johnni AI | ServiceM8/Simpro tradies | ~$300+ | Not published | ✅ 7 days |
| LANA Software | Most integrations (tradies) | $300–$600 | $1,000–$3,500 | ❌ |
| Get Fully Booked | ROI-focused tradies | From $500 | Not published | Demo only |
| AiDial | Enterprise & compliance | Custom | Custom | Demo only |
| TMC | Established brand + AI hybrid | $500 | None | Demo only |
| Reptri | Budget AU flat-rate | ~$200 | None | Demo / short trial |
International Options
| Service | Best For | From (AUD/mo) | Aussie Voice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith.ai | Human + AI hybrid | ~$145 (50 calls) | ❌ |
| Rosie AI | Budget unlimited | ~$75 (unlimited) | ❌ |
| My AI Front Desk | Multilingual + CRM | ~$150 | ❌ |
Key Takeaway:
Based on published pricing as at Feb 2026, TransferToAI at $99/month with no setup fee is the lowest-priced AU-built option on this list. Most Australian competitors start at $200–$500/month, and several charge setup fees of $400–$3,500 on top. TransferToAI also offers a 14-day self-serve free trial — something only a few Australian-built services on this list provide.
Price & feature disclaimer: Prices shown are estimates in AUD based on published information and/or quotes collected as at Feb 2026, and may change. Where pricing is not publicly listed, we have noted estimates based on available information. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. We are not affiliated with the services listed unless stated.
How We Evaluated These AI Answering Services
We went beyond feature pages and marketing copy. Here's our methodology:
- Signed up for accounts/demos — paid trials where available, booked demos for the rest
- Tested with Australian numbers where possible — using 04xx mobile and 07/02 landlines
- Ran standardised call scenarios — new customer booking, emergency plumbing, pricing question, after-hours enquiry
- Noted voice quality and response time — based on our test environment and available demos/trials
- Checked Australian compatibility — AEST time zones, AUD billing, local numbers, accent quality
- Evaluated integration depth — ServiceM8, Simpro, AroFlo, Tradify, Google Calendar
This article reflects what we could verify as at Feb 2026. Features and pricing may have changed since publication.
What Makes a Great AI Answering Service for Australian Businesses?
Fast Response Time
Australians are impatient on the phone. If there's a 3+ second pause, they'll hang up. The best AI services respond in under 1 second.
Natural Aussie Voice
An American accent answering an Australian plumbing business is jarring. The best services offer genuine Aussie-sounding voices that callers trust.
24/7 Reliability
Emergencies don't wait for business hours. A burst pipe at 2 AM Saturday needs an immediate response, not a voicemail box.
Transparent Pricing (AUD)
Hidden fees, setup costs, and USD-only billing make it hard to budget. The best services have clear pricing in AUD with no surprises.
Australian-Built AI Answering Services
TransferToAI
Best for: Australian tradies and service businesses wanting the best value
TransferToAI was purpose-built for Australian trade and service businesses. It answers calls with a genuine Aussie accent, understands trade terminology (hot water system, switchboard, roof leak), and can book jobs directly into your calendar. Setup takes under 5 minutes — describe your business, forward your calls, and you're live.
What sets TransferToAI apart from other services on this list isn't just the voice — it's the complete business platform. You get a full CRM dashboard to manage all your leads and clients, call analytics that classify every call and give you insights on your customer base, ServiceM8 integration for automatic job creation, plus SMS summaries and notifications after every call.
At $99/month with no setup fee, it's the lowest-priced Australian-built option on this list (as at Feb 2026). Other AU-built options range from ~$200/month (Reptri) to $500+/month (TMC, Fully Booked, LANA), and many charge separate setup fees. TransferToAI also offers a 14-day self-serve free trial — no demo call required.
Pricing (AUD):
- Starter: $99/month
- Pro: $299/month
- Setup fee: None
- Free trial: 14 days, no credit card required
Pros:
- Lowest-priced AU-built option on this list ($99 vs $200–$500+)
- Full CRM dashboard with client analytics and insights
- ServiceM8 integration for automatic job booking
- Genuine Australian accent, sub-second response
- 5-minute setup, no demo required, 14-day free trial
- SMS notifications and call summaries after every call
Cons:
- Focused on trades/services — not ideal for hospitality or healthcare
- No human agent fallback (pure AI)
- ServiceM8 integration only (Simpro/AroFlo coming soon)
No credit card required · No setup fee · Live in 5 minutes
Sophiie.ai
Best for: Service businesses wanting a well-known Australian provider
Sophiie.ai is one of the more established Australian AI receptionists. It targets service-based businesses (trades, medical, legal, finance) and reports over 67,000 calls handled, with capacity for up to 10,000 simultaneous calls. It's a true "all-in-one" platform: beyond call answering, it includes its own CRM, web chatbot, email/SMS responses, and appointment management. The Australian accent is natural.
The main barrier is cost. Sophiie charges around $300/month plus a significant setup/training fee (~$800, sometimes discounted to ~$400 via partners like Tradiespace). You can request a free demo call without a credit card, but there's no self-serve trial period. Integrates with CRMs and calendars via Zapier/API, plus includes its own built-in CRM. For businesses that can afford the premium, it's a solid local option.
Pricing (AUD estimated):
- Monthly: ~$300/month flat rate
- Setup fee: ~$800 (sometimes $400 with promo)
- Free trial: No — demo required
Pros:
- All-in-one: calls, chatbot, email/SMS, CRM, appointments
- Natural Australian accent, 67K+ calls handled
- Multi-channel coverage (not just phone calls)
Cons:
- 3x more expensive than TransferToAI ($300 + $800 setup)
- No self-serve trial — demo booking required
- Limited pricing transparency (no public prices)
Johnni AI
Best for: Tradies already using ServiceM8 or Simpro who want deep integrations
Johnni AI is built specifically for Australian tradies and professional services. It integrates deeply with job management software like ServiceM8 and Simpro, plus CRMs like HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho, and even legal software Clio. Johnni understands industry jargon, can schedule jobs directly in your system, and qualifies leads based on your criteria. Many users report callers "don't even realise it's AI."
Pricing isn't public — Johnni emphasises being "the best, not the cheapest" and provides custom quotes. Expected range is ~$300+/month depending on your setup. They offer a 7-day free trial (promoted on social media) and demos. Also integrates with CRMs like HubSpot, Pipedrive, and Zoho, plus legal software Clio. Strong option for established tradies with complex workflows.
Pricing (AUD estimated):
- Monthly: ~$300+/month (custom quotes)
- Setup fee: Not published — likely included
- Free trial: 7 days (promoted on social media)
Pros:
- Deep integrations: ServiceM8, Simpro, Clio, HubSpot, Zoho
- Australian accents, trade terminology, and industry-specific customisation
- 7-day free trial available
Cons:
- No public pricing — custom quotes only
- Short 7-day trial (vs 14 days at TransferToAI)
- Best value only if you already use ServiceM8/Simpro
LANA Software
Best for: Tradies wanting the most job management integrations
LANA Software has the widest integration list of any Australian AI receptionist. It connects with ServiceM8, Simpro, AroFlo, and includes a built-in CRM. The AI qualifies callers, books jobs directly into your system, and creates job cards automatically. If integration breadth is your top priority, LANA delivers.
The trade-off is price. LANA offers three tiers: $300/month (calls + scheduling), $399/month (adds automatic job creation), and $600/month (full CRM + AI suite). Each plan has a significant setup fee: $1,000, $1,500, or $3,500 respectively. These cover personalised AI training and scripts. For large operations with complex multi-software workflows, the integration depth may justify the premium.
Pricing (AUD — published on their website):
- AI Receptionist: $300/month (setup: $1,000)
- AI + Job Creation: $399/month (setup: $1,500)
- CRM + AI + JMS: $600/month (setup: $3,500)
- Free trial: No — demo/consultation only
Pros:
- Most integrations: ServiceM8, Simpro, AroFlo, Ascora, OpenSolar + CRM
- Automatic job creation in your system
- Built for field service businesses
Cons:
- Expensive ($300–$600/mo + $1,000–$3,500 setup)
- Voice quality is less natural than competitors
- No free trial — significant upfront commitment
Get Fully Booked
Best for: ROI-focused tradies who want proven revenue gains
Get Fully Booked (owned by Michele Matkovich) markets heavily on ROI, emphasising "lead leaks" that can cost tradies thousands per month. They integrate with ServiceM8, SimPRO, and AroFlo, and include automation for follow-up SMS, requote reminders, and Google review requests. Their messaging positions it as "one extra job per month pays for the service."
Pricing starts from $500 AUD/month (published on their site) as an all-inclusive package. No separate setup fee mentioned. Setup time is approximately 2–4 weeks to go live. Includes automation for follow-ups, requote reminders, and Google review requests. A solid option for tradies who respond to data-driven ROI arguments and use one of the supported job platforms.
Pros:
- ServiceM8, SimPRO, AroFlo integration + follow-up automations
- Strong ROI-focused messaging and case studies
- Australian-built and operated
Cons:
- $500/mo — 5x TransferToAI's price
- 2–4 week setup time (not instant)
- No self-serve free trial — demo required
AiDial
Best for: Enterprise and government with strict compliance needs
AiDial (Sunshine Coast, QLD) differentiates itself on compliance and data sovereignty. All data is stored on-shore in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra data centres. They offer ultra-realistic Australian voices (multiple regional accents), claim up to 70% savings versus full-time staff, and provide a portal with transcriptions, metrics, and trend analysis. ISO 27001 compliant.
This is an enterprise play — pricing is custom, no self-serve option, and everything requires a conversation with their sales team. Overkill for a solo tradie, but if you're in healthcare, government, or finance and need strict Australian data compliance, AiDial is worth investigating.
Pros:
- 100% on-shore Australian data storage
- Multiple regional Australian accents (Sydney, QLD, Melbourne)
- Private server option for enterprise compliance
Cons:
- Custom pricing only — no transparency
- Enterprise-focused — overkill for small businesses
- No free trial or self-serve signup
TMC (The Message Centre)
Best for: Businesses wanting an established Australian brand with human fallback
TMC is a veteran Australian call centre and business support company that now offers an AI phone answering service at a flat rate of $500 AUD/month. Being an established operator (ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified), TMC brings brand credibility and the unique advantage of having live human agents available as fallback if the AI can't handle a call.
The AI service includes a client portal with transcriptions, dashboards, and call recordings. No setup fee mentioned. They also offer phone demos where you can call and hear the AI in action. A solid choice if brand trust, established reputation, and the option of human backup matter to you.
Pricing (AUD):
- Monthly: $500/month flat rate
- Setup fee: None mentioned
- Free trial: Phone demo available, no formal trial
Pros:
- Established brand (ISO 9001 + ISO 27001 certified)
- Live human agent fallback available
- Client portal with transcriptions and analytics
Cons:
- $500/mo — 5x TransferToAI's price
- Telecom-first company (AI is a newer addition)
- Less trade-specific than dedicated tradie tools
Reptri
Best for: Businesses wanting a flat-rate Australian AI receptionist with unlimited calls
Reptri (based in Ryde, NSW) stands out for its flat-rate unlimited model. Their Starter plan costs approximately $50 AUD/week (~$200/month) and includes unlimited calls and minutes, no setup fee, and a built-in CRM with web and mobile apps. No hidden fees, no overtime charges.
This makes Reptri the second-cheapest Australian option after TransferToAI. Ongoing training is included at no extra cost. The Professional plan (custom pricing) adds a dedicated account manager, custom CRM integrations, and unlimited conversation workflows. Good value if you want an Aussie option with predictable costs.
Pricing (AUD — published on their website):
- Starter: ~$50/week (~$200/month) — unlimited calls & minutes
- Professional: Custom pricing
- Setup fee: None
- Free trial: Demo available, short trial on request
Pros:
- Unlimited calls and minutes — flat rate, no surprises
- Built-in CRM with web + mobile apps included
- No setup fee, ongoing training included
Cons:
- ~$200/mo is still 2x TransferToAI's price
- Newer startup — less proven track record
- Custom CRM integration only on Professional plan
International Options (Worth Considering)
These services aren't Australian-built, so they lack Aussie accents and local integrations. But they bring unique strengths that some Australian businesses may value.
Smith.ai — Best Human + AI Hybrid
US-based. Combines AI with live human receptionists (US-based) who step in for complex conversations. Plans start at USD $95/mo for 50 calls, USD $270 for 150 calls, USD $800 for 500 calls, with ~$2.10–$2.40 per extra call. American accents only. 30-day money-back guarantee (not a free trial). Integrates with HubSpot, Salesforce, Calendly, Clio, Zapier, and many more.
Best for: Professional services (law, accounting) wanting guaranteed human backup on complex calls
Rosie AI — Cheapest Unlimited Option
US-based. Three plans — all with unlimited minutes: Professional at USD $49/mo (message-taking only), Scale at USD $149/mo (adds booking, call transfers, SMS), Growth at USD $299/mo (adds advanced training). Bilingüe inglés/español. 7-day free trial, no card required. Integrates with Google Calendar, Calendly, Acuity + Zapier for 1,000+ apps. American voice only.
Best for: Tight budget businesses wanting unlimited calls — note that booking features require the $149 plan
My AI Front Desk — Best Multilingual + CRM
US-based. Supports 100+ premium voices and 20+ languages. Plans: Starter ~USD $99/mo (month-to-month) and Growth ~USD $149/mo. Includes built-in CRM, ticketing system, and smart calendar. 7-day free trial. Integrates with Zapier (6,000+ apps), Slack, HubSpot, Notion, Jobber, and more. Enterprise plans with custom APIs available.
Best for: Multicultural communities (Western Sydney, Melbourne's north, Brisbane's Sunnybank) and businesses wanting a built-in CRM
Cost Comparison: AI vs Human Receptionist (Australia)
| Cost Item | Human Receptionist | AI Service (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Base annual cost | $55,000 - $65,000 | $1,200 - $4,800 |
| Super (11.5%) | + $6,325 - $7,475 | $0 |
| Leave + sick days | + $7,500 | $0 |
| Hours covered | 38 hrs/week | 168 hrs/week (24/7) |
| Total annual cost | $70,000 - $80,000+ | $1,200 - $4,800 |
Even the most expensive AI service on this list costs less than 7% of what a human receptionist costs — and provides 24/7 coverage. For a detailed breakdown, read our AI vs human receptionist cost comparison.
How to Choose the Right AI Answering Service
Choose TransferToAI if:
- • You're a tradie or service business wanting the best value ($99/mo — lowest AU-built price on this list)
- • You want a full CRM + analytics dashboard, not just call answering
- • You use ServiceM8 and want automatic job booking
- • You want to start in 5 minutes with no demo call required
Choose Johnni AI or LANA if:
- • You need Simpro or AroFlo integration (TransferToAI has ServiceM8 only for now)
- • You run a large operation and budget isn't a concern ($300–$600+/month)
- • You have complex multi-software job management workflows
Choose AiDial if:
- • You're in government, healthcare, or finance with strict compliance needs
- • You need guaranteed Australian data sovereignty
- • Budget is not a constraint — you need enterprise-grade security
Choose Smith.ai if:
- • You're not ready for pure AI and want human backup for complex calls
- • You're a professional services firm (law, accounting)
- • You don't mind American accents and per-call pricing (from USD $95/month for 50 calls)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an AI answering service cost in Australia?
Australian-built services range from $99/month (TransferToAI) to $600/month (LANA full suite), with most starting around $200–$500/month. Setup fees range from $0 (TransferToAI, Reptri, TMC) to $3,500 (LANA advanced plan). International options like Rosie AI start from ~USD $49/month (~$75 AUD) with unlimited minutes but lack Australian accents. Prices as at Feb 2026.
Can AI answering services handle Australian accents and slang?
Australian-built services (TransferToAI, Sophiie.ai, Johnni AI, AiDial) handle Aussie accents well and respond with local voices. International services like Smith.ai and Rosie AI use American voices and may struggle with slang like "arvo," "ute," or "sparkie."
Do AI receptionists work after hours and on weekends?
Yes — all 12 services on this list operate 24/7/365. This is one of the biggest advantages over human receptionists. Emergency plumbing calls at 2 AM Saturday get answered just as professionally as Tuesday afternoon bookings.
Which service has the most integrations?
LANA Software has the most trade-specific integrations (ServiceM8, Simpro, AroFlo, Ascora, OpenSolar). Get Fully Booked integrates with ServiceM8, SimPRO, and AroFlo. Johnni AI integrates with ServiceM8, Simpro, Clio, HubSpot, Pipedrive, and Zoho. TransferToAI currently integrates with ServiceM8 (more coming). For CRM integrations, Smith.ai leads with Salesforce, HubSpot, Calendly, and Zapier support.
Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes. All services work via call forwarding — you keep your existing business number. See our guides for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone call forwarding.
Why is TransferToAI so much cheaper than other Australian options?
TransferToAI was built lean — no large sales teams, no mandatory demo calls, no expensive setup process. We pass those savings to our customers. Other Australian providers charge $200–$500+/month partly because they require extensive onboarding, personalised AI training (with fees of $400–$3,500), and sales-driven processes that add overhead.
Conclusion
For most Australian tradies and service businesses, TransferToAI offers a strong combination of value, features, and Australian context. At $99/month with no setup fee — the lowest-priced AU-built option on this list — it includes a full CRM dashboard, call analytics, ServiceM8 integration, and a genuine Aussie accent. It also offers a 14-day self-serve free trial (as at Feb 2026).
If you need deeper integrations with Simpro, AroFlo, or Ascora today, Johnni AI or LANA Software are worth the premium — but expect to pay $300–$600+/month plus potential setup fees. Reptri at ~$200/month with unlimited calls is also a solid value option for those wanting flat-rate simplicity.
For enterprise compliance needs, AiDial is the clear choice. For human backup on complex calls, Smith.ai remains the best hybrid option despite the American accent.
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Marcos — TransferToAI
Full disclosure: I'm the founder of TransferToAI, one of the services reviewed. I evaluated every service on this list using the same standardised test scenarios and tried to be as objective as possible. Built in Mackay, Queensland.