Alternatives
Human answering services, AI receptionists and pay-as-you-go plans all charge differently. Here is how the best-known UK options compare with While You Work, using the prices each one publishes. Where another service is the better fit, we say so.
Prices checked on each provider’s website on 11 September 2026.
| Service | Type | Price | Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| While You Work | AI receptionist | £49 a month including VAT (founding members, locked for as long as you stay) | First week free once your line is live, full refund if you cancel in that week | You are here |
| Moneypenny | Human receptionists, plus an AI Receptionist product | Quote on request for human receptionists. AI Receptionist from £25 a month | Free trial offered, details on request | Full comparison |
| ReceptionHQ | Human receptionists | From £15 a month plus £1.10 a call, or bundles: 25 calls £25, 50 calls £49, 100 calls £85 (message-taking), all plus VAT | 7-day free trial | Full comparison |
| Jodie (HeyJodie) | AI receptionist | £49, £99 or £199 a month, plus VAT (£58.80, £118.80, £238.80 with VAT) | 7-day free trial, no card | Full comparison |
| Answer.co.uk | Human receptionists, plus an AI receptionist | Human: £2.20 a call plus VAT, £25 minimum credit. AI: £10 a month plus 85p a call, or 50 calls for £30 a month | Check the website | Full comparison |
Want to know what you would actually pay each month? Read how much a call answering service costs in the UK, with worked examples at 20, 50 and 100 calls a month.