Estric AI
An AI front desk, not just a receptionist
One flat monthly plan covers voice, WhatsApp, and web chat, all answering on your existing number, all booking straight into your calendar. Built and supported from Sydney.
Comparison
Estric AI vs Smith.ai
Both cover the front desk, but the shape is different. Smith.ai grew from a US virtual-receptionist model with humans in the loop, and now offers an AI-only tier priced per minute. Estric AI is an AI-native front desk built for Australian service businesses: flat monthly pricing, every channel included, and answering that actually books the appointment during the call.
Smith.ai
How Smith.ai is positioned
Human-plus-AI virtual receptionist rooted in the US market. AI-only tier is available but priced by the minute, with add-ons for chat, CRM sync, and payments.
Feature-by-feature
Public information from each product’s website, summarised. Verify current pricing directly at smith.ai.
| Feature | Estric AI | Smith.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Setup cost and onboarding | $0, self-serve, live in minutes | Setup fees and days-to-weeks onboarding common |
| Voice calls answered 24/7 | Yes, on your existing number | Yes |
| WhatsApp answering | Yes, on your business WhatsApp | Not offered |
| Web chat widget | Yes, shipped in one snippet | Add-on / separate product |
| Books appointments during the call | Yes, from your live calendar | Takes a message, you book it |
| Takes deposits and payments | Yes, via Stripe Connect | Not offered |
| Multi-language on voice | Auto-detects and replies in kind | English-only or limited |
| Multi-location under one account | Up to 10 locations on Scale | One account per location |
| Aussie support and business hours | Sydney-based team | US business hours |
| Pricing model | Flat monthly plan, no per-minute overage | Per-minute or per-call fees |
Where Estric AI is different
Flat pricing, no per-minute meter
Smith.ai charges per minute on AI plans, so a busy month makes your bill jump. Estric AI is a flat monthly plan with published limits, and we warn you before you hit them. No surprise invoice.
Every channel in the base plan
Web chat, WhatsApp, and voice are one team on Estric AI, sharing memory across channels. Smith.ai runs voice-first with chat as a separate product, so a caller who then messages arrives as a stranger.
Books, does not take messages
Estric AI checks availability and books the slot live. Message-then-callback services still leave you doing the actual booking.
Aussie business by design
Local business hours, ABN-registered support, and voice answering that handles Aussie accents and place names natively.
Questions people ask about Smith.ai vs Estric AI
Is Estric AI cheaper than Smith.ai?
For most service businesses, yes. Estric AI plans start at $39/month with published call and message limits. Smith.ai bills per minute on AI plans and per call on human plans, so the total depends on volume. If you take even a modest call load, a flat plan is usually cheaper and always more predictable.
Can I use Estric AI on my existing business number?
Yes. You point your existing line at Estric AI using call forwarding, and customers keep dialling the number they already know.
Does Estric AI handle WhatsApp like Smith.ai handles chat?
Estric AI answers WhatsApp on your business WhatsApp account, and books appointments during the conversation. WhatsApp is a first-class channel, not a bolt-on.
Does Estric AI have humans in the loop?
You can jump into any conversation from the dashboard whenever you like. There is no separate human answering service to route through, and no per-minute human bill.
Try the AI front desk on your own number.
Free 7-day trial. No card needed. Compare it against Smith.ai on your own calls.