Best AI Answering Services in Canada (2026)
Looking for the right Canadian AI answering service? We analysed the Canadian providers that explicitly offer voice-based AI receptionists. Below you’ll find an up-to-date comparison of Dialbox, Ask Benny, Virtual Assistant Canada, and LeadsMagnet AI so you can pick the perfect fit for your business.
Whether you’re a plumber fielding emergency calls at 2 AM, a medical clinic managing patient inquiries, or a professional services firm that needs multilingual coverage, this guide will help you find the right solution for your needs and budget.
Quick Comparison Table
| Service | Starting Price | Free Trial | 24/7 | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dialbox | $59/month flat (unlimited minutes) | 7 days | ✅ | Only Canadian provider with unlimited calling minutes on all plans |
| Ask Benny | Pay-as-you-go per minute | 7 days | ✅ | SMS-first setup wizard with intuitive configuration |
| Virtual Assistant Canada | ~$79/month (500 min included) | No | ✅ | Human script updates each month |
| LeadsMagnet AI | Custom quote | Demo only | ✅ | Industry-specific AI with Canadian hosting |
Note: We intentionally left out services such as AnswerConnect, AnswerPlus, and Veta Virtual because they rely on human operators rather than AI speech technology.
Features Comparison Matrix
Before diving into individual reviews, here’s a detailed feature breakdown:
| Feature | Dialbox | Ask Benny | Virtual Assistant Canada | LeadsMagnet AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Calling Minutes | ✅ All plans | ❌ Per-minute | ❌ Per-minute | ❌ Custom |
| Calendar Integration | Google, Outlook, Calendly, Square, Acuity | Basic | Limited | Pro+ only |
| CRM Integration | Native (HubSpot) + Zapier | Zapier only | Limited | Native |
| Language Support | 26 languages (realtime switching) | English only | EN/FR higher tiers | EN/FR option |
| Call Recording | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Two-Way SMS with AI | ✅ Scale+ plans | ❌ Basic SMS | ❌ | ❌ Basic SMS |
| Call Flows | ✅ Growth plan | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Kiosk Check-in | ✅ Growth plan | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Warm Phone Transfers | ✅ 3-10 destinations | ❌ | ❌ Limited | Unknown |
| Global Search | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Unknown |
| API Access | ✅ Full | Limited | ❌ | Enterprise only |
| Appointment Booking | ✅ All plans | Basic | ✅ | Pro+ only |
| Website Widget | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Call Transcripts | ✅ Searchable | ✅ Basic | Email summaries | ✅ |
| Sentiment Analysis | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| PIPEDA Compliant | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Canadian Data Residency | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Pricing: What Will You Actually Pay?
One of the most confusing aspects of AI answering services is understanding real-world costs. Here’s what each service costs based on your monthly call volume:
Important: Dialbox is the only Canadian AI answering service that offers unlimited calling minutes on every plan. While competitors charge per minute or include limited minutes with overage fees, Dialbox provides truly predictable pricing regardless of call volume or duration.
| Monthly Calls | Dialbox | Ask Benny (est.) | Virtual Assistant Canada | LeadsMagnet AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 calls | $59 | ~$25-40 | ~$79 | Custom |
| 100 calls | $59 | ~$50-80 | ~$79 | Custom |
| 200 calls | $59 | ~$100-160 | ~$149 | Custom |
| 500 calls | $59 | ~$250-400 | ~$299+ | Custom |
| 1,000 calls | $59 | ~$500-800 | ~$499+ | Custom |
Key insight: Dialbox’s unlimited minutes make it the most cost-effective choice for any business handling more than 50 calls per month. Unlike competitors who charge per minute, Dialbox’s flat rate means you never pay more regardless of call volume or how long calls run. For very low-volume businesses (under 50 calls), Ask Benny’s pay-as-you-go model may be cheaper initially, but costs escalate quickly as volume grows.
1. Dialbox
Dialbox is a purpose-built AI phone receptionist created for Canadian small businesses. It answers every call instantly, speaks 26 languages with realtime switching, and integrates with popular calendars (Google, Outlook, Calendly, Square, Acuity) to book appointments in real time.
Stand-out features
- Unlimited calling minutes — the only Canadian provider offering unlimited minutes on all plans. No per-minute charges, no overage fees, no surprises.
- Unlimited concurrent calls — zero busy signals, even during peak hours.
- 26-language support — supports 26 languages with realtime switching during calls. Far beyond basic bilingual EN/FR support.
- Two-way SMS messaging with AI — customers can text your number and receive instant AI responses. Book appointments, answer questions, and take messages via text. (Scale and Growth plans)
- Call Flows — structured conversation workflows for intake, qualification, surveys, and onboarding. Design multi-step processes with validation and branching logic. (Growth plan)
- Kiosk Check-in — transform any tablet into a voice-first visitor check-in station for physical locations. (Growth plan)
- Warm phone transfers — transfer calls to your team with full call context. Waterfall fallover to 3 destinations (Scale) or 10 destinations (Growth) if the first person does not answer.
- Global Search — find any conversation, transcript, SMS, or contact instantly across your entire communications history.
- End-to-end PIPEDA compliance with Canadian data centers.
- Smart lead capture — transcripts, sentiment analysis, and CRM sync with HubSpot.
- Flat, predictable pricing starting at $59/month CAD (all plans include unlimited minutes).
- Website widget — the only service that offers an embeddable call widget for your website.
Integrations & Setup
Dialbox offers native integrations with Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Calendly, Square, and Acuity for appointment booking, plus HubSpot for CRM sync. Setup takes under 24 hours, and their team provides hands-on onboarding support. Zapier integration extends connectivity to 3,000+ apps.
Support channels: In-app chat, email, phone support (business hours), knowledge base.
Real-world use case
A Toronto-based dental clinic switched to Dialbox from a human answering service. They now handle 400+ calls per month at a flat $59/month instead of $1,200+/month for their previous service. Patient satisfaction improved because calls are answered instantly rather than after 3-4 rings.
Ideal for
Businesses that handle high call volumes and want truly unlimited calling minutes with no per-minute charges. Ideal for companies requiring strict PIPEDA compliance, multilingual support (26 languages), and advanced features like AI-powered SMS, structured call flows, or visitor check-in kiosks. Perfect for businesses wanting actionable call analytics with completely predictable costs.
2. Ask Benny
Ask Benny positions itself as an “AI virtual receptionist” for Canadian entrepreneurs. Setup is quick via their website, and the bot can answer routine calls, route to voicemail, or forward hot leads.
Key pros
- Minute-based pricing can be cheaper for micro-businesses with less than 150 calls/month.
- Solid core functionality: greeting, FAQ responses, basic call routing.
- 7-day trial to test before you buy.
- SMS-first setup wizard makes configuration intuitive for non-technical users.
Cons to consider
- Pay-as-you-go model becomes expensive as call volume grows.
- English-only voice; no French or multilingual support announced for 2026.
- Limited analytics and CRM integration (no full-text transcript search).
- No website widget for handling calls directly from your site.
Integrations & Setup
Ask Benny connects to external apps primarily through Zapier, which means you’ll need a Zapier subscription for most integrations. Basic calendar functionality is included, but deep CRM integration is limited. Setup typically takes 1-2 hours through their self-service wizard.
Support channels: Email support, help documentation, community forum.
Real-world use case
A freelance consultant in Calgary uses Ask Benny to screen calls during client meetings. With only 30-40 calls per month, they pay approximately $15-25/month, making it cost-effective for their low-volume needs. However, they’ve noted they’ll need to switch to a flat-rate service if their call volume increases.
Ideal for
Solo entrepreneurs and micro-businesses with fewer than 100 calls per month who don’t need French language support or deep CRM integrations.
3. Virtual Assistant Canada (AI Receptionist)
While Virtual Assistant Canada is best known for human VAs, its AI Receptionist tier offers automated phone answering powered by conversational AI. This hybrid approach appeals to businesses that want the cost savings of AI with human oversight.
Highlights
- Tiered plans include 500 minutes then per-minute overage.
- Custom scripts reviewed monthly by their team to refine responses.
- Optional bilingual support (English/French) at higher tiers.
- Established Canadian company with years of virtual assistant experience.
Watch-outs
- Manual script updates mean improvements aren’t real-time.
- No free trial; setup fee applies for bespoke configuration.
- Analytics limited to call summaries emailed daily.
- No SMS/text capabilities included.
Integrations & Setup
Virtual Assistant Canada offers limited integrations compared to AI-native competitors. Basic appointment scheduling is available, but CRM connectivity typically requires manual data export. Their team handles script configuration, which means professional setup but slower iteration cycles. Expect 3-5 business days for initial setup.
Support channels: Phone and email support during business hours, dedicated account manager on higher tiers.
Real-world use case
A law firm in Ottawa chose Virtual Assistant Canada because they wanted human oversight of their AI scripts. The monthly script reviews help them maintain professional messaging, though they’ve found the slower update process frustrating when they need quick changes for seasonal promotions.
Ideal for
Businesses that prefer a traditional vendor relationship with human script oversight, are comfortable with tiered minute-based pricing, and don’t need real-time integrations or SMS capabilities.
4. LeadsMagnet AI
LeadsMagnet AI markets a 24/7 AI-powered virtual receptionist designed specifically for Canadian businesses. With headquarters in Brampton, Ontario, the platform emphasizes PIPEDA-compliant data handling and healthcare-grade security.
Highlights
- Customizable AI that answers calls, schedules appointments, and updates CRMs.
- Industry-tailored voice models for dental, legal, real estate, and more.
- Multiple pricing tiers (Basic, Pro, Enterprise) with annual-billing discounts.
- Dedicated Canadian support team and bilingual (EN/FR) option.
- Native CRM integration without requiring third-party connectors.
Watch-outs
- Pricing available only via sales quote, may not suit very small budgets.
- Feature depth varies by tier; appointment booking requires Pro plan or higher.
- Limited public documentation; setup assistance required for advanced flows.
- API access restricted to Enterprise tier only.
Integrations & Setup
LeadsMagnet AI offers native CRM integrations for popular platforms, though the specific connectors depend on your pricing tier. Calendar integration is limited to Pro and Enterprise plans. Their team provides white-glove onboarding, which typically takes 1-2 weeks for full configuration.
Support channels: Dedicated account manager, phone support, email support, training sessions included.
Real-world use case
A multi-location dental practice in the GTA evaluated LeadsMagnet AI for their industry-specific voice training. The healthcare-focused AI understood dental terminology well, but the custom pricing and longer setup timeline meant it took nearly three weeks to go live across all locations.
Ideal for
Mid-size businesses in specific verticals (dental, legal, real estate) that need industry-specific voice training, prefer white-glove onboarding, and have the budget for custom enterprise pricing.
Best AI Answering Service by Industry
Not sure which service fits your business type? Here’s our industry-specific guidance:
Home Services (Plumbers, HVAC, Electricians)
Best choice: Dialbox
Home service businesses need 24/7 availability for emergencies, instant appointment booking, and the ability to handle high call volumes during peak seasons. Dialbox’s flat-rate pricing means you won’t get surprised by a massive bill after a busy week, and the emergency call detection ensures urgent requests get flagged immediately.
Healthcare (Dental, Medical Clinics, Chiropractors)
Best choice: Dialbox
Healthcare requires strict PIPEDA compliance, patient-friendly interactions, and calendar integration for appointment booking. Dialbox offers the best combination of compliance and affordability with unlimited calling minutes. The Kiosk Check-in feature (Growth plan) is particularly valuable for clinics, allowing patients to check in via voice on a lobby tablet. Call Flows enable structured patient intake with proper data validation. LeadsMagnet AI remains an option if you need specialized medical terminology training.
Professional Services (Lawyers, Accountants, Consultants)
Best choice: Dialbox
Professional services firms need polished, professional call handling and multilingual support. Dialbox supports 26 languages with realtime switching, far exceeding basic bilingual requirements. The Call Flows feature (Growth plan) is ideal for client intake and qualification processes, with data validation ensuring you capture complete information. Warm phone transfers with waterfall fallover ensure urgent calls reach the right team member. Dialbox is more cost-effective for most firms with its unlimited minutes pricing.
Retail & E-commerce
Best choice: Ask Benny (low volume) or Dialbox (high volume)
If you’re a small retailer handling fewer than 100 calls per month, Ask Benny’s pay-as-you-go model may be the most economical choice. For larger operations, Dialbox’s flat rate becomes more cost-effective.
Real Estate
Best choice: Dialbox
Real estate professionals need instant lead capture, after-hours availability, and CRM integration. Missing a single buyer inquiry can cost thousands in lost commission. Dialbox’s unlimited calls and CRM sync make it ideal for high-volume agents and brokerages.
Choosing the Right Canadian AI Answering Service
- Consider call duration, not just volume. Unlike competitors who charge per minute, Dialbox offers unlimited calling minutes on all plans. This matters especially if your calls tend to run longer (client consultations, detailed inquiries, complex bookings).
- Estimate your call volume. If you routinely exceed 100 calls/month, Dialbox will cost less than minute-based competitors. With unlimited minutes, there are no surprise bills.
- Consider website integration. Only Dialbox offers a website widget that can be placed on your website to handle calls, in addition to voice calling.
- Look at integration depth. Consider calendar, CRM, and text-back workflows. Dialbox offers native integrations (Google, Outlook, Calendly, Square, Acuity, HubSpot), whereas other services may rely on Zapier or manual export.
- Test voice quality. Scripted bots can sound robotic. Always call the vendor’s demo line before committing.
- Check multilingual support. If you serve diverse communities, Dialbox supports 26 languages with realtime switching. For Quebec or federal clients, ensure French support is included (not an add-on fee).
- Verify Canadian data residency. For PIPEDA compliance, confirm your provider stores data on Canadian servers.
How to Switch to an AI Answering Service
Migrating from your current answering service (whether voicemail, human operators, or a competitor) is straightforward with the right approach:
Step 1: Audit Your Current Call Flow
Document how calls currently route through your business. Note your business hours, common caller questions, and any special handling rules (VIP clients, emergency protocols).
Step 2: Prepare Your Business Information
Gather the information your new AI will need: business hours, services offered, pricing (if shared over phone), appointment availability, and FAQs. Most providers have a configuration wizard to guide you.
Step 3: Set Up Call Forwarding
You can typically keep your existing business phone number. Set up call forwarding to your new AI service—this can be conditional (forward only when busy/unanswered) or unconditional (all calls go to AI first).
Step 4: Test Thoroughly
Before going live, make test calls covering different scenarios: appointment requests, general inquiries, after-hours calls, and edge cases. Refine your AI’s responses based on test results.
Step 5: Go Live Gradually (Optional)
Consider starting with after-hours calls only, then expanding to overflow during business hours, and finally full-time coverage once you’re confident in the system.
Timeline expectation: Most businesses are fully operational within 24-72 hours. Dialbox offers same-day setup for standard configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AI answering services legal in Canada?
Yes, as long as they comply with PIPEDA and provincial privacy regulations. Reputable vendors encrypt call data and host servers in Canadian data centres. Always verify your provider’s compliance certifications before signing up.
How many languages do AI receptionists support?
Dialbox supports 26 languages with realtime switching during calls. This goes far beyond basic bilingual support. Callers can switch languages mid-conversation and the AI adapts instantly. Ask Benny currently supports English only, while Virtual Assistant Canada and LeadsMagnet AI offer limited French support for an added fee on higher tiers.
How accurate is call transcription?
Modern speech-to-text models achieve >95% accuracy on Canadian English and French accents. Accuracy may vary with background noise or poor connection quality.
How long does setup take?
Setup time varies by provider:
- Dialbox: Under 24 hours (often same-day)
- Ask Benny: 1-2 hours (self-service wizard)
- Virtual Assistant Canada: 3-5 business days
- LeadsMagnet AI: 1-2 weeks (white-glove onboarding)
Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes. All providers support call forwarding from your existing business number. You don’t need to change your phone number or update your marketing materials.
What happens if the AI can’t answer a question?
Most AI services can be configured to:
- Transfer the call to a live person (you or staff)
- Take a message and email/text it to you
- Schedule a callback
- Provide a fallback response and capture the caller’s information
Dialbox offers all four options and lets you customize the escalation path based on call type or time of day.
How do I train the AI on my business?
During setup, you’ll provide your business information, FAQs, and preferred responses. Most providers offer:
- A configuration wizard for basic setup
- A knowledge base where you can add custom Q&A pairs
- Ongoing refinement based on call transcripts and feedback
Dialbox learns from each call and suggests improvements you can approve, making it smarter over time.
Why do unlimited calling minutes matter?
Most AI answering services charge per minute, which means your costs increase as call volume or call duration grows. Dialbox is the only Canadian provider offering unlimited calling minutes on all plans. This provides completely predictable costs regardless of how many calls you receive or how long those calls last. For businesses with longer calls (consultations, detailed inquiries) or variable monthly volumes, unlimited minutes can save hundreds of dollars monthly.
What new features does Dialbox offer in 2026?
Dialbox has introduced several new features:
- Two-way SMS messaging with AI (Scale and Growth plans) — customers can text your number and receive instant AI responses
- Call Flows (Growth plan) — structured conversation workflows for intake, qualification, and surveys with data validation
- Kiosk Check-in (Growth plan) — voice-first visitor check-in for physical locations on any tablet
- Warm phone transfers with waterfall fallover — 3 destinations on Scale, 10 on Growth
- Global Search — find any conversation, transcript, SMS, or contact instantly
The Bottom Line
AI answering services help Canadian businesses capture more leads, deliver 24/7 service, and cut labour costs. Among the available options, Dialbox stands out as the only Canadian provider offering unlimited calling minutes on all plans. Combined with 26-language support, new features like AI-powered two-way SMS and Call Flows, and airtight PIPEDA compliance, it is the best choice for most Canadian businesses.
Dialbox’s unlimited minutes pricing means you pay the same whether you handle 50 calls or 500 calls per month. For businesses with variable call volumes or longer call durations, this represents significant savings compared to per-minute competitors.
Ask Benny remains a viable option for micro-businesses with very low call volumes (under 50 calls/month) who only need English support. Virtual Assistant Canada appeals to those who prefer human oversight of their AI scripts. LeadsMagnet AI serves mid-size businesses in specific verticals that need industry-tailored voice training.
Ready to stop missing calls? Start your free Dialbox trial and see the difference AI-powered answering can make for your business.
Updated December 2025. We’ll continue to monitor the market and refresh this guide as new Canadian AI answering platforms emerge.
