Quick Overview
- 1#1: Envoy - Streamlines front desk operations with visitor management, check-ins, and office space booking.
- 2#2: Smith.ai - Provides AI-powered virtual receptionists to handle calls, chats, and scheduling automatically.
- 3#3: The Receptionist - Offers digital visitor sign-in kiosks and management for modern office receptions.
- 4#4: RingCentral - Delivers cloud-based phone systems with call handling, messaging, and video for receptionists.
- 5#5: Calendly - Automates appointment scheduling and calendar management for efficient reception workflows.
- 6#6: Traction Guest - Manages visitor registrations, check-ins, and security notifications at the front desk.
- 7#7: Proxyclick - Handles visitor management, badge printing, and compliance for reception areas.
- 8#8: Ruby Receptionist - Supplies live virtual receptionists to answer calls and manage appointments remotely.
- 9#9: Setmore - Enables online booking, reminders, and staff scheduling for reception desks.
- 10#10: Nextiva - Provides unified communications with VoIP calling, texting, and collaboration tools for reception.
We ranked tools based on key factors including feature depth (visitor management, call handling, automation), user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of reception teams.
Comparison Table
Efficient reception software is vital for modern workspaces, and this comparison table explores tools like Envoy, Smith.ai, The Receptionist, RingCentral, Calendly, and more, highlighting key features and usability to help readers find the ideal fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Envoy Streamlines front desk operations with visitor management, check-ins, and office space booking. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Smith.ai Provides AI-powered virtual receptionists to handle calls, chats, and scheduling automatically. | general_ai | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | The Receptionist Offers digital visitor sign-in kiosks and management for modern office receptions. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | RingCentral Delivers cloud-based phone systems with call handling, messaging, and video for receptionists. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Calendly Automates appointment scheduling and calendar management for efficient reception workflows. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Traction Guest Manages visitor registrations, check-ins, and security notifications at the front desk. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Proxyclick Handles visitor management, badge printing, and compliance for reception areas. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Ruby Receptionist Supplies live virtual receptionists to answer calls and manage appointments remotely. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Setmore Enables online booking, reminders, and staff scheduling for reception desks. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 10 | Nextiva Provides unified communications with VoIP calling, texting, and collaboration tools for reception. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
Streamlines front desk operations with visitor management, check-ins, and office space booking.
Provides AI-powered virtual receptionists to handle calls, chats, and scheduling automatically.
Offers digital visitor sign-in kiosks and management for modern office receptions.
Delivers cloud-based phone systems with call handling, messaging, and video for receptionists.
Automates appointment scheduling and calendar management for efficient reception workflows.
Manages visitor registrations, check-ins, and security notifications at the front desk.
Handles visitor management, badge printing, and compliance for reception areas.
Supplies live virtual receptionists to answer calls and manage appointments remotely.
Enables online booking, reminders, and staff scheduling for reception desks.
Provides unified communications with VoIP calling, texting, and collaboration tools for reception.
Envoy
enterpriseStreamlines front desk operations with visitor management, check-ins, and office space booking.
Automated host notifications and pre-registration that sync directly with personal calendars for effortless visitor coordination.
Envoy is a leading visitor management and reception software platform designed to modernize front desk operations for offices and workspaces. It enables seamless digital check-ins via kiosks or mobile devices, automated badge printing, host notifications, and compliance features like NDAs and watchlists. Beyond visitors, it handles employee sign-ins, package deliveries, and integrates with calendars, Slack, and security systems for a comprehensive reception solution.
Pros
- Intuitive kiosk-based check-ins with touchless options
- Robust integrations with calendars, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and access control
- Advanced security features including watchlists, NDAs, and detailed analytics
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small teams
- Advanced customizations require setup time
- Relies on reliable hardware like iPads for optimal performance
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking a scalable, secure reception and visitor management system to replace paper logs.
Pricing
Starts at $99/location/month for Visitor Management (billed annually); higher tiers up to $250+/location/month for full workplace features; free trial available.
Smith.ai
general_aiProvides AI-powered virtual receptionists to handle calls, chats, and scheduling automatically.
Hybrid model of live receptionists trained via AI for personalized, context-aware call handling
Smith.ai is a virtual receptionist service that blends AI-powered chatbots with live, US-based receptionists to handle phone calls, live chat, and text inquiries 24/7. It qualifies leads, books appointments via integrations with tools like Calendly and Google Calendar, and provides call transcripts and recordings for easy review. Designed for small to medium businesses, it eliminates the need for a full-time receptionist while maintaining a professional human touch.
Pros
- 24/7 live human receptionists with AI support for scalable handling
- Seamless integrations with CRMs, calendars, and booking tools
- Customizable scripts, call transcripts, and detailed analytics dashboard
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with high call volumes
- Setup requires initial script customization which may take time
- Limited advanced AI automation compared to fully software-based solutions
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking professional phone reception and lead qualification without hiring in-house staff.
Pricing
Starts at $140/month for 20 receptionist calls (pay-per-call or per-minute options); additional calls $7 each, with enterprise custom pricing.
The Receptionist
specializedOffers digital visitor sign-in kiosks and management for modern office receptions.
Instant photo badge printing directly from the kiosk, creating a professional and secure visitor experience
The Receptionist is a cloud-based digital visitor management system designed to automate front-desk operations in offices, lobbies, and facilities. Visitors check in via a self-service iPad kiosk, which captures data, prints professional badges with photos, and notifies hosts instantly through email, Slack, or integrations. It also supports employee sign-ins, health questionnaires, watch lists for security, and detailed reporting for compliance and analytics.
Pros
- Intuitive self-service kiosk setup with minimal training required
- Reliable automatic badge printing and host notifications
- Strong integrations with calendars, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and access control systems
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for multiple kiosks or locations
- Limited advanced customization options for reports and branding
- Requires dedicated iPad hardware, adding to upfront costs
Best For
Mid-sized offices and facilities seeking a straightforward, reliable visitor check-in solution without complex IT involvement.
Pricing
Starts at $109/month per kiosk (Essentials plan); Pro at $199/month and Enterprise custom pricing, billed annually with a 30-day free trial.
RingCentral
enterpriseDelivers cloud-based phone systems with call handling, messaging, and video for receptionists.
Receptionist Pro console with visual call flow management and AI call transcription
RingCentral is a comprehensive cloud-based unified communications platform offering VoIP phone systems, video meetings, messaging, and faxing tailored for business communication needs. As a reception software solution, it excels with advanced auto-attendant IVR, multi-level call routing, and a dedicated Receptionist console app for handling incoming calls professionally. It supports virtual receptionist functionalities through mobile and desktop apps, integrations with CRMs, and AI-enhanced call management for efficient front-desk operations.
Pros
- Robust IVR and auto-attendant for customizable call greetings and routing
- Receptionist console app with presence, call monitoring, and parking features
- Seamless integrations with calendars, CRMs like Salesforce, and Microsoft 365
Cons
- Setup of advanced IVR can be complex for non-technical users
- Pricing scales per user, which may be costly for small reception teams
- Some users report occasional call quality issues in high-volume scenarios
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing a scalable cloud PBX with professional virtual receptionist capabilities integrated into broader UCaaS.
Pricing
Starts at $20/user/month (Core plan) up to $45/user/month (Ultra plan), billed annually with add-ons for reception features.
Calendly
specializedAutomates appointment scheduling and calendar management for efficient reception workflows.
Shareable one-click booking links embeddable on websites for effortless self-scheduling
Calendly is an online appointment scheduling platform that allows users to create shareable booking links for meetings and appointments, syncing seamlessly with popular calendars like Google and Outlook. As reception software, it streamlines external scheduling for clients or visitors by automating availability checks and reducing email back-and-forth. It supports team event types, workflows, and integrations with tools like Zoom, but lacks on-site check-in, badge printing, or walk-in management typical of full reception solutions.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive setup and user interface
- Robust integrations with calendars and video tools
- Automated reminders and confirmation workflows
Cons
- No support for walk-in or on-site visitor management
- Limited customization for physical reception tasks
- Team features locked behind higher pricing tiers
Best For
Small to medium businesses or solo receptionists handling mostly pre-scheduled virtual or in-office appointments via online booking.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid tiers from Essentials ($8/user/mo annually) to Professional ($12), Teams ($16), and custom Enterprise.
Traction Guest
enterpriseManages visitor registrations, check-ins, and security notifications at the front desk.
Emergency mustering and evacuation management for real-time visitor tracking during crises
Traction Guest is a cloud-based visitor management platform that modernizes reception processes by enabling self-service check-ins via kiosks, tablets, or mobile apps. It captures visitor photos, enforces digital NDAs, issues custom badges, and sends real-time notifications to hosts while maintaining watchlists for security. The software excels in compliance, analytics, and integrations with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and HR systems, making it suitable for secure office environments.
Pros
- Robust security features like watchlists and compliance tools
- Seamless integrations with popular productivity apps
- Scalable for multi-location enterprises with strong analytics
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small teams
- Lacks built-in telephony or advanced scheduling beyond basics
- Advanced customizations may require initial setup time
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with high visitor volumes needing secure, compliant reception management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts around $99/month for basic single-location plans, scaling to enterprise levels with more features and locations.
Proxyclick
specializedHandles visitor management, badge printing, and compliance for reception areas.
Automated host notifications with real-time SMS, email, and app alerts for arriving visitors
Proxyclick is a cloud-based visitor management system that streamlines reception workflows by enabling pre-registration, self-service kiosks, and automated badge printing. It facilitates secure check-ins, host notifications, and compliance features like digital NDAs for offices and facilities. The platform integrates with calendars, access control, and HR systems to provide a frictionless experience for visitors and staff.
Pros
- Robust integrations with calendars, access control, and 1000+ apps via Zapier
- Customizable workflows and professional badge printing
- Advanced reporting and analytics for visitor trends
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location setups
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive
- Limited standalone mobile app for visitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with high visitor volumes needing scalable, integrated reception automation.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$120/month for basic single-location plans, scaling to enterprise tiers based on doors, users, and features.
Ruby Receptionist
specializedSupplies live virtual receptionists to answer calls and manage appointments remotely.
Live, trained US receptionists delivering personalized, context-aware call handling that outperforms scripted bots
Ruby Receptionist is a live virtual receptionist service that connects businesses with professional, US-based receptionists to handle inbound calls 24/7. They manage call screening, message taking, appointment scheduling, and customer support while integrating seamlessly with calendars like Google Calendar and CRMs such as Salesforce. This human-powered solution offers a personalized touch for businesses avoiding in-house hiring.
Pros
- 24/7 live US-based receptionists for reliable human interaction
- Seamless integrations with calendars and CRMs
- Customizable call scripts and bilingual support
Cons
- Usage-based pricing can become expensive for high-volume calls
- Less scalable for very large enterprises compared to automated software
- No self-service AI options for simple tasks
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and solo professionals needing professional phone handling without full-time staff.
Pricing
Plans start at $345/month for 175 minutes (additional minutes $1.45 each); custom quotes for higher volumes and enterprise features.
Setmore
specializedEnables online booking, reminders, and staff scheduling for reception desks.
Unlimited appointments and bookings even on the free plan
Setmore is a cloud-based appointment scheduling platform designed to streamline booking processes for service-oriented businesses. It offers online booking pages, calendar management for multiple staff, automated email/SMS reminders, and payment integrations. Receptionists can manage appointments from a centralized dashboard, handle client notifications, and access mobile apps for on-the-go oversight.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited appointments
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar interface
- Seamless integrations with Google, Outlook, Zoom, and payment gateways
Cons
- Advanced reporting and SMS reminders locked behind paid plans
- Limited customization for complex reception workflows like kiosks or queues
- No built-in telephony or visitor management tools
Best For
Small to medium service businesses such as salons, clinics, or consultancies seeking affordable online booking without heavy front-desk hardware needs.
Pricing
Free plan for solo users; paid plans start at $5/user/month (billed annually) for teams, up to Enterprise custom pricing.
Nextiva
enterpriseProvides unified communications with VoIP calling, texting, and collaboration tools for reception.
AI-powered IVR auto-attendant with custom greetings, menu routing, and voicemail-to-text for seamless 24/7 call handling
Nextiva is a cloud-based unified communications platform designed primarily for business phone systems, offering robust tools for reception-like call handling through features like IVR auto-attendants, call routing, and voicemail transcription. It enables front-desk efficiency by integrating voice, SMS, video, and team collaboration in one dashboard, making it suitable for managing incoming communications without physical hardware. While not a dedicated visitor management tool, its scalability supports small to large teams in professional call screening and forwarding.
Pros
- Reliable VoIP with high call quality and unlimited calling in US/Canada
- Intuitive mobile app for receptionists on the go
- Strong integrations with CRMs, calendars, and Microsoft Teams
Cons
- Lacks dedicated visitor check-in or badge printing features
- Per-user pricing can become expensive for larger teams
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a scalable virtual phone receptionist focused on call management and omnichannel communication.
Pricing
Essential plan at $18.95/user/month, Professional at $22.95, Enterprise at $32.95 (billed annually; includes free hardware for qualifying plans).
Conclusion
When comparing reception software, Envoy stands out as the top choice, excelling in streamlining front desk operations with visitor management, check-ins, and office space booking. Smith.ai and The Receptionist follow closely, offering AI-powered virtual assistance and digital kiosks respectively, making them strong alternatives for tailored needs. Together, these tools redefine efficient workflows, ensuring seamless interactions and operational ease.
Elevate your reception experience by trying Envoy today, or explore Smith.ai and The Receptionist to find the perfect fit for your unique requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
