Quick Answer
Ruby and AnswerConnect both answer calls with live people and bill by the minute. Ruby publishes its prices: $250 a month for 50 minutes up to $1,725 for 500. AnswerConnect's pricing page now shows a quote form instead of plans. Choose Ruby if you want a price today, and get a written AnswerConnect quote to compare.
We checked both sites today. When we last looked at AnswerConnect on October 29 it listed $350 a month for 200 minutes plus a $49.99 setup fee. Today its pricing link leads to a form, so that older figure may no longer hold. Treat it as a starting point for your conversation with them.
Questions to put to both
Minute plans look alike until you read how the minutes get counted. Get these answers in writing.
- Do after-call work and message-taking count as billable minutes? AnswerConnect's site says they do.
- What's the rate once I go over my plan? Ruby's pricing page doesn't state one.
- Are nights, weekends and holidays covered at the same rate?
- Is there a setup fee? Ruby's page says it charges none.
What each minute really costs
Ruby's plans work out to $5 a minute at 50 minutes and $3.45 a minute at 500. A 3-minute call costs about $10 to $15 before any after-call time. That's fair for a high-value call and steep for one asking about your hours.
When neither is the right call
If most of your calls are booking requests and routine questions, a person on every call is more than you need to pay for. Sockly is $997 a month for up to 500 calls, about $2 a call, and it books the job. If your callers need a human voice every time, stay with live answering.
AnswerConnect vs. Ruby vs. AI
| Service | Type | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby | Human, per minute | $250/mo for 50 min · $395 for 100 · $720 for 200 · $1,725 for 500 |
| AnswerConnect | Human, 24/7, per minute | Not published (quote form) |
| Sockly | AI front office, set up for you | $997/mo for up to 500 calls, $0 setup |
Prices from each company's own pricing page, checked November 6, 2026. "Not published" means the vendor quotes after a form or a call. Confirm on their site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AnswerConnect cheaper than Ruby?
On October 29, AnswerConnect's $350 for 200 minutes was well under Ruby's $720 for 200, but its price now comes by quote. Get a written number and compare it against Ruby's published plans.
Does either one book appointments?
Ask both how booking works with your calendar and whether booking time counts as billable minutes. That's the question that most changes the bill.
Comparing live services? Hear the alternative before you sign. Call 470-280-8910 and say your business name to hear it answer as you.
Ready to Never Miss Another Call?
Live on your number this week. $997/month for up to 500 calls, $0 setup, 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get it on your numberOr hear it first: call 470-280-8910 and say your business name.
Related Resources
Published: November 6, 2026
Last Updated: November 6, 2026