7 Surprisingly Cheap Phone Answering Services in the UK That Actually Deliver
7 Surprisingly Cheap Phone Answering Services in the UK That Actually Deliver
Blog Article
In today’s fast-paced world, missing a single call could mean losing a potential customer. But for small businesses or startups, hiring a full-time receptionist may not be affordable. That’s where phone answering services come in — and not just any, but the cheapest phone answering services in the UK that still offer high-quality support and features like call transfer services and 24/7 availability.
We’ve rounded up 7 of the best telephone answering service UK providers that offer top value at a low price, so you never miss a call again — even on a budget.
1. Answer4u
Best for: 24/7 coverage at budget rates
Starting from: £1.20 per call
Answer4u offers a fully UK-based service available 24/7. They provide message taking, call transfers, and even custom scripting — all at affordable rates. Whether you need support during business hours or out-of-hours call handling, they tailor packages to your needs.
Why it’s worth it:
- Personalised call scripts
- Real-time message delivery
- Call transfer service included
2. alldayPA
Best for: High volume at the lowest cost
Starting from: £19/month
alldayPA is one of the most widely known answering services in the UK, and for good reason. They offer a combination of cheap monthly rates and unbeatable uptime, making them ideal for growing businesses that receive regular call volumes.
Key features:
- 24/7 call answering
- Call transfer and overflow support
- Secure app to manage messages
3. Face For Business
Best for: Small businesses and tradespeople
Starting from: £45/month
Face For Business may not be the lowest price on this list, but they offer tremendous value in terms of service quality. Their live PA team acts as an extension of your brand, helping you look professional even if you’re a one-person operation.
Included in plans:
- Call screening
- Call transfer service
- Mobile app for tracking messages
4. Verbatim
Best for: Customised business call handling
Starting from: £60/month
Verbatim specialises in bespoke call answering solutions. While it’s not the absolute cheapest phone answering service UK-wide, it’s certainly one of the most adaptable. From lead capture to diary management, Verbatim does more than just answer calls.
Pros:
- Trained receptionists
- Call patching and transfers
- Transparent billing
5. Pocket Receptionist
Best for: Startups and freelancers
Starting from: £30/month
Pocket Receptionist is perfect for those just starting out. You only pay for the calls you receive, making it highly cost-effective. Their real-time message delivery and call transfer service help ensure you stay on top of every opportunity.
Highlights:
- No setup fees
- Flexible usage-based pricing
- UK-based receptionists
6. CSnotepad
Best for: Simple pricing and personal service
Starting from: £20/month
notepad offers one of the best price telephone answering services for small UK businesses. Their friendly team gives each client a dedicated receptionist to maintain consistency in every interaction.
Features:
- Call answering and message taking
- Call transfers on request
- 30-day money-back guarantee
7. IBC – More Than Just Answering Calls
Best for: Complete business support with call answering
Website: IBC.co.uk
IBC provides an all-in-one virtual office and telephone answering solution, perfect for businesses that want more than just basic call handling. Along with call transfer services and personalised answering, they also offer:
- Registered business addresses
- Mail forwarding and package acceptance service
- Scan and email services
Their solutions are flexible and designed to help both small and large businesses operate efficiently while cutting overhead costs.
Whether you're a remote business or a growing startup, IBC’s telephone answering services ensure that your clients get a professional first impression — every single time.
FAQs – Cheapest Phone Answering Service UK
Q1: What is the cheapest phone answering service UK-wide?
The most budget-friendly option is alldayPA, starting at just £19/month, offering 24/7 coverage and flexible plans.
Q2: Do these services include call transfers?
Yes, most of the listed services offer call transfer services, either included in the plan or available as an add-on.
Q3: Can I use a phone answering service just during office hours?
Absolutely! Services like Face For Business and CSnotepad allow you to customise when you want calls answered.
Q4: Are these services suitable for freelancers or solo entrepreneurs?
Yes! Providers like Pocket Receptionist and CSnotepad are ideal for individuals and small teams.
Q5: What’s the difference between a virtual receptionist and a call answering service?
A virtual receptionist often provides extra services like appointment booking or customer support, while a call answering service mainly handles message taking and transfers.
Final Thoughts
The idea that quality comes at a high cost doesn’t apply to today’s telephone answering services in the UK. Whether you're a sole trader, a startup, or a growing business, these affordable and reliable call answering services help you stay responsive and professional — without the overhead of a full-time receptionist.
Choosing the cheapest phone answering service UK doesn't mean compromising on quality. With the right provider, you get value, reliability, and the confidence that no opportunity is ever missed. Report this page