AI Voice Agents vs Human Virtual Assistants: A Cost Comparison
Compare the costs, capabilities, and ROI of AI voice agents versus hiring a human virtual assistant.
AI Voice Agents vs Human Virtual Assistants: The Real Cost Comparison
Published: December 23, 2024 | By: Intellnova
"Should I hire a VA or use AI?" It's the question every business owner asks. Let's break down the real costs and capabilities so you can make the right choice.
Cost Comparison
| Factor | Human VA | AI Voice Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $1,500-$3,000 | $97-$497 |
| Availability | 8-10 hrs/day | 24/7/365 |
| Simultaneous Calls | 1 | Unlimited |
| Response Time | Seconds | <1 second |
| Sick Days | Yes | None |
| Training Time | Weeks | Hours |
| Complex Tasks | Yes | Limited |
When to Choose AI
- ✅ High call volume (50+ calls/day)
- ✅ Repetitive tasks (booking, FAQs, qualification)
- ✅ Need 24/7 coverage
- ✅ Budget-conscious
- ✅ Scaling rapidly
When to Choose Human VA
- ✅ Complex problem-solving required
- ✅ Emotional support conversations
- ✅ Creative tasks
- ✅ Low call volume
- ✅ Need decision-making authority
The Best of Both Worlds
Smart businesses use AI for tier-1 tasks (answering, booking, qualifying) and humans for tier-2 (exceptions, complaints, complex issues).
Intellnova AI handles 80% of calls automatically, routing the 20% that need human attention to your team or VA.
🤖 Try AI First
At $97/month, AI costs less than 3 hours of a VA's time. See how much you can automate.
Related: The True Cost of Missed Calls | What Are AI Voice Agents?