Running a business in 2025 means staying connected 24/7 — and that’s where telephone answering services come in. Whether you're a startup, freelancer, or growing company, a professional answering service can help you never miss a call, improve customer experience, and keep your operations running smoothly.
But with so many options, how do you choose the best telephone answering service UK businesses can rely on?
We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top 10 best telephone answering services in the UK for 2025 — based on features, pricing, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Whether you're after the cheapest phone answering service UK has to offer or looking for advanced call transfer services, this list has something for every need and budget.
1. Moneypenny
Moneypenny is one of the UK’s most recognised telephone answering services. Known for their friendly, UK-based receptionists and custom call handling, they offer real-time updates, call screening, and appointment booking.
Why it’s great:
✅ Dedicated receptionists
✅ Seamless integration with your team
✅ Smart call transfer service
2. AnswerConnect
AnswerConnect offers 24/7 live call answering with a strong focus on eco-friendliness. Their trained virtual receptionists work around the clock, handling messages, transferring calls, and even managing appointment schedules.
Why it’s great:
✅ 24/7 availability
✅ Green business model
✅ Affordable pricing for small businesses
3. alldayPA
With over 20 years of experience, alldayPA supports thousands of UK businesses. Their services include message-taking, live chat, and full switchboard support.
Why it’s great:
✅ Multichannel support (calls, email, chat)
✅ Secure and GDPR-compliant
✅ Good value for growing teams
4. Face for Business
Face for Business is praised for its personal approach. They provide each client with a small team of PAs who learn your business and callers, offering a more personalised touch.
Why it’s great:
✅ Custom call scripting
✅ Call recordings for quality control
✅ Flexible pricing plans
5. Verbatim
Verbatim is ideal for professional services, including solicitors, accountants, and consultants. They offer custom call handling and message forwarding options.
Why it’s great:
✅ Excellent for professional industries
✅ Call patching and diary management
✅ Highly rated customer support
6. Answer4u
Answer4u provides a cheapest phone answering service UK option for small businesses without compromising on quality. They offer a simple message-taking plan along with advanced add-ons.
Why it’s great:
✅ Great for budget-conscious businesses
✅ Transparent pricing
✅ Flexible call handling options
7. Pocket Receptionist
As the name suggests, Pocket Receptionist puts a team in your pocket. You get a professional UK-based receptionist to handle calls, route them via call transfer service, or take messages.
Why it’s great:
✅ UK-based staff
✅ Mobile app integration
✅ Best price telephone answering service options
8. CSnotepad
Based in Brighton, CSnotepad is a popular choice for startups and solo entrepreneurs. They offer friendly, consistent service, along with SMS and email alerts.
Why it’s great:
✅ Human touch over AI
✅ Optional call transfers and message filtering
✅ Pay-as-you-go options available
9. The Office Genie
This flexible provider offers both call answering and full virtual office services, including diary and email management. They're popular with freelancers and SMEs alike.
Why it’s great:
✅ Virtual assistant and call handling combo
✅ Scalable as you grow
✅ Competitive pricing
10. AnswerIt
AnswerIt is one of the lesser-known yet highly efficient services in the UK. Their pricing plans are straightforward and suitable for companies seeking a reliable call transfer service on a budget.
Why it’s great:
✅ Hidden gem with strong reviews
✅ Excellent support team
✅ No setup fees or contracts
Why You Should Use a Telephone Answering Service
If you're still wondering whether to invest in an answering service, here’s why it’s worth it:
Never miss a business opportunity
Boost customer trust with quick, human responses
Save time for your core work
Present a professional image, even if you work alone
Whether you choose the best price telephone answering service or a premium provider, having a real person answer your calls matters more than ever.
How IBC Can Support Your Business Communication
Looking for more than just an answering service? IBC offers flexible office solutions that complement your virtual receptionist. From call handling to business address services, they provide everything growing teams need under one roof. With IBC, you can combine a professional call answering experience with meeting room access and mail handling — all while working remotely or from a hybrid setup.
FAQs: Best Telephone Answering Service UK
Q1. What is the best telephone answering service in the UK?
Moneypenny, AnswerConnect, and alldayPA are among the top-rated services in the UK for 2025, offering a mix of features, flexibility, and excellent customer care.
Q2. Can I get a cheap phone answering service in the UK?
Yes. Services like Answer4u and CSnotepad offer affordable packages, making them some of the cheapest phone answering services UK businesses can choose.
Q3. Do these services include call transfer options?
Absolutely. Most providers, including Pocket Receptionist and Verbatim, offer call transfer services as part of their standard packages or as an add-on.
Q4. Are telephone answering services worth it for small businesses?
Yes, especially if you often miss calls or don’t have a dedicated receptionist. They provide a professional image and keep your communications seamless.
Q5. How do I choose the best price telephone answering service?
Compare features like availability, message delivery options, and transfer capabilities. Also, read customer reviews to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best telephone answering service UK businesses trust can make a big difference in how professional and efficient your company appears to clients. Whether you need round-the-clock coverage or budget-friendly call handling, the services listed above offer something for everyone.
Looking to stay ahead in 2025? Start with the right answering service — and make every call count.
