SkipCalls vs M1: Best AI Phone Assistant Alternatives for 2025
In 2025, as businesses and professionals look to automate inbound and outbound calls, choosing the right AI phone assistant solution influences not just your workflow—but your bottom line and customer satisfaction. Compare SkipCalls vs M1 (Beside) pricing, features, and ROI.
If you're researching AI phone assistants, you've likely come across both SkipCalls and M1 (Beside). In 2025, as businesses and professionals look to automate inbound and outbound calls, choosing the right solution influences not just your workflow—but your bottom line and customer satisfaction.
In this post, we'll break down:
- Features, pricing and integrations that matter
- Real-world cost comparisons
- How to choose the right AI phone assistant for your business
- Why SkipCalls is the best M1 alternative for 2025
What is an AI Phone Assistant?
An AI phone assistant uses conversational artificial intelligence to:
- Answer calls 24/7 with a human-like agent
- Make outbound calls on your behalf (e.g., booking, sales, appointment scheduling)
- Screen spam calls and transcribe messages
- Summarize calls and extract action items
- Integrate with business tools (CRM, calendar, helpdesk)
For small businesses, contractors, and service professionals, an AI receptionist means never missing a lead while staying focused on the work that matters.
SkipCalls Overview
SkipCalls is a next-generation AI call assistant designed for small businesses, solopreneurs, and enterprises looking to automate their phone lines. Its core strengths include:
24/7 AI Receptionist - Accepts and initiates calls for you, handling bookings, cancellations, lead qualification, and customer support.
Custom AI Personas - Create branded AI personas tailored to your business, tone, and policy.
Smart Call Summaries - All call transcripts and to-dos are summarized and sent as actionable texts or emails.
Deep Integrations - Connect to CRM tools, Google Calendar, helpdesks, and more.
Affordable Pricing - Starts at just $199/year for business use, making it the most cost-effective solution in 2025.
Enterprise-Ready - Built for privacy (GDPR compliant), with robust analytics and role-access control.
M1 (Beside) Overview
M1, also known as Beside, is a well-known competitor in the AI phone assistant market, with a focus on being an "always-on partner" that records, remembers, and acts across all your conversations.
Comprehensive AI Platform - Handles business calls, note-taking, and follow-ups across phone, desktop, and in-person conversations.
Professional Number - Get a new number or port your existing line for a professional touch.
High Accuracy Transcription - 95% accurate recording and transcription of all calls.
All-in-One Solution - Unlimited calls, texting, and contact management.
Premium Pricing - Starts around $29.99/month ($359.88/year), with more advanced business features at higher tiers.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Pricing: Value vs. Feature Bloat
| Feature | SkipCalls | M1 (Beside) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $199/year | $359.88/year | SkipCalls (45% cheaper) |
| Monthly Cost | ~$16.58/month | $29.99/month | SkipCalls |
| Core Function | AI Receptionist for missed calls | All-in-one AI memory + recorder | SkipCalls (Focused) |
| Setup Time | 60 seconds | ~15 minutes | SkipCalls |
| Call Duration Limit | None - truly unlimited | 10 minutes max | SkipCalls |
| Monthly Minutes | Unlimited | Capped by plan | SkipCalls |
| Best For | Contractors, service businesses | Multi-channel recording needs | SkipCalls (for most businesses) |
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | SkipCalls | M1 (Beside) |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Call Answering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Appointment Booking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unlimited Call Duration | ✓ | ✗ (10 min limit) |
| No Monthly Minute Caps | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spam Call Filtering | ✓ | ✗ |
| Lead Qualification | ✓ | Limited |
| CRM Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| SMS Follow-ups | ✓ | ✓ |
| In-Person Recording | ✗ | ✓ |
| Desktop Conversations | ✗ | ✓ |
| Trades-Specific AI | ✓ | ✗ |
| Price (Annual) | $199 | $359.88 |
Why SkipCalls is the Best M1 Alternative
While M1 (Beside) offers a comprehensive AI platform with recording across multiple channels, SkipCalls delivers the core functionality most businesses actually need at a fraction of the cost.
1. Focused on What Matters
M1's "all-in-one" approach includes features like in-person recording and desktop conversation tracking. For a plumber, electrician, or contractor, these features are overkill. You don't need to record desktop conversations when you're under a sink or on a ladder.
SkipCalls focuses on the essential: converting missed calls into revenue. Every feature is designed for one goal—capture leads, book appointments, and grow your business.
2. 45% Lower Cost
At $199/year, SkipCalls costs significantly less than M1. That's $160.88 saved annually that goes straight to your bottom line.
For a small business, that savings pays for:
- Tools and equipment
- Marketing campaigns
- Employee bonuses
- Or simply more profit
3. Built for Service Businesses
SkipCalls' AI is trained specifically for trades and home services:
- Understands industry jargon
- Handles emergency vs. routine calls
- Books appointments based on your availability
- Qualifies leads based on job type and urgency
M1 is a generalist tool. SkipCalls is a specialist.
4. No 10-Minute Call Limit
Here's a critical difference most people miss: M1 (Beside) has a 10-minute per-call limit. After 10 minutes, the call gets cut off—no matter how important the conversation.
For quick scheduling calls, that might be acceptable. But what about:
- A homeowner explaining a complex renovation project?
- A customer with multiple questions about your services?
- An emergency situation requiring detailed discussion?
SkipCalls has NO call duration limits. When we say unlimited, we mean it:
- No 10-minute cutoffs
- No monthly minute caps
- No overage fees
- Calls run as long as needed
This is what "truly unlimited" looks like.
5. Setup in 60 Seconds
SkipCalls is designed for busy professionals. Forward your missed calls and you're done. No complex configuration, no learning curve.
M1 requires more setup time to configure all its features—features you may never use.
Real Cost Comparison: The Full Picture
Let's look at what these AI phone assistants really cost over time:
SkipCalls: $199/year
- $199 annual subscription
- No hidden fees
- No per-call charges
- No upgrade costs for core features
Total 3-Year Cost: $597
M1 (Beside): $359.88/year
- $359.88 annual subscription (Starter plan)
- Higher tiers for advanced features
- Potential add-on costs for integrations
Total 3-Year Cost: $1,079.64
In-House Receptionist: $45,000-$65,000/year
- $45K-65K annual salary
- +30% for taxes and benefits
- Training costs
- Sick days and vacations
- Still not 24/7
Total 3-Year Cost: $135,000-$195,000
The Verdict: SkipCalls saves you $44,901+ vs. hiring an operator, and $782.64 vs. M1 over 3 years.
SkipCalls Costs $199/year
vs. Hiring Operators: $45,000-$65,000/year
Even compared to competitors, SkipCalls is a fraction of the cost. But compared to hiring real operators? It's practically free.
Save $44,901+ per year vs. hiring operators. One captured job pays for SkipCalls for years.
How to Get Started with SkipCalls
For Personal Use
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and start capturing missed calls in seconds.
For Business Use
Visit app.skipcalls.com to access our B2B Platform. For custom enterprise solutions, contact us at [email protected].
Other Popular AI Phone Assistant Alternatives (2025)
Google Voice
Best for Google ecosystem users—lacks advanced outbound AI features and intelligent lead qualification.
OpenPhone
Excellent for basic missed call handling and follow-up, but limited business workflow integration compared to SkipCalls.
Smith.ai
Live agents (not AI-only), better for high-touch businesses that need instant escalation. Significantly more expensive at $1,140/year.
Rosie AI
Solid AI receptionist, but costs $588/year—nearly 6x more than SkipCalls with similar core features.
The Bottom Line: SkipCalls vs M1 in 2025
If your primary goal is to stop missing customer calls, capture leads 24/7, and book appointments automatically—all while keeping costs low—SkipCalls is the clear winner.
M1 (Beside) is a comprehensive AI platform with features like in-person recording and desktop conversation tracking. These are valuable for specific use cases, but most small businesses don't need them.
Choose SkipCalls if you want:
- Focused AI receptionist functionality
- 70% lower cost than M1
- No 10-minute call limits — truly unlimited call duration
- No monthly minute caps — unlimited usage without overage fees
- Industry-specific AI training for trades
- 60-second setup with immediate ROI
Choose M1 if you need:
- All-in-one AI memory across channels
- Desktop and in-person conversation recording
- Premium features at premium prices
- (Note: M1 has a 10-minute per-call limit)
For 2025, SkipCalls represents the best value in the AI phone assistant market—delivering the essential functionality businesses need at a price point that makes sense for everyone from solopreneurs to growing enterprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SkipCalls better than M1 for small businesses?
Yes, for most small businesses, SkipCalls is the better choice. It's 45% cheaper ($199/year vs $359.88/year), focuses on core phone answering and appointment booking, and is specifically trained for service businesses. M1's additional features like desktop recording are often unnecessary for contractors and service professionals.
Can SkipCalls handle the same call volume as M1?
Yes, and more. SkipCalls offers truly unlimited calls for normal business use—with no call limits, no overage fees, and no per-call time restrictions. Unlike M1's 10-minute call limit, SkipCalls lets conversations run as long as needed.
How quickly can I set up SkipCalls?
SkipCalls takes 60 seconds to set up—just forward your calls and you're done. M1 typically requires 15+ minutes for configuration.
Does SkipCalls integrate with my CRM?
Yes, SkipCalls integrates with popular CRMs, Google Calendar, and other business tools. Check our integrations page for the full list.
Ready to Never Miss a Lead?
Join thousands of contractors, plumbers, electricians, and service professionals who trust SkipCalls to capture every call, 24/7.
Get started today for just $199/year — less than the cost of a single missed lead.
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