Aircall removed AI transcripts from its Essentials plan
PricingSaaS recorded AI transcripts being dropped from Essentials in its 2025 Q4 snapshot (logged Jan 10, 2026); live transcription stays in the $49/licence AI Assist Pro add-on.
What changed
- Limits cut, Jan 2026
- Before: Essentials included AI transcripts
- After: Transcription requires AI Assist Pro add-on ($49/licence/mo)
Cheaper alternatives to Aircall
At 1 user, Aircall costs $120/mo. 3 business phone systems cost less:
- Quo (formerly OpenPhone): $19/mo (Starter)
- Dialpad: $27/mo (Connect Standard)
- RingCentral: $45/mo (Ultra (cheapest tier whose included 200 SMS/user/mo covers the scenario))
Aircall alternatives: 3 cheaper business phone systems compared, at every size.
Sources
Every price and change for Aircall: Aircall.