DeskAgent vs bOnline
Choose bOnline if you are happy to run your phones through bOnline and want the cheapest AI answering add-on, set up yourself. Choose DeskAgent if you want to keep your current phone provider and have an agent built for you that also answers WhatsApp, web chat and email.
Last updated 27/10/2026 · bOnline facts taken from its own website on 27 October 2026 · Written by DeskAgent
How Do DeskAgent And bOnline Compare?
bOnline is a London-based business phone (VoIP) provider whose AI Receptionist is an add-on to its phone plans. Here is how it lines up with DeskAgent, a London-built AI front desk for UK service businesses.
| DeskAgent | bOnline AI Receptionist | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From £85/month per agent. Phone Agent £125/month; Full DeskAgent (all four agents plus HQ) £285/month | £10/month add-on to any bOnline plan; AI Hero (AI Receptionist included) from £29.95 per user per month + VAT |
| What the price covers | Phone Agent: unlimited inbound calls. Web Agent: unlimited conversations on one website | Call allowance not published |
| Channels | Phone, WhatsApp, web chat and email, sharing one brain | Phone |
| AI or human answering | AI, with urgent jobs routed to your mobile; always honest that it is an AI if asked | AI |
| Setup | Done for you: Web and Inbox under a week, Phone and WhatsApp under two weeks | Self-serve - "No tech skills needed" |
| Your phone number | Keep your existing number (call forwarding) | Works with your number; transfers usually take 10 to 20 days |
| Contract | None - pause or cancel anytime | Plan contract length not published ("No card, no commitment" on the free trial) |
| Free trial | No - a free 30-minute demo with an agent built for your business | Free trial, no card (length not published) |
| Yes - the WhatsApp Agent, and you run everything from WhatsApp with DeskAgent HQ | Not published | |
| Data protection | Processed in line with UK GDPR; data processing agreement on request | UK data hosting; "GDPR-first with encryption end to end" |
| Best for | UK service businesses that want every channel answered and set up for them | Small businesses on, or moving to, a bOnline phone line |
"Not published" means we could not find it on bOnline's own website on 27 October 2026. Prices change, so check with bOnline before you decide.
What Is Different?
Phone provider
bOnline's AI Receptionist needs a bOnline phone plan. DeskAgent works with the phone provider you already have, through call forwarding.
Who sets it up
bOnline is self-serve. DeskAgent is built and tested for you.
Channels
bOnline's AI answers calls. DeskAgent also answers WhatsApp, website chat and email.
DeskAgent vs bOnline: Your Questions.
Is bOnline cheaper than DeskAgent?
bOnline's AI Receptionist is a £10/month add-on, but you also need a bOnline phone plan, priced separately. DeskAgent's Phone Agent is £125/month, works with your existing phone provider and includes a done-for-you build.
Do I have to move my number?
For bOnline, your phone service moves to bOnline (it says number transfers usually take 10 to 20 days). For DeskAgent, your number stays where it is and calls are forwarded.
Are both based in London?
Yes. bOnline lists its office at Grosvenor Gardens, London, and DeskAgent is built and run from London.
Where Do These Facts Come From?
bOnline information comes from these pages on its own website, checked on 27 October 2026. DeskAgent information comes from our pricing page.
See DeskAgent On Your Own Calls.
Book a free 30-minute demo and we will build a demo agent for your business first. Or ring +44 20 7101 0617 to hear the Phone Agent answer.
Also see: All comparisons · Best AI receptionists in London · Phone Agent · Pricing