What is GetBackTo?
GetBackTo is an AI-powered phone answering service for contractors, HVAC companies, and service businesses. It answers calls 24/7, takes messages, answers FAQs, and texts you immediately with caller information. Setup takes 10 minutes. Pricing is $39/month flat rate.
How much does GetBackTo cost?
GetBackTo costs $39 per month with no setup fees, no contracts, and a 14-day free trial. This includes unlimited calls, all features, and 24/7 AI answering.
TalkRoute costs $19-89/mo per user with add-ons for SMS, recording, and team members that can push total cost to $60-80/month.
Key GetBackTo Features
- 24/7 AI call answering (OpenAI Realtime API)
- Immediate SMS notifications with caller info
- Custom business knowledge base (teach the AI your FAQs)
- Call transcripts and summaries
- 10-minute setup (no Xcode, no complex config)
Who should use GetBackTo?
GetBackTo is best for:
- Contractors (plumbers, electricians, HVAC)
- Solo service businesses (can't answer phone while working)
- Insurance agencies (handle overflow during busy periods)
- Property managers (after-hours emergency calls)
GetBackTo vs TalkRoute: Which Is Better for Contractors in 2026?
Last updated: March 14, 2026
If you're a contractor trying to decide between GetBackTo and TalkRoute, you're in the right place. We tested both services for 30 days and here's what we found.
How do GetBackTo and TalkRoute compare?
| Feature | GetBackTo | TalkRoute |
|---|---|---|
| AI Call Answering | ✅ OpenAI Realtime API | ❌ IVR menu only |
| Setup Time | 5 minutes | 20+ minutes |
| Monthly Cost | $49/month | $30-45/month + add-ons |
| Contractor-Specific | ✅ Built for field workers | ❌ Generic business phone |
| Emergency Handling | ✅ AI understands urgency | ❌ Press 1 for... |
| Free Trial | 14 days | 30 days |
Bottom line: GetBackTo is purpose-built for contractors. TalkRoute is a general business phone system.
How much do GetBackTo and TalkRoute actually cost?
GetBackTo: $49/month
- ✅ Unlimited AI call answering
- ✅ Voicemail transcription
- ✅ SMS notifications
- ✅ Call recording
- ✅ Business hours customization
- ✅ Emergency call routing
No hidden fees
TalkRoute: $30-45/month
- ✅ Call forwarding
- ✅ Voicemail
- ✅ SMS (limited)
- ⚠️ IVR menu (not AI)
- ⚠️ Add-ons cost extra
- ⚠️ Per-user pricing for teams
Total cost can reach $60-80/month with add-ons
Which has better AI quality?
GetBackTo: Real AI Conversation
- Uses OpenAI's Realtime API
- Understands natural language
- Handles emergencies intelligently
- Can take messages with context
- Sounds human
Caller: "Hey, my toilet is overflowing, I need help NOW"
GetBackTo AI: "I understand this is an emergency. I'm notifying [Your Name] immediately
and you should hear back within 5 minutes. Can I get your address?"
TalkRoute: IVR Menu
- "Press 1 for sales, Press 2 for service..."
- No intelligence
- Can't understand urgency
- Frustrates callers
- Sounds like 2005
Caller: "My toilet is overflowing!"
TalkRoute: "Thank you for calling. For our office hours, press 1.
To leave a voicemail, press 2..."
Caller: *hangs up, calls your competitor*
Which should you choose?
If you're a contractor who can't answer calls while working: GetBackTo wins.
If you're a general business looking for a virtual phone system: TalkRoute might work, but there are better options.
If you want AI call answering: GetBackTo is the only real choice here.
Try Both Risk-Free
Test both. See which one your customers prefer.
FAQ
$49/month, all-inclusive. No hidden fees, no per-user charges.
$30-45/month base, but add-ons (SMS, recording, team members) can push it to $60-80/month.
GetBackTo uses OpenAI's Realtime API. TalkRoute doesn't have AI — just IVR menus.
GetBackTo: 5 minutes. TalkRoute: 20-30 minutes.
GetBackTo's AI understands urgency. TalkRoute's IVR menu doesn't.