Key Takeaways
Finding the best AI cold calling software is crucial for modern sales teams aiming to boost efficiency and close more deals. These tools move beyond simple autodialers by using AI to handle entire conversations, quality leads, and book meetings.
AI-powered dialers can contact up to 10 times more leads per hour than a human agent dialing manually. This frees up your human reps to focus on high-value, closing activities.
This guide breaks down the top platforms available, evaluating them on their conversational AI capabilities, integration options, and overall impact on the sales process. We’ll explore tools like Orum, Keap, PhoneBurner, and others, helping you select the right solution to automate your outreach and drive predictable growth.
Top AI Cold Calling Software: At a Glance
| Software | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orum | AI-powered parallel dialing, filters out voicemails and busy signals, deep CRM integration | Expensive for smaller teams, learning curve for advanced features | High-velocity SDR teams focused on maximizing talk time and call volume |
| AirCall | Cloud-based system, flexible for remote teams, strong CRM and helpdesk integrations | Less advanced AI for conversation handling, more of a telephony system | Teams needing scalable cloud calling with robust integrations |
| PhoneBurner | Power dialer with workflow automation, simple UI, one-click post-call actions | No fully autonomous AI, human required on each call | Teams wanting increased efficiency without full AI conversation |
| Air | Fully autonomous AI agent, handles entire conversations, books meetings, operates 24/7 | Can feel impersonal, requires trust in AI representation | Companies with high-volume, top-of-funnel qualification needs |
| Nooks | AI co-pilot with live conversation support, parallel dialing, real-time insights | Newer tool, may require adjustment to workflows | Growing sales teams wanting AI-assisted outreach and coaching |
| Regie.ai | AI content creation, call script generation, call analytics, persona-based messaging | Not a full calling solution, focuses on multi-channel prospecting | Teams looking for AI across content, prospecting, and call analysis |
| Close.com | CRM with built-in power dialer, automatic logging, multi-channel workflows | Less focused on autonomous AI conversations | Startups and high-velocity inside sales teams needing all-in-one platform |
Table of Contents
- Why AI Cold Calling Software is No Longer a "Nice-to-Have"
- What to Look For in AI Cold Calling Software
- The Best AI Cold Calling Software Tools in 2025
- Orum: The High-Velocity Dialing Champion
- Keap: The All-in-One for Small Business
- PhoneBurner: The Workflow Powerhouse
- Air: The Fully Autonomous AI Agent
- Synthflow: The Customizable Voice AI Platform
- Regie.ai: The All-in-One Content and Prospecting Tool
- Kixie: The Power Dialer for Integrated Sales Stacks
- How to Integrate AI Calling Tools into Your GTM Tech Stack
- The Future of Sales: Where AI Calling is Headed
- Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Team
- FAQs About AI Cold Calling Software
Why AI Cold Calling Software is No Longer a "Nice-to-Have"
For years, cold calling has been a numbers game defined by manual effort and low conversion rates. Sales reps spend countless hours dialing numbers, navigating phone trees, and leaving voicemails, with only a fraction of that time spent in actual conversations. The best AI cold calling software is fundamentally changing this equation.
This isn’t just about autodialing. Modern AI cold calling software uses advanced conversational AI to handle the most repetitive parts of the sales process. Imagine an AI that can not only dial hundreds of numbers an hour but can also:
- Navigate complex phone directories to reach the right person.
- Have initial conversations to qualify leads based on predefined criteria.
- Answer basic questions and handle common objections.
- Schedule meetings directly on your sales reps' calendars.
The wrong choice in your tech stack doesn’t just burn cash; it kills velocity and distracts your team from what truly matters: building relationships and closing deals. By automating top-of-funnel outreach, you empower your human sales reps to focus their energy on qualified, high-intent prospects who are ready for a meaningful conversation. This strategic shift separates high-growth companies from the rest. It's not about replacing reps; it's about making them exponentially more effective.
What to Look For in AI Cold Calling Software
Choosing the right tool is a strategic decision, not just an operational one. The market is crowded, and every platform claims to be the best. To cut through the noise, you need to evaluate potential solutions based on a clear set of criteria that aligns with your Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy.
Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Quality of Conversational AI
This is the most critical component. The AI should sound natural and be capable of more than just reading a script.
- Ask yourself: Can it understand context? Can it handle interruptions and unexpected questions? Does it have natural-sounding speech patterns, or does it sound robotic? A poor-quality AI will damage your brand reputation before a human ever gets on the line.
2. Integration Capabilities
Your GTM tech stack is an interconnected system. A new tool must fit seamlessly into your existing workflows, not create data silos.
- Look for: Native integrations with your CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot), sales engagement platforms, and calendar tools. A robust API is also essential for building custom connections that support your unique processes.
3. Customization and Control
Every business has a unique sales process and value proposition. A one-size-fits-all AI script won’t work.
- Check for: The ability to easily customize scripts, define qualification criteria, and set rules for lead handling. You need control over how the AI represents your brand and what actions it takes after a call.
4. Analytics and Reporting
What gets measured gets managed. You’re investing in this software to improve performance, so you need to be able to track its impact.
- Demand: Detailed dashboards that show key metrics like call volume, connection rates, conversation length, qualification rates, and meetings booked. This data is essential for optimizing your campaigns and proving ROI.
5. Scalability and Reliability
The platform should be able to grow with you.
- Consider: Can the system handle a significant increase in call volume without a drop in performance? What is the platform's uptime and reliability? The last thing you need is your primary outreach channel going down during peak hours.
The Best AI Cold Calling Software Tools in 2025
Now, let's dive into the top platforms on the market. We've analyzed each tool based on the criteria above to help you understand its unique strengths and ideal use cases.
1. Orum: The High-Velocity Dialing Champion
Orum focuses on one thing and does it exceptionally well: getting sales reps into live conversations. It uses AI to dial multiple numbers in parallel, detecting and filtering out voicemails, busy signals, and phone directory systems. The moment a human answers, Orum instantly connects them to an available rep.
Key Features:
- AI-Powered Parallel Dialing: Dials up to 10 lines at once to maximize efficiency.
- Voice Detection: AI filters out anything that isn’t a live human, ensuring reps only spend time on productive calls.
- CRM Integration: Deep, bi-directional sync with Salesforce and HubSpot to log calls, update records, and trigger workflows automatically.
- Analytics Dashboard: Provides clear insights into rep performance, connect rates, and overall calling efficiency.
Who is it for?
High-velocity sales development (SDR) teams whose primary goal is to maximize call volume and live conversations. It’s built for organizations that need to hit aggressive outreach targets.
Source: https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1269978/analytics.png
2. AirCall: Cloud Calling Built for Sales Teams
AirCall is a cloud-based phone system designed for modern teams. It’s built to easily connect with your CRM and help your reps work from anywhere. AirCall offers a blend of power-dialing, call routing, and robust analytics while staying extremely easy to manage.
Key Features:
- Cloud Phone System: Calls can be made and received from anywhere with an internet connection.
- CRM and Helpdesk Integrations: Deep and fast integrations with tools such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, and more.
- Automated Workflows: Use AI-powered analytics, call tagging, and routing rules for smoother team operations.
- Collaborative Features: Shared inbox, call commenting, and warm transfer keep your team aligned.
Who is it for?
Sales organizations needing reliable, scalable calling with built-in flexibility and best-in-class integrations—especially remote or hybrid teams.
3. PhoneBurner: The Workflow Powerhouse
PhoneBurner is a power dialer that automates the workflow around calling rather than the conversation itself. It dials numbers for you, but a human rep is on the line for every answered call. Its strength lies in streamlining the tasks that come after a call.
Key Features:
- Power Dialer: Dials through your lists one by one, eliminating the need for manual dialing.
- One-Click Workflows: Lets reps drop pre-recorded voicemails, send follow-up emails, and log call outcomes with a single click.
- Lead Distribution: Automatically distributes and manages lead lists among team members.
- No Connection Delays: Since a rep is always on the line, there’s no awkward pause after the prospect says "hello."
Who is it for?
Sales teams that want to dramatically increase call volume and efficiency but prefer to have a human handle every live conversation from the very start. It’s an excellent middle-ground between manual dialing and fully autonomous AI.
Source: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6144fc888ce5842cee090bd1/6601baa77abb4f26fee781de_PhoneBurner-Admin.jpg
4. Air: The Fully Autonomous AI Agent
Air represents the cutting edge of AI sales agents. You don’t just use Air to dial; you deploy it to have entire 10-40 minute conversations. It operates 24/7, handling lead qualification, data collection, and even task execution across thousands of applications.
Key Features:
- Fully Autonomous AI Agent: Can conduct full-length, human-like conversations over the phone.
- Perfect Recall: Remembers every detail from previous conversations and documents it in your CRM.
- 24/7 Operation: The AI agent works around the clock, qualifying leads and booking meetings.
- Task Execution: Can perform actions in other software, such as updating a CRM record or sending a follow-up email.
Who is it for?
Forward-thinking companies with high-volume, top-of-funnel qualification needs. It’s best for businesses that are comfortable delegating initial outreach entirely to an AI and have a well-defined, repeatable sales script.
5. Nooks: AI-Powered Parallel Dialer and Rep Co-Pilot
Nooks is a newer player built with modern sales teams in mind. It leverages AI to make reps vastly more productive and effective by combining a parallel dialer with live assistant features.
Key Features:
- AI-Driven Parallel Dialing: Similar to Orum, allows reps to dial multiple numbers at once.
- Live Conversation Intelligence: AI surfaces talking points, competitor info, and call scripts in real time.
- CRM Sync: Automatic logging with most modern sales systems.
- Rep Collaboration Tools: Chat with team members during live calls, shadow calls, and review playlists for coaching.
Who is it for?
Growing sales teams who want an AI “co-pilot” experience—speeding up outreach while actively enhancing rep performance with smart recommendations.
Source: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6822db388c44137c00f8c124/685e9f4a7c6e76a51ab860ea_Property%201%3DHow%20do%20I%20increase%20prospect%20conversations_.avif
6. Regie.ai: The All-in-One Content and Prospecting Tool
Regie.ai combines AI content creation with sales prospecting tools. While not solely a calling software, its platform can generate call scripts, analyze sales calls for insights, and manage prospecting workflows, making it a powerful companion to any calling effort.
Key Features:
- AI Content Creation: Generates personalized emails, social messages, and call scripts based on prospect data.
- Call Analytics: Transcribes and analyzes sales calls to identify winning patterns and areas for coaching.
- Prospecting Workflows: Helps build and manage multi-channel outreach sequences that include calls.
- Persona-Based Messaging: Creates messaging tailored to different buyer personas within your target accounts.
Who is it for?
Sales teams that want to leverage AI across the entire prospecting process, from content creation to call execution and analysis. It’s a great fit for organizations looking to standardize their messaging and improve its effectiveness.
Source: https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1303076/Picture1.jpg
7. Close.com: CRM with Built-In Power Dialer
Close.com is purpose-built for inside sales. It combines robust CRM functionality with native calling features, bringing everything into one workspace to make reps’ lives simpler and faster.
Key Features:
- Built-In Power Dialer: Skip spreadsheets and browser plugins—dial directly from the CRM.
- Automatic Call Logging: Every call, note, and recording gets tracked and searchable.
- Multi-Channel Workflows: Calls, texts, and emails managed from a single dashboard.
- Pipeline Analytics: Real-time reporting to optimize outreach and forecast revenue.
Who is it for?
Startups and high-velocity teams who want a single-source platform to manage their calling, CRM, and sales workflows without bolting on extra tools.
Source: https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1334589/Inbox.png
How to Integrate AI Calling Tools into Your GTM Tech Stack
A GTM tech stack is the integrated set of software that powers your company's revenue engine. Adding an AI calling tool isn't about plugging in another piece of software; it's about enhancing the entire system.
- Start with the CRM: Your CRM is the source of truth. The AI calling tool must have a bi-directional sync with it. Calls made, notes taken, and meetings booked by the AI must instantly update the contact record in the CRM.
- Connect to Your Calendar: To book meetings effectively, the AI needs real-time access to your sales reps' availability. Direct integration with Google Calendar or Microsoft 365 is non-negotiable.
- Link with Sales Engagement Platforms: If you use a platform like Outreach or Salesloft for sequencing, your AI calling tool should act as a step within those sequences. The AI can handle the initial call, and based on the outcome, the prospect is automatically moved to the next step (e.g., a personalized email from the rep).
- Feed Data into Analytics: The performance data from your calling tool should be fed into your central analytics platform (like Tableau or a data warehouse). This allows you to measure the impact of AI calling on your overall GTM funnel, from initial contact to closed-won revenue.
The Future of Sales: Where AI Calling is Headed
The technology is evolving rapidly. Today's conversational AI is impressive, but the future holds even more promise. We're moving toward a model of hyper-personalization at scale.
Imagine an AI that not only makes the initial call but first researches the prospect on LinkedIn, reads their recent blog posts, and references that information in the opening line of the conversation. The line between human and AI interaction will continue to blur, making AI agents more effective and allowing human reps to function as strategic closers and relationship managers.
Furthermore, AI will become a powerful coaching tool. By analyzing thousands of calls, these platforms will provide reps with real-time suggestions on what to say next, how to handle an objection, or when to push for the close. The future of sales isn’t human vs. AI; it's human + AI.
Making the Right Choice for Your Team
Choosing the best AI cold calling software comes down to understanding your team's specific needs and strategic goals.
- If your primary challenge is low call volume, a power dialer like Orum or PhoneBurner can provide an immediate lift.
- If you're a small business needing an all-in-one solution, Keap offers incredible value.
- If you're ready to embrace full automation and have a high-volume qualification process, Air presents a glimpse into the future.
- If you need a custom-built solution, Synthflow provides the tools to build it.
The wrong choice can lead to wasted budget and frustrated reps. The right choice, however, can unlock unprecedented efficiency, fill your sales pipeline, and give your team a significant competitive advantage. Analyze your process, define your goals, and choose the tool that will best empower your team to win.
Build a Winning GTM Stack
Choosing and integrating the right tools is complex. As a founder, it's easy to get bogged down in demos and implementation headaches, losing sight of the strategic goal: predictable growth.
At GTM Engineering, we specialize in designing and building interconnected revenue engines for VC-backed startups. We help you select, implement, and integrate the tool - like the AI calling software discussed here - that align with your unique sales process. We turn your random collection of software into a finely-tuned GTM tech stack that drives results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AI cold calling software?
AI cold calling software is a category of tools that uses artificial intelligence to automate parts or all of the cold calling process. This ranges from simple AI-powered dialers that filter out voicemails to fully autonomous AI agents that can conduct entire conversations, qualify leads, and book meetings.
Is AI cold calling legal and ethical?
Yes, when used correctly. The legalities of automated calling are governed by regulations like the TCPA in the United States. Most reputable software providers build compliance features into their platforms, such as avoiding calls to numbers on Do-Not-Call lists. Ethically, the key is transparency. The goal is not to deceive prospects but to create efficiency. The AI should hand off to a human for more complex, relationship-focused conversations.
Will AI replace my sales development reps (SDRs)?
It's more likely to change their role than replace them. AI excels at repetitive, top-of-funnel tasks. This frees up SDRs to focus on more strategic activities, such as handling highly qualified leads, researching key accounts, and building deeper relationships with prospects. The role of the SDR will become more strategic and less transactional.
How much does AI cold calling software cost?
Pricing varies widely. Some platforms charge a per-user, per-month fee (ranging from $80 to $500+ per user). Others, particularly the fully autonomous agents, may charge based on usage, such as per-minute or per-call rates. It's essential to factor in implementation and integration costs when calculating the total cost of ownership.
How do I measure the ROI of AI cold calling software?
You can measure ROI by tracking several key metrics:
- Increased Productivity: Compare the number of calls made and conversations had per rep before and after implementation.
- Increased Meeting Volume: Track the number of qualified meetings booked by the AI.
- Reduced Cost-per-Lead: Calculate the cost to generate a qualified lead or meeting compared to your previous methods.
- Increased Revenue: Ultimately, track the pipeline and closed-won revenue that originated from AI-initiated conversations.
Build a Winning GTM Stack
We design and build interconnected revenue engines. Let us help you select, implement, and integrate the right GTM tech stack to drive results.
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