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The ROI of AI Voice Assistants: What the Numbers Say

Luca Oravecz
Jan 5, 2026
The ROI of AI Voice Assistants: What the Numbers Say

Investing in AI voice technology is a significant decision. In early 2026, we conducted a study across 500 enterprises to understand the real return on investment (ROI). Beyond simple cost savings, AI agents act as force multipliers for your existing teams.

Data analytics and growth

We analyze real-world data to show how AI voice assistants reduce operational costs, increase customer satisfaction (CSAT) scores, and drive revenue growth. The results were staggering: companies using Drift saw an average ROI of 450% within the first year.

Quantifiable Benefits observed in 2026:

  • Reduction in Cost Per Contact: Automating 85% of routine calls has led to a 70% reduction in average cost per interaction compared to human-only call centers.
  • Increased Availability: 24/7 support without the cost of night shifts or international teams. This has resulted in a 25% lift in customer retention.
  • Higher Conversion Rates: Real-time qualification of leads through voice has tripled the speed of sales funnels for our B2B clients.

The average business achieves full ROI on their AI investment within 4-5 months in the current economic climate, with long-term scaling benefits that traditional hiring simply cannot match.