Best 10 AI Phone Screening Tools for Startups in 2026

As of February 2026, the startup landscape is experiencing a wave of innovation in recruitment technology. A surprising 75% of startups are now leveraging AI-driven solutions for phone screening, primarily to enhance candidate engagement and streamline hiring processes. This article explores the ten best AI phone screening tools available to startups, providing insights into their unique features, pricing, and specific advantages.

1. NTRVSTA

• What It Does: NTRVSTA offers real-time AI phone screening that prioritizes candidate experience with a 95% completion rate.
• Pricing: Starts at $2,000/month with tiered pricing based on usage.
• Key Differentiator: 50+ ATS integrations, including Workday and Bullhorn, and multilingual support in 9 languages.
• Best For: Startups with high-volume recruitment needs, particularly in tech and logistics.
• Limitations: May require additional setup time for custom ATS integrations.

2. HireVue

• What It Does: HireVue combines AI-driven phone screening with video interviewing capabilities.
• Pricing: Contact for pricing; typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000/month.
• Key Differentiator: Offers both phone and video options, providing flexibility in candidate assessment.
• Best For: Startups looking for a comprehensive hiring solution.
• Limitations: The dual format can confuse candidates who prefer one screening method.

3. X0PA AI

• What It Does: X0PA AI focuses on candidate matching and predictive analytics during phone screenings.
• Pricing: $1,200/month.
• Key Differentiator: Uses AI algorithms to predict candidate success based on responses.
• Best For: Startups in competitive industries like healthcare and tech.
• Limitations: Limited integration options with existing ATS systems.

4. Talview

• What It Does: Talview provides mobile-friendly phone screening solutions with integrated assessments.
• Pricing: $1,000/month.
• Key Differentiator: Emphasizes mobile accessibility for candidates.
• Best For: Startups targeting younger demographics.
• Limitations: Some users report a learning curve for the platform.

5. Paradox

• What It Does: Paradox utilizes conversational AI for phone screenings, facilitating natural dialogue with candidates.
• Pricing: Starts at $1,500/month.
• Key Differentiator: Offers a chatbot-like experience that feels personal.
• Best For: Retail and hospitality startups needing high-volume hiring.
• Limitations: Lacks advanced analytics features.

6. Pymetrics

• What It Does: Pymetrics combines AI phone screening with gamified assessments to evaluate candidates holistically.
• Pricing: Contact for pricing; generally ranges from $1,500 to $3,500/month.
• Key Differentiator: Focuses on soft skills and cognitive abilities.
• Best For: Startups in creative fields or those emphasizing cultural fit.
• Limitations: Less effective for technical role assessments.

7. Interviewer.AI

• What It Does: Interviewer.AI provides AI-driven phone screenings with real-time feedback on candidate responses.
• Pricing: $900/month.
• Key Differentiator: Offers instant scoring and analysis of responses.
• Best For: Startups in fast-paced industries like logistics.
• Limitations: Limited language support.

8. MyInterview

• What It Does: MyInterview combines phone screening with video interviews in a single platform.
• Pricing: Starts at $950/month.
• Key Differentiator: Allows candidates to choose their preferred interview format.
• Best For: Startups looking for flexibility in candidate assessment.
• Limitations: May require extra training for hiring managers.

9. Hiretual

• What It Does: Hiretual offers AI-driven sourcing and screening tools, including phone screenings.
• Pricing: $1,200/month.
• Key Differentiator: Integrates sourcing and screening for a streamlined process.
• Best For: Startups needing a robust recruitment tool.
• Limitations: Can be overwhelming for small teams.

10. Recruitee

• What It Does: Recruitee offers an AI-powered phone screening feature integrated into its ATS.
• Pricing: Starts at $1,000/month.
• Key Differentiator: Combines ATS functionalities with AI screening.
• Best For: Startups that prefer an all-in-one recruitment solution.
• Limitations: Limited customization options for screening questions.

| Tool Name | Type | Pricing | Integrations | Languages | Compliance | Best For | |------------------|---------------|-------------------|-------------------------|--------------------|---------------------|---------------------------| | NTRVSTA | AI Screening | $2,000/month | 50+ ATS | 9+ | SOC 2, GDPR | High-volume tech/logistics | | HireVue | AI Screening | $1,500-$3,000 | Various | English | GDPR | Comprehensive hiring | | X0PA AI | AI Screening | $1,200/month | Limited | English | GDPR | Competitive industries | | Talview | AI Screening | $1,000/month | Limited | English | GDPR | Young demographics | | Paradox | AI Screening | $1,500/month | Various | English | GDPR | Retail/hospitality | | Pymetrics | AI Screening | $1,500-$3,500 | Limited | English | GDPR | Creative fields | | Interviewer.AI | AI Screening | $900/month | Limited | English | GDPR | Fast-paced industries | | MyInterview | AI Screening | $950/month | Various | English | GDPR | Flexible assessment | | Hiretual | AI Screening | $1,200/month | Various | English | GDPR | Robust recruitment | | Recruitee | ATS with AI | $1,000/month | Various | English | GDPR | All-in-one solution |

Our Recommendation

• For High-Volume Tech Startups: NTRVSTA is the clear choice, providing extensive ATS integrations and real-time screening capabilities.
• For Startups Seeking Flexibility: MyInterview offers both phone and video options, making it ideal for diverse hiring needs.
• For Comprehensive Assessment Needs: HireVue is best suited for startups wanting to combine various formats into one streamlined process.

In conclusion, the landscape of AI phone screening tools in 2026 presents startups with a plethora of options tailored to different needs. By understanding the unique strengths and limitations of each tool, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your recruiting strategy.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Evaluate your startup's specific hiring needs to choose the right tool.
2. Consider integration capabilities with your existing ATS for smoother workflows.
3. Analyze pricing structures to ensure they fit within your budget constraints.
4. Test candidate experience by running pilot screenings through selected tools.
5. Stay updated on compliance requirements as they evolve with technology.