AI phone interview software runs a first-round screening conversation by voice, without a recruiter on the line. For teams hiring at volume, it can replace hours of repetitive screening calls. This guide explains what counts as AI phone screening, which tools to shortlist, what to check before you buy and how to run a fair trial. Vendor details come from each company's website, checked in October 2026. Confirm current features and prices directly with each vendor. What counts as AI phone screening? The term covers two different experiences, and it is worth separating them. Telephone calls: The software calls the candidate's phone number, or the candidate dials in, and the interview happens over a regular phone line. No internet connection or app is needed. Browser-based voice: The candidate opens a link and speaks with the AI through the microphone on their phone or computer. It feels like a call but runs over the internet. Both are voice-first and work without a camera. The right choice depends on your candidates. Telephone calls suit candidates with limited data or older phones, while browser-based voice makes it easier to share a link in a job ad or text message. Shortlisted tools The platforms below state that they run AI voice or phone interviews. Each describes its product in its own terms, so check which of the two experiences above each one offers. HiringGenie: Runs AI voice interviews with no camera needed, as well as video interviews. Candidates join from one link on any device, the AI asks follow-up questions, and recruiters get a recording, transcript, scorecard and ranked shortlist. See HiringGenie's product page. InterviewFlowAI: States that candidates complete two-way AI interviews by phone call or video, 24/7, with scorecards and a ranked shortlist (website). Alex: Runs two-way interviews by phone, video, SMS and WhatsApp, with identity verification (website). HeyMilo: Offers voice interviews, including automated phone screens, alongside video, SMS and forms (website). Hyring: Describes an AI phone screener that calls candidates automatically, scores their answers and returns a shortlist (website). Capabilities checklist 1. Outbound calling, inbound dial-in, browser voice, or a combination. 2. Follow-up questions that respond to what the candidate says. 3. Full control over questions, knockout criteria and scoring rubric. 4. Recording and transcript for every interview, with scores linked to answers. 5. Rescheduling and reminders for candidates who miss a call. 6. Language options that match your candidate pool. 7. ATS integration, or at least a clean export. Pricing questions Ask every vendor the same questions so you can compare like with like: 1. What is the billing unit: per call, per completed interview, per job or per seat? 2. Are telephone minutes charged separately? 3. What happens when you exceed your plan's allowance? 4. Are there setup or integration fees? Candidate consent Tell candidates before the interview that they will speak with an AI, that the call is recorded and how the results will be used. Recording and AI-in-hiring rules vary by country and state, and some places require consent from everyone on a recorded call. Check the rules for each location you hire in, and give candidates a way to ask for a different format if they need one. How to trial Pick one role with steady volume. Run the AI phone screen alongside your current process for two to four weeks, using the same questions. Track how many invited candidates complete the screen, how long recruiters spend reviewing each one, and whether the shortlisted candidates progress at later stages. Ask a few candidates for feedback on the experience. FAQ Can candidates complete phone interviews without video? Yes. Phone and voice interviews are audio only. Check whether the platform uses a real phone call or a browser link, since that affects what candidates need. What features matter? Two-way conversation, question control, transcripts with evidence-linked scores, and rescheduling for missed calls matter most for most teams. How do call costs work? It varies. Some vendors include calls in the interview price, while others charge telephone minutes separately. Ask for this in writing. Related reading: AI Voice Interviews vs AI Video Interviews and AI Interview Software Pricing. Next step: Try a HiringGenie voice interview, or compare plans.
