Google Duplex vs KallyAI: Which AI Actually Gets Your Calls Done?

Google Duplex made headlines in 2018 when it booked a hair salon appointment live on stage. Since then, millions of people have wondered: "Can I use that to make my calls?"

The honest answer: sort of, sometimes, if the business hasn't opted out, and only for a narrow set of tasks. If you're searching for an AI caller because you hate phone calls, here's what you need to know.

KallyAI takes a different approach: a dedicated AI phone assistant that calls any business, for any task, and gives you a full transcript of what happened.

What is Google Duplex / Ask for Me?

Google Duplex is a voice AI system Google introduced in 2018 as part of Google Assistant. It can make phone calls on your behalf, using natural-sounding speech with pauses, "ums," and conversational tone.

In practice, Duplex has been deployed in two main forms:

• Restaurant reservations through Google Search and Google Maps (the original demo use case)
• "Ask for Me" (launched experimentally) which calls businesses to get pricing or availability information on your behalf

Google positions Duplex as a feature within its search ecosystem rather than as a standalone product. You trigger it through Google Search, Maps, or Assistant when it's available for a specific business.

The Limitations Google Doesn't Advertise

Duplex is impressive technology. But the gap between the 2018 keynote demo and what you can actually use today is significant.

1. Geographic restrictions

Duplex calling features are primarily available in the United States, with limited availability in select other markets. If you're outside the US, you likely can't use it at all.

2. Businesses can (and do) opt out

Any business can opt out of receiving Duplex calls. Many do. If the business you need to call has opted out, Duplex simply won't work for that call.

3. Extremely narrow task support

Duplex handles a small set of tasks:

• Restaurant reservations
• Simple pricing inquiries ("Ask for Me")
• Holiday hours checks
• Basic appointment scheduling (limited rollout)

Need to dispute a bill? Negotiate with your insurance provider? Ask a complex multi-part question? Duplex can't do that.

4. No transcripts or detailed reports

Duplex gives you a brief result ("Your reservation is confirmed for 7:30 PM") but no transcript of what was said. You have no visibility into the conversation.

5. No way to add context or instructions

You can't tell Duplex how to handle a call: "If they don't have Tuesday, try Thursday. Mention I have a coupon. Ask about parking." It follows its own rigid script.

6. Not a standalone product

There is no "Google Duplex app" you can open and say "call this number and do this." It's integrated into Google Search and Maps in specific, Google-controlled flows.

How KallyAI Differs

KallyAI is purpose-built for one job: making phone calls so you don't have to. Here's what that means in practice:

Works with ANY business

Give KallyAI a phone number and a task. It calls. No opt-in required from the business. Doctor's office, insurance company, restaurant, DMV, utility provider, hotel—if they have a phone number, KallyAI calls them.

Full transcripts and summaries

After every call, you get a detailed summary of what happened and the full conversation transcript. You know exactly what was said and agreed upon.

Complex, multi-step tasks

KallyAI handles tasks that require context, negotiation, and follow-up:

• "Call my dentist, reschedule to next week, and ask if my insurance covers a crown."
• "Call Comcast and ask about cancelling. If they offer a discount, ask for details."
• "Call the restaurant, book for 4 people Saturday, mention we need a high chair."

Custom instructions

You describe exactly what you want in natural language. KallyAI follows your instructions, not a pre-built script.

Available globally

KallyAI works internationally. No geographic gatekeeping.

Navigates phone menus and hold times

KallyAI handles IVR menus ("Press 1 for billing..."), sits on hold, and reaches a human when needed. Duplex does not handle complex IVR trees.

Try What Google Duplex Promised

KallyAI makes the calls Duplex can't: any business, any task, full transcripts. Start with 1 free call (up to 6 minutes, no credit card).

Try KallyAI Free

Feature Comparison: Google Duplex vs KallyAI

When to Use Each

Use Google Duplex when:

• You need a simple restaurant reservation through Google Search
• You want a quick price check at a participating business (Ask for Me)
• You're in the US and the business hasn't opted out
• You don't need a transcript or detailed report

Use KallyAI when:

• The business isn't on Google Duplex (most aren't)
• You need to call a specific phone number
• Your task is more than a simple booking (insurance, billing, scheduling, inquiries)
• You need full transcripts of what was said
• You want to give custom instructions for how the call should go
• The call involves IVR menus or hold times
• You're outside the US

The practical reality: Google Duplex covers maybe 5% of the calls people need to make. KallyAI covers the other 95%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google Duplex free?

Yes, where available. But "available" is the key word. It only works for specific tasks, at participating businesses, in supported regions. For many people, it's free but unusable.

Can Google Duplex call my insurance company?

No. Duplex is not designed for complex, multi-step calls like insurance inquiries, billing disputes, or service negotiations. KallyAI handles these tasks.

Does Google Duplex work outside the US?

Very limited availability outside the US. Restaurant reservations through Google have some international presence, but the calling features are primarily US-only. KallyAI works globally.

Is KallyAI better than Google Duplex?

They solve different problems at different scales. Google Duplex is a convenience feature for simple tasks within Google's ecosystem. KallyAI is a full-service AI phone assistant for any call. If your needs go beyond basic restaurant bookings, KallyAI is the practical choice.

Can I use KallyAI for restaurant reservations too?

Yes. KallyAI handles restaurant reservations and goes far beyond: custom requests ("ask for a booth by the window"), multi-part tasks, and calls to restaurants that aren't on Google.

The Verdict

Google Duplex proved AI can make phone calls. KallyAI proves AI will make phone calls—for you, right now, to any business.

• If you want a quick restaurant booking through Google Search: Duplex (if available).
• If you want an AI to handle any phone call—scheduling, inquiries, billing, holds, IVR menus—with full transcripts: KallyAI.

Related Reading

• Hub: Best AI Phone Assistants 2026
• Comparison: Pine vs KallyAI
• Comparison: KallyAI vs Bland AI
• Comparison: KallyAI vs Vapi
• Comparison: Mitra vs KallyAI
• Comparison: KallyAI vs Rosie AI
• Overview: Enterprise vs Consumer AI Phone Assistants
• Guide: AI That Makes Phone Calls for You
• Pillar: Phone Anxiety Complete Guide

Popular use cases

• Restaurant reservations
• Dentist appointments
• Hotel reservations
• View all use cases

Ready to Stop Making Phone Calls?

Looking for a Google Duplex alternative that actually works? Start with 1 free call (up to 6 minutes, no credit card) and let KallyAI handle your next booking, inquiry, or dreaded phone call.

Try KallyAI Free