HiThisIs vs CallHippo: an IVR that routes calls, or a receptionist that answers them
CallHippo is a virtual phone system offering numbers in many countries, a softphone, IVR, call routing and integrations with CRMs, popular with small sales teams and startups. HiThisIs is a receptionist that answers the call itself, in the caller's language. They solve different problems, and many businesses use both. Here is where each one fits.
Where CallHippo is the right choice
CallHippo is best for a team that wants international or local numbers, calls from a laptop or app, and call activity logged into a CRM. If that is your business, it does that job well and the receptionist is not a replacement for it.
The gap a receptionist fills
With CallHippo, someone still has to answer. The system rings a softphone; if the person is away from the laptop or on another call, the caller is not spoken to. HiThisIs picks up those calls: it answers in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil or whichever language the caller uses, asks the questions your business needs, books the slot or takes the details, and sends a WhatsApp message with the name, ten-digit number and reason within seconds.
Using both
Keep your CallHippo number and routing. Forward the calls that go unanswered, or all calls after hours, to your HiThisIs number using the codes on our call forwarding guide. Your team still answers when free; the caller is answered either way.
Side by side, by category
The left column describes cloud telephony and IVR platforms in general, which is the category CallHippo belongs to. Exact features vary by product and plan, so verify current details with the provider.
| Cloud telephony / IVR | HiThisIs | |
|---|---|---|
| Answers the call itself, in the caller's language | No. An IVR plays a menu and routes to a person. | Yes. A live spoken conversation in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and more. |
| Works when nobody is free or the office is closed | Queue, voicemail or a missed-call report. | Answers, takes details or books, and alerts you on WhatsApp. |
| Takes an appointment on the call | No. Booking needs a person. | Yes, into the slots you allow, with the time confirmed back. |
| Rings your staff first | Yes. Routing to staff phones is the core feature. | Yes. Ring your team first, hand to the receptionist only if nobody picks up. |
| WhatsApp alert after every call | Usually an SMS or an entry in a dashboard. | Yes, with name, ten-digit number and reason, within seconds. |
| Transcript and summary of every call | Recording, sometimes a transcript. | Recording, transcript and a one-line summary. |
| Built for | Teams of agents, sales floors, support desks. | Clinics, shops and offices with one line and no spare person. |
| What you still need | People to answer. | Nothing extra. Your staff answer when free. |
Questions people ask
Can I use HiThisIs together with CallHippo?
Often, yes. If CallHippo routes your calls to staff phones, forward the unanswered ones to your HiThisIs number so the caller is answered instead of queued. Many businesses keep their existing number and IVR and add the receptionist behind it.
Is HiThisIs an IVR?
No. An IVR is a recorded menu. HiThisIs has a spoken conversation with the caller, answers their questions from the information you gave it, takes the details or books the slot, and sends you a WhatsApp summary.
When is CallHippo the better choice?
When you have a team of agents who will answer the calls and you need queues, distribution, dispositions and reporting on them. The receptionist is for the calls nobody is free to take, and for businesses with no agent team at all.
Do I have to give up my virtual number?
No. Keep it. Forward it, on the conditions you choose, to the receptionist number. Nothing about your existing setup has to change on day one.
Are the details on this page current?
The descriptions are of the product category as generally understood. Features and prices of CallHippo change, so verify the current details with the provider before deciding.
Hear the difference
Call 080 3170 3333 and ask for an appointment. No menu, no pressing 1.