How much does an AI employee cost a small business?
Understand Ownbox AI employee costs: a one-time Base Machine purchase, server hosting, your existing AI plan and Managed Support.
By Ownbox ·
For a small business buying an Ownbox Base Machine, costs include a one-time purchase, server hosting at about $12 a month paid to the host, and the AI plan the business already pays for. The Base Machine has no subscription, seat fees or per-request pricing. Check Ownbox’s pricing section for current purchase prices.
What costs should a small business include?
The Ownbox Base Machine is bought once. There is no Base Machine subscription, no seat fees and no per-request pricing. See current purchase prices in the Ownbox pricing section.
| Cost item | What to account for |
|---|---|
| Base Machine | A one-time purchase. Check the pricing section for current prices. |
| Server | About $12 a month, paid to the host. Ownbox sets up the Base Machine on your own server. |
| AI plan | The Base Machine runs on the AI plan you already pay for. |
| Managed Support | Every checkout includes the first three months free. Check the pricing section for current terms and prices. |
What does the Base Machine include?
The Base Machine supports up to three people, each with their own login. Every box includes a web dashboard, a phone app, its own MCP server and a morning report of what happened overnight.
Ownbox installs the box on your server, connects your AI account and hands over a running system. No terminal is needed. The box, code and data belong to the buyer.
For a limited time, the Base Machine includes one add-on machine free: the AEO Machine or the Unified Inbox.
- AEO Machine: Writes articles answering customers’ questions and publishes them to the business’s own website. A check before publication blocks words the business never uses, competitor names and unapproved numbers.
- Unified Inbox: Puts email and direct messages into one queue and drafts replies using the buyer’s own AI account. Nothing sends until a person approves. The Unified Inbox uses the Base Machine’s box and server, so there is nothing extra to host.
What does Pro add?
Pro includes both add-on machines, AI coworkers that work scheduled shifts and report back, unlimited people, twice the server memory and priority support. See the pricing section for current Pro prices.
What does Managed Support cover?
Managed Support covers hosting and upkeep, installation of every update, monitoring, daily backups and support from the people who built the system.
Every checkout includes the first three months free. If you cancel Managed Support, the box keeps running exactly as it is.
Related questions
Does the Base Machine have a monthly subscription?
No. The Base Machine is bought once, with no subscription, seat fees or per-request pricing. The server costs about $12 a month, paid to the host, and the machine uses the AI plan you already pay for.
How many people can use the Base Machine?
The Base Machine supports up to three people, each with their own login. Pro supports unlimited people.
Does the Unified Inbox need another server?
No. The Unified Inbox runs on the same box and server as the Base Machine, so there is nothing extra to host.
Does canceling Managed Support stop the box?
No. Cancel Managed Support, and the box keeps running exactly as it is. The box, code and data belong to the buyer.