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8 Best AI Chatbots for Customer Service

Aug 17, 2023
16 minute read

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are chatbots trained to interpret and simulate human conversations using a process called natural language processing (NLP). The best chatbots for customer service are easy to deploy, able to provide useful responses to customer inquiries based on existing data, and can adapt to new situations over time. We evaluated dozens of providers to identify the eight best AI chatbots for customer service:

  • Overall best AI chatbot for unified customer data: Zendesk
  • Top free standard AI chatbot: HubSpot
  • Best chatbot software for ecommerce customer service: Bitrix24
  • Best native website widget: Zobot
  • Best for Facebook marketing: Flow XO
  • Best industry-specific chatbot templates: REVE Chat
  • Best open-source AI chatbot: Pandorabots
  • Best for multichannel support: SnatchBot

Best AI Chatbots for Customer Service Compared

ProviderStarting Price*Free Plan?Our Rating Out of 5
The Zendesk logo.$55 per user4.57
Visit Zendesk
The Hubspot logo.$18 for 2 users✓Unlimited users4.48
Visit HubSpot
The Bitrix24 logo.$43 for 5 users✓Unlimited users4.48
Visit Bitrix24
The Zobot logo.$7 per user(1 active chatbot)4.42
Visit Zobot
The Flow XO logo.$19 for 5 users(15 active chatbots)✓(5 active chatbots)4.25
Visit Flow XO
The REVE Chat logo.$44 per user(1 active chatbot)4.17
Visit REVE Chat
The Pandorabots logo.$19 per user(10,000 chat messages per month)✓(Sandbox messages only)4.01
Visit Pandorabots
The SnatchBot logo.$99 per use(10,000 messages per account)✓(2,000 chat messages per account)3.99
Visit SnatchBot

*Based on monthly price, billed annually. Monthly billing is available for slightly higher rates.

Zendesk: Overall Best AI Chatbot for Customer Service With Unified Customer Data

When To Use Zendesk

  • You need a customer service platform with unified customer profiles: Zendesk has an omnichannel Agent Workspace that lets you manage messages from multiple support channels, including live chat, social media, voice calls, text messages, and messaging apps. It also displays relevant customer information such as name, language, and interaction history.
  • You are looking for AI-powered customer service software: Zendesk is not just a standalone chatbot solution, but a complete customer service platform. Its smart chatbot is included in all of its plans and provides AI-powered recommendations for both agents and customers.

When To Use an Alternative

  • You want a free or low-cost AI chatbot for your small business customer service team: Zendesk’s basic plan starts at $55 per agent monthly and requires a minimum of five seats to subscribe. This could be quite costly for individual users or small teams with limited budgets.
  • You need simple, easy-to-use customer service software: While Zendesk has an intuitive interface, its robust and advanced feature set requires extensive training.
    • Alternative: HubSpot’s user-friendly interface is well suited for small support teams with limited time and resources for onboarding and training.
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Zendesk Pricing Plan & Overview*

Cost:

  • $55 per user

Key Features:

  • Standard bots (deliver instant answers via messaging, email, live chat, and ticket forms)
  • Up to 1,000 monthly active users (MAU)
  • Bot builder
  • Email integration
  • Customized web widget
  • Mobile software development kit (SDK)
  • Prechat form
  • Unlimited concurrent chats per agent
  • Automatic conversation translation (powered by Google Translate)
  • File attachments
  • Conversation rating
  • Transfer between agents and departments
  • Social channel engagement
  • Voicemail
  • Built-in calling with caller ID
  • Queue management
  • Help center with contextual suggestions
  • Unified agent workspace with customer context
  • Access to 1,000-plus apps and integrations from Zendesk Marketplace
  • Workflows (triggers, ticket sharing, and conversation routing based on agent status and capacity)
  • Predefined responses
  • Prebuilt analytics dashboards
  • Access to Zendesk Help Center, digital support during business hours, on-demand training, and guided learning paths

*Pricing based on annual billing on a per-user, monthly breakdown. Monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Zendesk has a five-seat minimum requirement for all plans. Pricing is reflected at the time of this publication. We update pricing information regularly but encourage readers to check current pricing here.

An example of a standard Zendesk AI chatbot showing article recommendations.
Zendesk AI chatbot showing article recommendations (Source: Zendesk)

Our Expert Opinion

Zendesk tops our list of the best AI chatbots for customer service because of its advanced conversation bot built into its Suite plans. Starting with the Professional tier at $119 per user, monthly, you get access to additional AI tools for automating repetitive tasks and providing insights to resolve customer issues faster. When combined with its productivity tools, this customer support chatbot allows service reps to deliver smart responses to customer queries and to improve the overall customer service experience.

HubSpot: Best Free Basic AI Chatbot

When To Use HubSpot

  • You are looking for a free basic customer service chatbot: HubSpot offers a free chatbot with basic elements like quick replies, emojis, and buttons. You can also create a chatbot in multiple languages.
  • You are focused on providing Facebook Messenger support: HubSpot offers direct integration with Facebook Messenger across all plans. This feature allows you to send and receive simple messages from customers and send quick replies on Messenger.

When To Use an Alternative

  • You need a chatbot that you can deploy on several communication channels: Unfortunately, HubSpot’s chatbot only integrates with Facebook Messenger. You cannot deploy it to other messenger channels like Line and Twitter.
    • Alternative: SnatchBot is our top choice for businesses that offer multichannel support. It allows you to deploy chatbot to several channels, including Messenger, Slack, Twilio, and Line. Other similar options in this list are Zendesk, Bitrix24, Flow XO, and REVE Chat.
  • You want an AI chatbot that allows you to send broadcasts to customers: HubSpot’s integration with messenger apps only allows you to send and receive simple messages and quick replies. You cannot send broadcasts to your customers.
    • Alternative: We recommend Bitrix24 if you want to send bulk messages to all or a part of your chatbot users at a specific time.
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HubSpot Pricing Plan & Overview*

Cost:

  • $0 for unlimited users

Key Features:

  • Live chat widget with HubSpot branding
  • Conversational bots with limited features (ticket creation, lead qualification, and meeting booking)
  • Channel switching (live agents can switch from live chat or Facebook Messenger to email)
  • Facebook Messenger integration (send and receive simple messages and replies)
  • Email tracking and notifications
  • Ticket management
  • Ticket pipeline
  • Reporting dashboards
  • Canned snippets
  • Calling SDK
  • Mobile app
  • Team email
  • Email templates

*Pricing based on annual billing on a monthly breakdown. Monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Pricing is reflected at the time of this publication. We update pricing information regularly but encourage readers to check current pricing here.

An example of a HubSpot chatbot live chat widget on a company website.
HubSpot chatbot live chat widget on a company website (Source: HubSpot)

Our Expert Opinion

HubSpot’s free plan not only includes a no-code chatbot builder but also supports an unlimited number of users. You can use the AI customer service chatbot for various tasks, including lead qualification, booking meetings, and personalizing chat responses based on HubSpot CRM data. Unlike most chatbots, HubSpot does not allow you to send broadcasts. However, it offers a wide range of integration options, including live chat software and Zapier.

Bitrix24: Best AI Chatbot for Ecommerce

When To Use Bitrix24

  • You manage an ecommerce business: Bitrix24 offers a robust set of ecommerce tools across all of its plans, including online store builder, product lists, order processing, checkout scripts, and inventory management. You can also deploy customer service chatbots on your ecommerce website.
  • You are looking for a free CRM with chatbot builder: Bitrix24 offers a free plan that supports an unlimited number of users. It also includes a chatbot builder and an omnichannel contact center that allows you to manage communication channels, including Facebook and Instagram.

When To Use an Alternative

  • You prefer using simple AI chat support: To begin with, Bitrix24 is not a standalone chatbot service but is a full-featured CRM. Its complicated interface and navigation make it difficult for beginners to learn and use. Hence, it may not be ideal if you’re simply looking for plain AI chat support.
    • Alternative: HubSpot has a simple and straightforward interface suited for beginner-level users. Other providers that offer easy-to-use chatbots are Zobot and REVE Chat.
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Bitrix24 Pricing Plan & Overview*

Cost:

  • $0 for unlimited users

Key Features:

  • Website widget with live chat, callback request, and contact form
  • Omnichannel Contact Center (Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram)
  • Queue management
  • Task and project management
  • CRM with unlimited contacts, leads, and product catalog items
  • Sales pipeline
  • Sales intelligence (automatic customer journey tracking)
  • Website builder
  • Ecommerce store builder
  • Self-help resources (online training, in-app tooltips, online resources, webinars, and video tutorials)

*Pricing based on annual billing on a monthly breakdown. Monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Pricing is reflected at the time of this publication. We update pricing information regularly but encourage readers to check current pricing here.

An example of a Bitrix24 chatbot.
Bitrix24 chatbot example (Source: Bitrix24)

Our Expert Opinion

Bitrix24 chatbot offers a wide range of features and capabilities that allows users to automate ecommerce website chat conversations and respond to customer queries. You can also create a chatbot widget to sort out leads, route conversations, generate support tickets, and add information to your CRM database. Its robust set of ecommerce tools makes it ideal for online store owners looking to streamline their business processes.

Zobot: Best Native Website Widget

When To Use Zobot

  • You want low-cost AI chatbots in your customer support software: Zobot (by Zoho SalesIQ) begins offering a codeless bot builder for $7 per user monthly. With its Basic plan, you can set up one custom chatbot that can handle up to 1,000 chat sessions per month.
  • You’re looking for a platform with a visual flow builder: Zobot’s visual flow builder makes it easy for users to build and deploy AI customer service chatbots. It also allows you to test the chatbot before it goes live.

When To Use an Alternative

  • You want a free AI chatbot builder: Zobot is built into the Zoho SalesIQ platform. While this customer engagement and analytics platform offers a free plan, Zobot is exclusive to paid plan users only.
    • Alternative: HubSpot allows you to create basic AI chatbots for free. Other providers that offer free chatbot builders are Bitrix24, Flow XO, and SnatchBot.
  • You’re seeking an AI chatbot with marketing capabilities: Unfortunately, Zobot does not have social media marketing capabilities. It is limited to providing customer support via multiple channels, including Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
    • Alternative: Flow XO is our top-recommended AI chatbot for Facebook marketing because it allows you to connect your chatbot with Facebook ads. Bitrix24 also offers features for marketing automation.
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Zobot Pricing Plan & Overview*

Cost:

  • $7 per user

Key Features:

  • Set up one custom chatbot using Zobot
  • Codeless bot builder and programmable interface
  • 1,000 chat sessions per month
  • One customized brand for website, mobile app, and email signature live chat
  • Proactive chat trigger rules
  • Chat routing rules
  • Chat transfer
  • Customized brand-specific business hours
  • Email templates
  • Live visitor insights
  • Offline messaging for customers with visitor-side chat history, chat reopening, and credit card masking
  • Live chat media (files, voice notes, audio calls, and screen sharing)
  • Click-to-call button
  • Online resources, such as articles, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and canned replies
  • Customer support channels (Website chat widget, mobile app, email signature, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp)
  • Daily scheduled reports
  • Plugins and integrations

*Pricing based on annual billing on a per-user monthly breakdown. Monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Pricing is reflected at the time of this publication. We update pricing information regularly but encourage readers to check current pricing here.

An example of how Zoho SalesIQ users can build a hybrid chatbot to combine guided flow and AI capabilities in a live chat.
Zoho SalesIQ hybrid chatbot combines guided flow and AI capabilities in live chat. (Source: Zoho SalesIQ)

Our Expert Opinion

Zobot is an advanced chatbot builder built into the paid plans of Zoho SalesIQ. Its drag-and-drop interface allows you to build functional chatbots without coding. It offers chatbot templates that you can customize for your specific industry. You can embed your chatbot as a native widget on your business website and customize it with your company color and theme. In addition, you can build a hybrid chatbot that integrates Zobot’s AI capabilities with Zoho’s own guided flow chatbot.

Flow XO: Best for Facebook Marketing

When To Use Flow XO

  • You’re looking for a free AI chatbot platform: Flow XO has a free plan that allows you to create an AI chatbot that can handle up to 500 monthly interactions. This works best for small marketing teams or customer contact centers that aim to personalize customer experiences and provide quick replies to customer queries.
  • You want an AI chatbot with social media marketing capabilities: With Flow XO, you can create a Facebook website widget and connect your AI chatbot with Facebook ads. This allows you to respond automatically to Facebook comments.

When To Use an Alternative

  • You prefer an AI chatbot with a visual flow builder: While Flow XO has a simple interface that makes it easy to use and set up, it does not have a visual flow builder. This means that it does not feature a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to design conversational messages without coding.
    • Alternative: If you are a visually oriented chatbot developer, we recommend using HubSpot or Zobot.
  • You are looking for a chatbot with NLP capabilities: Flow XO can recognize keywords sent by the user, but it does not have NLP capabilities that allow the chatbot to understand the intent of the customer.
    • Alternative: Zobot, REVE Chat, and SnatchBot all offer NLP capabilities that enable the chatbot to understand user intent and capture specific information from the chat message.
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Flow XO Pricing Plan & Overview*

Cost:

  • $0 per user

Key Features:

  • Flow XO for Chat
  • Flow XO for Workflow
  • 500 interactions
  • Two weeks of logs
  • Five bots or active flows
  • Multiple channels (Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, web, and text messaging)
  • Email support

*Month-to-month billing only. Pricing is reflected at the time of this publication. We update pricing information regularly but encourage readers to check current pricing here.

An example of Flow XO for Chat's automated workflow.
Flow XO for Chat automated workflow (Source: Flow XO)

Our Expert Opinion

Flow XO is best for business owners that use Facebook marketing because it allows you to create chatbot widgets and landing pages and to connect the bot with Facebook ads. In addition, you can deploy chatbots across various channels, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Slack. You can use its chatbots to automate customer interactions, provide 24/7 support, and streamline your communication processes.

REVE Chat: Best Industry-specific Chatbot Templates

When To Use REVE Chat

  • You want to customize your chatbot according to your industry: REVE Chat allows you to customize your chatbot’s design, function, and flow. You can also choose from a variety of chatbot templates for specific industries like banking, education, human resources (HR), insurance, real estate, and ecommerce.
  • You’re looking for an AI chatbot software with a visual bot builder: REVE Chat’s Standard plan offers a visual bot builder that makes it easy for you to create chatbots.

When To Use an Alternative

  • You want free and low-cost AI chatbot building tools: Unfortunately, REVE Chat does not offer a free plan. Its plans start at $44 per month, which could be a bit costly for individual users and small support teams.

REVE Chat Pricing Plan & Overview*

Cost:

  • $44 for 1 active chatbot

Key Features:

  • 1,000 unique engaged visitors per month
  • 30 days chat history
  • Channels (website and Facebook Messenger)
  • Chatbot customization (design, function, and flow)
  • Visual bot builder
  • Human handover
  • Basic reporting
  • Access to email support and help center

*Pricing based on annual billing on a monthly breakdown. Monthly billing is available for a higher cost, and two-year billing for a lower cost. Pricing is reflected at the time of this publication. We update pricing information regularly but encourage readers to check current pricing here.

An example of an interaction with REVE Chat's AI chatbot for customer support.
REVE Chat AI sample chatbot template for customer support (Source: REVE Chat)

Our Expert Opinion

REVE Chat offers industry-specific chatbot templates for banking, education, insurance, HR, telecom, real estate, ecommerce, restaurants, and government entities. Even if you have no coding knowledge, you can use its visual flow builder to create and customize chatbots according to the specific needs of your business. It is also known for its omnichannel support platform and easy implementation of chatbots.

Pandorabots: Best Open-source AI Chatbot

When To Use Pandorabots

  • You’re seeking an open-source chatbot development software: Pandorabots has an open-source software that lets developers customize and share chatbot templates with other users. It has a free plan that is made specifically for testing chatbots.
  • You want to integrate your chatbot with an animated avatar: Pandorabots integrates with conversational avatars like ICONIQ, Rapport, and SitePal. This allows you to bring your chatbot to life by adding animated speaking characters.

When To Use an Alternative

  • You want a free AI chatbot platform: While Pandorabots’ Sandbox plan is free, it is a development sandbox that is made for testing chatbots only.
    • Alternative: HubSpot is our top choice for a free AI chatbot builder as it supports an unlimited number of users. You can also subscribe to any of the free plans of Bitrix24, Flow XO, and SnatchBot.
  • You prefer an easy-to-deploy AI chatbot: Pandorabots has a simple interface that makes it easy to use, but it does not have a visual flow builder. Moreover, you need experience in AIML to deploy it.

Pandorabots Pricing Plan & Overview*

Cost:

  • $0 per user

Key Features:

  • Development sandbox
  • Unlimited sandbox messages
  • Open-source chatbot libraries

*Month-to-month billing only. Pricing is reflected at the time of this publication. We update pricing information regularly but encourage readers to check current pricing here.

An example of how to create chatbots in Pandorabots.
Creating chatbots in Pandorabots (Source: Chatimize)

Our Expert Opinion

Pandorabots is a popular chatbot development platform that uses AIML to build conversational agents. It boasts a user-friendly interface and advanced AI features like NLP and speech recognition. It is also open-source software that allows developers to maintain access to their code and share it with other users. Another unique feature is its integration with conversational avatars like Rapport that allows you to add a speaking character to your chatbot.

SnatchBot: Best for Multichannel Support

When To Use SnatchBot

  • Your support team handles multiple communication channels: SnatchBot allows all of its users to deploy chatbots to multiple channels. These include Facebook Messenger, Slack, Skype, Webchat, Twilio, Line, Viber, and Telegram.
  • You are seeking a free chatbot builder with NLP: SnatchBot offers a free plan that can handle up to 2,000 messages per month and has NLP features. This advanced AI feature allows your chatbot to analyze and understand the intent of conversations rather than simply responding to questions.

When To Use an Alternative

  • You want a user-friendly AI chatbot: SnatchBot is packed with a rich set of features and has complex navigation, making it difficult to learn and use. It also does not have a visual flow builder.
    • Alternative: If you want a platform that has a visual flow builder for easy chatbot deployment, subscribe to HubSpot, Zobot, or REVE Chat.
  • You are looking for an AI chatbot with Facebook marketing capabilities: SnatchBot allows you to create a Facebook website widget, but you cannot connect it to Facebook ads.
    • Alternative: Try Flow XO if you want an AI chatbot that can connect to Facebook ads. It also lets you reply automatically to Facebook comments.

SnatchBot Pricing Plan & Overview*

Cost:

  • $0 per bot

Key Features:

  • 2,000 monthly messages per account
  • Broadcast (bulk messaging)
  • NLP
  • Live chat
  • Export chat
  • Detailed reports
  • All channels, including Facebook Messenger, Slack, email, API, Skype, Webchat, Twilio, Line, Viber, Telegram, and Africa’s Talking
  • SnatchBot store (bot templates and bot directory)
  • SnatchBot branding
  • Access to community help center

*Pricing based on annual billing on a monthly breakdown. Monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Pricing is reflected at the time of this publication. We update pricing information regularly but encourage readers to check current pricing here.

An example of SnatchBot's hand-off of a conversation to an agent.
SnatchBot hand-off to an agent (Source: SnatchBot)

Our Expert Opinion

With SnatchBot, you can create and deploy chatbots across multiple channels, including Facebook Messenger, Slack, Skype, Webchat, Twilio, Line, Viber, and Telegram. Its omnichannel support capabilities help businesses provide consistent customer experience no matter what platforms they are on. It also offers a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to build chatbots without coding knowledge.

How We Evaluated the Best AI Chatbots for Customer Service

To determine the best AI chatbot for customer service, we evaluated the specific features relevant to assisting with customer requests and providing quality support. These include customizable branding, multilingual capabilities, human takeover mode, and third-party integrations. We also looked at other critical product attributes, including price, customer support, and general software features, such as a no-code chatbot builder and omnichannel capabilities. The tabs below offer insight into our evaluation process of the best AI chatbots for customer service:
Methodology weights
Pricing 20%
General Features 25%
Niche/Advanced Features 20%
Help & Support 20%
Expert Score 15%
Pricing considered the availability of a free plan and cost-friendly paid options businesses could afford as they grow. We also looked at the availability of multiple billing options, such as a subscriber to either paying monthly or saving by paying annually. Lastly, we looked at the costs of specifically the AI chatbots, their availability on the lower-tiered plans, and whether or not users need to purchase an add-on.
We examined overall features essential to an AI chatbot for customer service. These include a no-code chatbot builder, its live chat AI features, and omnichannel capabilities. We also wanted to see the provider offer solid reporting and analytics tools.
We evaluated niche features specifically for company reps and service agents to assist customers with their inquiries and questions. Human takeover mode, for example, allows the customer to request assistance from a live human agent when a chatbot cannot sufficiently address their concern. We also wanted to see each product offer multilingual capability, a wide range of integration options, and customizable branding.
Extensive resources and service help prevent poor user experiences when utilizing any of these customer service AI chatbots. We evaluated this category in terms of customer service hours and whether support via phone, live chat, and email is available. Additionally, we examined resources users can access in the self-service center, such as tutorials, forums, or training courses.
In addition to firsthand experience with these service and customer support management products, we evaluated what actual users say about each provider according to reviews. These criteria consider how real customers feel to gain insight into value for the price paid, ease of use when operating and navigating the modules, and how users feel about the customer service tools.

Bottom Line

One of the top benefits of AI chatbots in customer service is fast and 24/7 customer support. They also offer a more personalized experience through NLP, which allows chatbots to understand the intent of the conversation. Zendesk is our overall top pick for the best AI chatbot for customer service because of its advanced features and integrations. However, you could also choose other products depending on your specific business needs.

Bianca Caballero

Bianca Caballero

Sales & Marketing Analyst

Bianca Caballero is a sales and customer experience writer with a background in B2B and B2C growth across the health, pharmaceutical, and insurance space. She brings a practical perspective on how go-to-market teams are adopting AI tools and automation to improve prospecting and pipeline development. Her work explores how emerging technologies are reshaping sales and marketing workflows

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