Customer service is a crucial element of growing businesses and needs to be considered with utmost sincerity and care. In order to improve customer service standards and meet pressing demands of rich engagement from consumers, businesses are increasingly adopting AI chatbots for their customer support. AI-powered chatbots are disrupting the landscape of customer service to enable a satisfying level of automated conversations and interactions.
About AI Chatbots
Definition
An AI chatbot, embedded in websites or apps, employs machine learning and natural language processing to interpret inputs, discern intent, recognize patterns, and understand natural language. Trained on extensive datasets, it adeptly handles complex queries, producing accurate results. Furthermore, the chatbot refines responses over time by learning from past conversations.
Benefits
Incorporating an AI chatbot into your company’s website offers numerous advantages across various industries. Here are the key benefits:
- Enhanced Customer Experience:
AI Chatbots provide immediate responses, personalized recommendations, and 24/7 availability, ensuring continuous customer support and engagement.
- Efficiency in Customer Service:
As your business expands, managing customer queries becomes more complex. AI chatbots handle multiple conversations simultaneously, leading to quicker response times and improved overall efficiency. They effortlessly scale to accommodate growth without compromising on customer support quality.
- Data Collection and Analysis:
AI Chatbots gather valuable customer data, including preferences, pain points, and frequently asked questions. This data informs marketing strategies, enhances products or services, and supports well-informed business decisions.
- Lead Generation and Support:
AI Chatbots qualify leads, deliver personalized experiences, and assist customers throughout their buyer journey, fostering meaningful interactions and increasing conversion rates.
As you explore the benefits of AI chatbots, consider our curated list of the best options for 2024 to find the one that suits your needs
Best Game-Changing AI Chatbots
If you want to revolutionize customer experience with automation and personalization, here are a few best game-changing AI chatbots on the planet.
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI as part of the GPT series, is an advanced natural language processing tool designed for human-like conversations. It handles a range of tasks such as answering questions, providing recommendations, coding assistance, and more.
Key features:
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Analytics dashboard for enterprise users.
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Multilingual capabilities.
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Contextual understanding of extended conversations.
Pros:
Cons:
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Free plan limited to GPT-3.5.
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Platform knowledge is limited to 2021.
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Possibility of biases and inaccurate information.
Pricing:
Copilot (Bing Chat Enterprise)
Copilot, formerly Bing Chat Enterprise, powered by Microsoft’s GPT-4, is a generative AI tool that generates natural language responses. It offers three conversation styles (Creative, Balanced, and Precise) to tailor the tone of responses to user queries. Accessible in 160 regions, it’s also integrated into the Windows Copilot Sidebar for easy access.
Key features:
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Varied conversation styles for different enterprise AI use cases.
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Fact-checking with Bing’s citation capability.
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Image upload and generation features.
Pros:
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Bing’s citation supports independent research.
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Visually appealing and user-friendly interface.
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Includes an AI image generator.
Cons:
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Error messages reported when using browsers other than Edge, requiring a download of Microsoft Edge.
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Limited to 30 responses/conversation.
Pricing:
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Included at no extra cost for Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard, Business Premium, A3, or A5 licensed customers.
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Standalone purchase: $5/month.
Google Bard is an AI-powered LLM chatbot utilizing the PaLM2 (Pathways Language Model, version 2) AI model. It allows users to export conversations to Google Docs or Draft in Gmail and create shareable public links. The platform is actively under development.
Key features:
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Export conversation capability.
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The “Google it” function directs users to a search engine for more information.
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Code generation in at least 20 programming languages.
Pros:
Cons:
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Reported slow response, especially for complex questions.
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Occasional inaccuracies or incomplete information reported by users.
Pricing: Google Bard is free to use.
OpenAI Playground, developed by the same company as ChatGPT, is a web-based
environment designed for experimenting with various OpenAI models, including GPT-4 and GPT-3.5 Turbo. It caters to advanced users seeking a customizable generative AI chatbot model that can be fine-tuned according to their requirements.
Key features:
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Text and completion summarization capability.
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Multiple options for model selection.
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Language translation capability.
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Sentiment analysis.
Pros:
Cons:
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Limited creativity.
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Privacy concerns.
Pricing:
GPT-4: $0.03/1000 tokens for Input; $0.06/1000 tokens for Output
GPT-3.5 Turbo: $0.0010/1000 tokens for Input; $0.0020/1000 tokens for Output
New users receive $5 in free credit for their first three months.
YouChat, created by You.com, is an AI-powered generative chatbot capable of summarizing text, writing code, suggesting ideas, composing emails, and answering general questions based on web information. It cites its information sources for easy fact-checking and combines various elements in its search results.
Key features:
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing:
Chatsonic, trained and powered by Google Search, is positioned as a ChatGPT alternative. Developed by Writesonic, it leverages real-time trending information and offers features like generating AI artwork and selecting personalities for tailored responses.
Key features:
Pros:
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Supports about 25 languages.
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Landing page generator capability.
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Browser extension available.
Cons:
Pricing:
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Free Trial: Up to 10,000 words/month.
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Unlimited: $20/month (billed monthly) or $16/month (billed yearly) - limited to one user.
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Business: $19/month (billed monthly) or $12.67/month (billed annually) - for specified word limits, expandable at additional cost.
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Enterprise: Custom quote.
Perplexity AI is a generative AI chatbot, search, and answer engine designed for natural language queries. It provides answers sourced from various web-based information. The Copilot feature guides users through complex topics with interactive follow-up questions, multiple searches, and summarized results.
Key features:
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Supports Claude-2 and GPT-4.
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Multilingual support for 30 languages.
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Text and PDF file upload capability.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing:
HuggingChat, developed by Hugging Face, is a chatbot based on the Open Assistant Conversational AI Model. Utilizing NLP and ML algorithms, it engages with users to generate answers, write essays, code, translate text, and compose emails. The platform, trained on diverse conversations, is capable of learning from new interactions.
Key features:
Pros:
- Easy to use.’’
- Highly customizable with the ability to create custom intents, entities, and actions.
Cons:
Pricing:
Free to use.
Pro Plan: $9/month for early access to new features.
Enterprise Hub Plan: $20/user/month.
Jasper is a generative AI chatbot that collaborates with OpenAI, utilizing GPT 3.5, GPT 4, and other models like Neo X, T5, and Bloom. Specializing in brand voice functionality, Jasper enables personalized interactions with customers and assists in creating on-brand content.
Key features:
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Browser extension available.
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Supports up to 30 languages.
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Integrates with Zapier, Webflow, Make, Google Sheets, and other tools.
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Collaboration capability.
Pros:
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Provides up-to-date information and cites sources.
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Over 50 built-in templates.
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User management capability for workspace control.
Cons:
Pricing:
Socrates.ai is an AI platform specializing in conversational solutions for businesses. It facilitates the creation and deployment of conversational agents across channels like websites, mobile apps, and messaging platforms. The platform aims to enhance user experience and support automation.
Key features:
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Integration with third-party enterprise apps.
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Database of about 1000 employee questions.
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Natural language processing and understanding.
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Bot-to-bot conversations.
Pros:
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Flexible deployment options (SaaS or On-Premise).
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Pre-built and pre-tested content, customizable glossary.
Cons:
Pricing: Available upon request.
Tidio Lyro is a user-friendly AI chatbot tailored for SMBs, automating customer support, reducing response times, and efficiently handling tasks like FAQs. It offers solid functionality at a reasonable price, allowing the creation of pre-written responses for common queries. Tidio provides free add-ons, including sales templates, prioritizing affordability and maintaining quality.
Key features:
Pros:
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Tidio’s AI Reply Assistant enhances response speed.
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Provides templates for FAQ and sales chatbots.
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Includes an automated satisfaction survey.
Cons:
Pricing:
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Free: Available at no cost for up to 20 live chat conversations.
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Starter: $29 per month, includes three seats.
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Communicator: $25 per user per month.
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Chatbots: Starts at $29 per month, includes three seats.
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Bundle solution (Communicator plus Chatbots): Starts at $54 per seat per month.
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Tidio+: Starts at $394 per month.
Drift’s AI, trained on 100M+ B2B conversations, responds in a conversational manner with multi-language support. The chatbot handles lead nurturing, customer support, and sales assistance, engaging website visitors and custom-training to align with the brand’s voice for B2B businesses.
Key features:
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User administration with role-based access control.
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Offers live chat, custom chatbots, and AI-powered chatbots.
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Meeting scheduler with Google, Office 365, and Teams integration.
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Conversation and conversion reporting capability.
Pros:
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Supports multiple languages.
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Features a prospector and AI engagement score.
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Complies with industry standards like SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, PIPEDA, APA, and FERPA.
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Routing capability.
Cons:
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Expensive and no free plan.
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Premium plan lacks advanced routing, Salesforce multi-owner, and flex routing features.
Pricing:
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Premium: $2,500/month, billed annually.
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Advanced: Available upon request.
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Enterprise: Custom quote.
ChatSpot merges ChatGPT and HubSpot CRM, allowing users to draft content, create AI-generated images, and retrieve specific data through prompts. It facilitates various functions, such as adding contacts, creating tasks, and generating performance analysis charts.
Tailored for HubSpot customers, ChatSpot enhances sales and marketing functionality by leveraging the platform’s extensive third-party tool connections.
Key features:
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OpenAI’s GPT-3 and GPT-4.
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Integrates with ChatGPT, HubSpot, DALL-E, and Google Docs.
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Includes prompt templates and a library.
Pros:
Cons:
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Limited scope
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Support can be improved
Pricing: Free tool
Ada is an AI-powered customer service automation platform using natural language processing. It streamlines tasks, offers two setup options, and monitors bot performance metrics. Ada’s intuitive interface ensures quick onboarding for customer service reps.
Key features:
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Integration with third-party apps like Shopify, Marketo, and Clearbit.
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Automated resolution measurement.
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Advanced branding options, allowing customizations such as chat widget size, color schemes, font sizes, and dark mode.
Pros:
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Personalization of chatbot persona.
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Multilingual support for 50+ languages.
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Predictive suggestions feature.
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User-friendly interface with rich features.
Cons:
Pricing: Ada offers two plans: Generative and Scripted. Interested buyers need to contact Ada’s sales team for a quote.
LivePerson’s AI chatbot facilitates natural conversations to understand customer intent, enhance sales interactions, and measure success through a “meaningful automated conversation score.” It transforms content into interactive chatbot experiences and operates on diverse digital channels, emphasizing a conversational approach for broad consumer reach.
Key features:
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Includes a conversation builder and orchestrator.
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Supports administrative functions, allowing the creation and management of users and skills.
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Covers 19 messaging channels, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp.
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Offers reporting and analytics capabilities.
Pros:
- Bot analytics feature
- Offers a “meaningful automated conversation score” (MACS).
Provides connectors for popular third-party bot platforms like IBM Watson, Google Dialogflow, Amazon Lex, and Microsoft bots.
- Allows users to customize their bots and tailor the system to meet specific needs.
Cons:
Pricing: LivePerson offers two plans: Conversational Cloud and Conversational Cloud & Generative AI, both charged on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Replika is an AI chatbot designed for engaging and empathetic conversations, functioning as a virtual friend that learns and adapts to the user’s preferences. Using natural language processing and machine learning, it mimics the user’s texting style for more personalized interactions and offers emotional support across various topics.
Key features:
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Inclusive of role-playing activities.
- Supports communication via text, pictures, voice calls, and video calls
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Engages in conversations on a wide range of topics, from personal interests to general knowledge.
- Guides users through specific conversation topics like mindfulness, stress management, or self-care.
Pros:
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Mobile apps available for both iOS and Android.
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Provides emotional support.
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Emphasizes availability and convenience.
Cons:
Pricing:
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Free plan option.
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Month-to-month: $19.99/month.
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Annual plan: $5.83/month, billed annually.
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Lifetime: One-time payment of $299.99.
Freshchat, powered by Freddy AI, is an AI-driven chatbot and live chat platform that automates customer interactions and provides real-time support across channels. It stands out by allowing sales, marketing, and support teams to scale interactions through a unified agent workspace, facilitating efficient communication with customers.
Key features:
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Analytics for chatbot performance.
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Canned responses for quick replies.
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CSAT survey and reporting.
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Analytics and reporting tools.
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Multi-channel communication capabilities.
Pros:
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Auto-assignment based on team member skill with load balancing.
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Comprehensive team performance and agent availability reporting.
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Self-service functionality.
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Advanced customization options for widgets.
Cons:
Pricing:
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Free plan available for up to 10 agents.
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Growth: $23/agent/month (billed monthly) or $19/agent/month (billed annually).
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Pro: $59/agent/month (billed monthly) or $49/agent/month (billed annually)
Enterprise: $95/agent/month (billed monthly) or $79/agent/month (billed annually).
Kommunicate is an AI-driven chatbot designed for optimizing customer support and boosting e-commerce sales. It facilitates automated conversations on websites, mobile apps, and social media, integrating with platforms like OpenAI and Shopify. The app includes a FAQ bot to handle common queries and seamlessly transitions from chatbot to human assistance when required.
Key features:
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Omnichannel support for web, mobile, and social platforms.
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CSAT rating.
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Integrations with third-party services, including Agile CRM, Pipedrive, Zapier, and Zendesk.
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Management of customer conversations via bots, live chat, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Line.
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Multilingual bots.
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Capability to track monthly users engaging with the bot.
Pros:
Cons:
Pricing:
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Provides a 30-day free trial.
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Lite Plan: $100/month or $1,000 billed annually for up to two teammates. An additional teammate costs $20.
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Advanced Plan: $200/month or $2,000 billed annually for up to five teammates. An extra teammate is $30.
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Enterprise: Custom pricing.
Crisp Chatbot utilizes AI to comprehend user queries and offer relevant responses, handling basic inquiries, providing product information, scheduling appointments, and collecting customer feedback. It can be tailored to match a business’s branding and tone, a trend in the AI chatbot sector. Notably, the “Freddy Insights” tool provides key trends and insights to prompt faster decision-making in conversations.
Key features:
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Integrations with social apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Line, and Instagram.
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Capability for conversation routing.
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Multilingual message sending.
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MagicReply feature offering suggested AI-powered chatbot answers across various channels and languages.
Pros:
- A customer service team that is quick to respond.
- Inclusion of a website chat widget for user interaction.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons:
- The free plan lacks integration with email, Slack, and Messenger.
- Limited chatbot capabilities in the Basic and Pro plans.
Pricing:
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14-day free trial available.
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Basic: Free forever, with up to 2 seats.
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Pro: $25/month/workspace, with up to 4 seats.
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Unlimited: $95/month/workspace, with up to 20 seats.
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Enterprise: Custom quote.
The Intercom AI chatbot, powered by OpenAI, aims to enhance customer experience, automate support, and boost user engagement. With widespread industry adoption, including companies like Amazon and Microsoft, it offers a user-friendly “plug and play” architecture. Noteworthy features include Fin, the AI-driven chatbot capable of realistic conversations, and “Composer AI,” enabling easy message rephrasing and conversation summarization with a single click.
Key features:
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Multilingual support for up to 43 languages.
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Seamless integration with Facebook and Instagram.
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Automatic response to customer queries using support content.
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Recommendations for relevant articles.
Pros:
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Supports multiple channels (email, SMS, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger).
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Provides instant responses from various sources.
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Offers conversational monitoring.
Cons:
Pricing: 14-day trial with paid plans as following:
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Fin AI Chatbot: Utilization of Fin is quantified in resolutions, priced at $0.99/resolution.
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Essential Plan: $39/month/seat.
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Advanced Plan: $99/month/seat.
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Expert Plan: $139/month/seat.
Conclusion
As consumers evolve and mature in their understanding and as routines get busier, yesterday’s expectations of having human-like conversations are dwindling away. They just need information in the quickest way possible. Automation technology powered by AI chatbots has fundamentally revolutionized how service-related tasks are performed across many business processes. Adding efficiency and accuracy, these virtual AI assistants are here to improve customer experience. As people grow accustomed to using chatbots for everyday solutions, there is likely to be prevalent adoption of the technology across various industry verticals.
Author Bio - Hena Patel is a digital and content marketer who works at Spaculus Software Pvt. Ltd. She is working with B2B companies and provides useful and engaging content that converts viewers into customers. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.***
