10 minutes
Today, we’re used to interacting with chatbots, but long before the first AI chatbot hit the market and advanced programming languages came into existence, there was ELIZA, who simulated the role of a psychotherapist in the 1960s. She was an early example of a rudimentary chatbot that simulated human conversation.
AI chatbots have evolved significantly from their humble origin to become crucial tools for modern customer service. These digital assistants use machine learning and natural language processing to interact with customers, providing instant responses round-the-clock. Join us as we examine the world of AI chatbots, showcase top contenders in the industry, and guide you on what to look for in a chatbot provider.
Criteria for Selecting an AI Chatbot for Customer Service
Before we get to our list of top-notch AI chatbots, we’d like to show you the metrics we used for evaluation. It’s imperative that your chosen solution aligns perfectly with your business needs and growth strategies. So, here are the key factors to consider:
Natural Language Processing (NLP): Your chatbot should understand and respond accurately to customer inquiries.
Integration Capabilities: The ability to seamlessly merge with existing systems such as CRM or e-commerce platforms is essential.
Scalability: As your business expands, so too should your chatbot’s capacity to handle increased traffic and more complex tasks.
Analytics: A good chatbot provides valuable insights into customer behavior and interaction patterns, enabling you to fine-tune your services.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all AI chatbot, so your choice should depend on your company’s size, industry standards, and customer service goals.
Top AI Chatbots for Customer Service
As promised, here are some of the leading AI chatbots for customer service , along with some detailed information about each of them.
1. Freshchat
Developer/Company: Freshworks
Key features and functionalities: Proactive engagement, analytics, over 33+ supported languages, and built-in FAQs in chats
Integration options: MailChimp, Google Apps, Facebook, Zapier, ClickFunnels Classic, WordPress, Shopify, Stripe, and Salesforce.
Pricing: From $15/month
Use This AI Chatbot if You Want Multi-Channel Customer Engagement
Freshchat is ideal for businesses aiming to foster multi-channel support. It provides a unified platform where you can seamlessly switch between messaging, live chat, email, and even voice communication. This flexibility ensures your customers receive consistent service quality across all channels—be it self-serve or agent-assisted interactions.
2. Zendesk
Developer/Company: Zendesk
Key features and functionalities: No-code bot creator, multi-channel support for both bots and agents, 1,000+ integrations, and a ticketing system for customer service
Integration options: Amazon Connect, Klaus, Shopify, Salesforce, Dropbox, Asana, Jira, Harvest, Trello, and more
Pricing: Starts at $55/month
Use This Chatbot if You Want an All-In-One Customer Service Solution
Zendesk’s comprehensive set of features, including no-code bot creation and a robust ticketing system, make it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their support operations. Plus, with its extensive integration options and multi-channel support capabilities already included in its lowest-priced plan, Zendesk offers remarkable value for money.
3. HubSpot’s Chatbot Builder
-
Developer/Company: HubSpot
-
Key features and functionalities: Visual bot builder, templates for various industries and use cases, transfers to live agents, and seamless integration with HubSpot’s CRM system
-
Integration options: Facebook Messenger
-
Pricing: Free
Use This Chatbot if You Want a Cost-Effective Way to Engage Leads and Customers
Primarily a marketing, sales, and service software platform, HubSpot is perfect for businesses seeking an affordable way to engage leads.
The builder allows you to customize conversations using templates, while its integration with the HubSpot CRM enables personalized customer interactions. It efficiently handles preliminary inquiries before smoothly transitioning them over to live agents if needed.
4. Dialogflow
Developer/Company: Google
Key features and functionalities: Generative AI agent, visual flow builder, omnichannel implementation, state-based data models, end-to-end management, and over 40 templates for various use cases.
Integration options: Google Assistant, Slack, Twitter and more
Pricing: Contact the provider for a quote
Use This Chatbot if You Want Advanced Contextual Understanding
Dialogflow uses generative AI to create contextually responsive virtual agents that can handle complex dialogues with ease.
Its state-based data models allow for smooth transitions between topics, and its end-to-end management system ensures you can oversee every aspect of your chatbot operations in one place. This makes it ideal for businesses that need to manage complex customer inquiries across multiple channels.
5. Stonly
Developer/Company: Stonly
Key features and functionalities: Interactive step-by-step guides, decision trees, and AI-powered answers
Integration options: Intercom, Salesforce, Slack, WordPress, Gmail, Trello, Zendesk, Jira, and HubSpot
Pricing: Starts at $99/month
Use This Chatbot if You’re Seeking an Interactive Customer Service Experience
Stonly’s unique strength lies in transforming user assistance into interactive experiences, unlike typical text-based chatbots that rely solely on text responses for problem-solving. Even better, if your business thrives on leveraging comprehensive internal knowledge across various platforms like Zendesk Guides, SharePoint, and Google Docs, Stonly could be an excellent fit. It transforms this collective wisdom into interactive guides to provide precise answers to any customer inquiry.
6. Lyro
Developer/Company: Tidio
Key features and functionalities: Conversational AI, adaptive learning, unlimited replies per customer, and option for human intervention
Integration options: Zapier, Mailchimp, WooCommerce, Shopify, WordPress, Instagram, Messenger, and Whatsapp
Pricing: 50 free conversations if bundled with a Tidio plan; a standalone Lyro plan starts at $32.50/month for 50 conversations
Use This Chatbot if You’re a Small Business Seeking Cost Management Flexibility
Lyro by Tidio stands out as an adaptable and economical solution perfect for small to medium-sized businesses. Its ability to learn and evolve alongside your business makes it highly valuable. It also offers flexibility with its pricing options, allowing you to increase the conversation limit as your business needs grow. Plus, it provides unlimited replies per customer for comprehensive interaction without affecting your monthly limit.
7. Guru
Developer/Company: WhatsApp
Key features and functionalities: Natural, human-like conversations, personalized advice and support, creative partner, mentorship capabilities, general knowledge provision, and understanding of follow-up questions
Integration options: Zapier and integrations via the WhatsApp API
Pricing: $9.99/month is the introductory pricing, offering the first 20 questions for free
Use This Chatbot for a Mobile-First Approach to Customer Engagement
WhatsApp’s Guru is an AI-powered chatbot that offers a robust range of services, from giving specific advice on goals to providing insights on the latest scientific and technological advancements. Plus, with its ability to understand follow-up questions, Guru ensures a seamless conversational flow that significantly enhances the mobile user experience.
8. Netomi
Developer/Company: Netomi
Key features and functionalities: Real-time omnichannel intelligence, goal-driven AI, auto-pilot and co-pilot modes, security-first architecture, proactive customer care, and integration with business systems
Integration options: Zendesk Chat, Salesforce Chat, LivePerson, and many more.
Pricing: Contact the provider for a quote
Use This Chatbot to Boost Efficiency and Decrease Customer Wait Times
With its seamless integration into existing CRM platforms and chat services like Zendesk Chat or Salesforce Chat, Netomi stands out as a powerful tool for businesses aiming to significantly reduce customer wait time. By combining the capabilities of different chatbots, Netomi can handle a larger volume of customer inquiries, ensuring quicker responses. Its auto-pilot and co-pilot modes further enhance efficiency by providing automated assistance or drafting responses for human agents.
9. Fin AI
Developer/Company: Intercom
Key features and functionalities: No-code building blocks for automation, multilingual capabilities, shared inbox, ticketing system, and public help center
Integration options: Over 450 app and integration options, including prominent platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Jira
Pricing: Starts at $39/month
Use This Chatbot for Rapid Deployment and Strong Multilingual Support
Businesses seeking a quick setup without compromising on functionality will find great value in Fin by Intercom. Its easy integration with content from various sources like Zendesk or any public URL ensures rapid deployment without the need for extensive training or configuration. Furthermore, its capability to detect customer language and trigger custom-language automation across 43 languages sets it apart, making it an ideal choice for businesses with a diverse customer base.
10. Zapier AI Chat
Developer/Company: Zapier
Key features and functionalities: Free AI chatbot powered by OpenAI, customizable knowledge base, analytics and conversation history, and lead collection and conversion
Integration options: Connects with over 6,000 apps
Pricing: Starts at $0
Use This Chatbot for Unparalleled Integration Capabilities
If your business relies heavily on a number of different apps, then Zapier AI Chat is an excellent choice. With its capability to integrate with over 6,000 applications and create a low-cost customer support channel, it offers impressive flexibility. Whether you’re managing leads or streamlining your new hire onboarding process, Zapier AI Chat can provide round-the-clock assistance.
11. Zobot
Developer/Company: Zoho
Key features and functionalities: Integrations with popular AI solutions like IBM Watson, Dialogflow, Microsoft Azure, Haptik, and Zia Skills; deployable on instant messaging apps; and a programming interface for customization
Integration options: Integrates seamlessly with Zoho’s business software suite and has Zapier integrations
Pricing: Bundled with Zoho SalesIQ, which starts at $7/month
Use This Chatbot if You’re Seeking Extensive Customization
Zobot stands out as a highly customizable chatbot solution. Particularly suited to businesses that need a hybrid approach to customer interaction, Zobot combines rule-based and AI capabilities for a well-rounded chat experience. It can follow predefined rules while also leveraging AI for complex interactions, offering the best of both worlds. With its programming interface, those with basic coding skills can further tailor the chatbot’s functionality to match specific business needs.
12. Conversica
Developer/Company: Conversica
Key features and functionalities: GPT-powered webchat, Generative AI for authentic conversations, ability to answer complex multi-part questions, lead cultivation online and offline
Integration options: Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, Hubspot, and Oracle
Pricing: Contact the provider for a quote
Use this Chatbot if You Want Customer Journey Continuity
Conversica excels at maintaining continuity across the customer journey by extending its engagement beyond your website onto platforms like email or SMS. This seamless transition ensures that interest is cultivated into conversation-qualified leads. Conversica supports the customer journey (rather than dictating it) by delivering authentic and dynamic interactions. Its ability to respond to a wide range of questions while collecting valuable data and insights makes it an excellent choice for businesses that value continuity and meaningful engagement in their customer service strategy.
13. Drift
Developer/Company: Salesloft
Key features and functionalities: AI chatbot for visitor qualification, live chat, meetings scheduling, custom chatbots, real-time notifications, and conversational landing pages
Integration options: HubSpot, Google Analytics, and Databox
Pricing: Starts at $2,500/month
Use This Chatbot for a Premium Solution that Enhances ROI Visibility
Drift offers a premium platform that not only automates marketing but also provides insightful dashboards to measure your return on investment. It allows you to de-anonymize site traffic and route agents effectively while delivering clear pipeline and revenue reporting. By scheduling online meetings via the chatbot, it ensures a seamless transition from lead generation to deal closure. Drift’s robust offering, which includes A/B testing and Salesforce integration, makes it a comprehensive solution that provides a clear view of marketing efforts’ impact on revenues.
14. Ada
Developer/Company: Ada
Key features and functionalities: Reasoning Engine for accurate responses, AI measurement and QA tools, and proprietary NLU trained on 4B+ interactions
Integration options: API integrations
Pricing: Contact the provider for a quote
Use This Chatbot if You Want Control Over Training Your Bot
Ada offers a unique opportunity to transform your customer service agents into AI coaches. It allows you to guide your chatbot’s learning process closely and align it with your brand and business goals. The platform’s strong emphasis on measuring automated resolution and providing feedback in plain language ensures that your AI agent improves over time and resolves more customer inquiries effectively.
15. Certainly
Developer/Company: Certainly
Key features and functionalities: Omnichannel support, post-sales support, AI salesperson for intelligent product recommendations, and customer insights via in-platform reporting
Integration options: Shopify, Gorgias, Klaviyo, OpenAI, Zendesk Support, and Postscript
Pricing: Starts at $2,150/month
Select this Chatbot for Advanced E-Commerce Automation
Certainly excels at automating e-commerce operations with capabilities like intelligent product recommendations and automated post-sales support. Its integration with platforms like Shopify allows it to fetch vital information directly from your e-commerce platform, enhancing the customer experience.
Additionally, it provides you with crucial insights into your customers’ buying habits and frequently asked questions, facilitating data-driven decision-making.
Honorable Mentions
While we’ve covered some of the most prominent AI chatbots in the industry, there are several other noteworthy options that deserve your attention. These additional AI chatbot solutions and builders also provide compelling features and functionalities:
-
Laiye – Learns about customers in each conversation with them
-
DeepConverse – Another GPT-powered option that can also create tickets
-
Ushur – For high-contact industries
-
Solvemate by Dixa – An OpenAI-powered chatbot that reduces support volume by providing instant, accurate customer responses based on your knowledge base
-
IBM’s Watsonx Assistant – Equipped with a clear and friendly voice; perfect for phone integrations to enhance customer support services
-
Kommunicate – The best option for a quick flow from bots to agents
-
Haptik – Offers industry-specific solutions designed to increase leads, transactions, and repeat purchases
-
Meya – Best suited for businesses needing triggers and workflows, complete with a user interface toolkit for enhanced customization
-
Zowie – Features a 360-degree customer view for personalized support, packed with a built-in sales bot and email bot for comprehensive engagement
-
CoSupport AI – Optimal if you’re after multi-departmental benefits
-
UltimateGPT – Works best with Zendesk’s CRM
-
Thankful – An in-app chatbot built for Shopify
-
Kindly Assist – One of the best chatbots if you’re after building support using complex NLP models
-
Finn AI – An AI chatbot builder made specifically for banks and credit unions
-
Ivy.ai – Top solution for universities and colleges; developed with GPT-4 capabilities
What To Look for in AI Chatbots for Customer Service
Selecting the right AI chatbot for your customer service needs can be challenging, given the array of options available. Here are a few key factors to consider to narrow down your options:
- Integration Capabilities: Look for chatbots that integrate smoothly with your existing platforms and channels. This ensures efficient data transfer and synergistic operations.
-
Scalability and Customization: Choose a solution that scales with your business growth and allows customization for more personalized interactions.
-
Analytics & Reporting: Opt for chatbots providing analytics capabilities to track performance metrics, identify trends, and enhance interactions over time.
-
Omnichannel Support: A seamless experience across various communication channels, like website chats, social media, emails, and SMS is vital. Prioritize chatbots offering omnichannel support.
-
Customer Support and Training: Implementation can be challenging. Therefore, providers offering comprehensive customer support and training resources are crucial for a smoother transition.
-
Cost-Effectiveness: Weigh the initial costs against potential returns on investment. Evaluate if the chatbot’s value aligns with its pricing.
-
User Experience (UX): Lastly, prioritize user-friendly interfaces that promote adoption among customers and enhance their overall experience. A good UX significantly contributes to your customer service success.
Use AI Chatbots to Augment Customer Support
AI chatbots now provide seamless integration, scalability, analytics reporting, omnichannel support, and superior user experience – all crucial elements for success in today’s digital world. So, whether you’re a small business seeking rapid deployment or an enterprise aiming for extensive customization and robust analytics insights, there’s an AI chatbot solution out there tailored to your needs.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to drive your customer service operations forward with AI power. Start exploring these remarkable tools today and take the first step towards transforming your customer experience.
Aya is Scale Support’s blog manager. When she’s not wrangling content briefs, editing article drafts and handling on-page SEO, she is crafting messages for Scale’s other communication materials. Aya writes about SaaS startups, marketing for startups, search engine optimization, and pop culture.
