Best AI chatbot for small business
For most small businesses, Tidio is the easiest place to start: it has a free live chat plan, and you can add its AI agent, Lyro, when you’re ready. Crisp suits teams that want one flat monthly price, and Intercom fits growing support teams that want a full help desk with AI built in.
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The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tidio | Starting small | Free; AI from US$32.50/mo |
| Crisp | One flat price | Free; AI from US$95/mo |
| Intercom | Growing teams | US$29/seat/mo + AI use |
Prices are each maker’s regular list price in US dollars, read on the date shown. We never convert currencies. We left out intro and startup discounts.
1. Tidio: best for getting started
Why it stands out. Tidio has a free plan for live chat on your website. Its AI agent, Lyro, answers common questions using your own support content and hands off to a person when needed. Every account starts with 50 Lyro conversations to try it, and the Lyro AI Agent plan starts at US$32.50 a month. You can add Tidio to more than one website or store. There’s a 7-day free trial of all features, with no credit card.
Watch out. Pricing is based on conversation counts, so it grows with your volume. The Starter plan is US$24.17 a month billed yearly and includes 100 billable conversations. The free Lyro conversations don’t refresh until you move to a Lyro plan.
2. Crisp: best for one flat price
Why it stands out. Crisp charges a flat price per workspace, with no limit on conversations. The free plan includes a website chat widget, 2 seats, and mobile apps. Essentials, at US$95 a month, adds an AI chatbot builder, a knowledge base, and an inbox for WhatsApp Business, Instagram, SMS, and more, with 10 seats and US$25 in AI credits. Every new account gets a 14-day free trial of all features.
Watch out. The free plan has no AI credits. Mini (US$45 a month) includes US$5 in AI credits, and the AI chatbot builder starts on Essentials.
3. Intercom: best for growing support teams
Why it stands out. Every Intercom plan includes Fin, its AI agent, plus a shared inbox, ticketing, and a public help center. All plans include unlimited live chat. Essential is US$29 per seat a month, and there’s a 14-day free trial with no credit card.
Watch out. On top of seats, Fin costs US$0.99 per outcome. Intercom counts an outcome when a customer says their issue is solved, doesn’t ask for more help after Fin replies, or Fin finishes a workflow. WhatsApp, SMS, and phone are pay as you go, so your bill depends on volume.
How to choose
- Just testing the idea? Start with Tidio’s free plan and its 50 trial Lyro conversations.
- Want a predictable bill? Crisp charges one flat price per workspace.
- Have a support team already? Intercom gives you a help desk with AI built in.
- Feed it good answers. These AI agents answer from the content you give them, so write up your common questions first.
- Keep a person in the loop. Check that the chatbot can hand off to you when it can’t help.
Questions people ask
What is the best AI chatbot for a small business website?
For most small businesses, Tidio. It has a free live chat plan, and its AI agent, Lyro, starts at US$32.50 a month. Crisp is a good pick if you want one flat monthly price.
Is there a free AI chatbot for small business?
Partly. Tidio and Crisp both have free live chat plans. Tidio includes 50 Lyro AI conversations to try, and Crisp’s free plan has no AI credits.
How much does an AI chatbot cost?
It depends on the pricing model. Tidio’s Lyro starts at US$32.50 a month. Crisp’s AI chatbot builder comes with Essentials at US$95 a month. Intercom charges US$29 per seat a month plus US$0.99 per Fin outcome. Prices checked October 2026.
Can an AI chatbot hand off to a person?
Yes. Tidio’s Lyro has human handoff, and Intercom’s Fin can hand conversations to your team’s inbox.
Related pages
- Customer chat & support tools for small business
- Best AI receptionist for small business
- Best AI tools for small business owners
- How we pick
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