Let me tell you something that might sting a little. Most WhatsApp chatbots are basically glorified GPT wrappers. They work great until someone asks a question that wasn’t in the script. Then they break. Spectacularly.
I’ve spent the last few months testing dozens of these tools. Some made me want to throw my laptop out the window. Others genuinely impressed me. And a few… well, they’re basically expensive message broadcasters pretending to be intelligent.
Here’s the brutal truth about WhatsApp chatbots in 2026. The technology has evolved massively. We’ve got AI sales automation that can actually hold conversations now. Multi-language support for 50+ languages. Voice-enabled bots using Whisper API. But most tools are still stuck in 2023, sending template messages and calling it “personalization.”
The real problem? When it comes to sales, these chatbots choke. They’re too robotic for anyone to take seriously. Nobody’s closing deals with a bot that sounds like it was programmed by someone who’s never had a real sales conversation.
So I put together this massive breakdown of the 40 best WhatsApp chatbots available right now. Every single tool. Detailed descriptions. Pros and cons. Pricing. The whole thing.
But first, let me explain how I’m organizing this list. Because not all chatbots are created equal.
How I’m Breaking Down These 40 WhatsApp Chatbots
I’ve categorized these tools into three buckets based on what they actually do well:
1. AI WhatsApp Chatbots – These use actual conversational AI. They can handle complex questions, understand context, and respond intelligently. Some are genuinely impressive. Most are – overpromising.
2. Predefined Flow Chatbots – These follow scripts you create. Great for structured interactions. Terrible when someone asks anything unexpected. They break constantly.
3. Chatbots for Lead Qualification – Built specifically to qualify leads, especially from Click-to-WhatsApp Meta ads. This is where the money is if you’re running paid campaigns.
I’m NOT including tools that are just WhatsApp broadcasting platforms. Broadcasting isn’t automation. It’s spam with extra steps. If you want to understand the difference, check out this breakdown on WhatsApp sales automation pros and cons.
Let’s dive in.
Part 1: AI WhatsApp Chatbots
These are the tools that actually use artificial intelligence to have real conversations. Not just pattern matching. Not just keyword triggers. Actual conversational AI that understands context and responds intelligently.
1. SBL.so
I’m putting SBL at the top because, honestly, it’s the only tool I’ve seen that actually closes deals on WhatsApp. Most AI chatbots can answer questions. SBL can sell. There’s a massive difference.
What makes SBL different is that it’s built by behavioral science experts who understand human psychology, not just developers who think automation means “send message, wait, send another message.” The AI doesn’t just share information. It guides leads toward taking action using persuasion principles that actually work.
You can run outbound campaigns where every message is hyper-personalized based on the lead’s profile, company, and pain points. When someone replies, the AI continues the conversation, handles objections, builds rapport, and moves them toward booking a call. It’s like having your best salesperson chat with every single lead simultaneously.
For inbound, SBL handles Click-to-WhatsApp ad traffic brilliantly. Someone clicks your ad, the AI engages them instantly, asks qualification questions naturally, scores them, and either books a meeting or routes hot leads to your team. No delays. No “we’ll get back to you.”
The system supports rich media too. PDFs, images, videos, and here’s something crazy – you can clone your voice. Upload a 30-second sample and SBL sends personalized voice messages that sound exactly like you. Thousands of them. Without recording a single one.
Key Features:
- Conversational AI that actually sells, not just answers questions
- Hyper-personalized outreach based on lead profiles
- Handles objections and qualification automatically
- Voice cloning for personalized voice notes
- Built-in CRM with lead scoring
- Multi-number management from one dashboard
- Mobile app for handling chats on the go
Use Cases: Sales automation, lead qualification, customer support, surveys, Click-to-WhatsApp ad handling
Pros:
- 40%+ conversion rates compared to 3% industry average
- Actually closes deals, not just collects leads
- Handles complex conversations without breaking
- Voice note personalization is a game-changer
- 7-day free trial, no credit card required
Cons:
- More expensive than basic broadcasting tools
- Requires some setup time to train the AI on your sales process
Pricing: Free 7-day trial. Plans start at $99/month with unlimited numbers included.
2. Yellow.ai
Yellow.ai is the enterprise heavyweight in this space. They’ve built what they call “hyper-personalization” capabilities that support 135+ languages. If you’re a massive company with global support needs, this is probably your best bet.
The platform combines voicebots and chatbots into one system. You can have the same AI handle WhatsApp messages and phone calls. Their January 2026 update introduced agentic workflows, which basically means the AI can autonomously handle multi-step tasks like processing refunds or tracking orders without human intervention.
The downside? It’s built for enterprise. The pricing is custom, which usually means “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.” And the setup is complex enough that you’ll probably need their professional services team to get it running properly.
Key Features:
- Enterprise-grade voicebot + chatbot combination
- 135+ language support with real-time translation
- Agentic AI for autonomous task handling
- Omnichannel deployment across all messaging platforms
- Advanced analytics and reporting
Use Cases: Large enterprise customer support, global operations, banking, retail
Pros:
- Handles incredibly complex enterprise workflows
- Best-in-class multilingual support
- Can process payments and refunds autonomously
- Scales to millions of conversations
Cons:
- Not intelligent for nuanced sales conversations
- Custom pricing means expensive
- Complex setup requiring professional services
- Overkill for SMBs
Pricing: Custom enterprise pricing. Expect $500+/month minimum.
3. Gupshup
Gupshup is one of the original WhatsApp Business API partners, and they’ve been doing this longer than most. Their platform can handle billions of messages, which makes them the go-to for massive scale operations.
Their December 2025 update added GenAI templates, which means you can create AI-powered response templates that adapt based on context. It’s a neat middle ground between fully autonomous AI and rigid templates.
The API-first approach is both a strength and weakness. Developers love it because they have complete control. Non-technical users hate it because… well, you basically need developers.
Key Features:
- API-first platform with complete customization
- AI Studio for building custom models
- GenAI templates for adaptive responses
- Official WhatsApp Business API partner
- Scales to billions of messages
Use Cases: High-volume messaging, enterprises with dev teams, custom integrations
Pros:
- Massive scale capability
- Complete customization for developers
- Official Meta partner status
- Pay-per-use pricing good for variable volumes
Cons:
- Not intelligent for dynamic sales conversations
- Requires developers to implement
- No-code option is limited
- Support can be slow
Pricing: Pay-per-use model, approximately $0.005 per message
4. Haptik
Haptik focuses on enterprise conversational AI with a heavy emphasis on banking and retail. Their Q1 2026 update added payment processing directly within WhatsApp chats, which is huge for e-commerce.
The platform is particularly strong in India and Southeast Asia, where they’ve built specific workflows for local payment methods and compliance requirements. If you’re operating in those markets, Haptik understands the nuances better than most Western competitors.
That said, it’s another enterprise play with custom pricing that’ll make your CFO nervous.
Key Features:
- In-chat payment processing
- Industry-specific solutions for banking and retail
- Strong APAC market presence
- Integration with local payment gateways
- Advanced NLU capabilities
Use Cases: Banking chatbots, retail support, payment processing, APAC operations
Pros:
- Best-in-class for India and Southeast Asia
- Native payment integration
- Strong compliance framework
- Industry-specific templates
Cons:
- Conversational AI breaks at complex inquiries outside predefined scope
- Custom pricing, typically expensive
- Less suitable for Western markets
- Complex implementation
Pricing: Custom enterprise pricing
5. Engati
Engati is trying to democratize enterprise AI chatbots for smaller businesses. Their no-code builder is genuinely easy to use, and they support 100+ languages out of the box.
Their January 2026 update added custom model training, which means you can train the AI on your specific products, services, and conversation style. This is a big deal because most tools force you to use generic AI responses.
The free tier is generous enough to actually test properly, which I appreciate. Too many tools hide behind “book a demo” walls.
Key Features:
- No-code AI chatbot builder
- 100+ language support with NLP
- Custom model training capabilities
- Voice bot integration
- Multi-channel deployment
Use Cases: Global customer support, multilingual businesses, SMBs wanting AI capabilities
Pros:
- Genuinely no-code, anyone can build
- Excellent multilingual support
- Custom training makes responses more relevant
- Free tier is actually useful
Cons:
- AI struggles with nuanced, complex questions
- Voice bot quality varies by language
- Can feel generic without extensive customization
- Analytics could be deeper
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro starts at $19/month
6. Chatbase
Chatbase lets you build custom GPT-powered bots trained on your own data. Upload your documents, website content, or knowledge base, and it creates a WhatsApp bot that can answer questions about your specific business.
Their 2026 update added fine-tuning capabilities, which means you can adjust how the AI responds to match your brand voice. This is particularly useful for AI sales automation where tone matters.
The limitation is that it’s primarily a Q&A bot. It answers questions well but doesn’t proactively guide conversations toward sales outcomes.
Key Features:
- Custom GPT training on your data
- Fine-tuning for brand voice
- Document and website scraping
- Easy WhatsApp integration
- Conversation analytics
Use Cases: Knowledge base bots, FAQ automation, product information
Pros:
- Trains on YOUR specific data
- Very accurate for domain-specific questions
- Easy setup, no coding required
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Not built for sales conversations
- Breaks when asked questions outside training data
- Limited proactive engagement
- No lead qualification features
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro starts at $19/month
7. Voiceflow
Voiceflow is interesting because it started as a voice assistant design tool and expanded to WhatsApp. Their December 2025 update added WhatsApp voice capabilities, meaning your bot can send and receive voice notes intelligently.
The design interface is beautiful. You can visually map out complex conversation flows and see exactly how users will navigate through your bot. For teams that need to collaborate on bot design, it’s probably the best visual builder available.
The tradeoff is complexity. Voiceflow gives you a lot of power, but it takes time to learn the platform properly.
Key Features:
- Visual conversation design tool
- WhatsApp voice message support
- Team collaboration features
- AI agent deployment
- Testing and prototyping tools
Use Cases: Voice-enabled bots, complex conversation design, team projects
Pros:
- Best visual design interface
- Voice message capabilities
- Great for teams
- Powerful testing tools
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- AI can be unpredictable outside designed flows
- More suited for designers than salespeople
- Pricing can add up with team seats
Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans vary by usage
8. Dialogflow (Google)
Google’s Dialogflow CX is the developer’s choice for building sophisticated WhatsApp chatbots. Their 2026 update integrated Gemini, Google’s latest AI model, which significantly improved understanding of complex queries.
If you have developers and want complete control over your chatbot’s behavior, Dialogflow is powerful. You can build incredibly sophisticated conversation flows with multiple intents, entities, and contexts.
But here’s the reality. You NEED developers. This isn’t a drag-and-drop tool. It’s a development platform.
Key Features:
- Advanced NLU with intent recognition
- Gemini AI integration
- Multi-language support
- Complex conversation state management
- Detailed analytics
Use Cases: Custom enterprise bots, developer-built solutions, complex workflows
Pros:
- Incredibly powerful for developers
- Google’s AI capabilities
- Scales with Google Cloud
- Extensive documentation
Cons:
- Requires significant development resources
- Not intelligent enough for unscripted sales conversations
- Complex pricing model
- No-code users will struggle
Pricing: Pay-per-query. Typically $0.007 per text request
9. Rasa
Rasa is open-source, which means you can host it yourself and customize everything. Their January 2026 WhatsApp connector v3 made integration much smoother than before.
For companies with strict data privacy requirements or those who want complete control, Rasa is appealing. Your conversations never touch third-party servers.
The downside is significant. You need ML engineers to build and maintain a Rasa deployment. This isn’t a business tool. It’s an engineering project.
Key Features:
- Open-source and self-hosted
- Complete customization possible
- No data leaves your servers
- Machine learning customization
- Active community
Use Cases: Privacy-focused deployments, custom AI projects, enterprises with ML teams
Pros:
- Complete data control
- No vendor lock-in
- Highly customizable
- Free (except infrastructure)
Cons:
- Requires ML engineering expertise
- Significant setup and maintenance
- No out-of-box WhatsApp features
- Can break on unexpected queries without proper training
Pricing: Free (open-source). Infrastructure costs vary.
10. Botpress
Botpress is another open-source option but with a more user-friendly interface than Rasa. Their 2026 update added LLM orchestration, meaning you can use multiple AI models together and route queries to the most appropriate one.
They also offer a cloud version if you don’t want to self-host, which makes it more accessible for smaller teams.
Key Features:
- Open-source with cloud option
- LLM orchestration for multiple models
- Visual flow builder
- Modular architecture
- Community plugins
Use Cases: Developers wanting customization with easier setup, hybrid deployments
Pros:
- More accessible than Rasa
- Cloud option available
- Good visual builder
- Multi-model support
Cons:
- Still requires technical knowledge
- AI responses can be generic
- WhatsApp integration needs configuration
- Not sales-focused
Pricing: Free (self-hosted). Cloud starts at $25/month
Part 2: Predefined Flow Chatbots
These chatbots follow conversation flows you design. They’re reliable for structured interactions like collecting information or answering common questions. But here’s the critical limitation: they break when someone asks anything outside the predefined flow.
If a user types something unexpected, these bots either give a generic “I don’t understand” response or route to a human. For simple use cases, that’s fine. For sales? It’s a dealbreaker.
11. Landbot
Landbot has one of the best drag-and-drop builders I’ve seen. Their January 2026 update added voice transcription for WhatsApp calls, which is a nice touch for handling voice messages.
The platform supports 10k+ monthly sessions on the free tier, which is generous. You can build fairly complex flows with conditional logic, integrations, and rich media.
But when conversations go off-script, Landbot struggles. Their OpenAI integration helps with unexpected questions, but it’s clearly bolted on rather than core to the experience.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop no-code builder
- Voice transcription for voice messages
- Rich media support (cards, carousels)
- OpenAI integration for AI responses
- Analytics dashboard
Use Cases: Lead generation forms, customer support FAQs, surveys
Pros:
- Beautiful visual builder
- Generous free tier
- Good integration options
- Supports rich media well
Cons:
- Breaks when users ask questions outside the flow
- AI integration feels add-on rather than native
- Not suited for complex sales conversations
- Can feel robotic to users
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro starts at $42/month
12. ManyChat
ManyChat is huge in the marketing automation space with over 1 million users. Their December 2025 update added agentic AI for auto-refunds, which shows they’re trying to add intelligence.
The visual flow builder is intuitive, and their Shopify integration is tight. For e-commerce businesses running promotions and basic support, ManyChat works well.
For anything requiring actual conversation intelligence, it falls short. The flows are rigid, and the AI additions feel like patches rather than core functionality.
Key Features:
- Visual flow builder
- AI-powered broadcasts
- E-commerce integrations (especially Shopify)
- Dynamic content insertion
- Growth tools for subscriber acquisition
Use Cases: Marketing automation, e-commerce support, broadcast campaigns
Pros:
- Huge user base means lots of resources
- Great Shopify integration
- Easy to learn
- Affordable entry point
Cons:
- Breaks completely on off-script questions
- AI features feel bolted-on
- Not built for sales conversations
- Can trigger spam flags if overused
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro starts at $15/month
13. Chatfuel
Chatfuel’s January 2026 update integrated Llama 3.1 for multilingual support, which significantly improved their AI capabilities. They handle 100M+ messages monthly, so scale isn’t an issue.
The A/B testing features are solid. You can test different conversation flows and see which performs better. For optimization-focused teams, this is valuable.
But like ManyChat, the core product is flow-based. The AI helps with understanding intent, but responses follow predefined paths.
Key Features:
- AI-powered NLP with Llama 3.1
- A/B testing for flows
- CRM sync (HubSpot, Zapier)
- Multilingual support
- Analytics and reporting
Use Cases: E-commerce support, FAQ bots, marketing campaigns
Pros:
- Strong NLP capabilities
- Good A/B testing
- Handles high volume
- Nice CRM integrations
Cons:
- Struggles with questions outside predefined flows
- Not suited for nuanced sales conversations
- Can feel scripted to users
- Pro tier pricing adds up
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro starts at $49/month
14. Wati
Wati is an official WhatsApp Business API partner focused on SMB support teams. Their Q1 2026 update added real-time translation API, which is huge for businesses serving multiple markets.
The team inbox is their strongest feature. Multiple agents can manage WhatsApp conversations from one interface with proper handover protocols. For support teams, this is essential.
For sales automation, Wati is basic. It can collect information and route leads, but don’t expect it to close deals.
Key Features:
- Team inbox with shared access
- Real-time translation API
- Official WhatsApp API partner
- AI sentiment analysis
- Broadcast capabilities
Use Cases: SMB support teams, multi-agent operations, international support
Pros:
- Excellent team collaboration
- Official partner status
- Good translation support
- Reasonable pricing for teams
Cons:
- Bot breaks on complex, unexpected questions
- Limited sales automation
- AI is support-focused, not sales-focused
- Flows are rigid
Pricing: Starts at $49/month
15. Twilio Studio
Twilio is the infrastructure layer many other tools build on. Their 2026 WhatsApp Cloud API v2.5 support makes them technically superior for custom builds.
Twilio Studio lets you build flows visually, but you’ll probably need developers to set everything up properly. It’s powerful but not turnkey.
For enterprises with dev teams who want complete control, Twilio is often the right choice. For everyone else, there are easier options.
Key Features:
- Programmable conversation flows
- AI Studio for custom models
- Flex for omnichannel support
- Enterprise-grade infrastructure
- Extensive API access
Use Cases: Enterprise custom builds, developer-led projects, omnichannel support
Pros:
- Industry-leading infrastructure
- Complete customization
- Massive scale capability
- Great documentation
Cons:
- Requires developers
- Flows break without proper fallback handling
- Pay-per-message pricing adds up
- Not turnkey
Pricing: Pay-per-message, approximately $0.005 per message
16. BotPenguin
BotPenguin is trying to be the most accessible WhatsApp chatbot builder. Their January 2026 update added voice bots using ElevenLabs, which is impressive for a budget tool.
The free tier gives you unlimited bots, which is unheard of in this space. Premium is just $5/month. For startups testing WhatsApp automation, BotPenguin is a low-risk starting point.
The tradeoff is sophistication. These are basic flows. Don’t expect enterprise-level capabilities.
Key Features:
- Free unlimited bot builder
- GPT integration
- Live chat handover
- 50+ templates
- Voice bots with ElevenLabs
Use Cases: Startups, testing WhatsApp automation, basic support
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable
- Unlimited bots on free tier
- Easy to start
- Voice bot capability
Cons:
- Basic flows that break on complexity
- Limited customization
- Analytics are basic
- Support can be slow
Pricing: Free tier available. Premium just $5/month
17. Gallabox
Gallabox is focused on e-commerce in the APAC region, particularly India. Their December 2025 update added AR product previews in chats, which is genuinely innovative.
The WhatsApp commerce catalog integration is tight. Users can browse products, see details, and make purchases without leaving WhatsApp. For e-commerce businesses, this is powerful.
But the flows are still predefined. Complex questions about products that aren’t in your catalog will stump the bot.
Key Features:
- WhatsApp commerce catalog
- AR product previews
- No-code builder
- ChatGPT-powered responses
- Analytics dashboard
Use Cases: E-commerce in APAC, product catalogs, retail support
Pros:
- Best-in-class for e-commerce
- AR previews are innovative
- Strong in India market
- Good catalog integration
Cons:
- Flows break on non-product questions
- Less suited for Western markets
- Limited sales conversation capability
- Pricing higher than competitors
Pricing: Starts at $29/month
18. AiSensy
AiSensy has 100k+ WhatsApp channels on their platform, making them one of the largest in India. Their 2026 update added AI lead scoring, which helps prioritize responses.
The green tick verification support is valuable. Getting verified on WhatsApp builds trust, and AiSensy helps streamline that process.
For broadcast marketing with basic automation, AiSensy works. For conversational sales, look elsewhere.
Key Features:
- Broadcast campaigns
- AI lead scoring
- Green tick verification support
- QR campaigns
- Basic chatbot flows
Use Cases: Broadcast marketing, lead capture, WhatsApp verification
Pros:
- Large established platform
- Good broadcast features
- Verification support
- Affordable
Cons:
- Chatbot flows are basic and break easily
- More broadcast-focused than conversational
- Limited AI depth
- Not suited for sales automation
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro starts at $19/month
19. Interakt
Interakt focuses on retail support with a shared team inbox. Their January 2026 update added predictive replies, which suggest responses based on conversation context.
The e-commerce integrations are solid, particularly with Shopify and WooCommerce. For retail support teams, Interakt provides good value.
The chatbot capabilities are basic. Good for FAQs, not good for complex conversations.
Key Features:
- Shared team inbox
- Predictive reply suggestions
- E-commerce integrations
- AI response assistance
- Analytics
Use Cases: Retail support, e-commerce customer service, team collaboration
Pros:
- Good value for retail
- Nice team features
- Solid integrations
- Affordable
Cons:
- Chatbot flows break on unexpected questions
- Limited AI sophistication
- Not built for sales
- Analytics could be deeper
Pricing: Starts at $15/month
20. SleekFlow
SleekFlow is an omnichannel platform covering WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram from one inbox. Their Q4 2025 Meta Llama integration improved AI response quality.
For agencies managing multiple client accounts, SleekFlow’s structure makes sense. You can separate clients while using one platform.
The automation is flow-based with AI augmentation. Better than pure scripted bots, but still limited in true conversational capability.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel inbox (WhatsApp+FB+IG)
- Llama AI integration
- Agency-friendly structure
- Automation workflows
- CRM features
Use Cases: Agencies, multi-channel support, client management
Pros:
- Great for agencies
- True omnichannel
- AI improving with Llama
- Good organization features
Cons:
- Flows still break on complex queries
- Pricing higher for full features
- WhatsApp-specific features could be deeper
- Learning curve for full platform
Pricing: Starts at $69/month
21. TimelinesAI
TimelinesAI focuses on multi-agent collaboration with AI summaries. Their 2026 update added auto-triage, which routes conversations to the right team member automatically.
The WhatsApp desktop sync is useful for teams already using WhatsApp Web. Conversations sync seamlessly between devices and the platform.
For team coordination, TimelinesAI is solid. For autonomous sales automation, it’s not the right tool.
Key Features:
- Multi-agent collaboration
- AI conversation summaries
- Auto-triage routing
- WhatsApp desktop sync
- Team analytics
Use Cases: Support teams, collaboration, conversation management
Pros:
- Good team features
- AI summaries save time
- Smart routing
- Desktop sync is convenient
Cons:
- Automation flows are basic
- Not sales-focused
- Can be complex to set up
- Pricing per agent adds up
Pricing: Starts at $59/month
22. MessageBird (Bird)
MessageBird (now just Bird) is telecom infrastructure with a flow builder on top. Their 2026 update added WhatsApp payments bot, enabling in-chat transactions.
For enterprises with complex routing requirements, Bird’s flexibility is valuable. You can build sophisticated flows with conditional logic and integrations.
The pricing is custom and typically expensive. This is enterprise territory.
Key Features:
- Flow builder with AI routing
- WhatsApp payments capability
- Omnichannel platform
- Enterprise infrastructure
- Global coverage
Use Cases: Telcos, enterprise support, payment-enabled bots
Pros:
- Payment capability is unique
- Enterprise-grade infrastructure
- Global reach
- Flexible routing
Cons:
- Flows break without proper design
- Custom pricing, typically expensive
- Complex setup
- Not for SMBs
Pricing: Custom enterprise pricing
23. Zendesk Sunshine
Zendesk brought their support desk expertise to WhatsApp with Sunshine. Their January 2026 update added autonomous resolution, where AI handles simple tickets completely without human involvement.
If you’re already a Zendesk shop, adding WhatsApp through Sunshine makes sense. Everything integrates with your existing ticketing workflow.
For standalone WhatsApp automation, Zendesk is overkill and expensive.
Key Features:
- AI copilots for agents
- Autonomous ticket resolution
- WhatsApp-ticketing integration
- Knowledge base integration
- Advanced reporting
Use Cases: Support desks, existing Zendesk users, enterprise support
Pros:
- Excellent Zendesk integration
- Autonomous resolution is powerful
- Mature support platform
- Good reporting
Cons:
- Expensive per agent
- Not sales-focused
- Overkill for simple needs
- Flows are support-oriented, break on sales queries
Pricing: Starts at $55/agent/month
24. Freshchat
Freshchat from Freshworks offers AI bots with a visual builder and CSAT surveys built in. Their Q1 2026 update added sentiment AI to detect customer mood and route accordingly.
The free tier is functional enough for small businesses to test properly. For SMBs wanting support automation without enterprise pricing, Freshchat is reasonable.
The bots are support-focused. They answer questions but don’t drive sales conversations.
Key Features:
- AI bots with visual builder
- Sentiment analysis
- CSAT surveys
- Multi-channel support
- Freshworks ecosystem integration
Use Cases: SMB support, customer satisfaction tracking, multi-channel
Pros:
- Good free tier
- Sentiment detection is useful
- Nice Freshworks integration
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Bots break on questions outside trained flows
- Not built for sales
- Limited customization
- Can feel generic
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro starts at $15/month
25. Tidio
Tidio’s Lyro AI is their conversational assistant that handles WhatsApp and web chat. Their 2026 update added dynamic pricing bots for e-commerce, which adjust offers based on user behavior.
The e-commerce focus is clear. Product recommendations, cart recovery, order tracking. If you’re running an online store, Tidio’s features make sense.
For B2B sales automation, Tidio isn’t the right fit.
Key Features:
- Lyro AI assistant
- Dynamic pricing capabilities
- E-commerce integrations
- Visual chatbot builder
- Multi-channel inbox
Use Cases: Online stores, e-commerce support, cart recovery
Pros:
- Strong e-commerce features
- Dynamic pricing is innovative
- Easy to set up
- Good free tier
Cons:
- Flows break outside e-commerce context
- Not suited for B2B
- AI is commerce-focused
- Limited sales conversation capability
Pricing: Free tier available. Communications plan starts at $39/month
26. Respond.io
Respond.io focuses on team collaboration with API integrations. Their December 2025 update added AI tagging, which automatically categorizes conversations.
For sales teams managing high-volume WhatsApp conversations, the automation helps with organization. Conversations get tagged, routed, and tracked properly.
The chatbot capabilities are basic. More of an inbox management tool than a conversational AI platform.
Key Features:
- Team collaboration inbox
- AI conversation tagging
- Extensive API integrations
- Automation workflows
- Contact management
Use Cases: Sales teams, high-volume conversation management, team coordination
Pros:
- Good team features
- Smart tagging saves time
- Lots of integrations
- Good for organization
Cons:
- Bot flows are basic
- Not autonomous sales capable
- Pricing adds up with features
- More inbox than AI
Pricing: Starts at $79/month
27. Kommo (amoCRM)
Kommo is a CRM with WhatsApp bots built in. Their 2026 update added lead nurturing AI that follows up with cold leads automatically.
The pipeline visualization is nice. You can see exactly where WhatsApp leads are in your sales process. For sales-focused teams, this CRM-first approach makes sense.
The chatbot is secondary to the CRM. Good for organization, less good for conversational AI.
Key Features:
- CRM-embedded chatbots
- WhatsApp pipeline management
- Lead nurturing AI
- Visual pipeline
- Team collaboration
Use Cases: Sales funnels, CRM integration, pipeline management
Pros:
- CRM-first approach
- Good pipeline visualization
- Lead nurturing automation
- Affordable per user
Cons:
- Chatbot is basic, breaks on complex queries
- AI is CRM-focused, not conversational
- Interface can be cluttered
- Learning curve for full CRM
Pricing: Starts at $15/user/month
28. Chative
Chative is a no-code multi-channel platform with AI responses. Their January 2026 update expanded their template library significantly.
For small businesses wanting to get started quickly, Chative’s templates help. You can have a basic bot running in minutes.
The AI is limited. Templates work until users go off-script.
Key Features:
- No-code builder
- Multi-channel support
- AI response suggestions
- Template library
- Basic analytics
Use Cases: Small businesses, quick setup, basic automation
Pros:
- Easy to start
- Good templates
- Free tier available
- Simple interface
Cons:
- AI breaks easily on unexpected questions
- Very basic features
- Limited customization
- Not suited for complex needs
Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans vary.
29. Trengo
Trengo is a unified inbox with bots focused on EU compliance. Their 2026 update added GDPR AI audits, which help ensure your automation complies with European regulations.
For EU-based businesses worried about compliance, Trengo’s focus on privacy regulations is valuable. They understand the legal requirements.
The chatbot is flow-based with the usual limitations.
Key Features:
- Unified inbox
- GDPR compliance tools
- WhatsApp API integration
- Flow builder
- Team collaboration
Use Cases: EU businesses, compliance-focused operations, team support
Pros:
- Best-in-class GDPR compliance
- Good for EU market
- Unified inbox is useful
- Team features
Cons:
- Flows break on unexpected queries
- EU focus limits global features
- Pricing in Euros adds complexity
- Not sales-focused
Pricing: Starts at €45/month
30. QuickReply.ai
QuickReply.ai has an NLP engine for broadcasts and analytics. Their Q4 2025 update added a personalization engine that customizes messages based on user behavior.
For marketing automation with some intelligence, QuickReply works. The personalization helps broadcasts feel less spammy.
For conversational automation, the capabilities are limited.
Key Features:
- NLP engine
- Personalization engine
- Broadcast campaigns
- Analytics dashboard
- User segmentation
Use Cases: Marketing automation, personalized broadcasts, analytics
Pros:
- Good personalization
- Solid analytics
- NLP helps understanding
- Broadcast features
Cons:
- Conversational AI is limited
- Breaks on complex questions
- More broadcast than chatbot
- Custom pricing unclear
Pricing: Custom pricing
31. Botsify
Botsify is a visual builder supporting WhatsApp and Messenger. Their January 2026 update added voice AI capabilities.
For teams wanting to build across multiple messaging platforms with one tool, Botsify provides consistency. Same builder, different channels.
The AI is basic. Voice capabilities are new and still maturing.
Key Features:
- Visual flow builder
- Multi-platform (WhatsApp + Messenger)
- Voice AI (new)
- Template library
- Basic analytics
Use Cases: Multi-platform bots, basic automation, voice experiments
Pros:
- Multi-platform consistency
- Easy visual builder
- Free tier available
- Voice capability emerging
Cons:
- AI breaks on unexpected questions
- Voice features immature
- Limited advanced features
- Can feel dated
Pricing: Free tier available. Pro starts at $49/month
32. JivoChat
JivoChat is primarily a live chat tool with WhatsApp triggers added. Their December 2025 update improved AI handover from bot to human.
For teams already using JivoChat for website support, adding WhatsApp makes sense. The unified experience is convenient.
The WhatsApp bot is basic. JivoChat’s strength is live chat, not automation.
Key Features:
- Live chat core
- WhatsApp integration
- AI handover
- Unified inbox
- Visitor tracking
Use Cases: Existing JivoChat users, live chat focus, basic WhatsApp
Pros:
- Good live chat features
- Smooth handover
- Unified experience
- Affordable
Cons:
- WhatsApp bot is basic
- Not designed for autonomous automation
- Flows break easily
- Live chat focused, not WhatsApp native
Pricing: Starts at $19/month
33. Userlike
Userlike is enterprise messaging with WhatsApp Livechat. Their 2026 update added video calls in bots, which is innovative for support scenarios.
For B2B companies wanting professional messaging with WhatsApp, Userlike feels more enterprise than startup. The interface is polished.
The pricing reflects the enterprise positioning. Not for small budgets.
Key Features:
- Enterprise messaging platform
- Video calls in chat
- WhatsApp Livechat
- Operator tools
- Advanced analytics
Use Cases: B2B support, enterprise messaging, video support
Pros:
- Professional enterprise feel
- Video calls unique feature
- Good operator tools
- Strong analytics
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bot flows are basic
- Not sales-focused
- Overkill for simple needs
Pricing: Starts at €90/month
34. Collect.chat
Collect.chat focuses on form-based bots that collect leads through conversation. Their 2026 update added quiz bots for engagement.
For lead generation through interactive forms, Collect.chat is simple and effective. Users complete forms through chat instead of traditional forms.
It’s not a conversational AI. It’s a form with a chat interface.
Key Features:
- Form-based conversation bots
- Quiz bot capabilities
- WhatsApp lead capture
- Template library
- Basic analytics
Use Cases: Lead generation, interactive forms, quizzes
Pros:
- Simple and focused
- Good for form replacement
- Free tier available
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Not a chatbot, it’s a form
- Zero AI capability
- Breaks on any unexpected input
- Very limited scope
Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans vary.
35. Ochatbot
Ochatbot works across website and WhatsApp with e-commerce focus. Their 2026 update added cart abandonment bots that follow up on abandoned carts via WhatsApp.
For e-commerce businesses, the cart recovery feature alone might justify the cost. Abandoned cart follow-ups have good ROI.
The conversational capabilities are basic. Good for specific e-commerce flows.
Key Features:
- Website + WhatsApp deployment
- Cart abandonment recovery
- AI training on products
- E-commerce integrations
- Lead capture
Use Cases: E-commerce, cart recovery, product support
Pros:
- Cart recovery is valuable
- Works across channels
- E-commerce focused
- Product training
Cons:
- Breaks outside e-commerce context
- Limited conversational AI
- Not for B2B
- Pricing could be clearer
Pricing: Starts at $49/month
Part 3: Chatbots for Lead Qualification
These tools focus specifically on qualifying leads, especially from Click-to-WhatsApp Meta ads. When someone clicks your CTWA ad, you need to qualify them fast while they’re still warm.
36. SBL.so (Lead Qualification Focus)
I’m mentioning SBL again here because their lead qualification for Click-to-WhatsApp ads is genuinely the best I’ve tested. When someone clicks your Meta ad and lands in WhatsApp, SBL’s AI engages them immediately.
No delays. No “we’ll get back to you.” Instant, personalized conversation that qualifies their budget, timeline, and needs naturally. Hot leads get priority routing to your sales team. Cold leads enter nurturing sequences.
The difference is the AI doesn’t just ask qualification questions. It has actual conversations that build trust while gathering information. Users don’t feel like they’re filling out a form. They feel like they’re chatting with someone who understands their problem.
For AI sales automation from CTWA ads, nothing else comes close.
Key Features:
- Instant engagement for CTWA ad traffic
- Natural qualification conversations
- Automatic lead scoring
- Hot lead priority routing
- Cold lead nurturing sequences
- CRM sync for all qualified leads
Use Cases: Click-to-WhatsApp ad qualification, inbound lead handling, sales automation
Pros:
- Best-in-class CTWA ad handling
- Natural conversation flow
- Automatic scoring and routing
- 24/7 qualification without staff
Cons:
- Requires proper CTWA ad setup
- More expensive than basic tools
Pricing: Included in SBL plans starting at $99/month
37. ConvertoBot
ConvertoBot focuses on conversion optimization with no-code WhatsApp flows. Their Q1 2026 update added A/B testing for qualification flows.
The A/B testing is valuable. You can test different qualification questions and see which convert better. Data-driven optimization.
The conversational AI is limited. Good for structured qualification, breaks on complexity.
Key Features:
- No-code flow builder
- A/B testing for flows
- Conversion tracking
- WhatsApp integration
- Analytics dashboard
Use Cases: Conversion optimization, qualification testing, lead capture
Pros:
- Good A/B testing
- Conversion focused
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons:
- AI breaks on complex questions
- Limited conversational depth
- Better for forms than conversations
- Analytics basic
Pricing: Starts at $19/month
38. ROIBot
ROIBot, as the name suggests, focuses on ROI from AI conversations. Their January 2026 update improved their analytics significantly.
For e-commerce businesses tracking revenue from WhatsApp, ROIBot’s attribution helps prove value. You can see exactly which conversations led to purchases.
The conversational AI is decent but not exceptional. Good for tracking, less good for complex sales.
Key Features:
- AI conversations with ROI tracking
- Revenue attribution
- E-commerce focus
- Analytics upgrade
- Integration capabilities
Use Cases: ROI-driven e-commerce, revenue tracking, conversion optimization
Pros:
- Strong revenue attribution
- Clear ROI visibility
- E-commerce integrations
- Good analytics
Cons:
- AI breaks on non-commerce questions
- Custom pricing unclear
- Limited beyond e-commerce
- Not for B2B sales
Pricing: Custom pricing
39. Supportly.ai
Supportly.ai is AI-first support with their January 2026 update adding escalation AI that predicts which conversations need human intervention.
The escalation prediction is interesting. Instead of waiting for users to ask for a human, the AI detects frustration and escalates proactively.
For support qualification, this intelligence helps. For sales qualification, it’s not the right focus.
Key Features:
- AI-first support platform
- Escalation prediction
- Ticketing integration
- Sentiment detection
- Analytics
Use Cases: Support qualification, ticket prioritization, sentiment-based routing
Pros:
- Smart escalation prediction
- Good sentiment detection
- Support-focused intelligence
- Reasonable pricing
Cons:
- Not sales-focused
- Breaks on sales conversation context
- Limited beyond support
- Newer platform, less proven
Pricing: Starts at $29/month
40. Typebot
Typebot is open-source and no-code. Their Q4 2025 update added WhatsApp export so you can deploy flows to WhatsApp.
For developers wanting complete control without vendor lock-in, Typebot is appealing. You can self-host and customize everything.
It’s more of a form builder than a chatbot. Good for structured data collection, not conversational AI.
Key Features:
- Open-source no-code builder
- WhatsApp export capability
- Self-hosting option
- Form-style conversations
- Customization flexibility
Use Cases: Open-source projects, self-hosted qualification, form replacement
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- No vendor lock-in
- Complete customization
- Good community
Cons:
- Not a true chatbot, it’s a form
- Zero AI capability
- Requires technical setup
- Breaks on any unexpected input
Pricing: Free (open-source)
Comparison Table: All 40 WhatsApp Chatbots
| Tool | Type | Best For | AI Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBL.so | AI Chatbot | Sales, Support, Lead Qualification | Advanced | $99/mo |
| Yellow.ai | AI Chatbot | Enterprise Support | Advanced | Custom |
| Gupshup | AI Chatbot | High-Volume | Advanced | Pay-per-use |
| Haptik | AI Chatbot | Banking/Retail | Advanced | Custom |
| Engati | AI Chatbot | Global Support | Moderate | Free/$19 |
| Chatbase | AI Chatbot | Knowledge Base | Moderate | Free/$19 |
| Voiceflow | AI Chatbot | Voice-Enabled | Moderate | Free tier |
| Dialogflow | AI Chatbot | Developers | Advanced | Pay-per-query |
| Rasa | AI Chatbot | Self-Hosted AI | Customizable | Free |
| Botpress | AI Chatbot | Developers | Moderate | Free/$25 |
| Landbot | Flow Bot | Lead Gen | Basic+AI | Free/$42 |
| ManyChat | Flow Bot | Marketing | Basic+AI | Free/$15 |
| Chatfuel | Flow Bot | E-commerce | Basic+AI | Free/$49 |
| Wati | Flow Bot | SMB Support | Basic | $49/mo |
| Twilio Studio | Flow Bot | Enterprise | Customizable | Pay-per-msg |
| BotPenguin | Flow Bot | Startups | Basic | Free/$5 |
| Gallabox | Flow Bot | E-commerce APAC | Basic+AI | $29/mo |
| AiSensy | Flow Bot | Broadcasts | Basic | Free/$19 |
| Interakt | Flow Bot | Retail | Basic | $15/mo |
| SleekFlow | Flow Bot | Agencies | Basic+AI | $69/mo |
| TimelinesAI | Flow Bot | Teams | Basic | $59/mo |
| MessageBird | Flow Bot | Enterprise | Basic | Custom |
| Zendesk Sunshine | Flow Bot | Support Desks | Moderate | $55/agent |
| Freshchat | Flow Bot | SMB Support | Basic+AI | Free/$15 |
| Tidio | Flow Bot | E-commerce | Basic+AI | Free/$39 |
| Respond.io | Flow Bot | Sales Teams | Basic | $79/mo |
| Kommo | Flow Bot | CRM Sales | Basic | $15/user |
| Chative | Flow Bot | Small Biz | Basic | Free tier |
| Trengo | Flow Bot | EU Compliance | Basic | €45/mo |
| QuickReply.ai | Flow Bot | Marketing | Basic | Custom |
| Botsify | Flow Bot | Multi-Platform | Basic | Free/$49 |
| JivoChat | Flow Bot | Live Chat | Basic | $19/mo |
| Userlike | Flow Bot | B2B Enterprise | Basic | €90/mo |
| Collect.chat | Flow Bot | Lead Gen Forms | None | Free tier |
| Ochatbot | Flow Bot | E-commerce | Basic | $49/mo |
| SBL.so | Lead Qual | CTWA Ads | Advanced | $99/mo |
| ConvertoBot | Lead Qual | A/B Testing | Basic | $19/mo |
| ROIBot | Lead Qual | E-commerce ROI | Basic | Custom |
| Supportly.ai | Lead Qual | Support Triage | Moderate | $29/mo |
| Typebot | Lead Qual | Open-Source | None | Free |
The Real Problem With Most WhatsApp Chatbots
After testing all 40 of these tools, here’s what I keep coming back to.
Most WhatsApp chatbots are basically GPT wrappers. They work fine when users ask predictable questions. The moment something unexpected happens, they break. They either give useless “I don’t understand” responses or immediately try to route to a human.
And when it comes to sales? Forget it.
None of these robotic bots can close a deal. They’re too scripted, too impersonal, too obviously automated for anyone to take them seriously in a sales context.
Humans buy from humans. Or at least from AI that feels human enough to build trust.
That’s the gap SBL fills. It’s not just another WhatsApp chatbot. It’s a conversational AI built on behavioral science that actually persuades, qualifies, and converts. The 40%+ conversion rates speak for themselves.
If you’re running Click-to-WhatsApp ads or doing WhatsApp automation for sales, you need something that goes beyond templates and predefined flows. You need AI that can actually sell.
Frequently Asked Questions About WhatsApp Chatbots
How do I build a free WhatsApp chatbot?
Use free tiers from BotPenguin, ManyChat, or Engati with WhatsApp Business API. You’ll need API access (takes 4-6 weeks for approval), then connect your number to the platform. Free tiers have limitations but work for testing.
What’s the best AI chatbot for WhatsApp customer support?
For enterprise support, Yellow.ai handles complex multilingual scenarios. For SMBs, Wati or Freshchat offer good value. For sales AND support, SBL covers both with actual conversational AI.
How much do WhatsApp chatbots cost?
Free tiers exist (BotPenguin, Engati). Basic paid plans start around $15-20/month. Professional tools run $50-100/month. Enterprise solutions like Yellow.ai are custom priced, typically $500+/month.
Do I need coding to build a WhatsApp chatbot?
90% of tools are no-code. Platforms like Landbot, ManyChat, and SBL let you build without developers. Only Twilio, Dialogflow, and Rasa require coding for full functionality.
How do I integrate ChatGPT with WhatsApp?
Many platforms now have native OpenAI integration (Landbot, Chatfuel). You can also use Zapier or Make.com to connect ChatGPT API to WhatsApp through various chatbot platforms.
What are the WhatsApp chatbot compliance rules in 2026?
Opt-in is mandatory. No spam. Meta audits AI content. Business verification required for API access. Template messages need approval. Promotional messages have restrictions during certain hours in some regions.
Which WhatsApp chatbots work best for e-commerce?
Gallabox and Tidio for catalogs. Ochatbot for cart recovery. ManyChat for Shopify integration. For conversational selling, SBL handles product questions and closes sales through WhatsApp.
Can WhatsApp chatbots actually close sales?
Most can’t. They’re too robotic. The only tool I’ve seen actually close deals is SBL because it uses behavioral science for persuasion, not just Q&A scripts. Most chatbots qualify or collect information but can’t persuade.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp chatbots have come a long way. We’ve got 135+ language support, voice messages, AR previews, payment processing… the technology is impressive.
But technology isn’t the problem.
The problem is that most chatbots still can’t have real conversations. They break on complexity. They feel robotic. They collect leads but can’t convert them.
If all you need is a FAQ bot or a form disguised as a chat, plenty of options work. If you need AI that actually sells, your options narrow dramatically.
Choose based on what you actually need. Not what the marketing promises.