respond.io alternatives worth a look

respond.io is a capable WhatsApp inbox, but AI starts one tier up and contacts are metered. Here are the alternatives, what each is best for and what it costs.

We make Invent, so it comes first. Every other price comes from the vendor's own pricing page on monthly billing.

01Why switch

Why teams look for a respond.io alternative

From respond.io's own pricing page, Aug 5, 2026.

AI starts at $159, not at the entry priceThe $79 Starter plan carries the inbox and automation but no AI agent. Adding AI means moving to Growth at $159 a month, so the price you compare against is rarely the price you pay.

Monthly active contacts are meteredGrowth includes 1,000 monthly active contacts and then charges $12 per extra 100. Advanced charges $15 per 100. Your bill tracks how many people wrote to you, which is exactly the number a good campaign increases.

Every extra seat is billedStarter adds users at $12 each, Growth at $20 and Advanced at $24, on top of the plan. Invent does not charge per seat.

WhatsApp fees are still yoursLike every WhatsApp platform, Meta conversation charges sit on top of the subscription. That part is the same on both sides; the difference is what the platform adds to it.

02Alternatives

The alternatives, side by side

What each one is best for, and what its plan with AI costs per month.

Built by usInvent Business$29/month

Best for: Teams that want one AI agent on WhatsApp, Instagram and the website, with the inbox, CRM and broadcasts in one plan.

Invent vs respond.io

Wati Growth$69/month

Best for: Small teams that live on WhatsApp and fit within three seats.

Invent vs WatiVerified Aug 5, 2026

Kommo Base$15/user/mo

Best for: Sales teams that want a pipeline CRM around their chats.

Invent vs Kommo (formerly amoCRM)Verified Aug 5, 2026

Chatwoot Startups$19/agent/mo

Best for: Teams with developers who want to host an open-source inbox themselves.

Invent vs ChatwootVerified Aug 5, 2026

Manychat Pro$39/month

Best for: Brands that grow an Instagram audience with flows.

Invent vs ManychatVerified Jul 21, 2026

360dialog Regular€49/number/mo

Best for: Developers who only need WhatsApp API access and will build the rest.

Invent vs 360dialogVerified Aug 5, 2026

Leaving respond.io? We move you over, free

Book a free 30-minute call and we migrate your agent for you: knowledge, instructions, channels, branding. You just approve the result.

1Book a 30-minute callShow us your respond.io setup. Sources, instructions, integrations.

2We rebuild it hereKnowledge, instructions, channels, and your white-label branding. No charge.

3You flip the switchTest it side by side, go live when you are happy.

Common questions

What is the best respond.io alternative?

It depends on your team. Invent fits teams that want the AI agent, inbox, CRM and broadcasts on one $29/mo plan. Wati suits small WhatsApp-only teams, Kommo suits sales pipelines, and Chatwoot suits teams that want to host it themselves.

Is there a cheaper respond.io alternative with AI included?

Yes. respond.io adds the AI agent on Growth at $159 a month. Invent includes the AI agent in its $29/mo plan, with no seat fees and no metering of contacts.

Can I keep my WhatsApp number when I switch?

Yes. Book a short migration call. We move your number, rebuild your automations as agent instructions and import your contacts, then you test both side by side before switching.

Start Building Your Assistant For Free

No credit card required.