Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups are on a relentless quest to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and cut costs. This is where Top 10 Chatbot Builders for SMEs and Startups step in as game-changers. From automating customer support to generating leads and facilitating transactions, chatbots are now essential.
With over 85% of customer interactions expected to be handled without a human agent by the end of 2025 (Gartner), the use of chatbot platforms for small business is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Whether you’re launching your first e-commerce venture or running a bootstrapped B2B startup, finding the right tool can be overwhelming. This guide unpacks the Top 10 Chatbot Builders for SMEs and Startups you should consider in 2025 — all cost-effective, easy to use, and power-packed.
- Introduction
- 1. Tars – The Conversational Form King
- 2. ManyChat – For WhatsApp, Instagram & Messenger
- 3. Zoho SalesIQ – Smart Bot + Live Chat
- 4. Chatfuel – Built for Scale
- 5. WotNot – No-Code Meets Power
- 6. Landbot – For Website Engagement
- 7. Intercom – Advanced Customer Success
- 8. Drift – Conversation-Driven Growth
- 9. BotPenguin – Made for Indian Startups
- 10. MobileMonkey – Omni-channel Genius
- Key Learnings from This Guide
- Ready to Elevate Your Brand with Smart Automation?
- About Hobo.Video
1. Tars – The Conversational Form King
Why Tars?
- Simplifies lead generation and qualification
- Drag-and-drop chatbot builder with industry templates
Tars is ideal for startups needing automated customer support tools without hiring developers. It’s best known for conversational forms that convert — especially useful for service-based businesses.
Price: Starts at $49/month
Use Case: Lead generation, support automation
Website: hellotars.com
2. ManyChat – For WhatsApp, Instagram & Messenger
Why ManyChat?
Amplify Your Brand,
One Influence at a Time.
- Designed for marketing and engagement
- Seamless WhatsApp and Instagram automation
ManyChat stands out for its WhatsApp chatbot for startups, especially e-commerce sellers and D2C brands in India. If you’re looking for free chatbot builders for beginners, this one has a generous free plan.
Price: Free (Pro plan starts at $15/month)
Use Case: Social selling, product inquiries, UGC campaigns
3. Zoho SalesIQ – Smart Bot + Live Chat
Why Zoho?
- Powerful integration with Zoho suite
- AI + human support model
Perfect for businesses using Zoho CRM, this tool is among the AI chatbot tools for startups India needs more of. The bot evolves using intent-based routing.
Price: Free (basic), paid plans start at $10/month
Use Case: Customer support, lead nurturing
4. Chatfuel – Built for Scale
Why Chatfuel?
- Best for growing SMEs and mid-size startups
- Supports Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp
If you’re scaling fast and want deep integrations, Chatfuel provides a great mix of customization and AI. It’s one of the best chatbot software 2025 will rely on.
Price: Free tier available, premium starts at $15/month
Use Case: Customer queries, booking, product FAQs
5. WotNot – No-Code Meets Power
Why WotNot?
- Indian-origin platform with intuitive interface
- Ready-to-use templates for industries
WotNot is built for the Indian SME audience. It’s perfect for low-cost chatbot builders targeting finance, education, healthcare, and more.
Price: Custom pricing (Free trial available)
Use Case: Lead gen, appointment setting, support
6. Landbot – For Website Engagement
Why Landbot?
- Website chatbot with great UX
- Integrates easily with WhatsApp and CRMs
Landbot is great if you’re looking to boost website conversion. It’s among the chatbot platforms for ecommerce businesses that focus on design and experience.
Price: Free plan available; paid starts at $30/month
Use Case: Site engagement, support, onboarding
7. Intercom – Advanced Customer Success
Why Intercom?
- AI + human hybrid support
- Scales with your business
Though on the pricier side, Intercom is ideal for fast-growing tech startups. It offers automated customer support tools that adapt to user behavior and retention strategies.
Price: Starts at $74/month
Use Case: High-touch customer success, onboarding, feedback collection
8. Drift – Conversation-Driven Growth
Why Drift?
- B2B focused chatbot + sales assistant
- Personalized messages based on behavior
Drift is a leader in AI chatbot tools for startups focusing on lead conversion. If you’re into influencer marketing or UGC videos, this helps qualify traffic before human touch.
Price: Premium pricing (starts at $250/month)
Use Case: Sales acceleration, account-based marketing (ABM)
9. BotPenguin – Made for Indian Startups
Why BotPenguin?
- Supports WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram
- Affordable pricing, multilingual bots
BotPenguin is among the best AI chatbot tools for startups India has to offer. A go-to choice if you’re entering Tier II or regional markets.
Price: Starts at INR 499/month
Use Case: Regional engagement, FAQs, lead gen
10. MobileMonkey – Omni-channel Genius
Why MobileMonkey?
- Unified inbox across channels
- AI-driven lead gen and drip campaigns
From influencer marketing India campaigns to UGC content, MobileMonkey works well for SMEs seeking centralization.
Price: Free plan; paid starts at $19/month
Use Case: Multichannel marketing, lead capture
Key Learnings from This Guide
- Choose based on your startup’s scale and sector
- Prioritize low-cost chatbot builders if budget is tight
- Use tools like BotPenguin or WotNot for Indian language and local support
- Integrate chatbot platforms with your CRM or WhatsApp for best ROI
- Consider free plans if you’re a beginner or solopreneur
Ready to Elevate Your Brand with Smart Automation?
Hobo.Video helps you not only with influencer marketing but also ensures you use the right tools like Chatbot Builders for SMEs and Startups to scale efficiently.
About Hobo.Video
Hobo.Video is India’s leading AI-powered influencer marketing and UGC company. With over 2.25 million creators, it offers end-to-end campaign management designed for brand growth. The platform combines AI and human strategy for maximum ROI.
Services include:
- Influencer marketing
- UGC content creation
- Celebrity endorsements
- Product feedback and testing
- Marketplace and seller reputation management
- Regional and niche influencer campaigns
Trusted by top brands like Himalaya, Wipro, Symphony, Baidyanath and the Good Glamm Group.
This is where creators find brand deals that make sense. Join us.
If you’re a brand looking to grow with real ROI, let’s connect. Fill the form today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best chatbot builders for SMEs and startups in India?
Platforms like BotPenguin, WotNot, and ManyChat are tailored for Indian audiences with local support, WhatsApp integration, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Are there any free chatbot platforms for beginners?
Yes, ManyChat, Chatfuel, and Landbot offer free plans suitable for beginners and solo founders.
3. Can these tools integrate with WhatsApp?
Absolutely. Most tools now support WhatsApp chatbot for startups, especially in India.
4. What’s the ROI of using chatbot platforms?
Companies report up to 60% cost reduction in support teams and 30% higher lead conversion rates.
5. Which chatbot builder suits ecommerce startups?
Landbot and Chatfuel work well for ecommerce due to visual interfaces and CRM integrations.
6. Can chatbots handle regional languages in India?
Yes. Tools like BotPenguin and WotNot offer multilingual capabilities.
7. How do I pick the best chatbot for my business?
Assess your goals, channels (like website or WhatsApp), and volume of queries before deciding.
8. Do I need coding knowledge to use these platforms?
No. Most are no-code chatbot builders with drag-and-drop interfaces.
9. Are chatbots relevant for influencer marketing campaigns?
Yes. Chatbots can automate lead capture, UGC submission, and even feedback collection.
10. How does Hobo.Video support chatbot integration?
Hobo.Video can guide brands on integrating chatbot tools for influencer campaigns, UGC management, and customer engagement.
Rohit Thapa