Chatbot or human operator
What each costs at your volume of conversations, with a calculator and the formula in plain view.
Comparisons
Chatbot or human agent, voice agent or call center: how do you compare them correctly?
Compare on three things: the cost at your real volume, what each option covers, including nights and weekends, and what it cannot do. The pages below do this for each pair, with public prices and with calculators on your figures.
Updated: 10.10.2026
In short
The direct answer
A chatbot or a voice agent does not fully replace people. It takes over repeated questions and simple calls, and people stay for what requires judgment. The correct comparison is between "people only" and "agent plus people", not between an agent and a person.
In each comparison we also say where the other option is better. Other companies' prices are copied from their official pages, with the date they were checked.
Costs
Cost comparisons, with a calculator.
AI voice agent or call center
The cost of a voice agent compared with agents or an outsourced call center, on your calls.
Platforms
aichat and Kallina compared with other platforms.
aichat vs Intercom Fin
A full helpdesk paid per outcome, compared with a chat agent configured for you, at a fixed monthly price.
Kallina vs Vapi and Retell
Voice platforms for developers, paid per minute, compared with a voice agent built for you.
Alternatives
Alternatives to well-known chat platforms.
Chatbase alternative
Chatbase is a builder you use yourself. We configure aichat for you, on your website and on messaging channels.
Tidio alternative
Tidio is live chat and helpdesk with the Lyro agent. aichat is an AI agent on your website, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and Telegram.
Alternative to ManyChat
ManyChat builds flows for Instagram and Messenger. aichat answers from your documents and hands the conversation to a person.
Plainly put
How to read a comparison written by a vendor.
- Any comparison on a vendor's website is written by an interested party, including ours. Check the prices on the others' official pages.
- Ask for a trial on your real questions or calls, not on a prepared scenario.
- Compare written offers with the same scope, not starting prices.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a chatbot cheaper than a human agent?
It depends on the volume and on how many conversations the chatbot can close on its own. The calculator on the "Chatbot or human agent" page does the math on your figures.
Can a voice agent replace a call center?
It can take over simple and repeated calls. Complex calls stay with people. The cost comparison is on the "AI voice agent or call center" page.
Where do other companies' prices come from?
From their official pricing pages, on the date written on each page. They may change.
How much do aichat and Kallina cost?
aichat: $49, $150 or $500 per month. Kallina: $99 or $300 per month; above that, on request.
See also
Related pages
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