Top 7 AI Chatbots for Websites

Introduction

In today’s hyper-digital world, your website is often the first interaction a customer has with your brand. And if they don’t get what they need quickly, they bounce. Enter AI chatbots – your 24/7 digital sales and support team. These intelligent assistants not only engage visitors but also help businesses scale their customer service without hiring a large team of agents. Whether it’s answering FAQs, capturing leads, or nudging users towards a purchase, AI chatbots are transforming how websites operate.

This article dives deep into the world of AI chatbots for websites – what they are, the problems they solve, and a curated list of the best AI chatbot solutions to consider.

What is an AI Chatbot for a Website?

AI chatbots are software programs designed to simulate conversations with users. They leverage natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to understand and respond to queries. Unlike traditional rule-based bots, AI chatbots learn over time, improving accuracy and the user experience.

They can handle customer queries, suggest products, schedule appointments, and even perform transactions. With integrations into your CRM, helpdesk, or e-commerce platform, these bots work as an extension of your business, delivering consistent, personalized, and scalable support.

Challenges Solved by AI Chatbots on Websites

AI chatbots for small businesses are reshaping how websites interact with visitors, offering smarter, faster, and more personalized engagement. They don’t just automate responses—they transform the entire customer journey by making it seamless, efficient, and available 24/7. By addressing several long-standing pain points, chatbots have become a vital tool for businesses seeking to enhance their digital presence, boost conversions, and streamline operations. Here’s a deeper look at the specific challenges they solve:

Customer Service Bottlenecks

Long Wait Times: Traditional customer support systems often falter during high-traffic periods, forcing users to wait in queues for assistance. AI chatbots, on the other hand, provide instant replies regardless of volume. For instance, e-commerce giant Flipkart uses AI chatbots to manage thousands of queries during festive sales, offering real-time assistance and drastically reducing customer wait times.

Inconsistent Support: Human agents, though valuable, can vary in skill, mood, and tone. Chatbots, trained on vast datasets, deliver uniform responses that ensure a consistent brand voice. Take H&M’s chatbot as an example—it gives style advice and product suggestions with the same tone and accuracy across all user sessions, ensuring every visitor receives equal service.

High Query Volumes: As businesses scale, support demands multiply. Hiring and managing human agents becomes costly. AI chatbots can handle thousands of interactions simultaneously. For example, Domino’s Pizza uses a chatbot called “Dom” to take orders and handle customer queries, even on peak weekend nights, without needing extra staff.

Operational Inefficiencies

Manual Data Entry: Support agents often spend valuable time gathering basic customer information. Chatbots automate this by collecting names, emails, and issue types as soon as a conversation starts. A SaaS platform like Intercom uses bots to pre-qualify leads by asking for information such as industry, team size, and budget, before passing the data to a sales representative.

Multilingual Support Gaps: Serving international audiences requires multilingual capabilities. AI chatbots equipped with natural language processing can translate and converse in multiple languages. A good example is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which uses an AI chatbot that supports English, Dutch, Spanish, and more languages. The chatbot helps global travelers with bookings and updates.

Overburdened Teams: Support teams often juggle multiple tasks, including logging tickets, responding to them, and updating CRM integrations. Chatbots automate low-level tasks, allowing human agents to focus on high-priority issues. Shopify, for example, uses bots to respond to basic seller queries, allowing human reps to focus on handling business-critical escalations.

Conversion and Engagement Barriers

Bounce Rates: Visitors often exit websites because they can’t find what they need quickly. AI chatbots act as smart concierges. Take Sephora’s chatbot—it guides users to the right products based on preferences, reducing bounce rates and increasing conversions.

Underutilized Lead Opportunities: Many potential leads visit a site outside of business hours. With 24/7 availability, chatbots engage these users, capture contact information, and even schedule demos or callbacks. For instance, B2B software companies often use chatbots to qualify leads and book meetings automatically overnight.

Lack of Real-Time Interaction: Today’s users expect immediate interaction, and static web pages fall short. AI chatbots initiate conversations based on user behavior, such as lingering on a pricing page, and provide instant, relevant information. Drift, a conversational marketing platform, excels in this area. It helps SaaS companies increase engagement by chatting with visitors in real time and offering personalized solutions.

AI chatbots are more than customer support tools—they are intelligent assistants that eliminate bottlenecks, power global operations, and transform users’ website experiences.

Top 7 AI Chatbots for Websites

1. Emitrr
2. Tidio
3. Intercom
4. Drift
5. ManyChat
6. LivePerson
7. ChatBot by LiveChat

Here’s a curated list of the top 7 AI chatbots that are transforming website interactions and customer engagement across industries. These tools cater to a range of business needs—from lead generation and customer support to marketing automation.

1. Emitrr

Emitrr is an AI-powered voice and chat platform designed specifically for small and service-based businesses. It enables organizations to automate conversations over phone and text, making it easier to capture leads, handle customer interactions, and streamline daily operations.

Emitrr Key Features

• AI voice assistant for handling inbound and outbound calls
  Emitrr’s voice AI can automatically answer calls, reducing the need for front desk staff. It ensures no call goes unanswered, even during off-hours, helping businesses maintain a professional image and preventing potential lead loss due to missed calls.
• Missed call text automation to follow up instantly
  When a customer misses a call, Emitrr sends an automated SMS instantly to keep the conversation alive. This feature improves customer retention and reduces lost opportunities. It also gives businesses a second chance to capture interest and convert leads who might have otherwise moved on.
• Automated appointment scheduling and reminders
  Emitrr syncs with your calendar to schedule appointments automatically. It also sends timely reminders to reduce no-shows. This automation ensures smoother daily operations and saves time for front-desk teams.
• Real-time call analytics and performance dashboards
  Gain access to detailed call analytics, including call volume, missed calls, and conversion tracking. These insights help businesses make informed decisions and improve team performance. The dashboards make it easy to identify trends, bottlenecks, and training opportunities.
• SMS and voice campaign automation
  Businesses can launch promotional or follow-up campaigns via text or voice with just a few clicks. This helps maintain regular customer engagement without added manual effort. It supports personalized communication at scale, driving better engagement and sales.
• Two-way texting with clients and customers
  Emitrr supports real-time two-way SMS conversations from a centralized dashboard. It enables teams to manage ongoing chats and respond to client queries efficiently. This fosters better customer relationships and increases satisfaction by ensuring timely responses.
• Integration with Google My Business for reviews and lead capture
  Emitrr allows businesses to request reviews and capture leads directly through GMB. This boosts your online reputation and drives local SEO performance. It helps businesses stand out in local search and gain trust through verified reviews.
• CRM and scheduling software integrations (e.g., Housecall Pro, ServiceTitan)
  Emitrr seamlessly integrates with popular CRMs and scheduling tools, making it easy to manage leads and client data in one place. These integrations eliminate the need for double entry and improve workflow efficiency.
• Team collaboration tools for routing and task assignment
  Assign calls and follow-up tasks to team members within the platform. This ensures better coordination and prevents communication lapses, which is particularly useful for managing a distributed or multitasking team effectively.
• Customizable scripts and workflows for industry-specific needs
  Businesses can create and customize scripts for specific services or scenarios. This personalization enhances customer experience and supports brand consistency. It enables tailored messaging and improves response accuracy, especially for niche sectors.

Emitrr Ideal Use Cases

• Local service providers such as dental clinics, HVAC companies, cleaning services, and real estate businesses need efficient communication solutions.

Emitrr Unique Selling Points

• Industry-specific automation designed for service-based businesses
• Seamless voice and text automation in a single platform
• Easy integration with over 1,000 platforms and apps
• Personalized onboarding and ongoing customer support

Emitrr Price

• Starts at $49/month (pricing varies based on usage and selected features)

Emitrr Ratings and Review

• G2: 4.8/5
• Capterra: 4.8/5

“Working with Emitrr has been a pleasure. Love the features it offers and how easy it is to use.“

“Overall the communication has been awesome and everyone is super helpful. The app I’m on the fence about.“

2. Tidio

Tidio is a customer service platform that merges live chat and AI chatbot functionalities in a single tool.

Tidio Key Features

• Pre-built chatbot templates:
  Tidio offers a library of pre-built templates that help businesses quickly set up automated chats. These templates cover a wide range of use cases, from lead capture to customer support, saving time on design and implementation.
  
• Live chat with visitor tracking:
  The live chat feature includes visitor tracking, allowing businesses to monitor website activity in real time. This enables teams to engage visitors at the right time with the right message, improving their chances of conversion.
  
• Integration with Messenger, Instagram, and email:
  Tidio supports integration with popular communication channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and email. This cross-platform functionality helps businesses stay connected with customers on the channels they prefer.
  

Tidio Ideal Use Cases

• E-commerce businesses, small online stores, and customer support teams.

Tidio Unique Selling Points

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop chatbot builder:
  Tidio’s intuitive drag-and-drop builder allows businesses to create chatbots without any coding knowledge. This feature simplifies the creation process and makes it accessible for non-technical users.
  
• AI-based intent recognition for smarter conversations:
  Tidio’s AI-driven chatbot understands user intent and responds with relevant, context-aware answers. This enhances the user experience by providing more accurate responses and reducing the need for manual intervention.
  

Tidio Price

• Free plan available; paid plans start at $29/month

Tidio Ratings and Review

• G2: 4.7/5
• Capterra: 4.7/5

“The pricing for extra users is really the bad aspect of this tool.“

“While I have had a largely positive experience with Tidio LiveChat, there are a few areas that could be improved. One aspect I found a bit limiting is the pricing structure; some features are only available in the higher-tier plans, which may not be feasible for smaller businesses.”

3. Intercom

Intercom is a robust conversational platform for sales, marketing, and support teams. Its focus is on customer lifecycle management.

Intercom Key Features

• Customizable bots and live chat:
  Intercom’s bots can be fully customized to fit specific business needs, from answering FAQs to handling complex queries. This flexibility allows businesses to create personalized experiences for every user.
  
• Automated workflows:
  The platform enables the creation of automated workflows that streamline communication and task management. These workflows can be tailored to meet the specific needs of sales, marketing, and support teams, enhancing operational efficiency.
  
• Product tours and in-app messages:
  Intercom’s product tours guide users through your product’s features with interactive prompts. These tours can help onboard new users and increase user engagement by offering personalized, contextual messages within the app.
  
• Help desk features:
  Intercom’s help desk functionality supports ticket management and customer support workflows. It integrates seamlessly with the chatbot, enabling a smooth transition from automated interactions to live support when needed.
  

Intercom Ideal Use Cases

• SaaS companies, B2B platforms, and enterprises.

Intercom Unique Selling Points

• Highly customizable chatbot flows:
  Intercom allows businesses to design highly sophisticated chatbot flows that meet specific business objectives. This flexibility provides full control over the customer journey, ensuring it aligns with company goals.
  
• Deep customer segmentation and targeting:
  Intercom’s customer segmentation capabilities allow businesses to group users based on behavior, demographics, and more. This enables more targeted marketing and personalized support, driving better customer engagement.
  

Intercom Price

• Starts at $74/month

Intercom Ratings and Review

• G2: 4.5/5
• Capterra: 4.5/5

“From time to time I’ve had it hiccup during the save process and I’ll end up tweaking something to reestablish the connection to fix the problem and save the series.”

“In cases where bots have difficulty understanding the more complex questions, a human agent is called to continue the conversation. We have learned to modify automated flows to reduce the occurrence of this, however it can still be annoying for consumers.”

4. Drift

Drift is a conversational marketing platform that uses AI to turn website visitors into qualified leads through real-time chat.

Drift Key Features

• Conversational AI and chat routing:
  Drift uses conversational AI to interact with visitors in real time. It automatically qualifies leads and routes them to the right team members, ensuring that inquiries are addressed promptly and increasing conversion rates.
  
• Lead qualification bots:
  Drift’s AI-powered lead qualification bots gather crucial information from visitors and automatically assign scores based on predefined criteria. This helps sales teams focus their efforts on the most promising leads.
  
• Integration with CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot:
  Drift seamlessly integrates with popular CRMs such as Salesforce and HubSpot. By syncing chat interactions with CRM data, businesses can streamline their lead management processes.
  

Drift Ideal Use Cases

• B2B websites, marketing and sales teams.

Drift Unique Selling Points

• Focused on revenue acceleration:
  Drift’s platform is designed to accelerate sales and generate revenue. It emphasizes real-time interactions and lead nurturing to move prospects through the sales funnel faster.
  
• AI-based lead scoring and chat-to-call scheduling:
  Drift offers AI-based lead scoring, enabling businesses to prioritize high-value leads. The platform also allows for instant scheduling of chat-to-call connections, making it easier to connect with qualified leads quickly.
  

Drift Price

• Both free and paid versions are available at $2,500 per month.

Drift Ratings and Review

• G2: 4.4/5
• Capterra: 4.5/5

“Drift is an amazing tool that helps you communicate directly and seamlessly with your website visitors.“

“Drift has a couple key problems – one being the overly simplistic and confusing backend UI.“

5. ManyChat

ManyChat is a chatbot platform primarily designed for marketing automation via Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and SMS.

ManyChat Key Features

• Flow-based chatbot builder:
  ManyChat’s flow-based chatbot builder makes it easy to create automated conversation paths. This visual tool allows businesses to design complex workflows with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
  
• SMS and email integrations:
  ManyChat integrates with SMS and email, offering businesses multiple communication channels for engaging with customers. This omnichannel approach helps businesses reach customers wherever they are.
  
• E-commerce tools like abandoned cart recovery:
  ManyChat includes e-commerce-specific tools such as abandoned cart recovery. This feature helps businesses recover lost sales by automatically sending reminder messages to customers who have left items in their carts.
  

ManyChat Ideal Use Cases

• Social media marketers, influencers, and e-commerce stores.

ManyChat Unique Selling Points

• Extensive automation for Instagram and Messenger:
  ManyChat offers robust automation specifically for Instagram and Facebook Messenger, making it an ideal tool for social media-driven marketing campaigns. This helps businesses engage their audience with minimal manual effort.
  
• One-click Shopify and WooCommerce integration:
  ManyChat seamlessly integrates with Shopify and WooCommerce, allowing businesses to automate customer interactions directly from their online stores. This integration simplifies order tracking, customer support, and promotions.
  

ManyChat Price

• Free plan; Pro plan starts at $15/month

ManyChat Ratings and Review

• G2: 4.6/5
• Capterra: 4.6/5

“This would be fine if there were any support to help fix things. It is literally non-existent. You get run through the gauntlet of qualifying questions only to “submit a request” into the void and never hear back again.”

“Their pricing structure and not enough selections; it’s all or nothing.”

6. LivePerson

LivePerson provides AI-powered messaging solutions for large enterprises, helping brands connect with consumers on a large scale.

LivePerson Key Features

• Conversational AI for messaging:
  LivePerson’s conversational AI engages customers through text-based messaging, answering queries and providing real-time support. It uses natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to a wide range of customer inquiries.
  
• Voice AI capabilities:
  LivePerson also offers voice AI, enabling businesses to interact with customers through automated voice calls. This helps create a seamless experience for customers who prefer voice-over text-based communication.
  
• Advanced sentiment analysis:
  LivePerson incorporates advanced sentiment analysis, which evaluates customer emotions based on their conversations. This insight allows businesses to provide more personalized and empathetic responses, improving customer satisfaction.
  

LivePerson Ideal Use Cases

• Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, and telecoms.

LivePerson Unique Selling Points

• Enterprise-grade scalability:
  LivePerson is designed for large enterprises and can handle high volumes of customer interactions. Its scalability ensures that businesses can maintain high-quality support even as they grow.
  
• AI-powered intent detection for deep personalization:
  LivePerson’s AI can detect customer intent based on conversation context, allowing for more personalized interactions. This deep understanding of customer needs enhances engagement and increases conversion rates.
  

LivePerson Ratings and Review

• G2: 4.2/5

“The user interface can feel a bit outdated in some areas, and the learning curve is steep for new users. Occasionally, there are delays in support response time, especially during peak hours.”

“The user interface feels a bit outdated, and the learning curve can be steep for new users trying to set up advanced features like automation flows.”

7. ChatBot by LiveChat

ChatBot is a standalone product by LiveChat that allows businesses to build conversational flows for customer support and engagement.

ChatBot by LiveChat Key Features

• Visual chatbot builder:
  ChatBot’s visual builder allows businesses to design chatbot flows without writing any code. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create engaging and interactive chatbot experiences.
  
• Easy integration with LiveChat, Facebook, and Zapier:
  ChatBot seamlessly integrates with LiveChat, Facebook Messenger, and Zapier, enabling businesses to extend their support and engagement capabilities and allowing for smooth data synchronization across platforms.
  
• Built-in analytics:
  ChatBot provides built-in analytics to track performance metrics such as response times and user interactions. These insights help businesses understand customer behavior and optimize their chatbot strategies.
  

ChatBot by LiveChat Ideal Use Cases

• Small to medium businesses and customer service teams.

ChatBot by LiveChat Unique Selling Points

• Simple setup and intuitive UI:
  ChatBot’s simple setup process and user-friendly interface make it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Even non-technical users can quickly create and deploy chatbots without a steep learning curve.
  
• Seamless integration with LiveChat for hybrid support:
  ChatBot integrates effortlessly with LiveChat, enabling businesses to offer a hybrid support model where customers can seamlessly transition between automated and live chat. This ensures a smooth support experience.
  

ChatBot by LiveChat Price

• Starts at $52/month

ChatBot by LiveChat Ratings and Review

• G2: 4.6/5

“This is probably more of a weakness of LiveChat that utilizes ChatBot than the bot itself.“

“There are some limitations depending on your plan, but overall there’s very little to dislike. I can’t find things that disturb me.“

Best Practices for Using AI Chatbots on Websites

AI chatbots are transforming how businesses interact with customers online. But just installing one isn’t enough—it takes strategic deployment and thoughtful configuration to deliver real value. Here are some best practices to ensure your chatbot enhances, not hinders, the user experience.

1. Human-in-the-Loop: For complex issues, ensure a seamless handoff from chatbot to live agent. Customers should feel the transition is smooth, not frustrating.
Why it matters: A human backup reassures users that they will always get help, even when the bot cannot resolve the issue. This also improves customer satisfaction and trust.

2. Start with High-Traffic Pages: Deploy bots where they can make the most impact, such as homepages, pricing pages, or help centers.
Why it matters: These pages usually have the highest user intent. Chatbots here can drive conversions, answer pre-sales questions, and reduce drop-offs.

3. Train with Real Conversations: Train your chatbot using real customer queries to ensure accuracy and relevance. Constant updates will keep the bot smart and helpful.
Why it matters: Real user data helps the chatbot understand tone, slang, and common concerns, making responses feel more human and effective.

4. Ensure Transparency: Make it clear when users are chatting with a bot. This will build trust and set expectations.
Why it matters: Being upfront avoids confusion and frustration. It also sets the stage for a smoother experience when escalation to a human is needed.

5. Test and Optimize: Run A/B tests to improve scripts, triggers, and flows. Use analytics to refine performance.
Why it matters: Optimization turns a good chatbot into a great one. Metrics like resolution rate and chat duration can guide improvements in real time.

Why Emitrr is a Standout AI Chatbot for Websites

Choosing the right chatbot platform is just as important as using it strategically. Emitrr stands out in a crowded market by offering powerful automation with simplicity, especially for small, service-based businesses.

Emitrr isn’t your average chatbot. It combines voice and chat automation with smart integrations, making it a one-stop solution for small businesses that need efficiency without the complexity of enterprise tools.

• Tailored for Small and Service-Based Businesses: Emitrr understands the niche needs of businesses like home services and local companies.
  
• Voice and Chat Automation: It doesn’t just handle text chats; it also handles voice interactions.
• Automated Reminders & Follow-Ups: Perfect for appointment-based businesses.
  
• Quick Setup: Deploys in minutes; no technical expertise required.
  
• Smart Call Analytics: Understand caller behavior and trends in your dashboard. It helps to refine marketing campaigns and optimize service hours based on real engagement data.
  
• Integration with 1,000+ Tools: Works with Google Calendar, CRMs, and popular SaaS apps.
• Missed Call Text Automation: Sends a text when a call is missed, improving lead conversion.
  
• Secure and Compliant: Emitrr meets industry standards for data handling and privacy. It respects HIPAA, GDPR, and other protocols, making it reliable for sensitive industries like healthcare.

FAQs

Conclusion

AI chatbots have evolved from a nice-to-have to a must-have tool in modern digital customer service. With the right setup, they not only save time and money but also actively help convert visitors into customers.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, there’s a chatbot platform tailored for your business needs. From Tidio’s ease-of-use to Intercom’s advanced workflows to Emitrr’s voice-and-chat blend for service pros—there’s something for everyone.