Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by Jan Barley
Are chatbots worth it? That’s the question many small businesses and entrepreneurs are asking.
With AI-driven automation on the rise, many businesses are implementing chatbots to improve customer interactions and boost sales. Still, are chatbots worth it? Above all, can they genuinely enhance customer experience, or are they just another tech trend?
In this article, we’ll explore how chatbots can benefit businesses, comparing two of the most popular chatbot platforms—ManyChat and Chatfuel.
Whether you’re an eCommerce store, a service provider, an influencer, or a marketer, understanding the core differences between these reputable platforms will help you decide which chatbot software suits your needs best.
What Are Chatbots & Why Do Businesses Use Them?
If you’re on Instagram or spend time browsing websites, you have probably interacted with a chatbot.
Chatbots are AI-powered virtual assistants that automate customer conversations, handling everything from answering FAQs to processing orders. Businesses use chatbots for several reasons:
- 24/7 Customer Support – Respond to customer queries instantly, even outside business hours.
- Lead Generation & Qualification – Chatbots can collect customer details and filter high-quality leads.
- Sales Automation – Many chatbots guide users through the buying process, which can help boost conversions.
- Marketing & Engagement – AI chatbots can personalise recommendations and send promotions.
- Time & Cost Savings – Automating repetitive tasks reduces the need for large customer service teams.
So, are chatbots worth it for businesses? The short answer: Yes—if you choose the right chatbot platform for your needs.
ManyChat vs. Chatfuel: Which Chatbot is Best?
ManyChat and Chatfuel are top-tier chatbot platforms that cater to different business needs. Here’s how they compare:
Feature Comparison: ManyChat vs. Chatfuel
| Feature | ManyChat | Chatfuel |
| Best For | Small to medium businesses, eCommerce, marketers | Enterprises, agencies, larger businesses |
| Platforms Supported | Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, SMS, Email | Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Websites |
| Ease of Use | Drag-and-drop builder, beginner-friendly | Advanced automation – better for experienced users |
| Customisation | Pre-made templates + custom flows | More advanced AI capabilities |
| CRM & Lead Capture | Integrated with email and SMS marketing | Strong lead capture tools |
| eCommerce Features | Shopify, Stripe, and PayPal integrations | Good for customer support but fewer eCommerce tools |
| Pricing | Free plan + affordable paid plans | No free plan, higher pricing for advanced features |
Key Differences Between ManyChat & Chatfuel
- Ease of Use: ManyChat is more beginner-friendly, offering an intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality. Chatfuel, on the other hand, is better suited for advanced users who want more control over AI automation.
- Supported Platforms: Both platforms work with Facebook Messenger and Instagram, but ManyChat extends to SMS and email marketing, making it more versatile.
- eCommerce Integration: ManyChat integrates well with Shopify and Stripe for automated sales, making it ideal for online stores. Chatfuel, while powerful, focuses more on customer support rather than direct sales.
- Pricing: ManyChat offers a free plan, making it accessible for small businesses. Chatfuel’s pricing is higher but provides robust AI-driven automation for larger companies.
😊 Get a Free Trial of ManyChat
😊 Get a Free Trial of Chatfuel
Who Should Use Chatbots?
Chatbots are beneficial for a wide range of industries. Here’s who can benefit the most:
ECommerce Stores & Online Businesses
- Automate order processing and customer inquiries.
- Send abandoned cart reminders to boost sales.
- Provide personalised product recommendations.
Service-Based Businesses
- Capture leads by answering initial questions.
- Schedule appointments through automated booking systems.
- Improve customer service without hiring additional staff.
Digital Marketers & Social Media Managers
- Run interactive campaigns on Facebook & Instagram.
- Collect email addresses for lead nurturing.
- Use AI chatbots to enhance engagement.
Large Enterprises & Agencies
- Automate customer service for high-volume inquiries.
- Reduce wait times and improve response rates.
- Scale customer interactions without increasing staff costs.
How Chatbots Can Increase Sales
If you’re still wondering, “Are chatbots worth it for my business?” consider how they directly impact sales and revenue:
- Automated Lead Generation – Chatbots capture leads through Messenger, WhatsApp, and websites, increasing conversion rates.
- Faster Customer Support – Instant responses reduce friction in the buying process.
- Personalised Recommendations – AI-driven chatbots suggest products based on customer behaviour, leading to higher sales.
- Cart Abandonment Recovery – Automated follow-ups encourage users to complete purchases.
- Seamless Payment Integration – ManyChat lets customers purchase products directly through Messenger or Instagram.
With chatbots handling these tasks, businesses can focus on growth rather than repetitive interactions.
Read: AI Side Hustles: 9 Proven Ways To Earn $5,000/Month
Are Chatbots as Good as Human Interaction?
While chatbots like ManyChat and Chatfuel have transformed customer communication, they still cannot fully replace human interaction—at least not yet. Their ability to automate responses, handle FAQs, and engage users 24/7 makes them invaluable for businesses. However, key differences between chatbot interactions and human conversations impact the overall user experience.
Where Chatbots Excel:
✅ Instant Responses – Chatbots provide immediate answers, reducing waiting times and improving customer satisfaction.
✅ 24/7 Availability – Unlike human agents, chatbots do not take breaks, making them ideal for handling enquiries at any time.
✅ Scalability – They can manage thousands of conversations simultaneously, something human teams cannot match.
✅ Consistency – Chatbots deliver uniform responses, ensuring accurate brand messaging.
Having the capacity to provide 24/7 responses can mean the difference between a potential customer making a purchase or clicking off to a competitor who may have a chatbot working for them. If the business cannot afford, or does not want the hassle of, employees, a chatbot is the perfect solution.
Where Humans Outperform Chatbots:
❌ Emotional Intelligence – Chatbots struggle with empathy and complex emotional cues, making human agents essential for sensitive issues.
❌ Complex Problem-Solving – AI-powered chatbots can handle structured queries but often struggle with nuanced or unique requests.
❌ Personalisation – Advanced chatbots use AI to personalise conversations, but they still lack the deep contextual understanding of human agents.
😊 Get a Free Trial of ManyChat
😊 Get a Free Trial of Chatfuel
The Best Way to Use Chatbots
Rather than replacing human interaction, ManyChat and Chatfuel work best as a hybrid solution—automating routine enquiries while seamlessly handing off complex issues to a live agent when needed. Businesses that balance chatbot automation with human support create a more rewarding and efficient customer experience.
If you have a bustling Instagram profile, you might find ManyChat can significantly minimise time in conversations. A chatbot can act like a filter for determining if someone is genuinely interested in your products or services. That, my friend, is a godsend and can help reduce the possibility of social media burnout.
Are Chatbots Worth It? Final Verdict
The answer depends on your business needs, but chatbots are absolutely worth it for most companies. They save time, improve customer engagement, and ultimately drive more sales.
Which Chatbot Should You Choose?
Both chatbots have an excellent reputation as leading chatbot providers, but there are key differences.
- Use ManyChat: If you’re a small business, eCommerce store, or marketer looking for an easy-to-use chatbot with strong sales automation.
- Use Chatfuel: If you need an AI-powered chatbot for customer service and lead generation in a larger business or agency.
Bottom Line: If your goal is to streamline customer interactions and boost revenue, investing in a chatbot like ManyChat or Chatfuel can be a game-changer.
😊 Get a Free Trial of ManyChat
😊 Get a Free Trial of Chatfuel
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link.
FAQs
What Is The Main Difference Between Manychat And Chatfuel?
ManyChat is designed for automation with a strong focus on Instagram and Messenger marketing, while Chatfuel focuses on AI-powered chatbot interactions.
Which Chatbot Platform Is Better For E-commerce?
ManyChat is ideal for eCommerce businesses due to its seamless integration with Shopify, Instagram DM automation, and sales funnel optimisation.
Can I Use Manychat Or Chatfuel Without Coding Skills?
Yes. Both platforms are beginner-friendly and offer drag-and-drop builders. That is to say, they are accessible to non-technical users. However, ManyChat is more beginner friendly of the two.
Which Chatbot Platform Offers Better AI Automation?
Chatfuel provides more advanced AI-driven chatbot capabilities, making it an excellent choice for businesses needing complex automated responses.
How Do Chatbots Help Increase Sales?
Chatbots can automate customer interactions, answer FAQs, capture leads, and even process orders, reducing friction in the sales process. Above all, a chatbot can reduce the chances of a missed sale or lead, which can be priceless when you’re trying to grow a business.
Is Manychat Or Chatfuel More Affordable For Small Businesses?
ManyChat offers a free plan and affordable paid options, making it a budget-friendly choice for startups and small businesses.
