The Best AI Chatbot Builders and Platforms in 2025
Introduction
AI chatbots are now essential for customer support, sales, onboarding, and automation. But with so many platforms and tools available, how do you choose the right one for your business or project? In this guide, we review the best chatbot builders and platforms in 2025—covering no-code, low-code, and open source options.
What Makes a Great Chatbot Platform?
- Ease of use: Can you build and deploy without deep technical skills?
- AI capabilities: Does it use LLMs, NLP, or simple rules?
- Integrations: Can it connect to your website, WhatsApp, Slack, or CRM?
- Customization: Can you control the bot’s tone, logic, and knowledge?
- Analytics: Does it track conversations, leads, and user satisfaction?
- Pricing: Is there a free plan or trial?
- Open source: Is the code available for self-hosting or custom development?
The 6 Best Chatbot Builders and Platforms in 2025
1. Optimly
- Type: No-code, LLM-powered
- Best for: Fast website/chatbot deployment, analytics, business users
- Highlights: Drag-and-drop builder, knowledge base, analytics, multi-channel (web, WhatsApp, more), free plan
- Website: optimly.io
2. Dialogflow (by Google)
- Type: Low-code, NLP/LLM
- Best for: Developers, Google Cloud users
- Highlights: Powerful intent detection, voice and text, integrates with Google ecosystem, supports fulfillment via webhooks
- Website: dialogflow.cloud.google.com
3. Microsoft Bot Framework
- Type: Low-code, open source SDK
- Best for: Enterprises, developers, Microsoft stack
- Highlights: SDKs for C#, JS, Python; Azure Bot Service; multi-channel; open source core
- Website: dev.botframework.com
4. Rasa
- Type: Open source, developer-focused
- Best for: Custom, on-premise, privacy-sensitive projects
- Highlights: Full control, train your own models, open source, strong community, advanced dialogue management
- Website: rasa.com
5. ManyChat
- Type: No-code, marketing focus
- Best for: Social media, e-commerce, lead gen
- Highlights: Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, SMS; visual builder; templates; automation for marketing
- Website: manychat.com
6. Botpress
- Type: Open source, visual builder
- Best for: Developers, teams wanting open source with UI
- Highlights: Visual flow editor, LLM support, on-premise or cloud, plugin ecosystem
- Website: botpress.com
Top Open Source Chatbot Platforms (Bonus)
- Rasa: Python-based, highly customizable, strong for enterprise and privacy
- Botpress: Node.js, visual builder, plugin system
- ChatterBot: Python, simple rule-based or ML chatbots
- DeepPavlov: NLP-focused, research and production
- OpenDialog: Conversation design, open source, flexible
How to Choose the Right Chatbot Builder
- For business users: Look for no-code tools with analytics and easy website integration (e.g., Optimly, ManyChat)
- For developers: Consider open source or low-code platforms (Rasa, Botpress, Dialogflow, Microsoft Bot Framework)
- For privacy/compliance: Open source, self-hosted options (Rasa, Botpress)
- For marketing: Social media and automation features (ManyChat)
- For multi-channel: Check WhatsApp, Messenger, web, and API support
Frequently Asked Questions
Are open source chatbots free?
Yes, but you’ll need to host and maintain them yourself.
Can I use LLMs (like GPT-4) with these platforms?
Most modern platforms support LLM integration, either natively or via API.
Do I need to code?
No-code tools require no coding. Open source and low-code platforms are best for developers.
Which is best for my website?
If you want fast, no-code setup and analytics, try Optimly. For full control, try Rasa or Botpress.
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