Chatbase vs Tidio: which one should you use?
Last updated October 19, 2026
Chatbase and Tidio both put AI on your website, but from opposite sides. Chatbase is an AI agent first, with human handoff as an add-on. Tidio is live chat first, with Lyro AI as an add-on.
So the question is simple: do you want AI that sometimes hands off to a person, or a person who gets help from AI?
Pricing
Chatbase charges by message credits, from $40/mo for 700 to $500/mo for 15,000. Human handoff starts on Standard at $150/mo, and removing branding is $1,188 a year. Tidio charges by conversations, from $29/mo for 100, and bills Lyro separately from $32.50/mo.
Feature comparison
Chatbase goes further on AI, with model choice, actions, and more channels. Tidio goes further on live chat, with a visual flow builder and deeper Shopify features.
What each one does well
Chatbase is great when most questions can be answered or handled by AI, and you want control over how. Tidio is great for online stores that want live chat, scripted flows, and AI for repeat questions.
Verdict
Pick Chatbase if AI is the main event. Pick Tidio if live chat is. If you want both without a second meter on your bill, compare flat-priced options too.
Also see our full breakdowns: Chatbase alternative, Tidio alternative, Chatbase pricing, Tidio pricing.
Pricing at a glance
Feature comparison
| Feature | Chatbase | Tidio |
|---|---|---|
| AI agent trained on your content | ||
| AI included in the plan price | ||
| Live chat with a human on the cheapest paid plan | ||
| Visual chatbot flow builder | ||
| Choice of AI models | ||
| Shopify integration | ||
| WhatsApp and Instagram |
What users say
Chatbase
- Flexible AI agent with your choice of model
- AI actions like booking meetings and order lookups
- AI credits included in every plan
- No seat-based pricing
- Human handoff inbox starts at $150/mo
- Removing branding costs $1,188 a year
- No visual flow builder
- Free plan agents are deleted after 14 days unused
Tidio
- Live chat with humans on every plan
- Visual flow builder for scripted bots
- Deep Shopify features for ecommerce
- Up to 10 seats on Free, Starter, and Growth
- Every plan caps conversations
- Lyro AI is billed separately
- Growth gets pricier as volume grows
- Less control over the AI model
The bottom line
Chatbase or Tidio?
Chatbase if you want a flexible AI agent and humans are a backup. Tidio if you want live chat first, with scripted flows and Lyro for common questions, especially on Shopify.
Or consider a third option
Chatbase puts human handoff at $150/mo. Tidio caps conversations and bills Lyro on top. Bubblegram includes AI replies, live chat, and unlimited conversations from $9/mo, and you reply from Telegram.
Try Bubblegram free →Common questions
Which is cheaper, Chatbase or Tidio?
For AI only, Chatbase Hobby at $40/mo with 700 credits is simpler. For live chat with AI, Tidio Growth plus Lyro starts around $91.50/mo, while Chatbase needs Standard at $150/mo for human handoff.
Which has better AI?
Chatbase gives you more control: model choice, actions, and more channels. Lyro is easier to set up inside Tidio and focused on support questions.
Which is better for Shopify?
Tidio. Its Shopify features, like order lookups and cart triggers, are deeper and built into the live chat.
Can customers talk to a person?
In Tidio, on every plan. In Chatbase, through the helpdesk inbox on Standard ($150/mo) and above.
Human-first, AI-assisted.
Talk to customers from Telegram.
Every customer channel in one place.
Resolve tickets yourself, or let AI handle them.