What is respond.io?
respond.io is an AI customer conversation platform that manages WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, email and calls in one inbox with AI agents. It is one of the leading platforms built on the WhatsApp Business API, and it holds a 4.8 rating from more than 500 reviews on G2. Customers include retailers, clinics, schools, car dealers and travel agencies across many countries.
respond.io is designed for businesses that sell and support through messaging apps. It captures leads from ads, social and the website, uses AI agents to answer questions, qualify leads and book appointments, then routes conversations to the right person in a shared team inbox. Workflows automate assignment and follow-ups, broadcasts send promotions and reminders, and WhatsApp Business Calling lets teams take voice calls in the same place. Pricing on higher plans is based on monthly active contacts, so you pay for the people you actually talk to.
Main Features
- Manage WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, email and other channels in one inbox.
- Answer, qualify and book appointments with AI agents.
- Route conversations to the right team member automatically.
- Build workflows for assignment, follow-ups and lead qualification.
- Send broadcasts for promotions, renewals and surveys.
- Make and receive calls through the WhatsApp Business Calling API.
- Connect CRMs and tools through integrations, Zapier and MCP.
How to Get Started with respond.io
- Start a 7-day free trial at respond.io; no credit card is needed.
- Connect your WhatsApp Business number and social accounts.
- Invite your team and set up routing rules.
- Train an AI agent on your FAQs and turn it on for incoming chats.
respond.io Pricing
respond.io offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card. Billed yearly, Starter costs $79 per month for 5 users, Growth costs $159 per month and adds automation, AI agents and monthly active contact pricing, and Advanced costs $279 per month ($349 billed monthly). Enterprise is custom, and WhatsApp message fees from Meta are separate.
Who Should Use It?
- Businesses that sell through WhatsApp and Instagram DMs.
- Clinics and service businesses booking appointments by chat.
- Car dealers and retailers handling many sales inquiries.
- Support teams in markets where messaging apps replace email.
- Multi-branch companies that need routing across locations.
respond.io Alternatives
- Chatfuel AI: simpler AI chatbots for WhatsApp and Instagram
- Tidio: better for website live chat in small online stores
- Crisp: an affordable shared inbox with AI for startups
Frequently Asked Questions
Is respond.io free?
No, but it offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card. Paid plans start at $79 per month billed yearly.
Does respond.io work with WhatsApp?
Yes. respond.io is built on the official WhatsApp Business API and also supports WhatsApp Business calling.
What is respond.io used for?
respond.io is used to manage sales and support conversations across messaging apps. Businesses use it to capture leads, automate replies with AI and close sales in chat.