The rise of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) has completely reshaped the world of chatbots. Modern AI chatbots go far beyond answering customer queries—something 96% of consumers say they now expect from brands. Today, they can create content, summarize key business metrics, and offer personalized guidance at every stage of the customer journey. In this guide, we’ll explore what AI chatbots are capable of and how to choose the best one for your business.

What Are AI Chatbots?

An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot is a software application designed to mimic human conversation through text or voice interactions. When a user submits a query, the chatbot uses AI technology—often powered by natural language processing (NLP)—to interpret the input, process relevant information, and deliver a helpful, context-aware response.

AI chatbots are increasingly valuable for businesses. They can streamline customer service, analyze sales and marketing data, and even generate written content such as reports, blog posts, and product descriptions. By automating these tasks, AI chatbots not only improve efficiency but also enhance the overall customer experience.

How Do AI Chatbots Work?

AI chatbots are powered by large language models (LLMs)—advanced systems trained on vast amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like language. By pre-training on massive datasets, LLMs can interpret context and deliver coherent, nuanced responses to a wide variety of prompts. Popular examples include OpenAI’s GPT and Google’s LaMDA.

Unlike older rule-based or menu-driven bots, AI chatbots can process natural language beyond fixed keywords or scripted replies, enabling them to hold more fluid and conversational interactions with users. They can also be fine-tuned with domain-specific data to perform specialized tasks, such as customer service, sales assistance, or technical support.

These chatbots leverage machine learning and deep learning technologies, allowing them to continuously improve over time. The more they interact and process data, the more accurate, context-aware, and helpful their responses become.

4 Benefits of Using AI Chatbots

With AI evolving at lightning speed, chatbots are becoming smarter, faster, and more versatile. For businesses, this means more than just automated replies—AI chatbots deliver real value across customer service, sales, and operations. Here are four key benefits they can bring to your business:

1. Enhanced Customer Service and Experience

For nearly 60% of consumers, long wait times are the most frustrating part of customer service. AI chatbots solve this by being available 24/7, ready to answer questions, guide shoppers, or handle routine issues instantly. Thanks to generative AI, these bots can hold conversations that feel far more natural and human-like compared to the rigid, menu-driven chatbots of the past. They also enhance self-service by directing customers to helpful resources, making the overall support journey faster, smoother, and more satisfying.

2. Increased Conversions and Sales

AI chatbots can boost sales by engaging website visitors in real time, answering questions, and guiding them through the buying process. By tapping into customer data—such as purchase history or past interactions—they can deliver personalized product recommendations that feel tailored to each shopper. This personalized approach builds trust and reduces friction, ultimately driving more purchases. In fact, AI chatbots are estimated to increase conversions by up to 23%.

3. Reduced Operational Costs and Greater Efficiency

AI chatbots excel at automating repetitive tasks, from answering FAQs to handling routine service requests. By taking these time-consuming duties off your team’s plate, businesses can cut operating costs, free up staff for higher-value initiatives, and improve overall profitability. It’s no surprise that nearly 65% of companies using AI report a boost in productivity, making chatbots a cost-effective way to scale support and operations.

4. Expanded Market Reach and Accessibility

AI chatbots break down barriers by communicating in multiple languages, allowing businesses to connect with customers worldwide. Their ability to operate 24/7 ensures support across time zones, making products and services more accessible to a global audience. This around-the-clock availability not only improves customer satisfaction but also helps brands expand into new markets without the heavy costs of traditional support teams.

10 Best AI Chatbots for Business

AI chatbots are no longer one-size-fits-all. Some general-purpose bots can support your business with research, data analysis, report generation, and even coding assistance. Others are built for specific use cases, such as powering customer service and marketing teams, acting as digital shopping assistants in ecommerce, or guiding new employees through onboarding.

To help you find the right fit, here are ten of the best AI chatbots available for businesses today:

1. ChatGPT

Use cases: Content generation, research, translations, coding Model(s): GPT-3.5 (free), GPT-4 (paid) Features: Advanced search capabilities, custom bot builder, third-party integrations Price: GPT-4 available at $20/month

ChatGPT is one of the most versatile AI chatbots for business, supporting everything from daily operations to creative projects. You can use it to generate website content—such as product descriptions and blog posts—write and debug code, translate text into multiple languages, or summarize research findings into easy-to-digest reports.

With the paid version, ChatGPT unlocks even more functionality, including access to a wide range of third-party plug-ins and integrations that extend its capabilities. OpenAI has also introduced a custom GPT builder, allowing businesses to create tailored bots designed for specific workflows and tasks.

2. Microsoft Copilot (formerly Bing Chat)

Use cases: Content creation, research, virtual assistance Model(s): GPT-4 Features: Advanced search, image generation (DALL·E 3), visual search, browser integration Price: Free version available; Copilot Pro costs $20 per user/month

Microsoft Copilot, formerly known as Bing Chat, brings the power of GPT-4 into Microsoft’s ecosystem. Like ChatGPT, it can generate content, assist with research, and act as a virtual assistant—but Copilot goes a step further by offering free access to DALL·E 3 for AI image generation.

Another key advantage is integration: while ChatGPT runs in a standalone interface, Copilot is built directly into Microsoft Edge and other Microsoft products, making it easy to use in your everyday workflow. For teams that rely on Microsoft 365, upgrading to Copilot Pro adds even more advanced productivity features.

3. Google Gemini (formerly Bard)

Use cases: Content summarization, translations, coding, research Model(s): Gemini Pro Features: Export to Google Workspace, text-to-speech, deep reasoning capabilities Price: Free version available; Gemini Advanced costs $19.99/month

Google Gemini is the tech giant’s AI chatbot, originally built on LaMDA and now powered by the more advanced PaLM 2 model. Like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, it can help draft emails, generate written content, translate languages, and support research tasks.

Where Gemini stands out is its seamless integration with Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Gmail, making it especially useful for businesses already embedded in Google’s ecosystem. Backed by Google’s ongoing AI research, Gemini offers strong reasoning skills and continues to evolve rapidly, positioning it as a powerful assistant for both personal and professional use.

4. Zendesk

Use cases: Customer support and experience Model(s): Proprietary Features: No-code bot builder, omnichannel deployment, live chat transfer, deep integrations Price: Plans start at $55/agent/month

Zendesk’s AI chatbot is built directly into its well-known customer support platform, making it a natural fit for service-focused teams. It includes a no-code bot builder, allowing businesses to set up automated workflows without technical expertise, and draws on industry-specific data to deliver smarter, more accurate responses.

The chatbot can be deployed across multiple channels and integrates seamlessly with ecommerce platforms like Shopify. This allows it to pull in customer data—such as billing, shipping, and order details—to resolve queries instantly or assist human agents during live conversations. For businesses looking to elevate customer service while boosting efficiency, Zendesk’s AI chatbot is a strong choice.

5. Chatfuel

Use cases: Customer support and conversational commerce Model(s): GPT-4 Features: No-code bot builder, omnichannel deployment, integrations, pre-built templates Price: Starting at $29/month

Chatfuel Lite is designed with small businesses in mind, offering a simple, affordable, and non-technical way to build and deploy AI chatbots. With its no-code bot builder and pre-built templates, businesses can quickly launch conversational chatbots on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, and even their own websites.

The platform integrates with popular business tools such as Shopify, enabling businesses to automate workflows like updating inventory after a sale or posting new product images directly to social media. For small to mid-sized businesses focused on conversational commerce, Chatfuel provides a cost-effective and easy-to-use chatbot solution.

6. Botsify

Use cases: Customer support, marketing, and sales Model(s): GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 Features: Omnichannel support, multilingual capabilities, no-code bot builder, integrations, live chat transfer Price: Starting at $49/month

Botsify is a versatile AI chatbot platform that works across multiple channels, including websites, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram. Its drag-and-drop builder and pre-built templates make setup simple, even for non-technical users.

One of its standout features is ecommerce integration: Botsify syncs with Shopify to pull your product catalog, allowing customers to browse and shop directly from supported messaging apps. With its multilingual support and live chat transfer capabilities, Botsify is a strong solution for businesses that want to combine customer support, sales, and marketing into a single chatbot experience.

7. Jasper Chat

Use cases: Content writing, translation, plagiarism checking Model(s): GPT-4, Anthropic, Google models Features: Copywriting, brainstorming, translations, plagiarism checker, browser extension, multi-format export Price: Starting at $39/month

Jasper Chat is part of the Jasper AI copywriting platform, built specifically for marketing and content creation. It can generate content in over 30 languages, summarize reports and articles, brainstorm ideas, and even check for plagiarism.

What sets Jasper Chat apart is its enterprise-grade security and clear ownership rights—users retain control of both the prompts they provide and the outputs generated. It also comes with a convenient browser extension and supports multiple export formats, including PDF, Word, and HTML, making it a flexible choice for professional teams.

8. Copy.AI Chat

Use cases: Content writing and marketing copy Model(s): GPT-4, Anthropic, Azure Features: Brand voice customization, copywriting templates, multilingual support, web scraping, SEO optimization Price: Free plan available; paid plans start at $36/month

Copy.AI Chat is a popular AI-powered copywriting platform designed to help businesses and individuals create high-quality content quickly. Its chatbot can generate website copy, blog posts, and marketing materials while matching your unique brand voice. It also assists with research, grammar and spell checks, and SEO optimization, making it a versatile writing assistant.

With support for more than 95 languages and features like templates and web scraping, Copy.AI is especially valuable for teams managing global content marketing campaigns.

9. ChatSpot

Use cases: Marketing and sales Model(s): GPT-3.5, GPT-4, DALL·E Features: Content generation, image creation, prospecting, CRM integration Price: Free

ChatSpot is HubSpot’s AI-powered virtual assistant, designed to help businesses streamline marketing and sales workflows. While it integrates seamlessly with HubSpot’s CRM, you don’t need to be a HubSpot customer to start using it. ChatSpot can assist with content creation, research, and summarizing information, making it a handy tool for everyday business tasks.

For HubSpot users, ChatSpot becomes even more powerful. It can sync with Shopify to segment customers based on purchasing behavior, generate detailed reports on key metrics like average order value or cart abandonment, and even automate ecommerce campaigns. Combined with DALL·E’s image generation capabilities, ChatSpot offers a unique mix of marketing support and creative tools.

10. Shopify Magic

Use cases: AI designed for ecommerce Model(s): Proprietary (Shopify AI) Features: Product photo editing, product description generation, personalized FAQs, Shopify Inbox integration, virtual assistant (Shopify Sidekick) Price: Free with an active Shopify plan

Shopify Magic is Shopify’s built-in AI assistant, created specifically for ecommerce businesses. It helps merchants streamline daily operations by generating product descriptions, suggesting personalized FAQs and responses, and even editing product photos with background removal or replacement.

For more advanced support, Shopify offers Shopify Sidekick, a virtual assistant that understands the platform inside and out. Sidekick can provide tailored advice on improving store performance, assisting with tasks like campaign planning, inventory optimization, and customer engagement strategies. For businesses already using Shopify, Magic is a natural choice to boost efficiency and enhance the customer experience.

7 Tips for Choosing an AI Chatbot

If you’re considering adding an AI chatbot to your ecommerce business, it’s important to choose one that truly fits your goals and workflows. With so many options on the market, the right pick can help you streamline operations, boost customer satisfaction, and even grow sales. Here are seven key tips to keep in mind as you explore your options:

1. Identify Your Needs and Goals

Before you begin comparing platforms, define exactly what you want your AI chatbot to accomplish. Is your priority to improve customer service, generate more leads, or automate internal workflows? Having clear goals upfront makes it easier to filter through the options and choose chatbot software that aligns with your business objectives and delivers measurable results.

2. Check If It’s Ready to Use Out of the Box

Not all AI chatbots are equally easy to set up. Some require custom coding, training, and technical configuration, while others come with no-code tools and are ready to launch with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a quick start, choose a chatbot that’s pre-trained on industry-specific data, supports machine learning for ongoing improvements, and offers user-friendly setup and maintenance. This way, you can get your chatbot running without a steep learning curve or heavy IT involvement.

3. Weigh Cost, Time, and Resources

Implementing an AI chatbot isn’t just about the subscription fee—it’s about the total cost of ownership (TCO). Beyond the initial purchase, factor in setup, training, customization, and long-term maintenance. Consider how much time and resources your team can realistically commit, and weigh those against the potential return on investment. A well-chosen chatbot should deliver enough value—through improved efficiency, better customer experiences, or increased sales—to justify the investment.

4. Prioritize Data Privacy and Ownership

AI chatbots handle sensitive customer information, making data privacy, security, and ownership critical considerations. Before choosing a provider, review how they manage and store data. Look for platforms that follow strict compliance standards, provide transparent ownership policies, and clearly outline how your business’s and customers’ data will be used.

If your chatbot is customer-facing, you may also need to update your own privacy policies to reflect how data is collected and processed. Taking these steps not only protects your business but also builds trust with your customers.

5. Check for Seamless Integrations

A chatbot is most effective when it works smoothly with your existing business systems. Integrations allow your AI chatbot to connect with tools like your CRM, ecommerce platform, helpdesk, or marketing automation software. This ensures consistent customer experiences, more efficient workflows, and less manual work for your team.

Since not every chatbot can integrate with every platform, confirm that your chosen solution supports the systems that matter most to your business.

6. Ensure It Supports All Your Channels

Today’s digital shoppers move seamlessly between websites, mobile apps, and messaging platforms—often across multiple devices. An effective AI chatbot should deliver a consistent, omnichannel experience, recognizing customers wherever they interact with your brand.

Since not every chatbot works across all platforms, choose one that can be deployed on the channels that matter most to your business.

7. Be Aware of Current Limitations

AI chatbots are powerful tools, but they’re not flawless. As with any emerging technology, there are ethical concerns, biases, and accuracy issues to consider. Whether you’re using them for brainstorming, content creation, or customer support, keep in mind that chatbots can sometimes produce factual errors, biased outputs, or even unintentional plagiarism.

That’s why human oversight remains essential—reviewing, editing, and fact-checking ensures the content you deliver is accurate, original, and aligned with your brand’s quality standards.

AI Chatbot FAQ

How do you choose an AI chatbot?
To choose the right AI chatbot for your business, start by defining your needs and goals—whether that’s improving customer support, driving sales, or automating workflows. From there, evaluate the chatbot’s readiness (out-of-the-box vs. custom build), the total investment required, and its ability to integrate with your existing tools. You’ll also want to check for omnichannel support and understand the limitations of generative AI, especially around bias, accuracy, data privacy, and security.

What are the types of chatbots?
There are three main types of chatbots:

Menu-based or button-based chatbots – The simplest form, where users select from predefined options. Easy to use, but limited in flexibility.
Rules-based chatbots – These follow a set of rules to respond to user input, offering more flexibility than menu bots but still restricted in scope.
AI-powered chatbots – The most advanced, using artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP) to generate human-like, dynamic responses across countless use cases.

Are AI chatbots safe?
Yes, AI chatbots are generally safe to use, but it’s important to stay aware of potential risks. Common concerns include data privacy, inaccurate or misleading information (sometimes called AI “hallucinations”), and bias in responses. To reduce risk, choose chatbots from reputable providers, review their privacy policies, and always fact-check important outputs before using them.

10 Best AI Chatbots for Business in 2025