The options and what drives their cost
| Option | Cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Business app | Free | Fixed greeting, away message and quick replies |
| Flow tool on the official API | Monthly subscription + Meta's per-message charges | Button chatbot with approved templates |
| Custom build (n8n, Python…) | Development time + server + AI usage + maintenance | Whatever you build, and whatever breaks |
| MultiChats | €150 / month excl. VAT per number | AI agent, follow-up, lead sorting and inbox |
Third-party prices change often, so check each provider's current pricing page rather than relying on a list.
The costs you don't see on the price tag
With a custom build, the big cost isn't setting it up, it's keeping it running. WhatsApp changes, the AI gets things wrong in new ways and someone has to watch the alerts. With tools on the official API, Meta's per-message charges grow with your sales. Always ask what you'd pay with twice as many customers. We explain the build route in how to build a WhatsApp AI agent.
What MultiChats costs, exactly
- Starter: 1 number with its AI agent, €150 a month.
- Team: 5 numbers, €500 a month (€100 per agent).
- Business: 10 numbers, €800 a month (€80 per agent).
All excluding VAT, monthly, no contract, no per-message fees. Details on our pricing page.
What a cheap option costs you in another way
MultiChats links by QR code rather than the official API, which is why there are no per-message fees. The trade-off is that Meta can restrict a number that sends in bulk; we work with caps, pauses and an automatic brake, but the risk is not zero. If you need zero risk to the number and thousands of transactional messages, the official API is the right tool.
How to tell whether it pays for itself
Do a simple sum: how many sales you lose each month by replying late or not following up, and what each one is worth. If winning back one sale a month covers €150, the agent pays for itself. If it doesn't, you probably don't need one yet. Comparing with a person? See MultiChats vs hiring a salesperson.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a contract with MultiChats?
No. You pay monthly and cancel whenever you like.
Do I pay extra for each message?
No. Messages and AI usage are included in the plan.
Is a WhatsApp chatbot free?
The WhatsApp Business app's automatic replies are. A chatbot with real AI always costs something, because someone pays for the server and the model.
What if I need several numbers?
Team covers 5 agents for €500 and Business 10 for €800, per month excl. VAT. See pricing.