Compare · ManyChat vs Chatfuel
ManyChat vs Chatfuel
Two of the best-known chatbot builders for Instagram, compared on how they charge, what's free, the channels they cover and who each one suits.
By HelloDM · Updated 6 November 2026
The short answer
HelloDM wrote this page, so weigh it accordingly. Competitor details were checked on 6 November 2026 on each vendor's own website and are linked below; prices change, so confirm on their site before you buy. How we compare · Report an error
At a glance
| ManyChat | Chatfuel | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A chatbot builder for Instagram, Messenger, TikTok, Telegram and WhatsApp, with a visual flow builder, templates, AI features and a large integrations ecosystem. | An AI chatbot builder for Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and websites, priced around monthly AI credits. |
| Pricing model | Billed by active contacts: the monthly price steps up as more people interact with your automations. | Yearly plans that include a monthly AI-credit allowance; when credits run out, AI replies pause until you add credits or upgrade. |
| Free plan | Free plan with 25 active contacts a month, 2 channels, up to 4 live triggers and 1 user. | No free-forever plan; a free trial with a starting balance. |
| Paid plans | Essential $17/month ($14 billed annually) for 250 active contacts; Pro $39 ($29) for 2,500; Business $99 ($69) for 7,500; Advanced $199 ($139) for 25,000. | Business S at $18/month billed yearly ($216/year), including $20 of AI credits a month and one bot. |
| Seats and bots | Users by plan: 1 Free, 2 Essential, 3 Pro, 5 Business, 10 Advanced. Instagram account limits aren't listed on the pricing page. | Business plans: one business and one bot. Agency plans: 3 or more companies. |
| Channels | Instagram, Messenger, TikTok and Telegram on every plan; WhatsApp, SMS and email (10,000 to 100,000 emails a month) from Pro. 2 channels connected on Free and Essential, 3 on Pro, all on Business and Advanced. | Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and website. |
| How it connects | States it is an official Meta Business Partner. | States it is an official Meta partner. |
| MCP server (Claude, ChatGPT) | Not confirmed: manychat.com blocks automated checks. Search results show third-party connectors for ManyChat, not an official server. | A hosted MCP server for Claude, ChatGPT and Cursor that runs your chats and Chatfuel's AI Agent. |
Chatfuel’s plans in detail: Chatfuel pricing explained. ManyChat’s: ManyChat pricing explained.
How the cost grows
The two bills grow for different reasons. ManyChat rises with the number of people your automations interact with in a month, so a post that brings in thousands of new commenters can move you up a tier even if every reply is a simple link. Chatfuel rises with AI usage: flows, inbox and channels are included, and the credits pay for AI replies, WhatsApp template messages and lead events.
On their published terms, a large audience getting a fixed, non-AI reply draws no Chatfuel credits but moves you up ManyChat’s contact tiers. A small audience fits ManyChat’s free or Essential plan, while on Chatfuel every AI reply draws on credits whatever the audience size.
Which one fits
Choose ManyChat if…
- You want a visual flow builder and ready-made templates.
- You want a free plan to start on.
- You need TikTok, Messenger or Telegram alongside Instagram.
- You rely on its integrations ecosystem.
Choose Chatfuel if…
- You want an AI agent answering open-ended questions in your DMs.
- You sell or book appointments on WhatsApp, including broadcasts.
- You need a website chatbot as well.
- You run an agency managing several businesses.
A third option if you only need Instagram
Both tools are built for several channels. If Instagram is the whole job (comment-to-DM, story replies, DM keywords), HelloDM, which is our product, is free for 1,500 DMs a month, then a flat price with unlimited DMs and contacts: Starter $8.99/month ($4.99/month billed annually), ₹399 in India. Pro $14.99/month ($9.99 annually), ₹499 in India. On every plan: up to 600 sends an hour per account (Meta's ceiling is 750), at most 10 a minute, a 30-minute cooldown when a post spikes, one DM per person per post, and checks that block a link in the first message.
Compare it with each: HelloDM vs ManyChat, HelloDM vs Chatfuel, or all of them in the best Instagram DM automation tools.
Questions
Is ManyChat or Chatfuel better?
ManyChat suits creators and small businesses who want a visual flow builder, templates and a free plan to start on. Chatfuel suits businesses that want an AI agent answering open-ended questions, especially on WhatsApp, and agencies running several companies. For Instagram alone, both are more than many people need.
Which is cheaper, ManyChat or Chatfuel?
It depends on how you use them. ManyChat starts free (25 active contacts) and Essential costs $17 a month ($14 billed annually) for 250 contacts; its price rises with the number of people you interact with. Chatfuel has no free plan and starts at $18 a month billed yearly, with $20 of AI credits; its cost rises with how many AI replies you send. A big audience with simple replies favours Chatfuel; a small audience favours ManyChat.
Do ManyChat and Chatfuel both work with Instagram?
Yes. Both automate Instagram comments, story replies and DMs, and both state they are official Meta partners. ManyChat also covers TikTok, Messenger, Telegram and WhatsApp; Chatfuel also covers WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and website chat.
Is there an alternative to both for Instagram only?
Yes. HelloDM does Instagram only, with a free plan of 1,500 DMs a month and flat paid plans with unlimited DMs: Starter $8.99/month ($4.99/month billed annually), ₹399 in India. Pro $14.99/month ($9.99 annually), ₹499 in India.
Sources
- ManyChat pricing — manychat.com/pricing
- Chatfuel pricing — chatfuel.com/pricing
ManyChat and Chatfuel are trademarks of their owners, used only to identify the products. Neither is affiliated with HelloDM.
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