Conversations, not credits
One visitor chat session is one conversation, regardless of how many replies it takes. No model-dependent burn rate to decode.
The Chatbase alternative · updated Oct 2026
Chatbase bills per reply. We bill per conversation.
The category leader for “train ChatGPT on your data”, now moving upmarket into helpdesk, voice and enterprise. Here's an honest look at how ChatKit compares — including when Chatbase might suit you better.
Free plan · 14-day Growth trial · no credit card
At a glance
| Feature | Chatbase | ChatKit |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | $40/mo — 700 credits | $29/mo — 500 conversations |
| Billing unit | Message credits (2–6 per reply) | Conversations (one chat session) |
| Remove branding | +$99/mo | Included from Starter |
| Team seats | 2–5 included | Unlimited from Starter |
| Human inbox | Standard ($150) and up | Every plan |
| Free plan | Agents deleted after 14 days inactive | Never deleted |
Price at 500 AI chats / month
- Chatbase
- ≈ $179/mo
- ChatKit
- $29/mo
Chatbase: Hobby $40 + 1,000 extra credits $40 + branding removal $99. Assumes ~3 credits per chat; premium models burn more. ChatKit: Starter, 500 conversations, branding removed, hard cap. Based on public pricing, Oct 2026.
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- 2
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What Chatbase users report
Common frustrations
- Credit burn is confusing: a single reply can cost 2–6 credits depending on the model.
- Steep jump from Hobby ($40) to Standard ($150) to get the helpdesk and API.
- Removing branding costs an extra $99/mo; extra agents are $25/mo each.
- Reviewers report hallucinated answers.
- Billing complaints on Trustpilot include charges after cancellation and denied refunds (reported).
Sourced from public pricing pages and customer reviews (G2, Capterra, Trustpilot, Reddit) as of Oct 2026.
Where ChatKit wins
Built to fix exactly that.
Branding removal included
Every paid plan from Starter removes ChatKit branding. No $99/mo add-on.
Inbox from day one
The AI + human inbox is on every plan, including Free — you don't need a $150 tier to take over a chat.
Your free agent is never deleted
Inactive free agents stay put. Come back whenever you're ready.
Chatbase pricing
How Chatbase bills
Message credits — reviewers report one reply costs 2–6 credits depending on the model.
Public list prices as of Oct 2026. Vendors change pricing often.
Compare with ChatKit pricingFree
50 credits, 1 agent — agents deleted after 14 days of inactivity
$0
Hobby
700 credits, 2 agents, 2 seats
$40/mo
Standard
4,000 credits, 8 agents, 3 seats — adds helpdesk & API
$150/mo
Pro
15,000 credits, 11 agents, 5 seats
$500/mo
Add-ons
Extra credits $40 per 1,000 · extra agent $25 · remove branding $99
$25–$99/mo
When Chatbase might be the better choice
Chatbase supports more channels today (voice, WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, email) and a wider model picker. If you need phone or WhatsApp support right now, it may be the better fit.
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