Comparison
Apex Chatbot vs Tidio
Tidio is popular but its AI add-ons add up fast. Here is how Apex Chatbot compares.
Feature-by-feature comparison. We mark features honestly, including ones where Tidio wins.
| Feature | Apex Chatbot | Tidio |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Free: 50 lifetime conversations; paid from $59/mo | Free and paid plans; price depends on billing period and selected volumes |
| Self-serve setup | Yes | Yes |
| AI answer allowance | 50 lifetime on Free; 1,000 conversations/mo on Starter | Lyro AI conversations have a separate selected allowance; compare with human-handled billable conversations |
| Included channels | Website widget on Free; Telegram on Pro and Business | Website chat plus broader support channels by plan |
| Lead capture to email | Yes | Yes |
| AI-powered answers | Included in Chatbot plans | Lyro AI allowance is priced separately |
| Human support inbox | Conversation history; no round-robin live support | Shared inbox and helpdesk workflows |
| Founder-led support | Yes | Vendor support channels; check the support included in your chosen plan |
| Phone receptionist | Separate Voice product from $149/mo | Check current phone availability and scope directly with Tidio; not assumed in this comparison |
| Mobile delivery | Installable web app (PWA); not a native App Store or Google Play app. | Verify native-app availability on Tidio's current product surface. |
| Best fit | SMB that wants fast setup and one Apex dashboard | Team that prioritizes omnichannel support tooling |
Tidio data current as of 2026. Verify on their site before deciding. Pricing units reviewed September 6, 2026 against the official Tidio pricing page. Apex prices shown are Chatbot-only unless stated otherwise.
Cost, ecommerce fit and switching questions
Is ApexChatbot a direct Tidio replacement?
It can replace or avoid a live-chat-first setup when the business also needs voice receptionist and follow-up automation.
When is Tidio the better fit?
Tidio can be the better fit when the buyer mainly wants live chat, customer service tooling, Lyro AI Agent or ecommerce chat inside Tidio's ecosystem.
Can a business use both?
Yes. Tidio can handle live chat/customer service while ApexChatbot handles website lead capture, phone intake and owner-approved follow-up workflows.
How should I compare the monthly cost?
Tidio's pricing separates human-handled billable conversations, Lyro AI conversations and visitors reached with Flows. Apex has product-specific plan limits. Estimate the same customer volume and required channels, then include any add-ons; a headline subscription price alone is not a like-for-like comparison.
Will this automatically replace my ecommerce support setup?
No. Test product and policy answers, human handoff and the exact integrations you rely on. Apex can answer from configured business information and capture inquiry context; that does not establish parity with every Tidio integration or order-management action.
Can I test without removing my current widget?
Evaluate Apex in the live demo and on a separate test page first. Avoid stacking two open widgets on the same customer page. Keep your current support route until answers and handoffs have passed your checks.
Review the Apex Trust Center and customer evidence. Test the same customer questions in both products before choosing.
Make the switch
Start with Chatbot Free for $0 and no card. Upgrade to Starter ($59), Pro ($119) or Business ($299/month) when you need more volume and capabilities.