Respond.io costs $49/mo.
These cost $0.
2 free alternatives to Respond.io, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.
The top-rated free, open-source replacement for Respond.io is Erxes (Open Source Open Source). Across this category, 2 self-hostable tools are available (including Erxes and ChatbotX). Switching a 5-person team saves up to $2,940/year compared to Respond.io's $49/mo subscription.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HubSpot CRM Suite.
Respond.io vs Free Alternatives
Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $49/mo
| Alternative | Type | License | Where It Runs | Stars | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erxes | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 4.1k | Respond.io vs Erxes → |
| ChatbotX | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 1.1k | Respond.io vs ChatbotX → |
The picks
2 open source · ranked by fit
- 01
Erxes
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host4.1knov 2026All-in-one solution for marketing, sales, and customer service. Boost engagement, streamline workflows, and drive growth.
The catch vs Respond.ioRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HubSpot CRM Suite.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/erxes/erxes or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 02
ChatbotX
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host1.1knov 2026Open source agentic chat marketing platform you can self-host, white-label, and resell. Automate omnichannel conversations across WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, Zalo, TikTok, Email, and Webchat with a flow builder, shared inbox, AI agents, CRM, and broadcasts.
The catch vs Respond.ioRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Respond.io.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/ChatbotXIO/ChatbotX or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
Respond.io Head-to-Head Comparisons (2027)
Side-by-side trade-off breakdowns · 2 free alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers · Respond.io open-source replacements
What is the best free alternative to Respond.io?+
The top free alternative to Respond.io is Erxes (open source, Open Source). All-in-one solution for marketing, sales, and customer service. Boost engagement, streamline workflows, and drive growth. Other popular Respond.io replacements include ChatbotX.
Can I self-host a free replacement for Respond.io?+
Yes. Of the 2 free alternatives to Respond.io, 2 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: Erxes (Open Source), ChatbotX (Open Source).
How much does switching from Respond.io to a free alternative save?+
Respond.io starts at $49/month per seat ($588/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Erxes saves $2,940 per year in software subscription fees.
Should I vibe-code or build my own Respond.io clone from scratch?+
Our build verdict for Respond.io is NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Respond.io or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Erxes.
What is the catch when switching from Respond.io to Erxes?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HubSpot CRM Suite.
