# 2 Best Open Source Alternatives for Respond.io

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/respond-io
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Looking for the best open source alternative for Respond.io? Compare 2 verified free and open source alternatives to Respond.io (Erxes, ChatbotX) with license details, self-hosting requirements, and practical trade-offs.

## Respond.io Overview & Subscription Cost
- **Product**: Respond.io
- **Category**: [crm](https://caniforkit.com/category/crm)
- **Paid Subscription Price**: $49/month per seat
- **1-Seat Annualized Cost**: $588/year
- **5-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $2,940/year
- **10-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $5,880/year
- **Can I Vibe-Code / Rebuild It Myself?**: NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens)
- **Rebuild Verdict**: 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.

## Verified Free & Open Source Alternatives

| Alternative | Type | License | Runs On | GitHub Stars | Head-to-Head |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Erxes](https://caniforkit.com/fork/erxes) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 4.1k | [Compare vs Respond.io](https://caniforkit.com/vs/respond-io-vs-erxes) |
| [ChatbotX](https://caniforkit.com/fork/chatbotx) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 1.1k | [Compare vs Respond.io](https://caniforkit.com/vs/respond-io-vs-chatbotx) |

## In-Depth Alternative Profiles

### Erxes
- **Fork Page**: [Erxes Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/erxes)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Respond.io vs Erxes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/respond-io-vs-erxes)
- **Official Website**: https://erxes.io/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/erxes/erxes
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 4.1k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: All-in-one solution for marketing, sales, and customer service. Boost engagement, streamline workflows, and drive growth.
- **The Catch vs Respond.io**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HubSpot CRM Suite.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/erxes/erxes or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### ChatbotX
- **Fork Page**: [ChatbotX Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/chatbotx)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Respond.io vs ChatbotX](https://caniforkit.com/vs/respond-io-vs-chatbotx)
- **Official Website**: https://chatbotx.io/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/ChatbotXIO/ChatbotX
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 1.1k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: Open 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.io**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Respond.io.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/ChatbotXIO/ChatbotX or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### 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.

### 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.

### What is the catch when switching away from Respond.io?
While Erxes replaces core Respond.io features without subscription fees, the real-world trade-off is: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HubSpot CRM Suite.

## Related

- [crm Software Category Hub](https://caniforkit.com/category/crm)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Self-Hosted Software Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)