Chatbase vs Cresta
Which Chatbots AI tool is better in 2026?
Chatbase
Custom AI chatbots trained on your data.
Cresta
Generative AI for the contact center
Side-by-side
Cresta is the more established option (raised $280M), but Chatbase is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Chatbase | Cresta |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Custom AI chatbots trained on your data. | Generative AI for the contact center |
| Foundedi | 2023 | 2017🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | Palo Alto, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 101-250🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 51 | 54🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $3M | $280M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Seed · Nov 2023 | Series D · Nov 2024 |
| Valuationi | — | $1.6B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | —🏆 | — |
| Free plani | ✓ Build your agent for free | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise · Contact sales | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 2 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Chatbase and Cresta.
| Capability | Chatbase | Cresta |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✓ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Chatbase
- Offers a free plan
- Lower starting price ($19/mo)
- Newer company (2023)
🔵 Strengths of Cresta
- Has raised more capital ($280M vs $3M)
- Higher Neuron score (54 vs 51)
- More mature (2017)
- Verified profile
Which should you choose?
Choose Chatbase if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $19/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Chatbots tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Cresta if you want the most established option — it has raised $280M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Chatbase vs Cresta — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Chatbase is the leaner option; Cresta has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Chatbase cheaper than Cresta?
Yes — Chatbase's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Cresta's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Chatbase and Cresta offer free plans?
Chatbase: Yes, has a free plan. Cresta: Paid only.
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