Cresta vs Tidio
Which Chatbots AI tool is better in 2026?
Cresta
Generative AI for the contact center
Tidio
AI customer service platform built around the Lyro AI support agent
Side-by-side
Cresta is the more established option (raised $280M), but Tidio is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Cresta | Tidio |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Generative AI for the contact center | AI customer service platform built around the Lyro AI support agent |
| Foundedi | 2017 | 2013🏆 |
| HQi | Palo Alto, US | Szczecin, Poland |
| Employeesi | 101-250 | 51-200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 54🏆 | 49 |
| Total fundingi | $280M🏆 | $26.8M |
| Latest roundi | Series D · Nov 2024 | Series B · May 2022 |
| Valuationi | $1.6B🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | From $24/mo🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise · Contact sales | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 1 published plans | Free · From $24/mo |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Cresta and Tidio.
| Capability | Cresta | Tidio |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Cresta
- Has raised more capital ($280M vs $26.8M)
- Higher Neuron score (54 vs 49)
- Newer company (2017)
- Verified profile
🔵 Strengths of Tidio
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- Lower starting price ($24/mo)
- More mature (2013)
Which should you choose?
Choose Tidio if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $24/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
Cresta vs Tidio — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Cresta has raised more capital and is the more established option; Tidio is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Cresta cheaper than Tidio?
No — Tidio's cheapest paid plan is Free · From $24/mo, while Cresta's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Cresta and Tidio offer free plans?
Cresta: Paid only. Tidio: Yes, has a free plan.
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