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Comparison
Chatfuel is one of the original chatbot platforms: block-based flows with keyword triggers for Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp, with AI features layered on top. Replies.live starts from the opposite end — the conversation is AI-native, trained on your business, and it's wrapped in a full revenue loop: ads in, contacts captured, buyers brought back. Choose Chatfuel for scripted bot logic you control block by block; choose Replies.live when leads ask real questions and you want them sold to, saved, and re-engaged without maintaining a bot.
Chatfuel made its name on Facebook Messenger bots and now covers Instagram and WhatsApp with the same building blocks: triggers, conditions, scripted replies. It's a solid way to automate predictable interactions — quizzes, FAQs, simple qualification.
Replies.live is built for the conversations that don't fit blocks: a lead asking whether your course fits their level, negotiating a start date, or sending a voice note. The AI answers from your Knowledge, captures the contact before the lead goes quiet, and follows up through Telegram pushes and email — because for repeat-business brands, the second purchase is where the margin lives.
| Dimension | Chatfuel | Replies.live |
|---|---|---|
| Core automation model | Block-based flow editor with keyword triggers; AI add-ons for some answers | AI-native conversation engine trained on your Knowledge; no flow editor at all |
| Unscripted questions | Needs a matching block or AI add-on; otherwise default fallback | Free-form answers grounded in your Knowledge base, with escalation to a human when needed |
| Channels | Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp (varies by plan) | Instagram DM, WhatsApp, Telegram (incl. Telegram Business), Facebook Messenger + retention channels (Telegram bot, email) |
| Voice notes & photos | Limited — flows are text/button oriented | Understands voice messages and images in the conversation |
| Lead capture | Scripted data-collection steps inside flows | Offer-based capture ([UNLOCK] mechanics): content delivered in exchange for email, phone, follow or subscribe — raised by the AI at the right moment |
| Retention | Re-engagement messages within platform rules | Telegram bot pushes (~90% open in 24h) and email broadcasts to captured contacts |
| Ads & attribution | Entry points for click-to-message ads | Reach layer (early access): AI creatives, campaign prep, and closed-loop attribution from creative to paying customer |
| Setup | Assemble flows from blocks/templates | Connect Claude or ChatGPT; it reads existing facts, interviews you on missing operating rules, and prepares the setup for approval |
There's no flow to assemble. Connect Claude or ChatGPT, let it read the workspace, answer one consolidated business interview, approve the proposed Product and Knowledge setup, then connect a channel. A website can prefill facts but is not required.
It says so honestly and escalates to you — and the question becomes a one-line addition to your Knowledge so it's answered next time. The bot never invents prices or policies.
Yes — Messenger is one of the four sales channels, alongside Instagram DM, WhatsApp and Telegram, all served by the same engine and the same inbox.
There's nothing to migrate flow-by-flow — your AI builds Replies from approved Products, Knowledge and business rules; a website can be one optional source. Most teams run both briefly, compare conversations side by side, then switch the channel over.
Connect Claude or ChatGPT, approve one durable business setup, then add a customer channel. Your website is optional evidence, not a prerequisite. €99/month after a 7-day free trial.