Introduction
respond.io and Link AI both unify messaging channels in one inbox. They differ in how they bill and in how far the AI goes.
The short answer
Choose respond.io if a contact-priced messaging inbox is exactly what you need. Choose Link AI if you want AI agents that act (booking, orders, forms, tickets, outbound calls), a native phone line, and no per-contact billing.
Competitor prices below were read from each vendor's public pricing page on October 17, 2026. Check the vendor's site before you decide, because plans change.
Comparison
| Link AI | respond.io | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $69/month; free 14-day trial | $99/month on monthly billing |
| Billing model | Flat plans; unlimited contacts on paid plans | Monthly active contacts (1,000 to 10,000+ tiers) |
| AI agents | On every plan; Free includes 1 agent | Growth ($199) and above |
| Channels | Web chat, SMS, WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, email, Slack, phone | Chat, email, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, calls |
| Phone | Inbound and outbound AI calls from Growth | Calls feature |
| WhatsApp fees | Metered per delivered message, see rates | Billed separately by Meta |
| Beyond the inbox | Orders, Calendar, Smart Forms, Smart Tickets, Boards, Reach campaigns | Workflows and integrations |
Which should you choose
•Choose respond.io for a social and WhatsApp inbox where you want to pay by the number of contacts you talk to.
•Choose Link AI when contact counts grow faster than revenue, when voice matters, or when you want the agent to complete the task, not only reply.
Compare plans on the pricing page or start free.
