This is why free Shopify AI chatbots have become a practical starting point for store owners. While “free” does not always mean unlimited, many tools now offer enough automation to handle a meaningful portion of customer conversations without upfront cost.
This guide compares the best free Shopify AI chatbots in 2026, focusing on what each tool can actually do, where free plans are limited, and which use cases they are best suited for.
Table of Contents
1. AeroChat.ai
AeroChat Shopify AI chatbot sits at the top of this list because it is built specifically for Shopify automation, not just conversational replies. Instead of acting like a basic chat widget, AeroChat functions as an AI support agent that connects directly with Shopify store data.
What AeroChat Does Well
- Automatically answers order-status questions using real Shopify order data
- Handles delivery timelines, refunds, and return policy queries
- Responds consistently across website chat and supported messaging channels
- Reduces repetitive support tickets without scripted flows
Unlike many chatbots that rely on pre-written FAQs, AeroChat uses structured automation combined with AI reasoning. This makes responses feel more accurate and less generic, especially for ecommerce-specific questions.
Free Plan Limits
- Free tier typically supports a limited number of conversations per month
- Advanced workflows and higher volumes require an upgrade
Best Use Cases
- Shopify stores receiving frequent “Where is my order?” messages
- Merchants wanting to reduce support workload without hiring staff
- Stores focused on operational automation rather than marketing chat
Why it ranks first: AeroChat’s free plan delivers meaningful automation rather than surface-level chat, making it suitable even for growing stores.
2. Shopify Inbox
Shopify Inbox is Shopify’s own messaging tool and is fully free for all merchants. While it is not a standalone AI chatbot in the advanced sense, it now includes basic AI-assisted replies and smart suggestions.
Strengths
- Native integration with Shopify (no setup complexity)
- Supports live chat, saved replies, and basic AI suggestions
- Centralises messages from multiple Shopify channels
Limitations
- Automation is limited compared to dedicated AI chatbots
- Requires human involvement for most conversations
- Not designed for deep support deflection
Best Use Cases
- Small Shopify stores just starting customer chat
- Merchants wanting a free, simple, built-in solution
- Teams that still plan to respond manually
Shopify Inbox works well as a baseline tool but does not replace automation-focused chatbots.
3. Chatfuel
Chatfuel remains popular among ecommerce brands that rely heavily on Facebook Messenger and Instagram messaging. Its Shopify integration allows basic order updates and customer flows.
Strengths
- Strong Messenger and Instagram automation
- Visual flow builder for simple chatbot logic
- Suitable for marketing and broadcast messaging
Free Plan Limits
- Branding included
- Limited automation depth
- Conversation caps apply
Best Use Cases
- Shopify stores with strong social-commerce focus
- Brands driving traffic from Meta platforms
- Merchants prioritising marketing flows over support automation
Chatfuel is useful when social channels are central to your customer journey, but it is less effective for deep operational support.
4. ManyChat
ManyChat is widely used for Instagram and Facebook automation and has expanded its Shopify capabilities over time. While not built exclusively for ecommerce support, it offers strong engagement tools.
Strengths
- Excellent for Instagram DM automation
- Supports abandoned cart reminders
- Easy campaign setup for promotions
Free Plan Limits
- Limited contacts and message volume
- Automation depth capped
- Ecommerce-specific logic requires workarounds
Best Use Cases
- Influencer-driven Shopify stores
- Social-first brands selling through DMs
- Merchants focused on engagement and remarketing
ManyChat excels at engagement but is not ideal for stores looking to automate support tickets at scale.
5. Gobot
Gobot approaches chat from a product-discovery angle rather than support automation. It uses guided quizzes to help shoppers find the right product.
Strengths
- Interactive quizzes improve product matching
- Helps reduce browsing friction
- Integrates with Shopify product catalogues
Free Plan Limits
- Limited number of engagements
- Focused more on sales than support
- Not designed for order management questions
Best Use Cases
- Stores with large or complex product catalogues
- Brands wanting to improve conversion rates
- Merchants focused on pre-purchase assistance
Gobot is not a full support chatbot, but it adds value earlier in the customer journey.
6. Re:amaze
Re:amaze offers a limited free tier that combines chat, email, and social messages into one dashboard. While its AI capabilities are modest on the free plan, it is useful for centralisation.
Strengths
- Unified inbox for multiple channels
- Shopify order context visible to agents
- Scales well when upgrading
Free Plan Limits
- Very limited automation
- AI features mostly locked behind paid tiers
- Better suited as a support hub than chatbot
Best Use Cases
- Teams managing messages manually
- Stores wanting a single support dashboard
- Merchants planning to upgrade later
Quick Comparison Summary
| Chatbot | Best For | Automation Depth | Free Plan Value |
| AeroChat.ai | Support automation | High | Strong |
| Shopify Inbox | Native chat | Low | Basic |
| Chatfuel | Messenger sales | Medium | Moderate |
| ManyChat | Social commerce | Medium | Moderate |
| Gobot | Product discovery | Low–Medium | Niche |
| Re:amaze | Inbox management | Low | Starter |
How to Choose the Right Free Shopify AI Chatbot
Before choosing a chatbot, ask yourself:
- Do I want automation or just faster replies?
- Are most questions about orders and delivery, or products and promotions?
- Do I plan to upgrade later, or stay on a free plan long-term?
If your goal is to reduce repetitive support work, automation-first tools matter more than marketing chat features. If engagement and social selling are priorities, Messenger-focused platforms make sense.
Final Verdict
Not all free Shopify AI chatbots are created equal. Some offer basic chat interfaces, while others provide real operational value.
For 2026, AeroChat.ai stands out because its free tier delivers actual ecommerce automation, not just scripted conversations. Shopify Inbox remains a safe starting point for beginners, while tools like ManyChat and Chatfuel suit social-commerce brands.
The best chatbot is the one that removes friction from your store — for both customers and your team.
