As AI continues to reshape how businesses communicate with customers, open-source chatbot platforms are becoming essential tools for companies of all sizes. Whether you’re looking to build custom automations, integrate LLMs, or scale customer support, the right chatbot platform makes all the difference.

Below is our expert ranking of the top open-source chatbot platforms in 2025, highlighting their strengths, ideal use cases, and pricing.

🥇 1. Rasa

Best for: Enterprise-grade NLU and custom workflows

🔧 Features:

• Advanced natural language understanding (NLU)
• Flexible dialogue management with machine learning
• Full control with on-premises or cloud deployment

✅ Pros:

• Enterprise-ready with strong security
• Open-core model with vibrant community
• Supports multilingual bots

⚠️ Cons:

• Requires technical expertise (Python knowledge preferred)

💰 Pricing:

• Free and open-source
• Paid versions: Rasa Pro and Rasa Enterprise (for support, dashboards, compliance)

🥈 2. Botpress

Best for: Teams needing a visual chatbot builder

🔧 Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for workflows
• Integrated analytics, testing, and version control
• Supports multi-channel deployments

✅ Pros:

• Easy for non-technical users
• Great developer and team collaboration tools

⚠️ Cons:

• Some users report gaps in documentation
• Advanced analytics features require paid tier

💰 Pricing:

• Free and open-source
• Paid Cloud plans for advanced hosting and enterprise support

🥉 3. Newoaks AI

Best for: Rapid deployment for local businesses and websites

🔧 Features:

• Strong SMS automation and appointment booking
• Website widgets with lead capture
• Integration with open-source LLMs like DeepSeek

✅ Pros:

• Easy to set up and affordable
• Effective for customer-facing use cases (real estate, healthcare, etc.)

⚠️ Cons:

• Community and developer support still growing

💰 Pricing:

• Tiered pricing starting at budget-friendly rates

⭐️ 4. Microsoft Bot Framework

Best for: Developers building bots on Azure

🔧 Features:

• Rich SDKs for JavaScript and C#
• Integrated with Azure Cognitive Services
• Supports deployment across web, Teams, Messenger, and more

✅ Pros:

• Backed by Microsoft’s reliability and scalability
• Ideal for enterprise-grade apps

⚠️ Cons:

• Code-heavy, not ideal for non-developers
• Azure usage can add up

💰 Pricing:

• Open-source framework
• Azure services are usage-based (pay as you go)

💡 5. SixPal AI

Best for: Businesses wanting flexible AI agents with human backup

🔧 Features:

• Multi-model chatbot support (ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Minstrel)
• Phone and web agents with natural voice AI
• Custom bot personas tailored to industries
• Live agent escalation or fallback options
• Built-in analytics and CRM sync

✅ Pros:

• Unique “Watch Your Six” branding = strong reliability message
• Choose the best model per use case
• Hybrid AI + human fallback increases trust and conversions
• Great for real estate, legal, home services, and travel

⚠️ Cons:

• Not fully open-source but offers API-level customization
• May require guidance for setup and training

💰 Pricing:

• Pay-as-you-go or monthly subscription based on usage
• Free trial available for chatbot and voice agent demo

🧠 6. OpenDialog

Best for: Designing contextual conversations at scale

🔧 Features:

• Focuses on conversation design rather than scripts
• Supports dynamic and multi-turn dialog flows
• Integrates with NLU engines and back-end systems

✅ Pros:

• Great for creating human-like interactions
• Supports regulated industries (banking, healthcare)

⚠️ Cons:

• Learning curve for non-designers
• Smaller ecosystem than Rasa or Botpress

💰 Pricing:

• Open-source with premium options for hosting and enterprise support

🔚 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Open-Source Chatbot in 2025

Each platform in this list offers unique benefits depending on your team’s needs, technical capabilities, and scale. Here’s a quick summary:

Platform	Best For	Technical Level
Rasa	Complex, enterprise-grade bots	Advanced
Botpress	Visual builders, team workflows	Beginner+
Newoaks AI	Local businesses, SMS/lead gen	Beginner
MS Bot Framework	Azure integration, dev control	Advanced
SixPal AI	Hybrid AI agents, multi-model	Intermediate
OpenDialog	Conversational experience design	Intermediate

As AI agents continue to evolve, platforms like SixPal AI are redefining what’s possible by blending flexibility, model choice, and human-AI collaboration.