Alternative to Chatbase: Comparison with WebChatAgent
A neutral, fact-based comparison of Chatbase and WebChatAgent for businesses evaluating AI-powered chat solutions.
Introduction
Chatbase is a popular AI chatbot builder from the US that lets you train chatbots on your data. WebChatAgent offers similar functionality but with key differences: GDPR compliance with Germany hosting, included Live Chat, and no hidden costs for features like branding removal. This comparison helps you understand which tool fits your needs.
What is Chatbase?
Chatbase is a US-based AI chatbot platform that trains on your documents, websites, and text data. It offers integrations with WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, Slack, and Zendesk (in higher plans). The platform uses various AI models including OpenAI GPT-4, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, and others. Chatbase is known for its simple interface and quick setup process.
The platform uses a message credit system – each AI response costs credits, and when they run out, your chatbot stops working until the next billing cycle or you buy more.
What is WebChatAgent?
WebChatAgent is a Germany-hosted AI chatbot that learns from your website automatically. Enter your URL, and AI crawls all your pages to answer customer questions 24/7. You can also upload documents (PDF, Word, Excel) to expand the knowledge base.
Key features include:
- Live Chat with Auto-Translation – When AI can't help, humans take over. Messages are automatically translated between languages.
- Knowledge Gap Detection – See which questions AI couldn't answer. Improve your content based on real customer needs.
- AI Team Wiki – Use the same AI for internal team questions about policies, processes, and how-to guides.
- API Connectors – Connect to any REST API for live data (inventory, orders, pricing, appointments).
- Multi-Channel – Website widget, WordPress plugin, WhatsApp integration. Instagram and Facebook Messenger coming soon.
- AI Product Advisor – Guide customers to the right products based on their needs.
- Callback Request Tool – Let customers request a callback when they prefer phone contact.
- Automatic Re-indexing – Website changes are detected and the knowledge base updates automatically.
Unlike Chatbase, WebChatAgent is hosted in Germany with full GDPR compliance. No branding on the widget – even on the free plan.
Feature overview of both AI chatbot platforms.
Feature Comparison
The following table provides an overview of key features available in each platform.
| Feature | Chatbase | WebChatAgent |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $40/month (Hobby) | €15/month (Basic) |
| Free Plan Messages | 50/month (agent deleted after 14 days inactive) | 350/month (no deletion) |
| Remove Branding | +$39/month extra | Included (from Basic plan) |
| Live Chat / Human Takeover | No | Yes (from Standard) |
| Data Hosting | USA | Germany (EU) |
| GDPR Compliance | Partial (US data transfer) | Full (Germany-hosted) |
| WhatsApp Integration | Hobby plan and up | Standard plan and up |
| Internal Wiki for Teams | No | Yes (AI Team Wiki) |
| Custom Domains | +$59/month extra | Included |
| Knowledge Gap Detection | No | Yes |
⚠️ Chatbase Hidden Costs
Chatbase has several features that require additional monthly payments on top of your subscription:
Chatbase Add-on Costs
- Remove "Powered by Chatbase" branding+$39/month
- Custom domains+$59/month
- Extra AI agents+$7/month each
- Extra message credits (1,000)+$12/month
- Auto-recharge credits (1,000)$14 one-time
Example: Hobby ($40) + no branding ($39) + custom domain ($59) = $138/month for basic professional features.
Features Only in WebChatAgent
WebChatAgent includes tools that Chatbase doesn't offer:
Live Chat with Human Takeover
When AI can't help, a human takes over. Chatbase is AI-only – no live chat option.
Germany-Hosted (Full GDPR)
All data stays in Germany. Chatbase stores data in the US – problematic for EU businesses.
Knowledge Gap Detection
See which questions your bot couldn't answer. Improve your content based on real gaps.
AI Team Wiki
Use the same AI for internal questions. Employees ask about policies, procedures, or how-to guides.
No Branding (Included)
Remove branding from Basic plan (€15). Chatbase charges $39/month extra for this.
Live Chat Auto-Translation
Chat with customers in any language – messages are translated in real-time for your team.
Pricing Overview
Both platforms have tiered pricing. Key difference: Chatbase charges extra for features WebChatAgent includes by default.
Chatbase Pricing (USD)
- 50 messages/month
- 1 AI agent
- Deleted after 14 days!
- 2,000 messages/month
- 1 AI agent
- API + integrations
- 12,000 messages/month
- 2 AI agents
- 3 seats
- 40,000 messages/month
- 3 AI agents
- 5+ seats
WebChatAgent Pricing (EUR)
- 350 messages/month
- GPT-4/Gemini included
- No deletion policy
- 350 messages/month
- 2 AI agents
- No branding included
- 2,500 messages/month
- Live Chat + WhatsApp
- AI Team Wiki
- 6,000 messages/month
- 10 AI agents
- Priority support
💰 Real Cost Comparison (Professional Features)
Chatbase (with professional features)
- Hobby plan: $40
- + Remove branding: $39
- + Custom domain: $59
WebChatAgent Standard
- All features included
- + Live Chat (Chatbase: none)
- + Germany hosting
WebChatAgent is 4.4x cheaper with more features included.
Note: Prices as of November 2025. Please check official websites for current pricing.
When to Use Which Tool
Chatbase makes sense if you:
- Are based in the US and don't need EU data hosting
- Only need AI chatbot (no live chat with humans)
- Want access to many AI model options (Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, etc.)
- Are okay with paying extra for branding removal and custom domains
WebChatAgent is the better choice if you:
- Need GDPR compliance with data hosted in Germany/EU
- Want Live Chat where humans can take over from AI
- Prefer all features included without hidden add-on costs
- Need an internal AI Wiki for your team
- Want no branding without paying $39/month extra
Summary
Chatbase is a capable US-based AI chatbot builder with many AI model options but charges extra for professional features and has no live chat. WebChatAgent includes Live Chat, Germany hosting, and no branding in its standard pricing – making it significantly cheaper for businesses that need a complete solution. For EU businesses requiring GDPR compliance, WebChatAgent is the safer choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why consider WebChatAgent as an alternative to Chatbase?
WebChatAgent is hosted in Germany (GDPR-compliant), includes Live Chat with human takeover, and doesn't charge extra for branding removal or custom domains. It's also significantly cheaper when you factor in Chatbase's add-on costs.
Is Chatbase GDPR-compliant?
Chatbase is a US company that stores data in the US. While they mention GDPR compliance, transferring EU customer data to US servers creates legal complexity. WebChatAgent is fully Germany-hosted, making GDPR compliance simpler.
Does Chatbase have live chat?
No. Chatbase is AI-only – there's no option for human agents to take over conversations. WebChatAgent includes Live Chat from the Standard plan (€29/month).
What happens when I run out of message credits?
On both platforms, your chatbot stops responding until credits renew or you buy more. Chatbase charges $12/month for extra credits; WebChatAgent offers message top-ups at similar rates.
Why is Chatbase more expensive with add-ons?
Chatbase's base prices look affordable, but professional features cost extra: $39/month to remove branding, $59/month for custom domains. WebChatAgent includes these features in standard pricing.