AI agent vs chatbot: what is the difference?

Both talk to your guests. Only one finishes the job. A plain side-by-side of keyword auto-replies, chatbot builders and an AI agent.

Updated · Baan Labs

Comparison table: AI agent vs chatbot: what is the difference?
Keyword auto-replyChatbot builderAI agent
How it understandsMatches the exact words you setFollows the buttons and flows you drawReads the whole message, typos and mixed languages included
LanguagesOnly the replies you typed inOne flow to build per languageReplies in the guest's language: Thai, English, Chinese, Russian
Your menu and pricesKnows only the replies you wroteKnows only what is in the flowAnswers from your full menu, hours, prices and rules
Orders and bookingsNoWith a form you build yourselfYes, in the chat: adds dishes to the basket or books the slot
When it does not knowNo reply, or the wrong oneSends the guest back to the menuSays so and passes the chat to you
Set-up and upkeepQuick to start; you write every replyYou build and maintain every flowWe set it up from your menu and keep it updated
CostUsually included with your LINE OAFree and paid plans; your own time to buildFrom ฿2,490 a month after setup, done for you

If guests only ask your opening hours, an auto-reply is enough. If you want the chat to end with an order or a booking, you need an agent.

Questions owners ask

Not here? Ask our AI, or email us.

Is an AI agent the same as a chatbot?

Not quite. A chatbot talks. An AI agent talks and acts: it can look up your menu, add to a basket, make a booking or hand the chat to a person.

Which one does a small restaurant need?

Start with what guests ask. Hours and location only: an auto-reply will do. Menu questions in several languages, orders or bookings: an AI agent.

Can an AI agent make mistakes?

Any system can. Ours answers from the information you approve, never invents prices, and passes the chat to you when it is not sure.

Do I have to build anything myself?

No. We build it from your menu, prices and hours, show you a working demo, and update it when things change.

See your own business running first.

We build a working demo with your menu, prices and photos. You only pay if you keep it.

Built with your own menu, prices and photos · Try it on your phone before you decide · Not happy with the demo? You pay nothing.

What do you want?

Free, no commitment. We reply within a few hours.

Or email us at hello@baanlabs.com