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Microsoft Bot Framework vs Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat

Microsoft Bot Framework logo

Microsoft Bot Framework

Live Chat

Microsoft's framework for building intelligent bots

From
Free
Rated
-
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat logo

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat

Live Chat

Omnichannel chat solution integrated with Microsoft ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Microsoft Bot Framework has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Microsoft Bot Framework no pricing information published on official product pages; Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat specific pricing not disclosed on product page
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft Bot Framework covers Bot Builder, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat covers Omnichannel messaging.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft Bot Framework and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft Bot Framework and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat differ
AttributeMicrosoft Bot FrameworkMicrosoft Dynamics 365 Chat
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Mobile, Messaging apps, VoiceWeb, Mobile app, IOS, Android

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Live Chat), founded (1975).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Microsoft Bot Framework

  • Bot Builder
  • Language Understanding (LUIS)
  • QnA Maker
  • Multi-channel support
  • Slack
  • Facebook
  • Telegram
  • Mobile support

Only in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat

  • Omnichannel messaging
  • Live chat
  • Email support
  • Social media integration
  • Outlook
  • 365
  • Power BI
  • Mobile app support

Both cover

  • Teams
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Microsoft Bot Framework

  • Chatbot development and deploymentnot Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat
  • Conversational AI applicationsnot Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat
  • Microsoft Teams bot integrationnot Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat
  • Multi-channel bot deploymentnot Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat

  • Customer service omnichannel communicationnot Microsoft Bot Framework
  • Multi-channel customer engagementnot Microsoft Bot Framework
  • AI-powered customer conversationsnot Microsoft Bot Framework
  • Enterprise customer service automationnot Microsoft Bot Framework

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Microsoft Bot Framework

  • No pricing information published on official product pages
  • Pricing likely depends on underlying Azure services used
  • Customers directed to Azure pricing calculator for cost estimation

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat

  • Specific pricing not disclosed on product page
  • Directs users to separate pricing overview page for details
  • Requires contacting sales for custom quotes and pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft Bot Framework

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Bot Framework SDK
    • Azure Bot Service basic
  • Standard$0.5/month
    • Advanced connectors
    • Premium support
  • Premium$undefined/month
    • Enterprise features
    • Dedicated support

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat

On request
  • Customer Service Professional$100/month
    • Basic chat
    • Ticketing
  • Customer Service Enterprise$200/month
    • Advanced omnichannel
    • AI integration
  • Premium$undefined/month
    • Custom solutions
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose Microsoft Bot Framework if

  • You need bot builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, Messaging apps, Voice.
  • You also want language understanding (luis).

Choose Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat if

  • You need omnichannel messaging.
  • You work on Web, Mobile app, IOS, Android.
  • You also want live chat.

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft Bot Framework or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Bot Framework starts at Free and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Bot Framework or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat?
Microsoft Bot Framework has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Microsoft Bot Framework and On request for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat.
Does Microsoft Bot Framework or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat run on more platforms?
Microsoft Bot Framework runs on Web, Mobile, Messaging apps, Voice. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat runs on Web, Mobile app, IOS, Android.
Can I use Microsoft Bot Framework for free?
Yes. Microsoft Bot Framework has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat starts at On request.
What is Microsoft Bot Framework best used for?
Microsoft Bot Framework is most often used for chatbot development and deployment, conversational ai applications, microsoft teams bot integration, multi-channel bot deployment. Of those, chatbot development and deployment and conversational ai applications are not what Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft Bot Framework do that Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat cannot?
Microsoft Bot Framework covers Bot Builder, Language Understanding (LUIS), QnA Maker, Multi-channel support. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat covers Omnichannel messaging, Live chat, Email support, Social media integration. Both handle Teams, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Microsoft Bot Framework: How much does Microsoft Bot Framework cost?

Microsoft Bot Framework itself has no published pricing. Costs depend on the Azure services used to host and run bots, which are billed through Azure consumption-based pricing for compute, storage, and other resources required.

Source
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat: How much does Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat cost?

Specific pricing for Dynamics 365 Chat is not published on the product page. Pricing information is available on Microsoft's separate Dynamics 365 pricing overview page, with custom quotes available through sales contact.

Source
Microsoft Bot Framework: How do I estimate Microsoft Bot Framework costs?

Use the Azure Pricing Calculator to estimate costs based on your bot's compute, storage, and messaging requirements. Costs scale based on bot traffic, deployment region, and storage needs for conversation data.

Source
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat: Is there a free trial for Dynamics 365 Chat?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers free trials that users can request directly from the product page. Exact trial duration and terms are determined during the trial request process.

Source
Microsoft Bot Framework: Are there any free tiers for Microsoft Bot Framework?

Microsoft Bot Framework itself is free to develop and deploy, but hosting and operating bots incurs Azure service costs that vary based on usage patterns and selected Azure services.

Source
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Chat: Can I compare Dynamics 365 Chat plans and pricing?

Microsoft provides plan and pricing comparison on their dedicated pricing overview page. Users should visit the Dynamics 365 pricing section to see available plans, features, and pricing tiers before contacting sales.

Source
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