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Microsoft Bot Framework vs Pure Chat

Microsoft Bot Framework logo

Microsoft Bot Framework

Live Chat

Microsoft's framework for building intelligent bots

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Pure Chat logo

Pure Chat

Live Chat

Simple and affordable live chat for any business

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Microsoft Bot Framework no pricing information published on official product pages; Pure Chat growth plan limited to 1 website and 100 SMS notifications
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft Bot Framework covers Bot Builder, Pure Chat covers Live chat widget.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft Bot Framework and Pure Chat differ
AttributeMicrosoft Bot FrameworkPure Chat
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
PlatformsWeb, Mobile, Messaging apps, VoiceWeb, Mobile app, IOS, Android
Founded19752011

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Live Chat).

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
  • Teams
  • Slack
  • Facebook
  • Telegram

Only in Pure Chat

  • Live chat widget
  • Visitor information
  • Chat transcripts
  • Department routing
  • Salesforce
  • HubSpot
  • Zapier
  • API

Both cover

  • 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 Pure Chat
  • Conversational AI applicationsnot Pure Chat
  • Microsoft Teams bot integrationnot Pure Chat
  • Multi-channel bot deploymentnot Pure Chat

Pure Chat

  • Customer support chatnot Microsoft Bot Framework
  • Website engagementnot Microsoft Bot Framework
  • Lead capturenot Microsoft Bot Framework
  • Sales chatnot 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

Pure Chat

  • Growth plan limited to 1 website and 100 SMS notifications
  • Additional operators cost extra: $13-$15/month per operator depending on plan and billing
  • Growth plan has significantly lower limits than PRO

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

Pure Chat

Free
  • Growth$49/month
    • 4 users/operators
    • 1 website
    • 100 SMS notifications
  • Growth Annual$39/month
    • Annual billing saves 20% off monthly rate
  • PRO$99/month
    • 10 users/operators
    • Unlimited websites
    • 1,000 SMS notifications
  • PRO Annual$79/month
    • Annual billing saves 20% off monthly rate

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).
Microsoft Bot Framework review

Choose Pure Chat if

  • You need live chat widget.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile app, IOS, Android.
  • You also want visitor information.
Pure Chat review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft Bot Framework or Pure Chat better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Bot Framework starts at Free and Pure Chat at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Bot Framework or Pure Chat?
Microsoft Bot Framework starts at Free and Pure Chat at Free.
Does Microsoft Bot Framework or Pure Chat run on more platforms?
Microsoft Bot Framework runs on Web, Mobile, Messaging apps, Voice. Pure Chat runs on Web, Mobile app, IOS, Android.
Can I use Microsoft Bot Framework for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Pure Chat is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft Bot Framework do that Pure Chat cannot?
Microsoft Bot Framework covers Bot Builder, Language Understanding (LUIS), QnA Maker, Multi-channel support. Pure Chat covers Live chat widget, Visitor information, Chat transcripts, Department routing. Both handle 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
Pure Chat: How much does PureChat cost?

PureChat's Growth plan costs $49/month (or $39/month annually) with 4 users and 1 website. The PRO plan is $99/month (or $79/month annually) with 10 users and unlimited websites.

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
Pure Chat: Does PureChat offer a free trial?

Yes, PureChat offers a free 30-day trial of the PRO plan to prospective customers.

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
Pure Chat: What is the difference between Growth and PRO plans?

Growth includes 4 users and 1 website with 100 SMS notifications per month. PRO includes 10 users, unlimited websites, and 1,000 SMS notifications. Additional operators can be added for $8-$15/month.

Source
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