Softwr

Software · head to head

Microsoft Bot Framework vs Zendesk Sunshine Conversations

Microsoft Bot Framework logo

Microsoft Bot Framework

Software

Microsoft's framework for building intelligent bots

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Zendesk Sunshine Conversations logo

Zendesk Sunshine Conversations

Software

Omnichannel messaging and customer engagement platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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 the SDK is MIT licensed and free, but running a bot in production still requires a paid Azure Bot Service or Azure compute resource; Zendesk Sunshine Conversations cannot be purchased standalone; requires expensive Zendesk Suite Professional or higher plans
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft Bot Framework covers Bot Builder, Zendesk Sunshine Conversations covers Live chat.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Microsoft Bot Framework and Zendesk Sunshine Conversations actually diverge.

Attributes where Microsoft Bot Framework and Zendesk Sunshine Conversations differ
AttributeMicrosoft Bot FrameworkZendesk Sunshine Conversations
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Mobile, Messaging apps, VoiceWeb, iOS, Android
Founded19752015

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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
  • Facebook
  • Telegram
  • Mobile support

Only in Zendesk Sunshine Conversations

  • Live chat
  • SMS messaging
  • Facebook Messenger
  • WhatsApp integration
  • Salesforce
  • Zendesk Support
  • API
  • Mobile app support

Both cover

  • Slack
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Microsoft Bot Framework

  • Customer engagement
  • Lead generation
  • Customer support
  • Sales automation

Zendesk Sunshine Conversations

  • Customer engagement
  • Lead generation
  • Customer support
  • Sales automation

Both are used for customer engagement, lead generation, customer support, sales automation, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

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

Microsoft Bot Framework

  • The SDK is MIT licensed and free, but running a bot in production still requires a paid Azure Bot Service or Azure compute resource

Zendesk Sunshine Conversations

  • Cannot be purchased standalone; requires expensive Zendesk Suite Professional or higher plans
  • Low included monthly active users (1,000 MAU) and notifications (1,000) necessitate paid add-ons for most businesses
  • Custom implementations require developer resources for webhooks and API configuration

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

Zendesk Sunshine Conversations

On request
  • Team$19/month
    • Chat + messaging
    • Basic features
    • Limited agents
  • Growth$49/month
    • Omnichannel
    • Advanced automation
    • Routing
  • Professional$99/month
    • All features
    • Custom workflows
    • Premium 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).
Microsoft Bot Framework review

Choose Zendesk Sunshine Conversations if

  • You need live chat.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want sms messaging.
Zendesk Sunshine Conversations review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft Bot Framework or Zendesk Sunshine Conversations better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Bot Framework starts at Free and Zendesk Sunshine Conversations 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 Zendesk Sunshine Conversations?
Microsoft Bot Framework has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Microsoft Bot Framework and On request for Zendesk Sunshine Conversations.
Does Microsoft Bot Framework or Zendesk Sunshine Conversations run on more platforms?
Microsoft Bot Framework runs on Web, Mobile, Messaging apps, Voice. Zendesk Sunshine Conversations runs on Web, 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. Zendesk Sunshine Conversations starts at On request.
What is Microsoft Bot Framework best used for?
Microsoft Bot Framework is most often used for customer engagement, lead generation, customer support, sales automation.
What can Microsoft Bot Framework do that Zendesk Sunshine Conversations cannot?
Microsoft Bot Framework covers Bot Builder, Language Understanding (LUIS), QnA Maker, Multi-channel support. Zendesk Sunshine Conversations covers Live chat, SMS messaging, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp integration. Both handle Slack, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Zendesk Sunshine Conversations: Can I buy Zendesk Sunshine Conversations standalone?

No. Sunshine Conversations is only available with Zendesk Suite Professional, Enterprise, or Enterprise Plus plans. It cannot be purchased as a standalone product.

Source
Zendesk Sunshine Conversations: What messaging channels does Sunshine Conversations support?

Sunshine Conversations connects 15+ messaging channels including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, SMS, and provides a Web Widget for on-site chat.

Source
Zendesk Sunshine Conversations: What are the usage limits on Zendesk Sunshine Conversations?

The base includes 1,000 Monthly Active Users and 1,000 notifications per month. Additional usage requires $50 add-ons for each 2,500 MAU pack or $50 for each 25,000 notification pack.

Source
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Microsoft Bot Framework

More on Zendesk Sunshine Conversations

Keep looking

Other head to heads