- A chatbot talks; an AI agent acts on your business processes.
- No-code is useful for linear flows, but it brings platform dependence.
- For core, high-volume processes with real integrations, a custom solution with code you own is the better call.
Side by side, criterion by criterion
| Custom AI agent | Chatbot | No-code platform | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Understands, decides, and takes actions on your processes (opens cases, makes calls, integrates systems) | Answers questions with predefined or knowledge-base replies | Connects apps and runs rule-based automations (“if this, then that”) |
| When it fits | A stable, high-volume process that needs real actions and integrations | FAQs, first-line support, deflecting simple requests | Simple, linear automations between standard tools |
| Ownership and lock-in | Code you own, no lock-in | Often tied to the vendor’s platform | Dependent on the platform and its pricing |
| Upfront cost | Higher (custom project): MVP from €3,500 | Low or subscription-based | Low, but grows with volume and steps |
| Cost over time | Predictable: the code is yours, support optional | Recurring subscription | Grows with executions and advanced features |
| Technical depth | High: custom integrations, complex logic, self-hosting | Limited to the conversation | Limited by the available building blocks |
The practical rule
Choose the chatbot
if you need to deflect simple, repetitive questions (FAQs, first-line support) and don’t need to act on your systems.
Choose no-code
if the automation is linear, between standard tools, and you accept the platform dependence.
Choose the custom agent
if the process is core, high-volume, requires real decisions and integrations, and you want to own the code.
The questions we get asked most
What’s the difference between an AI agent and a chatbot?
A chatbot answers questions with predefined replies. An AI agent understands a request, decides what to do, and carries it out: it sorts email, opens cases in your back-office system, takes bookings. In short, the chatbot talks; the agent acts on your business processes.
If I already have a no-code automation, do I need an AI agent?
It depends on the process. No-code is great for simple, linear automations between standard tools. When the process requires understanding unstructured input, deciding case by case, or integrating deeply with your systems, a custom AI agent holds up where no-code rules break down.
Is it better to buy a platform or have the solution built?
A platform is faster to start with but ties you to its model and its costs over time. A custom solution costs more upfront, but the code is yours, with no lock-in, and it fits your process exactly. For a core, high-volume process, a custom solution is usually the better call.
This comparison is here to remove ambiguity: chatbots, no-code, and AI agents solve different problems. The right choice starts from the process, not from whatever technology is most in fashion.