Who this comparison is for
- Organizations that mainly need WhatsApp, not every messaging channel
- Teams who want a free plan and pricing by members, not by monthly active contacts
- Anyone who runs events, check-in or collects payments as well as messaging
What MsgOrb does that respond.io doesn’t
Features compared
| MsgOrb | respond.io | |
|---|---|---|
| Official WhatsApp Business Platform | ||
| Broadcasts and scheduled reminders | ||
| Shared team inbox | ||
| AI agent on WhatsApp | Add-on | AI Agents (see respond.io’s plans) |
| Text JOIN: a QR code per group that adds people to it | Built in | Build it with chatbot flows |
| Event RSVPs with QR entry passes and door scanning, built in | ||
| Paid event tickets, built in | ||
| Kids check-in with pickup codes and attendance history, built in | ||
| Giving with per-group links and year-end statements, built in | ||
| Membership dues and program fees, built in | ||
| Channels beyond WhatsApp (Instagram, Messenger, email…) |
Pricing compared
| MsgOrb | respond.io | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Free (60 members), then $19.99, $29.99 or $49.99 a month for 200, 500 or 1,500 members; Enterprise from $30 per 1,000 members | Starter $79, Growth $159 and Advanced $279 a month; Enterprise on request |
| How usage is counted | Members you keep; messages are never capped | “Pay only for the contacts you talk to” (monthly active contacts) |
| Free plan | Yes, up to 60 members | No; 7-day free trial |
| WhatsApp message fees | Meta’s own fees, billed by Meta to your WhatsApp Business Account; MsgOrb adds nothing | See respond.io’s WhatsApp pricing calculator |
| AI agent | $19/month add-on on any paid plan, 2,000 to 10,000 answers a month by plan (1,000 more for $10), in the language the person writes in | AI Agents are part of respond.io’s platform; check which plan includes them |
When respond.io is the better choice
Choose respond.io if your team handles customers across WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, email and more in one inbox, with advanced routing for a large support team. Choose MsgOrb if WhatsApp is your main channel and you organize members, parents, volunteers or guests.
Questions
Is MsgOrb cheaper than respond.io?
For most organizations, yes: MsgOrb has a free plan for up to 60 members and paid plans from $19.99 a month, while respond.io’s plans start at $79 a month. Both pass on Meta’s own message fees.
Does MsgOrb support channels other than WhatsApp?
No. MsgOrb is WhatsApp-only on purpose: it is where members, parents and volunteers already are, and every feature is built for it.
Does MsgOrb have AI agents?
Yes. The AI Agent add-on is $19 a month on any paid MsgOrb plan, with 2,000 AI answers a month on Basic, 5,000 on Growth and 10,000 on Pro and Enterprise, and 1,000 more for $10 when you need them.
respond.io facts checked on its own website on October 22, 2026: respond.io pricing. Prices and features change; check their site for the latest. respond.io is a trademark of its owner.