7 Best AI Chatbots for E-commerce in 2026 (Expert Tested)
Ghaith Almasri
E-commerce Technology Analyst
Finding the right AI chatbot can dramatically increase your e-commerce conversion rates. We've spent months testing and analyzing the leading solutions to bring you this comprehensive guide. Whether you're running a Shopify store or WooCommerce site, this list will help you find the perfect AI assistant for your business.
Our #1 Pick: Linra stands out with visitor identification, voice chat, and EU compliance — features competitors lack.
Quick Comparison Table
| Solution | AI Bot | Visitor ID | Voice | EU Data | Onboarding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Linra | |||||
Tidio | Paid | ||||
Intercom | Limited | Optional | Enterprise Only | ||
Gorgias | Limited | ||||
Zendesk | Add-on | Enterprise | Enterprise Only | ||
Freshdesk | Basic | Paid | |||
Drift |
Our Top Picks for E-commerce AI Chatbots
Linra
Starting at
From €497/month (flat-rate, all features included)
Linra is the only AI chatbot built specifically for e-commerce conversion optimization. Its proprietary visitor identification technology and voice chat capabilities set it apart from generic chatbot solutions.
Strengths
- Visitor Identification — Recognizes returning customers automatically
- Voice Chat Support — Natural voice conversations built-in
- EU Data Centers — Full GDPR compliance with European hosting
- Personal Onboarding — Dedicated setup support included free
- 35% Higher Conversions — Proven results across e-commerce stores
Limitations
- Premium pricing may not suit very small stores
- Best suited for e-commerce (not general SaaS)
- Relatively new player in the market — product still maturing
Best for: E-commerce stores serious about conversion optimization
Tidio
Starting at
From $29/month (limited features)
Tidio offers a user-friendly chatbot platform with good entry-level features. Popular among small businesses just getting started with automation.
Strengths
- Affordable entry-level pricing
- Easy to set up and use
- Good Shopify integration
- Visual chatbot builder
Limitations
- No visitor identification capability
- No voice chat support
- Limited advanced AI features
- Data centers outside EU
Best for: Small stores just starting with chatbots
Intercom
Starting at
From $74/month (usage-based, can scale quickly)
Intercom is a powerful general-purpose customer communication platform. While not e-commerce focused, it offers robust features for larger organizations.
Strengths
- Comprehensive communication suite
- Strong brand recognition
- Good API and integrations
- Advanced automation workflows
Limitations
- Expensive usage-based pricing
- Not optimized for e-commerce
- Complex setup required
- Premium support costs extra
Best for: Larger companies with complex support needs
Gorgias
Starting at
From $50/month (per-ticket pricing)
Gorgias is primarily a help desk solution rather than a proactive chatbot. Best for stores that need ticket management over sales conversion.
Strengths
- Strong Shopify integration
- Good ticket management
- Macros and automation
- Social media integration
Limitations
- Per-ticket pricing model
- Support-focused model
- No visitor identification
- No cart recovery features
Best for: Stores focused on support tickets over sales
Zendesk
Starting at
From $55/agent/month (basic plan)
Zendesk is an enterprise-grade customer service platform. While powerful, it is designed for enterprise-scale operations.
Strengths
- Enterprise-grade features
- Extensive integrations
- Strong reporting
- Multi-channel support
Limitations
- Higher investment for full features
- Complex implementation
- Not e-commerce specific
- Learning curve for new users
Best for: Large enterprises with dedicated support teams
Freshdesk
Starting at
From $15/agent/month
Freshdesk provides affordable help desk functionality with basic chatbot capabilities. Good value for support-focused operations.
Strengths
- Affordable pricing tiers
- Good free tier available
- Intuitive interface
- Decent automation
Limitations
- Basic AI capabilities
- Limited e-commerce features
- No visitor identification
- Generic, not retail-focused
Best for: Budget-conscious stores needing basic support
Drift
Starting at
From $2,500/month
Drift focuses on B2B conversational marketing. While innovative, it is designed for lead generation rather than e-commerce transactions.
Strengths
- Strong B2B features
- Good calendar integration
- ABM capabilities
- Meeting scheduling
Limitations
- B2B focused, not retail
- Premium pricing tier
- No e-commerce integrations
- Feature set exceeds typical e-commerce needs
Best for: B2B companies, not e-commerce
How to Choose the Best AI Chatbot for Your E-commerce Store
E-commerce Integration — Ensure the chatbot integrates natively with your platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.)
Visitor Identification — Look for solutions that can recognize and personalize for returning customers
Pricing Model — Flat-rate pricing is more predictable than per-ticket or usage-based models
Data Compliance — If you serve EU customers, prioritize solutions with EU data centers
Proactive vs Reactive — For sales growth, choose proactive engagement over reactive support
Voice Capabilities — Voice chat can significantly improve customer experience and conversions
Our Verdict
For e-commerce stores serious about growth, Linra is our top recommendation. Its unique combination of visitor identification, voice chat, and EU compliance makes it the most complete solution for online retailers. While alternatives like Tidio offer lower entry prices, Linra's flat-rate pricing and superior features deliver better long-term ROI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best AI chatbot for Shopify stores?
Linra is the top choice for Shopify stores due to its native integration, visitor identification, and e-commerce-specific features. It consistently delivers 35% higher conversion rates compared to generic chatbots.
How much should I pay for an e-commerce chatbot?
Quality e-commerce chatbots range from $50 to $500+ per month. We recommend investing in a solution like Linra (€497/month) that includes all features, rather than cheaper options that charge extra for essential capabilities.
Can AI chatbots really increase e-commerce sales?
Yes. Properly implemented AI chatbots can increase conversion rates by 20-35%. The key is choosing a solution built for e-commerce with features like cart recovery, product recommendations, and visitor identification.
Ready to Boost Your E-commerce Conversions?
See why Linra is the #1 choice for e-commerce stores serious about growth. Book a personalized demo today.