The verdict
On the data we hold, respond.io comes out ahead. Here is why, point by point.
What the data says
- Only respond.io has a free plan to start on.
- Nextiva starts lower, at $15/mo against $79/mo.
- Only respond.io has an MCP server, so an AI employee can work in it directly.
- In our Support ranking, respond.io places 8 and Nextiva 14 of 16.
Side by side
| At a glance | NENextiva | |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $15/mo | $79/mo |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | No | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
NE
Nextiva
- Coresmall businesses needing cloud calling and SMS$15/mo
- Engagegrowing teams requiring live chat and higher volume$25/mo
- Scaleadvanced operations needing AI routing and analytics$75/mo
RE
respond.io
- StarterSmall teams starting managed conversations$99/mo
- GrowthScaling sales and marketing automation$199/mo
- AdvancedMature teams needing deeper integrations$349/mo
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Other options worth a look
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Tool·Value deliverySupports customers across email, chat and phone with a unified inbox and an AI resolution agent.Support
From $29/mo
Tool·Value deliveryPowers knowledge bases and help centres with AI search, chatbots and an AI writing agent.Support