Don't Settle for Digital-Only. Get True Omnichannel with Native Voice and Messaging
Respond.io is a strong platform for businesses focused on messaging channels like WhatsApp. However, its pricing is based on Monthly Active Contacts (MACs), which can become unpredictable, and crucial channels like Voice are still in beta. Furthermore, WhatsApp usage fees are billed separately, adding another layer of cost complexity. Seasalt.ai offers a truly unified platform where voice is a core, native feature.
Unified Omnichannel vs. Digital-First
See why native voice integration matters for complete customer communication
| Feature | Seasalt.ai | respond.io |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Simple & predictable per-agent fee | Monthly Active Contacts (MACs) + Users |
| Starting Price | $25/agent/month | $79/month (includes 5 users) |
| Voice Calling | Yes, native and fully supported | Beta feature |
| WhatsApp Fees | Included in usage | Billed separately by Meta |
| AI Agent | Yes, included in all plans | Requires Growth plan ($159/mo+) |
| Core Focus | True Omnichannel (Voice + Digital) | Digital-First Messaging |
| Best For | SMEs needing a unified hub for all customer conversations, including phone calls | Marketing and sales teams focused primarily on lead generation through chat |
Predictable vs. Variable Pricing
Why simple per-agent pricing beats complex contact-based models
Seasalt.ai: Simple & Predictable
Per-Agent Pricing
$25/agent/month - easy to budget and scale
All Channels Included
Voice, SMS, WhatsApp, chat - no extra fees
Usage Included
WhatsApp and SMS usage included in plan
No Surprises
Predictable monthly costs, easy to forecast
respond.io: Complex Variables
Monthly Active Contacts
Pricing varies based on contact activity
Separate WhatsApp Fees
Meta charges billed separately
Voice in Beta
Core feature still being developed
Unpredictable Costs
Monthly bills can vary significantly
Native Voice vs. Beta Feature
Why voice should be a core feature, not an afterthought
Seasalt.ai: Voice-First Design
- Native voice calling built into platform
- AI voicebot with human handoff
- Unified conversation history across voice and digital
- Professional phone system features
- Production-ready and fully supported
respond.io: Voice as Beta
- Voice calling still in beta testing
- Limited voice features and reliability
- Potential for bugs and instability
- Uncertain roadmap and timeline
- Not recommended for production use
Ready for True Omnichannel?
Stop waiting for beta features. Get a platform where voice and digital channels work together seamlessly from day one.