Chat API · true cost · Updated September 2026
The true cost of chat API
What you'll actually pay. Of the 9 chat API tools we track, 3 price on a basis this column cannot carry, 5 charge usage overages. Here's every tool's entry price and its hidden-cost flags — each linked to its sourced record.
The hidden-cost picture
- Not priced monthly: 3 publish a figure on another basis — usage rates, non-USD, or annual-only.
- Usage overages: 5 charge for going over plan limits.
- Cheapest published: Ably from $29/mo.
- No overage or setup fee: Ably, Pusher Channels, Sendbird.
As of · re-verified with each catalog refresh
Chat API — entry price & hidden-cost flags
| Tool | Entry price | Usage overages | Setup fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ably | $29/mo | — | — |
| Pusher Channels | $49/mo | — | — |
| PubNub | $98/mo | Yes | — |
| ZEGOCLOUD | $99/mo | Yes | — |
| Sendbird | $399/mo | — | — |
| Stream (GetStream) | $499/mo | Yes | — |
| CometChat | quote-only | Yes | — |
| MirrorFly | quote-only | Yes | — |
| Twilio Conversations | quote-only | — | — |
Prices and fee terms re-verified with each catalog refresh. Last catalog update 2026-09-02. "Quote-only" means the vendor publishes no self-serve price.
Frequently asked questions
Does chat API have hidden fees?
Across the 9 chat API tools we track: 3 price on a basis this column cannot carry, 5 charge usage overages. As of 2026-09-02.
What is the cheapest chat API with published pricing?
Ably, from $29/mo. Verified 2026-09-02.
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