--- title: "Tidio alternative: Lyro packs and the Plus wall" description: "Tidio is cheap to start, but Lyro AI comes in conversation packs that stop the bot when they run out, and the API sits behind Plus ($300 a month)." url: https://retily.com/alternatives/tidio language: en last_modified: 2026-10-28T18:11:29Z --- Alternatives # Tidio alternative: Lyro's packs, the Plus wall, and what flat looks like. Facts checked October 11, 2026, on tidio.com/pricing and Tidio's own help center as displayed that day. Tidio is one of the most popular live-chat tools for small businesses, and its Lyro AI agent is competent. The catch is the meter: Lyro is sold in conversation packs that switch the bot off when they are used up, and the API sits behind the Plus plan. ## The numbers, side by side Checked October 11, 2026 Retily Tidio Starting price with AI Starter $9 a month, 500 AI answers Starter $24.17 billed annually ($29 monthly) plus Lyro from $32.50 for 50 conversations What happens when the AI allowance runs out The AI pauses; inbox, chat and email keep working; top-ups $15 per 1,000 Lyro stops answering until the next pack Free plan No free plan; the first month is $1. The demo on your own website is free 50 billable conversations, 10 seats, 50 Lyro conversations once API REST API on every plan Plus plan only, from $300 a month Agents write in their own language Every plan; Retily translates at send No automatic conversation translation Email on your own mailbox IMAP and SMTP with provider presets Shared email inbox via forwarding or connector Team chat and tasks beside tickets Channels, DMs, @mentions, tasks linked to tickets Not offered ## Where the models differ - **Packs versus credits.** Lyro starts at $32.50 a month billed annually for 50 conversations and stops answering when the pack is used up. Retily Starter is $9 with 500 AI answers, and if credits run out the AI pauses while the inbox, chat and email keep working. - **The Plus wall.** Tidio's API is only on Plus, from $300 a month plus usage. Retily includes its REST API on every plan, Starter too. - **Languages.** Tidio's widget language setting does not translate conversations automatically. Retily translates what your agents write at send, and lets them read every message in their own language. - **The team's work.** Tidio has no tasks, channels or direct messages. Retily keeps them beside the tickets that created them. Where Tidio is the better pick If you need WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram channels, a Shopify app, native iOS and Android apps, ticket automations, SOC 2 Type II paperwork, a free plan with 10 seats, Tidio has them today and Retily does not. Choose on what you will actually use. ## Try the alternative before you decide Retily builds an AI agent from your website, usually in about a minute, before you sign up: [see it answer from your own site](https://retily.com/try). Prices checked on each vendor's public pricing page on the date above. If you find one that has changed, [tell us](mailto:support@retily.com) and we will fix it. ## AI for the routine. Your team for what matters. See the agent answer from your own website for free, usually in about a minute. Or start today, with your first month for $1. [Start for $1](https://app.retily.com/register) [Try it on your website](https://retily.com/try) Cancel anytime.