In 2026, WhatsApp AI chatbots are no longer limited to customer support. They now power sales automation, order tracking, refunds, abandoned checkout recovery, and personalised ecommerce experiences.
As message volume grows, many Shopify brands move beyond basic WhatsApp replies and adopt automated ecommerce customer support to scale without increasing staff. While AeroChat is purpose-built for Shopify automation, several WhatsApp AI chatbot alternatives now compete, each solving a specific part of the ecommerce support problem.
This guide compares the best WhatsApp AI chatbot alternatives for Shopify and ecommerce in 2026, helping you choose the right solution based on automation depth, Shopify integration, and long-term ROI.
Quick Comparison: WhatsApp AI Chatbot Platforms (2026)
Platform | Best For | Shopify Integration | AI Automation | Ecommerce Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AeroChat (Free) | Ecommerce automation | Native | Yes | Order tracking, refunds, omnichannel |
Gorgias Automation | Helpdesk workflows | Yes | Partial | Tickets, macros |
Tidio | Small Shopify stores | Yes | Limited | FAQs and basic flows |
Re:amaze | Multi-channel support | Yes | Partial | Live chat + support |
Heyday (Hootsuite) | Retail ecommerce | Yes | Yes | Product discovery |
WATI | WhatsApp marketing | No | No | Broadcast campaigns |
Twilio WhatsApp | Custom builds | Partial | No | API-only |
Only AeroChat delivers native ecommerce automation on WhatsApp without engineering overhead, which aligns with modern customer service automation for Shopify stores.
1. AeroChat — Best WhatsApp AI Chatbot for Shopify Ecommerce
Overview
AeroChat is an AI-first ecommerce chatbot designed specifically for Shopify stores. It automates conversations across WhatsApp, website chat, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger using live Shopify data.
Why AeroChat Stands Out
AeroChat instantly resolves delivery questions by acting as a Shopify shipping status chatbot, which eliminates the most common support query: “Where is my order?”. This automation significantly reduces tickets and improves trust.
It also handles refunds and returns using AI-powered refund automation on Shopify, clearly explaining eligibility, timelines, and next steps before frustration escalates.
By combining intent-based workflows with ecommerce data, AeroChat helps merchants reduce Shopify support workload while delivering 24/7 customer support without hiring. Conversations stay connected across channels through a single omnichannel support chatbot, all managed through a no-code setup.
You can see why many brands rank AeroChat among the best WhatsApp AI chatbots for ecommerce.
Best for:
Shopify and ecommerce brands that need automation-first support, reduced staffing overhead, and measurable ROI.
2. Gorgias Automation — Helpdesk-Led Shopify Support
Overview
Gorgias is a Shopify-focused helpdesk platform offering macros, workflows, and ticket-based automation.
Strengths
Gorgias provides deep Shopify integration, strong agent tools, and structured ticket management.
Limitations
Automation is largely rule-based rather than AI-driven. WhatsApp automation remains limited, and most conversations still require manual handling. This makes it less suitable for brands moving toward AI-only first-line support on Shopify.
Best for:
Merchants with dedicated support teams who prioritise ticket workflows over automation.
3. Tidio — Entry-Level Shopify Chatbot
Overview
Tidio offers live chat and basic chatbot functionality for Shopify stores.
Strengths
It is easy to set up and affordable, making it suitable for early experimentation.
Limitations
AI intelligence is limited, ecommerce context is shallow, and it does not scale well for high-volume automation compared to AI-driven ecommerce chatbots.
Best for:
Small Shopify stores testing basic automation.
4. Re:amaze — Multi-Channel Support Platform
Overview
Re:amaze provides a unified inbox for chat, email, social, and Shopify orders.
Strengths
It supports multi-channel messaging and order visibility.
Limitations
AI decision-making is limited. Re:amaze helps manage conversations but does not eliminate them like automated ecommerce support systems.
Best for:
Support-heavy brands needing channel consolidation.
5. Heyday — Retail Conversational AI
Overview
Heyday focuses on conversational AI for retail ecommerce, especially product discovery.
Strengths
It supports guided product conversations and retail-specific flows.
Limitations
WhatsApp automation depth varies, and Shopify logic control is limited compared to Shopify-native AI chatbots.
Best for:
Retail brands prioritising conversational product discovery.
6. WATI — WhatsApp Marketing Platform
Overview
WATI is built around WhatsApp Business API campaigns and broadcasts.
Strengths
It supports bulk messaging and contact segmentation.
Limitations
WATI lacks AI intelligence and does not automate Shopify orders, refunds, or support workflows. It is not suitable for WhatsApp customer service automation on Shopify.
Best for:
WhatsApp marketing campaigns only.
7. Twilio WhatsApp — Developer-First Option
Overview
Twilio provides programmable WhatsApp APIs for custom conversational systems.
Strengths
It offers full flexibility for developers.
Limitations
Twilio requires engineering resources and lacks built-in AI or ecommerce workflows. This results in slower time-to-value than AI-native Shopify chatbots.
Best for:
Developer teams building custom solutions.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison (Shopify Focus)
Feature | AeroChat | Gorgias | Tidio | Re:amaze | Heyday | WATI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AI intent detection | Yes | Partial | Limited | Partial | Yes | No |
Shopify order tracking | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Partial | No |
Refund automation | Yes | Partial | No | No | No | No |
WhatsApp automation | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited | Partial | Yes |
Omnichannel support | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Limited | WhatsApp only |
No-code setup | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ecommerce focus | High | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Top takeaway:
AeroChat is uniquely positioned to deliver ecommerce-aware WhatsApp AI chatbot automation without heavy engineering or manual intervention.
Ecommerce Use Cases That Matter in 2026
Instant shipping status on WhatsApp
AI resolves delivery questions instantly using order tracking automation for Shopify, reducing frustration and negative reviews.
Automated refund and return support
Clear AI-driven explanations reduce refund-related tickets through Shopify refund automation.
24/7 support without hiring
AI handles nights, weekends, and peak seasons, enabling zero-wait customer support on Shopify.
Omnichannel conversations
Customers switch between WhatsApp, website chat, and social platforms. A unified omnichannel customer support chatbot preserves context across all channels.
Which WhatsApp AI Chatbot Should You Choose?
Choose AeroChat if you run a Shopify, WooCommerce, or ecommerce store, need automation for orders, refunds, and shipping, want 24/7 support without scaling staff, need WhatsApp and Instagram chatbot integration, and care about measurable ROI.
Choose Gorgias if advanced ticket workflows and human-led support are your priority.
Choose Tidio or Re:amaze if you need lightweight automation and multi-channel messaging.
Choose Heyday if retail product discovery automation is central to your strategy.
Choose WATI or Twilio if your focus is WhatsApp marketing campaigns or custom developer builds.
Final Takeaway
In 2026, WhatsApp AI chatbots are essential for scalable ecommerce growth. While many alternatives exist, only ecommerce-native platforms deliver deep automation, instant responses, and omnichannel support out of the box.
This is why many brands choose AeroChat as the best WhatsApp AI chatbot for ecommerce automation, replacing manual support with AI-driven conversations that scale with growth.