Comparison · Bot builders
BotFather vs Manybot
These two are not rivals but two steps of the same job. BotFather (@BotFather) is Telegram's official registrar: it creates the bot, issues the API token and sets its name, commands, avatar, inline mode and privacy — and does nothing beyond that; the logic has to come from code or a builder. Manybot (@ManyBot) is that builder: paste the token and assemble commands, button menus, keyword auto-replies and broadcasts by chatting, with no code at all. Its limit is the same as its appeal: no conditions and no external APIs. Every bot starts in BotFather; Manybot is the right next step for a menu-and-broadcast bot without a developer.
@BotFather
FreeOfficial
95/ 100
#1 in Bot buildersThe official Telegram bot for creating and managing bots: registers a new bot in a minute, issues the API token, sets commands, description and avatar. Free, English interface, no third-party sign-up.
@ManyBot
Free
81/ 100
One of the oldest and most popular no-code bot constructors on Telegram: register a bot token from BotFather, then build commands, menus and broadcasts entirely by chatting with Manybot. Free, over a million monthly users, English interface.
By the numbers
BotFather is ahead: 95 against 81 out of 100 for Manybot. BotFather wins on functionality, reliability & speed, popularity & trust, safety & privacy, freshness, no intrusive ads. Both are free to use.
At a glance
| BotFather | Manybot | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly users | 8.9M | 1M |
| Pricing and limits | Free | Free |
| Languages | EN | EN |
| Inline mode | no | no |
| Mini App | no | no |
| Works in groups | no | no |
| Works in channels | no | no |
| Accepts voice | no | no |
| Accepts files | no | no |
| Requires phone number | no | no |
| Requires registration | no | no |
| Shows ads | no | no |
| Official | yes | no |
| Developer | Telegram | — |
| Last check | September 12, 2026 | September 12, 2026 |
Score by criterion
| Criterion | Weight | BotFather | Manybot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functionality | 25 | 9 | 7 |
| Reliability & speed | 15 | 10 | 8 |
| Popularity & trust | 15 | 10 | 9 |
| Price & free tier | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Usability | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Safety & privacy | 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Freshness | 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Localization | 5 | 10 | 10 |
| No intrusive ads | 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Total | 100 | 95 | 81 |
Pros and cons
BotFather
- Official, always online, no data beyond your account
- Every bot setting in one place
- Does not build bot logic; you need code or a constructor
Manybot
- Long-running, well-tested, huge user base
- Simple chat-based setup, no visual canvas to learn
- No conditional logic or external API calls — simple menus and broadcasts only
Frequently asked questions
BotFather or Manybot: which is better?
BotFather is ahead: 95 against 81 out of 100 for Manybot. BotFather wins on functionality, reliability & speed, popularity & trust, safety & privacy, freshness, no intrusive ads. Both are free to use.
Are BotFather and Manybot free?
BotFather: Free. Manybot: Free.
Do BotFather and Manybot work in groups?
BotFather: no. Manybot: no.