What is free
Creating a bot in BotFather, the Telegram Bot API, sending and receiving messages, buttons, groups and channels — all free, with no limit on the number of users. Unlike WhatsApp, there is no charge per message, so a bot that talks to ten thousand people costs the same in Telegram fees as one that talks to ten: nothing.
What you pay for
- A server. A bot is a program that must run 24/7. A small cloud server costs $5–10 a month and handles thousands of users.
- A database — usually on the same server, at no extra cost.
- A domain — about $10–20 a year, needed if the bot uses webhooks or has a Mini App.
- Paid APIs the bot uses: an AI model, SMS, maps, or a payment provider's fee per transaction.
- Changes after launch, when your process changes — from me $15 an hour, with no monthly retainer.
Where to host a Telegram bot
| Option | Per month | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small cloud server (VPS) | $5–10 | Almost every business bot; several bots on one server | Someone has to set it up and keep it updated |
| Serverless functions with a webhook | $0–5 at low traffic | Simple bots with few users | Cold starts make first answers slow; harder to debug |
| Free app hosting plans | $0 | Experiments | The bot sleeps, restarts or stops after a time limit |
| Your own computer | $0 | Testing | The bot stops when the computer sleeps or loses internet |
A typical monthly bill
| Bot | Server | Other | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answers and a request form | $5 | — | about $5 |
| Orders with a database | $5–10 | — | $5–10 |
| Shop with online payments | $5–10 | Payment provider fee per sale | $5–10 + fees |
| Bot with an AI assistant | $5–10 | AI model, by usage | $10–40 |
AI costs depend on how many questions the bot answers; I estimate them for your expected volume before building.
If the bot uses AI
Every AI answer costs a fraction of a cent to a few cents, depending on the model and the length of the conversation. To keep it predictable: answer common questions with buttons and fixed texts, send only free-text questions to the AI, keep the AI's source material short and specific, and set a monthly spending limit with the AI provider. More about this in chatbots for websites and businesses.
Can a bot run on free hosting?
Some platforms have free plans, but the bot often “falls asleep” or runs for limited hours — a customer writes, and the bot answers a minute later or not at all. For a business bot, a $5 server is the cheapest reliable option. If the server is briefly down, Telegram keeps undelivered updates for up to 24 hours, so the bot catches up when it comes back.
How to keep running costs low
- Run several bots on one server — a small server easily handles two or three business bots.
- Start with a simple database on the same server; move to a bigger one only when you need it.
- Use buttons for common questions and AI only where free text really helps.
- Register the server in your name and set up automatic backups — losing data is the most expensive outcome.
Questions
Is the Telegram Bot API free?
Yes. Telegram charges nothing for creating bots, for users or for messages.
Are there fees per user or message?
No. Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram has no per-message charges.
How much does a server for a Telegram bot cost?
A small cloud server is usually $5–10 a month and can run several business bots.
Can I host a Telegram bot for free 24/7?
Free plans usually sleep or have time limits, so a business bot answers late or not at all. A $5 server is the cheapest reliable choice.
Who pays for the server?
You do, directly to the hosting provider. I set the server up on your account so it stays yours.
What happens if the server goes down?
The bot stops answering until it is back. Telegram stores new messages for up to 24 hours, so the bot processes them when it restarts.