Free vs custom Discord bot: which one do you need?

When is a free Discord bot enough?

A free public bot is usually enough when:

• Your server is small, or it's a group of friends.
• You only need one or two common features, like basic moderation or music.
• You don't mind the bot having someone else's name and picture.
• You're fine using the bot's own website or dashboard to set things up.

If that's you, start with a free bot. You can always switch later.

When is a custom Discord bot worth it?

A custom bot makes sense when:

• You want one bot that does tickets, moderation, welcome messages, roles and more, instead of five different bots.
• You want the bot to use your server name and colors.
• You want your channels, roles and panels set up for you.
• You need a command that free bots don't have.
• You want to host the bot yourself, so it's yours to keep.

What does a custom bot cost?

At Server Workshop, packages are Basic $25, Standard $50 and Premium $75, and extra features are +$5 each. Every bot starts from our own tested bot system and is then set up for your server. You host it yourself, and setup steps are included. See Pricing.

Launch deal: the first 5 orders placed on this site get 20% off any package. We send the code in your Discord order ticket. Enter it under “Add promotion code” in Stripe checkout. Fiverr orders don’t count. Once 5 codes are claimed, the deal ends.

Not sure yet?

Join our Discord, try the bot, and ask us anything in a ticket: discord.gg/mQGurnyCDs. If a free bot is the better fit for you, we'll tell you.

Related: How to host a Discord bot · Discord ticket bot · Guides