McKinsey warns AI agents could cost companies 30 times more than chatbots

McKinsey has issued a warning that AI agents could cost companies up to 30 times more than traditional chatbots, as businesses continue to invest heavily in artificial intelligence. The consulting firm highlights that agents, which perform complex tasks, significantly increase operational costs due to their multi-step processes. According to a McKinsey study, the cost difference between different agents completing the same task can be as high as 30 times. Djordje Katic, a McKinsey Global Institute Director and Senior Partner, notes that AI spending is becoming increasingly substantial. A 2026 survey found that about one-third of organizations have already spent over 10% of their IT budget on AI, with 60% planning to increase spending next year. Companies like Coinbase and Salesforce have started imposing restrictions on AI usage as costs rise.