Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tawk.to - Offers completely free unlimited live chat for websites with mobile apps and visitor tracking.
- 2#2: Tidio - Provides live chat with AI-powered chatbots, automation, and multichannel messaging on a generous free plan.
- 3#3: Crisp - All-in-one customer messaging platform combining live chat, email, and chatbots with a free plan for one user.
- 4#4: HubSpot Chat - Free live chat tool integrated with CRM for lead capture, meeting booking, and team collaboration.
- 5#5: Chatra - Live chat software with offline messaging, chatbots, and group chat features on a free plan for one agent.
- 6#6: JivoChat - Multichannel live chat supporting websites, social media, and mobile apps with a free plan for five agents.
- 7#7: Zoho SalesIQ - Live chat with visitor insights, chatbots, and analytics integrated into the Zoho ecosystem on a free plan.
- 8#8: Rocket.Chat - Open-source live chat and team collaboration platform that can be self-hosted for free.
- 9#9: Chatwoot - Open-source customer support platform with live chat, shared inbox, and integrations for self-hosting.
- 10#10: LiveHelperChat - Free open-source live support chat application with proactive invitations and department support.
We evaluated tools based on feature depth (including chatbots, multichannel support, and automation), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, prioritizing those that balance robust functionality with accessible, free-tier offerings.
Comparison Table
Free live chat software is a critical resource for businesses looking to engage with customers in real time, and with tools like Tawk.to, Tidio, Crisp, HubSpot Chat, Chatra, and more, selecting the right platform can be challenging. This comparison table outlines key features, usability, and practical benefits to help you evaluate which solution best fits your needs, whether you’re a small business or a scaling brand. By breaking down essential details, it simplifies the process of finding a live chat tool that enhances customer connection and support.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tawk.to Offers completely free unlimited live chat for websites with mobile apps and visitor tracking. | other | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | Tidio Provides live chat with AI-powered chatbots, automation, and multichannel messaging on a generous free plan. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 3 | Crisp All-in-one customer messaging platform combining live chat, email, and chatbots with a free plan for one user. | other | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | HubSpot Chat Free live chat tool integrated with CRM for lead capture, meeting booking, and team collaboration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Chatra Live chat software with offline messaging, chatbots, and group chat features on a free plan for one agent. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | JivoChat Multichannel live chat supporting websites, social media, and mobile apps with a free plan for five agents. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | Zoho SalesIQ Live chat with visitor insights, chatbots, and analytics integrated into the Zoho ecosystem on a free plan. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | Rocket.Chat Open-source live chat and team collaboration platform that can be self-hosted for free. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Chatwoot Open-source customer support platform with live chat, shared inbox, and integrations for self-hosting. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 10 | LiveHelperChat Free open-source live support chat application with proactive invitations and department support. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
Offers completely free unlimited live chat for websites with mobile apps and visitor tracking.
Provides live chat with AI-powered chatbots, automation, and multichannel messaging on a generous free plan.
All-in-one customer messaging platform combining live chat, email, and chatbots with a free plan for one user.
Free live chat tool integrated with CRM for lead capture, meeting booking, and team collaboration.
Live chat software with offline messaging, chatbots, and group chat features on a free plan for one agent.
Multichannel live chat supporting websites, social media, and mobile apps with a free plan for five agents.
Live chat with visitor insights, chatbots, and analytics integrated into the Zoho ecosystem on a free plan.
Open-source live chat and team collaboration platform that can be self-hosted for free.
Open-source customer support platform with live chat, shared inbox, and integrations for self-hosting.
Free open-source live support chat application with proactive invitations and department support.
Tawk.to
otherOffers completely free unlimited live chat for websites with mobile apps and visitor tracking.
Forever free with no limits on agents, chats, or history
Tawk.to is a leading free live chat software that enables real-time communication between website visitors and support agents via a customizable widget. It provides features like visitor monitoring, proactive chat triggers, mobile apps for agents, and integrations with popular platforms such as WordPress and Shopify. As a truly free solution with no limits on agents, chats, or history, it stands out for budget-conscious businesses seeking robust customer engagement tools.
Pros
- Completely free forever with unlimited agents and chats
- Quick and easy installation with one-line embed code
- Excellent mobile apps for iOS and Android agents
Cons
- Dashboard includes Tawk.to branding and occasional ads
- Advanced reporting and analytics are basic compared to paid competitors
- Limited built-in automation without third-party integrations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and startups needing high-quality live chat without any ongoing costs.
Pricing
100% free core plan with unlimited usage; paid upgrades ($15-$99/month) for ad-free experience, custom domains, and priority support.
Tidio
specializedProvides live chat with AI-powered chatbots, automation, and multichannel messaging on a generous free plan.
Visual no-code chatbot builder available on the free plan for easy automation of common queries
Tidio is a versatile live chat software that enables real-time customer communication via a customizable chat widget on websites. It includes built-in chatbots for automation, visitor tracking, and integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. The free plan supports unlimited chats and operators, making it accessible for small businesses to enhance support and sales without upfront costs.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited chats and operators
- Intuitive drag-and-drop chatbot builder
- Seamless integrations with major e-commerce and CRM tools
Cons
- Advanced AI features like Lyro require paid upgrade
- Limited reporting and analytics in free tier
- Customization options can feel restrictive for complex needs
Best For
Small businesses and startups seeking a robust free live chat solution with basic automation to boost customer engagement.
Pricing
Free plan with core features; paid plans (Communicator $29/mo, Chatbots $39/mo, higher tiers up to $499/mo) unlock advanced bots, analytics, and AI.
Crisp
otherAll-in-one customer messaging platform combining live chat, email, and chatbots with a free plan for one user.
Unified messaging inbox that handles chats, emails, and forms in one place even on the free plan
Crisp is a versatile live chat platform designed for real-time customer engagement, featuring a customizable chat widget that integrates seamlessly with websites. It supports live chat, automated responses, and basic team collaboration, making it ideal for small businesses starting out. The free plan provides core functionality without conversation limits, though advanced features require upgrades.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited conversations and websites
- Intuitive setup with copy-paste widget code
- Mobile apps for operators and real-time notifications
Cons
- Limited to 2 operators on free plan
- Advanced automations and CRM features require paid upgrade
- Chat history retained for only 3 months on free tier
Best For
Small businesses or solo operators seeking a simple, no-cost live chat solution for basic customer support.
Pricing
Free forever for up to 2 operators and unlimited conversations; paid plans start at $25/month for more operators, longer history, and advanced features.
HubSpot Chat
enterpriseFree live chat tool integrated with CRM for lead capture, meeting booking, and team collaboration.
Deep native integration with HubSpot CRM that auto-creates and updates contacts, deals, and tickets from every chat
HubSpot Chat is a free live chat software that enables real-time visitor engagement on websites through an embeddable widget. It offers chatbot automation for lead qualification, conversation routing, and seamless integration with HubSpot's free CRM to capture and manage contacts automatically. Ideal for inbound marketing, it also supports meeting scheduling and pre-chat forms to personalize interactions.
Pros
- Seamless integration with HubSpot's free CRM for automatic contact syncing
- Powerful no-code chatbot builder with unlimited conversations
- Quick setup with customizable widgets and mobile app support
Cons
- Limited to 2 active chatflows in the free plan
- Advanced targeting and analytics require paid upgrades
- Full potential unlocked only within HubSpot ecosystem
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses using or adopting HubSpot CRM that need robust free live chat with lead capture.
Pricing
Free forever for core features including 2 chatflows and unlimited chats; paid plans start at $20/month (Marketing Hub Starter) for unlimited chatflows and advanced tools.
Chatra
otherLive chat software with offline messaging, chatbots, and group chat features on a free plan for one agent.
Seamless mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing agents to manage chats on the go even on the free plan
Chatra is a live chat software designed for websites, enabling real-time customer communication to boost support and sales. Its free plan supports one agent with features like live messaging, offline forms, file sharing, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. While robust for basics, it lacks advanced automation like chatbots, which are available in paid tiers. It's ideal for small-scale use with quick setup and clean interface.
Pros
- Extremely easy installation with simple embed code
- Intuitive dashboard and mobile apps for agents
- Unlimited chats and visitors even on free plan
Cons
- Limited to one agent on free plan
- Chat history retained only for 10 days
- Chatra branding visible on free version
Best For
Solo entrepreneurs or tiny websites needing basic, reliable live chat without multi-agent support.
Pricing
Free plan for 1 agent; paid plans start at $21/month (annual) for unlimited agents, chatbots, and integrations.
JivoChat
otherMultichannel live chat supporting websites, social media, and mobile apps with a free plan for five agents.
Native mobile apps for agents to handle chats from smartphones anywhere
JivoChat is a multi-channel live chat platform designed for websites and businesses to engage visitors in real-time via chat widgets, mobile apps, and integrations with messengers like WhatsApp and Facebook. It offers tools for proactive invitations, chatbots, and visitor monitoring to boost conversions. The free plan supports unlimited chats for up to 5 agents, making it suitable for small teams starting out.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited conversations and 5 agents
- Intuitive setup with mobile apps for agents on iOS/Android
- Proactive chat invitations and basic visitor tracking
Cons
- JivoChat branding visible on free plan chats
- Limited advanced features like AI bots and analytics in free tier
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to premium competitors
Best For
Small businesses and startups seeking a reliable free live chat solution for basic customer support.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 5 agents with unlimited chats; paid plans start at $19/agent/month for advanced features.
Zoho SalesIQ
enterpriseLive chat with visitor insights, chatbots, and analytics integrated into the Zoho ecosystem on a free plan.
Zobot: Intuitive no-code chatbot builder for automated visitor engagement
Zoho SalesIQ is a comprehensive live chat and customer engagement platform that enables real-time visitor interactions, automated chatbots, and behavioral tracking on websites. It helps businesses convert visitors into leads through proactive chats, analytics, and seamless integrations with CRMs like Zoho CRM. The free plan supports basic live chat needs for small teams, making it a solid entry-level solution.
Pros
- Generous free plan supporting up to 3 operators with core chat features
- Strong integrations with Zoho ecosystem and third-party tools
- Real-time visitor tracking and insights for proactive engagement
Cons
- Limited to 3 operators and basic bots on free plan
- Interface can feel cluttered for new users outside Zoho suite
- Advanced reporting and customization locked behind paid tiers
Best For
Small businesses and startups seeking a free, scalable live chat tool with CRM integration potential.
Pricing
Free forever for up to 3 operators; paid plans start at $7/user/month (billed annually).
Rocket.Chat
otherOpen-source live chat and team collaboration platform that can be self-hosted for free.
Complete self-hosting with on-premises deployment for ultimate data privacy and customization freedom
Rocket.Chat is a fully open-source, self-hosted team communication platform offering real-time chat, voice/video calls, and collaboration features similar to Slack or Microsoft Teams. It supports channels, direct messaging, file sharing, screen sharing, and extensive integrations with tools like GitHub, Jira, and LDAP. Designed for privacy-focused organizations, it allows complete data control without relying on cloud providers.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free with no usage limits
- Highly customizable with extensive plugins and integrations
- Strong emphasis on data sovereignty and self-hosting
Cons
- Complex setup and maintenance requiring DevOps skills
- Resource-intensive for large-scale deployments
- User interface feels less polished than commercial alternatives
Best For
Privacy-conscious teams and organizations willing to invest in self-hosting for full control over their chat infrastructure.
Pricing
Free Community Edition; Enterprise plans start at $4/user/month for advanced features like federation and premium support.
Chatwoot
otherOpen-source customer support platform with live chat, shared inbox, and integrations for self-hosting.
Unified shared inbox for omnichannel conversations, consolidating all customer interactions into one customizable dashboard
Chatwoot is an open-source customer engagement platform that serves as a shared team inbox for live chat and conversations across multiple channels including website widgets, email, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Telegram. It enables businesses to manage customer support efficiently with features like automation rules, canned responses, reporting, and extensive integrations. As a free self-hosted solution, it prioritizes privacy and customization without vendor lock-in.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free to self-host with no usage limits
- Omnichannel support unifying chats from website, social media, and messaging apps
- Highly customizable with plugins, APIs, and automation workflows
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management skills
- Community support only for free version; no SLAs
- Interface can feel overwhelming for very basic live chat needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams or businesses seeking a free, self-hosted omnichannel customer support platform with high customization.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted edition; Cloud Pro plans start at $19/agent/month with added features and support.
LiveHelperChat
otherFree open-source live support chat application with proactive invitations and department support.
Built-in AI-powered chatbot builder with natural language processing for automated visitor handling
LiveHelperChat is a free, open-source, self-hosted live chat software designed for real-time customer engagement on websites. It provides robust features like proactive chat invitations, visitor tracking, canned responses, and an integrated chatbot builder with AI capabilities. The platform supports multilingual chats, mobile apps, and extensive customizations, making it suitable for businesses seeking full data control without subscription costs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Rich feature set including AI chatbots and visitor analytics
- Highly customizable with extensive integrations
Cons
- Requires self-hosting and technical setup knowledge
- Outdated user interface that feels clunky
- Community-driven support rather than dedicated helpdesk
Best For
Technical teams or small businesses wanting a powerful, no-cost live chat solution with full customization control.
Pricing
Free core software (self-hosted); optional paid extensions, themes, and cloud hosting starting at €19/month.
Conclusion
The top three free live chat tools shine, each with unique strengths to suit different needs. Leading the pack is Tawk.to, celebrated for its unlimited service and robust tracking features, establishing itself as a top choice. Close contenders Tidio and Crisp also stand out, with Tidio’s AI chatbots and multichannel support, and Crisp’s all-in-one messaging capabilities, offering strong alternatives for varied business requirements.
Don’t miss out—try Tawk.to today to unlock its generous, feature-rich platform and elevate your customer interactions effortlessly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison