Quick Overview
- 1#1: Intercom - Customer messaging platform offering live chat, AI bots, and personalized support to scale customer service.
- 2#2: Zendesk Chat - Real-time live chat software integrated with Zendesk's ticketing and CRM for comprehensive customer support.
- 3#3: LiveChat - Reliable live chat tool for engaging website visitors in real-time to enhance support and sales.
- 4#4: Drift - Conversational platform with live chat and AI playbooks for marketing, sales, and customer support.
- 5#5: HubSpot Chat - Free live chat integrated with HubSpot CRM for managing customer conversations and support tickets.
- 6#6: Freshchat - Modern messaging platform with live chat, AI bots, and omnichannel support for businesses.
- 7#7: Tidio - Live chat and chatbot software optimized for eCommerce to boost customer support and conversions.
- 8#8: Crisp - Affordable multichannel live chat with unlimited history and shared inbox for team collaboration.
- 9#9: Olark - Simple, customizable live chat software for real-time customer engagement and support.
- 10#10: JivoChat - Multichannel live chat platform unifying web chat, social media, and email for customer service.
These tools were selected and ranked based on critical factors: robust feature sets (including AI capabilities, multichannel support, and CRM integration), consistent performance, ease of implementation and use, and overall value, ensuring they deliver measurable impact across customer service and sales functions.
Comparison Table
Live chat customer support software is a vital tool for real-time customer engagement, and this comparison table examines top options like Intercom, Zendesk Chat, LiveChat, Drift, HubSpot Chat, and more. It explores features, pricing, and usability to help readers identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intercom Customer messaging platform offering live chat, AI bots, and personalized support to scale customer service. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Zendesk Chat Real-time live chat software integrated with Zendesk's ticketing and CRM for comprehensive customer support. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | LiveChat Reliable live chat tool for engaging website visitors in real-time to enhance support and sales. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Drift Conversational platform with live chat and AI playbooks for marketing, sales, and customer support. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | HubSpot Chat Free live chat integrated with HubSpot CRM for managing customer conversations and support tickets. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Freshchat Modern messaging platform with live chat, AI bots, and omnichannel support for businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Tidio Live chat and chatbot software optimized for eCommerce to boost customer support and conversions. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Crisp Affordable multichannel live chat with unlimited history and shared inbox for team collaboration. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 9 | Olark Simple, customizable live chat software for real-time customer engagement and support. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | JivoChat Multichannel live chat platform unifying web chat, social media, and email for customer service. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
Customer messaging platform offering live chat, AI bots, and personalized support to scale customer service.
Real-time live chat software integrated with Zendesk's ticketing and CRM for comprehensive customer support.
Reliable live chat tool for engaging website visitors in real-time to enhance support and sales.
Conversational platform with live chat and AI playbooks for marketing, sales, and customer support.
Free live chat integrated with HubSpot CRM for managing customer conversations and support tickets.
Modern messaging platform with live chat, AI bots, and omnichannel support for businesses.
Live chat and chatbot software optimized for eCommerce to boost customer support and conversions.
Affordable multichannel live chat with unlimited history and shared inbox for team collaboration.
Simple, customizable live chat software for real-time customer engagement and support.
Multichannel live chat platform unifying web chat, social media, and email for customer service.
Intercom
enterpriseCustomer messaging platform offering live chat, AI bots, and personalized support to scale customer service.
Fin AI agent that learns from conversations to autonomously resolve complex support tickets
Intercom is a leading customer messaging platform designed for live chat support, combining real-time conversations, AI-powered chatbots, and automated workflows to enhance customer engagement. It provides a unified inbox for teams to handle queries across web, mobile, and email, with deep customer data insights for personalization. Businesses use it to resolve issues quickly, proactively engage users, and integrate with CRMs and helpdesks for seamless support operations.
Pros
- AI-driven Resolution Bot handles up to 50% of queries autonomously
- Unified customer profiles with behavioral data for personalized chats
- Extensive integrations with 300+ tools including Salesforce and Slack
Cons
- Premium pricing scales rapidly with active contacts
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited free tier for testing full capabilities
Best For
Scaling SaaS, e-commerce, and tech companies needing intelligent, data-driven live chat support.
Pricing
Starts at $74/month (Essential, billed annually) for up to 1,000 contacts; higher tiers like Advanced ($139/month) and custom Expert plans scale by contacts and features.
Zendesk Chat
enterpriseReal-time live chat software integrated with Zendesk's ticketing and CRM for comprehensive customer support.
Effortless chat-to-ticket conversion and deep integration with Zendesk's full support ecosystem
Zendesk Chat is a robust live chat platform that enables real-time customer engagement on websites and apps through customizable widgets and proactive messaging. It integrates seamlessly with the broader Zendesk Suite, allowing chats to transition into tickets, automate responses with bots, and provide agents with visitor insights and productivity tools. Designed for scaling support teams, it offers advanced analytics, mobile apps, and multi-channel unification to enhance customer service efficiency.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Zendesk ticketing and CRM for unified support
- Advanced analytics, reporting, and visitor targeting capabilities
- Customizable chat widgets with mobile apps and AI bots for agents
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for small teams or basic needs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and integrations
- Limited standalone features without full Zendesk Suite subscription
Best For
Mid-to-large businesses needing scalable live chat integrated with comprehensive customer support tools.
Pricing
Free limited plan; Team at $49/agent/month; Growth at $79/agent/month; Enterprise custom pricing (billed annually).
LiveChat
specializedReliable live chat tool for engaging website visitors in real-time to enhance support and sales.
Flow Builder for advanced AI-driven chat automations and proactive visitor targeting
LiveChat is a robust live chat platform that enables real-time customer engagement on websites and mobile apps, helping businesses provide instant support and boost conversions. It offers features like proactive messaging, visitor tracking, canned responses, and seamless integrations with CRMs, helpdesks, and e-commerce tools. Advanced analytics and reporting allow teams to monitor performance and optimize support strategies effectively.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 200+ apps including Salesforce and Shopify
- Intuitive dashboard and mobile apps for on-the-go support
- Powerful analytics and visitor insights for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with agents and advanced features
- No permanent free plan, only 14-day trial
- Some automation tools have a learning curve for beginners
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce and SaaS businesses seeking scalable live chat with deep analytics and CRM integrations.
Pricing
Starter at $20/agent/month, Team at $39/agent/month, Business at $59/agent/month (annual billing; 14-day free trial).
Drift
enterpriseConversational platform with live chat and AI playbooks for marketing, sales, and customer support.
Conversational Playbooks for guided, data-driven chat responses
Drift is a conversational platform offering live chat software with AI-powered chatbots for real-time visitor engagement, lead qualification, and customer support. It features automated playbooks, deep CRM integrations, and analytics to personalize interactions and drive conversations. While optimized for sales and marketing, it supports customer service through proactive messaging and self-service bots.
Pros
- Advanced AI chatbots for automated support
- Robust integrations with CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot
- Proactive engagement and real-time analytics
Cons
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for small businesses
- More sales-oriented than dedicated support tools
- Advanced setup requires technical expertise
Best For
Mid-market to enterprise teams blending sales, marketing, and customer support in conversational channels.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro plans start at ~$2,500/month (annual), with custom Enterprise pricing.
HubSpot Chat
specializedFree live chat integrated with HubSpot CRM for managing customer conversations and support tickets.
Deep CRM integration that pulls visitor data for hyper-personalized real-time conversations
HubSpot Chat is a live chat tool integrated into the HubSpot CRM ecosystem, allowing businesses to engage visitors in real-time on their websites through proactive messaging and AI-powered chatbots. It routes conversations to the appropriate sales or support reps based on CRM data, automatically logging chats as tickets, contacts, or deals. This solution excels in unifying customer support with marketing and sales workflows, providing a seamless omnichannel experience.
Pros
- Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM for personalized support
- Free tier with robust basic features including chatbots
- Intuitive interface and easy setup for HubSpot users
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind expensive higher-tier plans
- Limited customization compared to dedicated chat tools
- Less ideal for teams not already using the HubSpot ecosystem
Best For
Growing businesses already invested in the HubSpot CRM platform that need integrated live chat for sales and support.
Pricing
Free for basic chat; advanced features start at $20/user/month (Starter) up to $100+/user/month (Professional/Enterprise).
Freshchat
specializedModern messaging platform with live chat, AI bots, and omnichannel support for businesses.
Freddy AI chatbots with natural language processing for proactive, intelligent customer interactions
Freshchat is a customer engagement platform from Freshworks that provides live chat software for websites and mobile apps, enabling real-time conversations with AI-powered chatbots and automation. It offers a unified inbox for team collaboration, omnichannel support including WhatsApp and email, and customizable chat widgets. The tool excels in scaling support operations with analytics, bots, and integrations to streamline issue resolution and boost customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Powerful Freddy AI chatbots for automation and self-service
- Seamless omnichannel support and extensive integrations with CRMs
- Intuitive interface with mobile SDKs for app support
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Reporting and analytics limited in free and basic plans
- Occasional delays in high-volume chat scenarios
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing scalable live chat with strong AI automation and omnichannel capabilities.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 10 agents; Growth at $15/agent/mo, Pro at $39/agent/mo, Enterprise custom (billed annually).
Tidio
specializedLive chat and chatbot software optimized for eCommerce to boost customer support and conversions.
Lyro AI, an autonomous chatbot that handles complex conversations without human intervention
Tidio is a versatile live chat software platform that integrates AI-powered chatbots, real-time messaging, and automation tools to streamline customer support on websites. It enables businesses to engage visitors instantly, automate routine inquiries with chat flows and Lyro AI, and track user behavior for personalized interactions. Primarily targeted at e-commerce and small to medium businesses, Tidio offers seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and Facebook Messenger.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop chatbot builder for quick automation
- Strong integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce
- Excellent mobile app for on-the-go agent management
Cons
- Free plan has limitations on operators and chatbot actions
- Advanced AI features like Lyro require higher-tier plans
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small to medium e-commerce businesses seeking affordable AI-driven live chat with easy setup.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $29/month (Starter) up to $499/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
Crisp
specializedAffordable multichannel live chat with unlimited history and shared inbox for team collaboration.
Unified inbox that centralizes live chat, email, social messengers, and phone calls in one interface
Crisp is a customer messaging platform offering live chat, automated chatbots, and a unified inbox for handling support across websites, email, and social channels like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. It enables teams to engage visitors in real-time, automate routine queries, and track interactions to improve customer service efficiency. With mobile apps and extensive integrations, it's built for small to medium businesses seeking affordable multichannel support.
Pros
- Highly affordable with a robust free plan for up to 2 operators
- Powerful no-code chatbots and automation for quick setup
- Unified inbox supporting multiple channels including chat, email, and messengers
Cons
- Advanced analytics and reporting are somewhat limited
- Interface can feel cluttered for very large teams
- Customer support response times vary on lower plans
Best For
Small and medium-sized businesses looking for cost-effective live chat with strong automation and multichannel capabilities.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 2 operators; Turbo plan at €25/month (2 operators); Business at €95/month (unlimited operators); Enterprise custom.
Olark
specializedSimple, customizable live chat software for real-time customer engagement and support.
Real-time visitor monitoring with behavior-based proactive chat targeting
Olark is a longstanding live chat software that provides real-time customer engagement through customizable chat widgets on websites. It supports features like visitor tracking, chat routing to operator groups, mobile apps for agents, and integrations with CRMs such as Salesforce and HubSpot. Businesses use it for proactive support, sending transcripts via email, and basic analytics to improve response times and customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Simple installation with a single script embed
- Strong mobile apps for iOS and Android agents
- Reliable integrations with popular CRMs and tools
Cons
- Outdated interface compared to modern competitors
- Lacks advanced AI chatbots or automation
- Pricing scales per operator, which can add up for teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing straightforward, reliable live chat without complex AI features.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (billed annually) for Micro plan (1 operator); Pro at $49/month, Business at $79/month, with enterprise custom pricing.
JivoChat
specializedMultichannel live chat platform unifying web chat, social media, and email for customer service.
Native mobile app for agents enabling on-the-go chat management across all channels
JivoChat is an omnichannel live chat platform that allows businesses to communicate with customers via website widgets, mobile apps, email, and social channels like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram. It provides tools such as proactive chat invitations, chatbots for automation, visitor tracking, and CRM integrations to enhance customer support efficiency. The software supports unlimited chats on its free plan and scales with paid tiers for advanced features like reporting and custom bots.
Pros
- Strong omnichannel support including WhatsApp and Telegram
- Intuitive interface with mobile apps for agents
- Generous free plan for up to 5 agents with unlimited chats
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom bots locked behind premium plans
- Limited customization options for chat widgets
- Occasional performance lags during high-volume chats
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing affordable, multi-channel live chat without complex setup.
Pricing
Free plan for 5 agents; paid plans from $19/agent/month (Basic) to $59/agent/month (Premium), billed annually.
Conclusion
The review of live chat customer support software highlights tools that each bring unique strengths to the table. Leading the pack is Intercom, excelling with its combined customer messaging, AI bots, and personalized support for scalable service. Close behind, Zendesk Chat stands out for its tight integration with ticketing and CRM systems, ideal for comprehensive support, and LiveChat offers reliable real-time engagement that enhances both support and sales. No matter the business’s specific needs, these top options prove that effective customer communication is within reach, with Intercom emerging as the clear top choice.
Take the first step toward better customer connections—try Intercom today. Its robust features and user-friendly design make it a standout for businesses looking to scale and personalize their support, helping turn every interaction into a meaningful connection.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
