Quick Overview
- 1#1: Intercom - Comprehensive customer messaging platform with live chat, bots, and automation for websites.
- 2#2: LiveChat - Powerful live chat software designed for high-volume customer support on websites.
- 3#3: Zendesk - Enterprise-grade customer service platform featuring robust live chat integration.
- 4#4: Drift - Conversational marketing and sales platform with AI-powered live chat for websites.
- 5#5: HubSpot Live Chat - Free live chat tool integrated with CRM for seamless customer conversations.
- 6#6: Tidio - Affordable live chat with chatbots and multichannel messaging for e-commerce sites.
- 7#7: Crisp - Multi-channel live chat solution combining chat, email, and social messaging.
- 8#8: Freshchat - AI-driven live chat software for engaging customers across websites and apps.
- 9#9: Chatra - Simple, mobile-friendly live chat with offline messaging for small businesses.
- 10#10: Olark - Reliable live chat service with strong customization for website support.
These tools were evaluated based on functionality (e.g., live chat, automation, multichannel support), reliability, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring the list reflects the most effective and adaptable options for diverse operational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading website live chat tools, including Intercom, LiveChat, Zendesk, Drift, and HubSpot Live Chat, to guide businesses in selecting the right solution. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and practical suitability to optimize customer engagement and support workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intercom Comprehensive customer messaging platform with live chat, bots, and automation for websites. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | LiveChat Powerful live chat software designed for high-volume customer support on websites. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Zendesk Enterprise-grade customer service platform featuring robust live chat integration. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Drift Conversational marketing and sales platform with AI-powered live chat for websites. | general_ai | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | HubSpot Live Chat Free live chat tool integrated with CRM for seamless customer conversations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | Tidio Affordable live chat with chatbots and multichannel messaging for e-commerce sites. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 7 | Crisp Multi-channel live chat solution combining chat, email, and social messaging. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 8 | Freshchat AI-driven live chat software for engaging customers across websites and apps. | general_ai | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Chatra Simple, mobile-friendly live chat with offline messaging for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | Olark Reliable live chat service with strong customization for website support. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
Comprehensive customer messaging platform with live chat, bots, and automation for websites.
Powerful live chat software designed for high-volume customer support on websites.
Enterprise-grade customer service platform featuring robust live chat integration.
Conversational marketing and sales platform with AI-powered live chat for websites.
Free live chat tool integrated with CRM for seamless customer conversations.
Affordable live chat with chatbots and multichannel messaging for e-commerce sites.
Multi-channel live chat solution combining chat, email, and social messaging.
AI-driven live chat software for engaging customers across websites and apps.
Simple, mobile-friendly live chat with offline messaging for small businesses.
Reliable live chat service with strong customization for website support.
Intercom
enterpriseComprehensive customer messaging platform with live chat, bots, and automation for websites.
Fin AI Copilot, an intelligent assistant that resolves customer queries autonomously and assists agents with real-time insights and suggestions
Intercom is a leading customer messaging platform that provides live chat software for websites, enabling real-time conversations with visitors through customizable chat widgets, AI-powered bots, and proactive messaging. It combines live chat with automation, targeted campaigns, and support tools to help sales, marketing, and support teams engage users effectively. Beyond basic chat, it offers analytics, customer data unification, and multichannel support including email and SMS for a complete engagement solution.
Pros
- Exceptional targeting and personalization based on user behavior
- Robust AI bots and automation for 24/7 support
- Seamless integrations with CRMs, e-commerce, and analytics tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with usage and team size
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited free tier with restrictive features
Best For
Scaling SaaS, e-commerce, and B2B companies needing advanced, personalized customer engagement at every stage of the funnel.
Pricing
Starts at $74/month (billed annually) for Essential plan; scales based on active users ($0.99-$1.99 each) and message volume, with Advanced ($139+/mo) and Expert plans for enterprises.
LiveChat
specializedPowerful live chat software designed for high-volume customer support on websites.
Real-time visitor insights and proactive chat invitations based on behavior and page activity
LiveChat is a robust live chat software designed for websites, enabling real-time customer support, sales conversations, and lead generation through customizable chat widgets. It provides advanced features like proactive chat invitations, visitor tracking, automation rules, and AI-powered chatbots for handling routine inquiries. The platform integrates seamlessly with CRMs, e-commerce tools, and helpdesks, offering detailed analytics to optimize agent performance and customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 200+ apps including Shopify and Zendesk
- Mobile-first agent apps for on-the-go support
- Powerful analytics and reporting for performance insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with more agents
- No perpetual free plan, only 14-day trial
- Advanced customizations require higher tiers
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce businesses and support teams needing scalable, feature-rich live chat with strong analytics.
Pricing
Starts at $20/agent/month (Starter plan, annual billing), up to $59/agent/month (Business); 14-day free trial.
Zendesk
enterpriseEnterprise-grade customer service platform featuring robust live chat integration.
Trigger-based AI bots that provide proactive, personalized engagement using customer data and conversation history
Zendesk is a comprehensive customer service platform that includes robust live chat functionality for websites, enabling real-time conversations with visitors. It integrates chat seamlessly with ticketing, email, and other channels for a unified omnichannel experience. The tool offers AI-powered bots, custom workflows, and detailed analytics to enhance agent productivity and customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Seamless omnichannel integration with ticketing and CRM
- Advanced AI bots and automation for handling common queries
- Rich analytics and reporting for performance insights
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for small teams or basic chat needs
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Customization can require developer support for advanced setups
Best For
Mid-to-large businesses seeking an all-in-one customer service platform with live chat as a core component.
Pricing
Starts at $55/agent/month for Suite Professional (billed annually); live chat features included in higher tiers with custom enterprise pricing.
Drift
general_aiConversational marketing and sales platform with AI-powered live chat for websites.
Revenue Playbooks that provide dynamic, real-time guidance for sales reps during live chats
Drift is a conversational marketing and sales platform that powers live chat, AI chatbots, and automated messaging on websites to engage visitors in real-time. It enables lead qualification, meeting booking, and personalized interactions through dynamic playbooks and integrations with CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot. Beyond basic chat, it provides analytics and workflows to drive revenue from first visitor touchpoint.
Pros
- Powerful AI chatbots and playbooks for guided conversations
- Deep integrations with major CRMs and sales tools
- Robust analytics for tracking engagement and conversions
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited customization in lower tiers
Best For
Mid-market sales and marketing teams seeking scalable, AI-driven conversational tools to qualify leads and book meetings.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $2,500/month (billed annually) for Standard, with Premium and Enterprise requiring custom quotes.
HubSpot Live Chat
specializedFree live chat tool integrated with CRM for seamless customer conversations.
Automatic CRM integration that enriches chats with visitor data and logs everything to contact records without manual effort
HubSpot Live Chat is a free, CRM-integrated live chat tool designed for websites, enabling real-time visitor engagement through customizable widgets, proactive messaging, and AI-powered chatbots. It centralizes conversations in a shared inbox, automatically logs interactions to CRM contacts, and supports team collaboration for sales and support. Part of the broader HubSpot ecosystem, it scales from basic chat to advanced automation as businesses grow.
Pros
- Completely free core live chat with unlimited conversations
- Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM for automatic visitor data enrichment
- User-friendly setup with intuitive dashboard and mobile app support
Cons
- Advanced routing and analytics require paid HubSpot plans
- Limited standalone customization outside HubSpot ecosystem
- Chatbot capabilities less sophisticated than dedicated AI tools
Best For
Small to medium businesses already using or planning to adopt HubSpot CRM for inbound sales and marketing.
Pricing
Free forever for basic live chat and inbox; advanced features via Marketing Hub Starter at $20/month (billed annually).
Tidio
specializedAffordable live chat with chatbots and multichannel messaging for e-commerce sites.
Lyro AI Agent, an autonomous chatbot that handles up to 70% of customer queries without human intervention
Tidio is a versatile live chat software for websites that provides real-time customer support through customizable chat widgets, AI-powered chatbots, and automation tools. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, as well as CMS like WordPress, enabling proactive visitor engagement, lead capture, and multichannel messaging including email and Messenger. With visitor tracking and analytics, Tidio helps businesses improve conversion rates and customer satisfaction without requiring technical expertise.
Pros
- Intuitive no-code setup and user-friendly dashboard
- Powerful AI chatbots like Lyro for autonomous conversations
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and marketing tools
Cons
- Free plan limited to 100 conversations per month
- Advanced analytics and reporting require higher tiers
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses seeking affordable, easy-to-deploy live chat with automation.
Pricing
Free plan (100 conversations/month); paid plans start at $29/month (Starter: 300 conversations) up to Enterprise custom pricing.
Crisp
specializedMulti-channel live chat solution combining chat, email, and social messaging.
Unified Inbox that aggregates chats, emails, and social messages into one workspace
Crisp is a versatile customer messaging platform designed for websites, offering live chat widgets, AI-powered chatbots, and a unified inbox for team collaboration. It enables real-time visitor engagement, automated responses, and seamless integrations with CRMs like HubSpot and Slack. Additionally, it includes self-service knowledge bases and mobile apps for agents, making it suitable for efficient support operations.
Pros
- Highly affordable with a robust free plan for up to 2 agents
- Quick and simple website integration via a single script
- Strong automation and chatbot capabilities for 24/7 support
Cons
- Advanced reporting and customizations locked behind higher tiers
- Free plan limits concurrent chats and lacks some premium integrations
- Mobile app lacks full desktop feature parity
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and startups needing cost-effective live chat with automation and easy setup.
Pricing
Free plan for 2 agents; Pro at $25/agent/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Freshchat
general_aiAI-driven live chat software for engaging customers across websites and apps.
Freddy AI for intelligent chatbots and conversation routing
Freshchat is a customer messaging platform by Freshworks that enables real-time live chat on websites, mobile apps, and multiple channels. It offers AI-powered chatbots, team collaboration tools, and self-service options to streamline customer support. The software integrates seamlessly with CRMs and other Freshworks products, providing analytics and automation for efficient engagement.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop chatbot builder
- Strong mobile SDK and omnichannel support
- Robust analytics and reporting dashboards
Cons
- Advanced AI features locked behind higher tiers
- Limited customization in the free plan
- Occasional performance lags with high traffic volumes
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking scalable, mobile-first live chat with easy CRM integrations.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $15/agent/month (Growth), $39 (Pro), $69 (Enterprise), billed annually.
Chatra
specializedSimple, mobile-friendly live chat with offline messaging for small businesses.
Agent mobile apps with real-time sync and push notifications for handling chats on the go
Chatra is a live chat software solution designed for websites, enabling real-time customer support through intuitive chat widgets, automated bots, and offline messaging. It supports features like visitor tracking, group chats, file sharing, and seamless mobile apps for agents. Ideal for small businesses, it emphasizes simplicity and speed without requiring technical expertise.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup with no coding required
- Strong mobile apps with push notifications for agents
- Generous free plan for single users
Cons
- Limited advanced integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Customization options are somewhat basic
- Pricing scales per agent, which can add up for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking straightforward, reliable live chat without complex setups.
Pricing
Free for 1 agent; paid plans from $19/month (Basic, 2 agents) to $259/month (Enterprise, unlimited agents), with annual discounts.
Olark
specializedReliable live chat service with strong customization for website support.
Operator Groups for intelligent chat routing to specific team members or departments
Olark is a veteran live chat software solution designed for websites, enabling real-time customer engagement through customizable chat widgets. It supports features like operator groups for chat routing, mobile apps for agents, email transcripts, and integrations with CRMs such as Salesforce and Zendesk. Ideal for straightforward support needs, it also includes offline forms and basic proactive messaging to capture leads.
Pros
- Quick and simple installation with minimal coding required
- Strong mobile apps for iOS and Android to chat on the go
- Affordable pricing with no user limits
Cons
- Dated user interface lacking modern polish
- Limited AI, bots, and advanced automation
- Basic analytics and reporting features
Best For
Small to medium businesses needing reliable, cost-effective live chat without advanced AI or complex setups.
Pricing
Lite ($29/mo), Pro ($79/mo), and custom enterprise plans; billed annually with 14-day free trial.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools, from Intercom's comprehensive messaging platform to Olark's customizable support, offer diverse solutions for varied business needs. Intercom leads as the top choice, excelling with its blend of live chat, bots, and automation for seamless, personalized experiences. LiveChat and Zendesk stand as strong alternatives, boasting high-volume efficiency and enterprise-grade reliability, respectively. Together, they highlight live chat's power in fostering lasting customer connections.
Elevate your customer engagement—try Intercom today to unlock its robust features and transform how you connect with users.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison