In today’s fast-paced digitalization, the best live chat tools are a valuable solution that is now crucial for organizations to provide real-time assistance, build customer satisfaction, and boost sales. Whether as a marketer wanting to drive engagement, a developer willing to integrate support aspects effortlessly, or support staff willing to increase efficiency, the most apt live chat solution must be able to revolutionize the manner in which you interact with users.
In this article, we have carefully curated the 15 best live chat software platforms by using factors such as ease of use, automated functionality, integrations, cost, and scalability. These tools are extensively used by companies from startups and online stores to big businesses, so they’re priceless when it comes to helping improve customer communication and streamline support operations.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Live Chat Software
Below are the most critical factors to look into when choosing the best live chat software so that it will be affordable to your business, enhance customer satisfaction, and enhance growth:
- Ease of Use: The website should be easy enough for agents and customers to navigate. It should be easy to install, easy to operate, and not too complicated to train.
- Features & Functionality: Ensure it has its strongest features, such as live chat, chatbot, canned responses, file sharing, and proactive chat. Extra credit if video call, screen share, or co-browser is among its strongest features.
- Integrations: Lead tools should integrate with CRMs such as HubSpot or Salesforce, email marketing, help desks, and online stores to enable data to come in and out.
- Customization & Branding: Your WhatsApp chat widget needs to be dynamic in its approach towards this site, logos, welcome phrases, color, and position.
- Sign-up Features: Auto-welcome, chatbots, lead qualification, and ticketing are all aspects of attempting to remove all human touch and office efficiency.
- Mobile Support: Responsive design and mobile apps are of prime significance so that your reps are able to respond while on the move, to visitors on your page on their cell phone.
- Analytics & Reporting: Deep feedback on conversation in conversation, customer activity, agent engagement, and conversions guide more informed decision-making and decision-aiding.
- Scalability: It must grow with your company, new users, features, or channels when and if, and not with cost expansion unchecked.
- Security & Compliance: Role-based authentication, SSL encryption, and GDPR compliance are requirements for companies handling individual customer data.
- Pricing & Value: Select software best suited to your best price proposition without sacrificing everything else but the premium top-line feature set. Take advantage of free trials, free versions, and pay-as-you-go.
These are constraints within which you can choose a hardware which can perform, produce, and be compatible with your technology as well as business requirements.
List of 15 Best Live Chat Software
Now, let’s shift our focus to the key features, pros and cons, pricing structure, and who should use the following 15 best live chat tools:
1. Intercom
Intercom is an effective customer messaging platform with chat, bots, and automation. It’s well-suited to businesses that seek to expand support and sales by using targeted messages and real-time conversations. Featuring proactive chat, help desk integrations and monitoring of user behaviors, Intercom provides a bespoke customer experience. It’s widely used by SaaS companies as well as software startups because it has a neat design and the latest features of product tours as well as in-app messaging.
Key Features:
- Business Messenger with chatbot integration
- Automated workflows and proactive messaging
- Customizable chat widgets
- Help desk and knowledge base integration
Pros:
- Powerful automation and targeting tools
- Seamlessly integrates with CRMs and third-party tools
Cons:
- Can be expensive for small businesses
- Complex features may have a learning curve
Pricing: Starts at $29/month (annual pack)
Who Should Use It?
Mid-to-large SaaS companies or online businesses looking for advanced customer engagement.
2. Zendesk Chat
Zendesk Chat is one of the best live chat software that is fully integrated with Zendesk’s larger customer service suite. It provides real-time chat, chatbots, offline forms, and advanced analytics. Companies can utilize triggers and automation to catch customers at the moment. Support teams love it since it enables agents to handle multiple conversations efficiently. With its well-tested reliability and scalability, Zendesk Chat is used extensively by large enterprises and expanding companies.
Key Features:
- Live chat with real-time visitor tracking
- Pre-chat and offline forms
- Integration with Zendesk ticketing
- Chatbots with Flow Builder
Pros:
- Seamless with Zendesk ecosystem
- Easy to deploy and customize
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- May not suit standalone use without other Zendesk tools
Pricing: Starts at $19/agent/month (annual pack)
Who Should Use It?
Businesses already using Zendesk for support or needing a full customer service platform.
3. LiveChat
LiveChat is a popular solution for businesses that want to connect with customers instantly and convert leads faster. It includes customizable chat widgets, canned responses, customer data previews, and integration with over 200 tools. LiveChat also supports ticketing, analytics, and team performance tracking. It’s ideal for e-commerce, B2B sales, and support teams that need a clean, reliable interface and fast onboarding without sacrificing functionality.
Key Features:
- Canned responses and chat routing
- Real-time visitor monitoring
- Customizable chat widgets
- Reports and analytics
Pros:
- Excellent user interface and mobile support
- Fast, reliable live chat with easy integration
Cons:
- Lacks some automation unless bundled with ChatBot
- Pricing can add up for small teams
Pricing: Starts at $20/agent/month
Who Should Use It?
Ecommerce and support teams that need real-time, efficient customer interactions.
4. Tidio
Tidio unites live chat, chatbots, and email integration into an easy-to-use solution. It enables companies to automate Frequently Asked Questions, capture leads, and interact with visitors in real-time. Multilingual support, a mobile-friendly interface, and chatbot templates make it a favorite among small businesses and start-ups. Tidio is particularly favored by e-commerce websites seeking to enhance customer support and generate conversions without an extensive support team.
Key Features:
- Live chat and multichannel messaging
- Chatbots with visual builder
- Mobile app for agents
- Email and Messenger integration
Pros:
- Affordable with a generous free tier
- Easy to use for beginners
Cons:
- Bot features are limited in the free plan
- Basic analytics compared to competitors
Pricing: Free plan available; premium plans start at $24.17/month
Who Should Use It?
Small businesses and solopreneurs are looking for affordable, multichannel support.
5. Olark
Olark is an easy-to-use and amongst the best live chat software that is all about simplicity and transparency. Among its main features are real-time chats, visitor data, boxes that can be customized, and automated rules. The product has detailed transcripts and report tools to enable better customer experiences. Olark is ideal for small to medium-sized companies that desire web engagement boosts and personalized support without complicating the setup process.
Key Features:
- Real-time chat and message automation
- Custom pre-chat forms
- Powerful transcript search and analytics
- CRM and helpdesk integrations
Pros:
- Simple to use and lightweight
- Strong reporting and customization tools
Cons:
- No built-in chatbot functionality
- Lacks multichannel messaging
Pricing: $29/month per seat
Who Should Use It?
Small teams or service-based businesses wanting straightforward, no-fuss live chat.
6. Drift
Drift is a revenue growth platform that integrates live chat with AI-driven chatbots, scheduling, and conversational marketing software. Catering to B2B businesses, particularly in SaaS, Drift emphasizes lead qualification and sales by using real-time conversations. It features smart routing, integration with CRMs such as HubSpot and Salesforce, and customized messaging. Drift suits businesses that aim to convert website traffic into a pipeline by getting visitors in touch with sales reps in real time.
Key Features:
- AI-powered chatbots for lead generation
- Real-time conversations with routing
- Account-based marketing (ABM) support
- CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
Pros:
- Great for B2B sales and lead qualification
- Strong analytics and automation features
Cons:
- High pricing not ideal for small businesses
- Can be overwhelming for basic support use
Pricing: Custom pricing; limited free version
Who Should Use It?
B2B SaaS or sales teams focused on conversational marketing and lead conversion.
7. Crisp Chat
Crisp Chat is an innovative live chat solution that has shared inboxes, chatbots, a knowledge base, and even video calls. Its show-stopping feature is the “MagicBrowse” feature, through which support agents can view the screen of a visitor in real-time. Crisp is suitable for start-ups and tech businesses that need an end-to-end support solution with co-browsing, automation, and multi-language chat features, all at one affordable platform.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel inbox (chat, email, Messenger)
- Chatbots and workflows
- Co-browsing and screen sharing
- Built-in helpdesk and knowledge base
Pros:
- All-in-one platform with affordable pricing
- Clean, user-friendly UI
Cons:
- Some features require higher-tier plans
- Reporting could be more advanced
Pricing: Free plan available; Pro starts at $95/month/10 seats
Who Should Use It?
Startups and small businesses looking for an affordable, feature-rich chat tool.
8. HubSpot Live Chat
HubSpot Live Chat is one component of the HubSpot CRM system and integrates perfectly with its service, sales, and marketing tools. It enables companies to chat with visitors on their websites, create automated tickets, and route conversations to team members. HubSpot also has chatbot functionality for lead qualification and scheduling meetings. Great for businesses already on HubSpot, it’s an intelligent decision for consolidating support and customer relationship management in a single system.
Key Features:
- Live chat linked to HubSpot CRM
- Customizable chat widget
- Basic chatbot builder
- Conversation inbox for teams
Pros:
- 100% free with CRM
- Great integration with HubSpot marketing tools
Cons:
- Limited bot features in free plan
- Advanced customization requires upgrades
Pricing: Free; advanced tools with paid Marketing/Sales Hub
Who Should Use It?
Startups or marketers already using HubSpot for CRM, email, or automation.
9. Freshchat
Freshchat provides a contemporary messaging experience with live chat, bots, and omnichannel support. It enables teams to connect with users on websites, mobile apps, and messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Capabilities include intelligent routing, priority inboxes, in-app campaigns, and multilingual support. Freshchat is appropriate for support and sales teams looking to provide personalized customer experiences through automation and scalability.
Key Features:
- AI-powered bots and workflows
- Omnichannel inbox (chat, email, WhatsApp, etc.)
- Smart triggers and campaigns
- Integration with Freshdesk and CRMs
Pros:
- Omnichannel support with automation
- Scalable from startups to enterprise
Cons:
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Best experience when used with other Freshworks tools
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans from ₹1,499/agent/month (annual plan)
Who Should Use It?
Growing support teams and SaaS companies wanting to unify customer conversations.
10. Zoho SalesIQ
Zoho SalesIQ is a sales and marketing team visitor tracking and live chat software. It offers real-time visitor insights, lead scoring, and smart triggers to attract potential buyers. With third-party CRM and Zoho suite integration, it enables the push of traffic into leads and has chatbots. Best for small and medium-sized businesses that want to enhance conversions and handle interactions in their current Zoho stack.
Key Features:
- Real-time visitor tracking and engagement
- Lead scoring and segmentation
- Custom chatbot builder
- Seamless Zoho CRM integration
Pros:
- Excellent for sales and marketing insights
- Strong value when used with other Zoho tools
Cons:
- Interface can feel dated
- Advanced features mostly in higher tiers
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at ₹350/operator/month (annual pack)
Who Should Use It?
Zoho users, sales-driven teams, and businesses looking for chat + analytics.
11. Tawk.to
Tawk.to is a 100% free live chat application used by more than 4 million companies across the globe. It provides features like live chat, ticketing, analytics, and team management without ever asking for core functionality charges. The platform even allows you to directly hire chat agents. Tawk.to suit startups, freelancers, and small enterprises that wish to interact with visitors and deliver instant support without spending their fortune. It also allows website and app integration.
Key Features:
- Unlimited agents and chats for free
- Customizable widgets
- Chat history and reporting
- Mobile and desktop apps
Pros:
- Completely free forever
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Basic automation and integrations
- Branding unless you pay for white-label
Pricing: Free; $19/month for white-label branding
Who Should Use It?
Startups, small businesses, or anyone needing a free yet reliable chat solution.
12. LiveAgent
LiveAgent is a full-fledged customer service software that encompasses live chat, help desk, call center, and ticketing functionality. With its agility, it boasts one of the quickest chat widget load times. LiveAgent is best suited for companies with large volumes of support and intricate workflows, with multi-channel support and automation capabilities. It’s ideal for teams looking to unify customer communication from email, social, and live chat into a single inbox.
Key Features:
- Real-time live chat and ticketing system
- CRM and automation workflows
- Omnichannel support (email, social, calls)
- Built-in call center
Pros:
- Very feature-rich and scalable
- Excellent value for price
Cons:
- Interface feels slightly outdated
- Setup can be complex for beginners
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans from $15/agent/month
Who Should Use It?
Support-heavy businesses needing live chat + full helpdesk system.
13. Chaport
Chaport is a minimalist live chat tool designed for ease and effectiveness. It has multilingual support, typing suggestions, file transfer, group conversations, and automated welcome messages. The free plan is ample, and the paid plans have features such as chatbot support and visitor analytics. Chaport is a good option for small to medium-sized businesses that want a light, contemporary chat solution with little setup and reasonable costs.
Key Features:
- Unlimited chats and chat history
- Chatbots and auto-invitations
- Group chats and agent collaboration
- Multilingual interface
Pros:
- Great user interface and easy onboarding
- Affordable pricing for growing teams
Cons:
- Limited integrations in free plan
- Bots need Pro plan
Pricing: Free plan available; paid from $29/operator/month
Who Should Use It?
SMBs and teams looking for an easy, scalable chat tool with bot options.
14. Smartsupp
Smartsupp integrates live chat, video recordings, and chatbot automation to enable companies to know and interact with their website visitors. Its innovative video recording feature allows you to observe how users engage with your website. Suitable for e-commerce websites, Smartsupp offers proactive messaging, product tracking, and performance analytics. It is integrated with platforms such as Shopify, WordPress, and PrestaShop, making it ideal for enhancing conversion rates and offering improved customer support.
Key Features:
- Live chat with visitor tracking
- Chatbot builder and automation
- Video recordings of visitor behavior
- Integrates with eCommerce tools
Pros:
- Unique session recording feature
- Ideal for eCommerce
Cons:
- UI can feel a bit clunky
- Limited advanced support tools
Pricing: Free plan available; paid from $14/month
Who Should Use It?
Online stores and marketers who want to understand customer behavior.
15. Userlike
Userlike is a live chat tool GDPR compliant for businesses in Europe. It has an uncluttered interface, customizable chat widgets, automated chatbots, CRMs, and messaging app integration such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram. It’s perfect for organizations that value both privacy and compliance in addition to providing a professional multilingual live chat presence. Userlike is very much favored among service-oriented organizations and companies based in regulated markets.
Key Features:
- Website chat + messaging apps (WhatsApp, etc.)
- AI chatbots and smart routing
- GDPR-compliant hosting
- CRM and API integration
Pros:
- Privacy-focused and secure
- Supports multiple messaging platforms
Cons:
- Limited free features
- Not ideal for teams outside Europe
Pricing: Free plan; paid plans start at $90/month/4 seats
Who Should Use It?
European businesses needing secure, multi-platform live chat with compliance.
Comparison Between Best Live Chat Software
Here’s a comparison table of the 15 best live chat systems, including their key features, typical use cases, pricing info, and official websites:
| Software | Key Features | Best For | Pricing (Starts At) | Website |
| Intercom | Live chat, bots, help desk, product tours, CRM integration | SaaS, tech startups, B2B sales | ~$29/month | intercom.com |
| Zendesk Chat | Real-time chat, triggers, analytics, agent management | Support teams, enterprises | ~$19/month(annual pack) | zendesk.com |
| LiveChat | Canned responses, chat routing, integrations | E-commerce, B2B service | ~$20/month(Annual pack) | livechat.com |
| Tidio | Chatbots, live chat, email integration, multilingual | Small businesses, Shopify stores | Free / ~$29/month | tidio.com |
| Olark | Custom chat widgets, real-time reports, automation rules | SMBs, consultants | ~$29/month | olark.com |
| Drift | Conversational marketing, meeting booking, lead routing | B2B sales, enterprise marketing | Custom pricing | drift.com |
| Crisp Chat | Shared inbox, chatbots, video chat, co-browsing | Startups, tech companies | Free / ~$95/month/10 seats | crisp.chat |
| HubSpot Live Chat | Chat + CRM, automation, chatbot builder | Businesses using HubSpot CRM | Free | hubspot.com |
| Freshchat | Omnichannel support, bots, user segmentation | Support & sales teams | Free / ₹1,499/agent/month(Annual pack) | freshworks.com |
| Zoho SalesIQ | Lead tracking, visitor insights, CRM integration | Sales & marketing teams | Free / ₹350/operator/month(Annual plan) | zoho.com |
| Tawk.to | Real-time chat, agent hiring, team management | Startups, freelancers | Free | tawk.to |
| LiveAgent | Live chat, call center, ticketing system | High-volume support teams | ~$15/month | liveagent.com |
| Chaport | Group chats, multilingual, visitor behavior, bots | SMBs, support teams | Free / ~$29/month | chaport.com |
| Smartsupp | Chat, video recording, product tracking | E-commerce, small teams | Free / ~$14/month | smartsupp.com |
| Userlike | Chat + WhatsApp, GDPR compliance, automation | EU-based businesses, regulated industries | Free / ~$90/month/4 seats | userlike.com |
Conclusion
Selecting the best live chat software is based on your business size, objectives, and customer support requirements. For small businesses and those on a tight budget, Tawk.to and Tidio provide comprehensive features at minimal or no cost. Intercom and Drift are best suited for growing B2B businesses with automation and sales enablement priorities.
Online stores are served by LiveChat, Smartsupp, and Crisp for live interaction and conversion monitoring. If you need CRM integration, HubSpot and Zoho SalesIQ are the way to go. For GDPR requirements, Userlike is a good choice for European companies. In the end, the best tool aids you in reaching visitors in an instant, fixing issues quicker, and increasing customer satisfaction. Review your unique requirements to identify the best live chat tools accordingly.
FAQs
1. What is live chat software and why do they need it?
Live chat software allows businesses to interact with web visitors in real-time. Live chat tool offers enhanced customer support, increased interaction, and quicker leads through instant assistance at the point the customer needs it.
2. Which is the best live chat software for small businesses?
Tawk.to, Tidio, and Chaport are great options for small businesses as they are simple to use, affordable, and provide the most essential automation features, mobile compatibility, and seamless CRM integration.
3. What do I need to look for when using live chat software?
The most essential features to look for are real-time messaging, chatbot automation, CRM and email integration, analytics, mobile compatibility, and visitor tracking.
4. Can live chat software boost sales and conversions?
Yes, live chat tool turns visitors into conversions using real-time responses, personalized care, and proactive dialogue, thereby avoiding bounce rates and increasing conversion rates.
5. Is live chat safe and GDPR compliant?
Leading live chat solutions tend to provide safe conversation, encryption, and GDPR compliance. Tools like Userlike and LiveAgent especially emphasize data security for businesses dealing in regulated industries.
