The 9 LiveChat Alternatives for Online Stores in 2025

LiveChat has been a popular choice for real-time customer engagement, offering a robust platform with various features. However, it may not suit every business due to factors like pricing, specific feature requirements, or integration capabilities.

If you're exploring other options, this comprehensive guide presents the top 9 LiveChat alternatives, including Tidio, Intercom, and Zendesk, to help you find the best fit for your customer support needs.

Why Consider Alternatives to LiveChat?

While LiveChat offers a solid platform with numerous features, businesses might seek alternatives for several reasons:

• Cost: LiveChat's pricing may not align with every budget, especially for small businesses or startups.
• Feature Set: Some businesses might require specific functionalities not offered by LiveChat or prefer different implementations.
• Integrations: Alternatives may offer better integration with existing tools or platforms.
• Customization: Other tools might provide more flexibility in customizing the chat widget or user interface.
• User Experience: Preferences for interface design and usability can lead businesses to explore other options.

Key Factors in Choosing a Customer Support Tool

When selecting a customer support and live chat solution, consider the following factors:

• Ease of Use: The platform should be intuitive for both your team and customers.
• Feature Set: Evaluate essential features like live chat, chatbots, ticketing, automation, and analytics.
• Integrations: Ensure compatibility with your existing tools such as CRM, CMS, and marketing software.
• Scalability: The solution should accommodate your business growth without significant cost increases.
• Pricing: Align the cost with your budget and expected return on investment.
• Customization: Ability to tailor the platform to your brand and workflows.
• Customer Support: Reliable support from the provider is crucial for resolving issues promptly.

Overview of LiveChat Alternatives

Here is an overview of the best LiveChat altneratives compiled in a table:

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The Best LiveChat Alternatives

Below is a detailed list of the top 9 LiveChat alternatives, including direct comparisons to LiveChat to help you make an informed decision.

1. Tidio

Tidio is a comprehensive customer communication platform that seamlessly combines live chat, chatbots, and email integration into one solution. It is designed to enhance customer engagement and automate repetitive tasks, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking both affordability and functionality.

Key Features:

• Live Chat: Customizable chat widget compatible with desktop and mobile devices, with real-time visitor monitoring.
• Chatbots: Build chatbots without coding to automate responses to common inquiries, available 24/7.
• Email Integration: Manage email communication within the platform for unified customer interactions.
• E-commerce Integrations: Seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and Magento.
• Multichannel Communication: Connect with customers via Facebook Messenger and Instagram.
• Analytics: Monitor visitor behavior and chat performance.

Direct Comparison to LiveChat:

When compared to LiveChat, Tidio stands out with its pricing structure. It offers a free plan and more affordable paid plans, making it accessible for small businesses. While both platforms provide live chat functionalities, Tidio includes chatbot capabilities in its free plan, whereas LiveChat reserves advanced automation for higher-tier plans. Both platforms are known for their ease of use, but Tidio places a stronger emphasis on e-commerce integrations.

Pros and Cons:

Tidio's strengths lie in its affordable pricing, ease of implementation, and effective chatbot builder that requires no coding. It is particularly strong in e-commerce integrations. However, it does have some limitations, such as fewer advanced features in lower-tier plans, limited customization options for larger enterprises, and less robust reporting compared to some competitors.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic live chat and chatbot features.
• Communicator Plan: $19 per month, adds more advanced functionalities and unlimited live chat conversations.
• Chatbots Plan: $39 per month, includes additional chatbot capabilities.
• Custom Plan: Tailored pricing based on specific business needs.

Ideal For: Tidio is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable, easy-to-use live chat and chatbot solution, especially those operating in the e-commerce sector.

2. Intercom

Intercom is a versatile customer messaging platform that combines live chat, email marketing, and help desk functionalities. It's designed to facilitate personalized customer interactions at scale, making it a powerful tool for both support and sales teams.

Key Features:

• Live Chat and Messaging: Real-time communication with customers through a customizable chat widget and in-app messaging to engage users within your product.
• Chatbots and Automation: Use bots to automate responses and qualify leads.
• Customer Data Platform: Collect and store customer data for personalized interactions.
• Product Tours: Create interactive guides to onboard new users.
• Integration Capabilities: Connects with over 250 third-party apps like Slack, Salesforce, and Shopify.
• Reporting and Analytics: Insights into customer interactions, team performance, and customer satisfaction scores.

Direct Comparison to LiveChat:

Intercom offers more advanced features like in-app messaging, product tours, and a customer data platform, whereas LiveChat focuses primarily on live chat functionalities. Intercom can be more expensive than LiveChat, especially when adding advanced features. Both platforms offer customization, but Intercom provides more options for targeting and automation. Intercom has a broader range of integrations, particularly with CRM and marketing tools.

Pros and Cons:

Intercom excels with its advanced automation and personalization options, strong focus on customer engagement and retention, extensive integration options, and user-friendly interface. However, its higher pricing may not be suitable for small businesses, and the complexity can be overwhelming for some users. Additionally, there is limited functionality in lower-tier plans.

If you like the idea of working with Intercom, make sure to check out the top 10 Intercom alternatives.

Pricing:

• Start Plan: From $74 per month, suitable for small businesses needing basic features.
• Grow and Accelerate Plans: Custom pricing with advanced features and support.

Ideal For: Businesses seeking a comprehensive customer engagement platform with robust automation and personalization features, especially those prioritizing proactive communication.

3. Zendesk

Zendesk is a well-established customer service platform offering a comprehensive suite of tools for ticketing, live chat, knowledge base management, and customer engagement. It helps businesses provide efficient and personalized customer support across multiple channels.

Key Features:

• Multi-Channel Support: Manage customer interactions via email, live chat, phone, social media, and more.
• Live Chat and Messaging: Engage customers in real-time through web, mobile, and social messaging apps.
• Ticketing System: Organize and prioritize customer inquiries with a robust ticketing system.
• Knowledge Base: Create a searchable help center with articles and FAQs.
• Automation and AI: Use chatbots and automation to handle common queries.
• Reporting and Analytics: Insights into customer interactions, agent performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Integrations: Connect with over 1,000 apps, including CRM and marketing tools.

Direct Comparison to LiveChat:

Zendesk offers a more comprehensive suite of customer support tools beyond live chat, including advanced ticketing and help desk functionalities. Zendesk's pricing can be higher, but it provides a broader range of features compared to LiveChat. Zendesk is highly scalable, suitable for businesses of all sizes, while LiveChat is generally considered easier to set up and use for live chat purposes.

Also see these 12 Zendesk alternatives.

Pros and Cons:

Zendesk is known for its comprehensive support features across multiple channels, scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes, extensive integration options, and strong ticketing and help desk functionalities. However, it comes with a higher cost, especially for advanced features, and its interface may be complex for beginners. Customization can be limited without technical expertise.

Pricing:

• Suite Team: Starting at $49 per agent per month, billed annually.
• Suite Growth: $79 per agent per month, adds more features.
• Suite Professional: $99 per agent per month, offers advanced capabilities.

Ideal For: Businesses seeking a robust, scalable customer support platform with strong ticketing and multi-channel capabilities.

4. Freshdesk Messaging (formerly Freshchat)

Freshdesk Messaging is part of the Freshworks suite and offers a modern messaging platform for customer engagement. It combines live chat, AI-powered bots, and a unified inbox to streamline support and sales conversations.

Key Features:

• Live Chat and Messaging: Engage customers across web, mobile, and social messaging apps.
• AI Chatbots: Automate responses to common queries with AI-powered bots.
• Unified Inbox: Manage conversations from multiple channels in one place.
• In-App Messaging: Communicate with users directly within your app.
• Customer Journey Mapping: Track user behavior to send targeted messages.
• Integration with Freshworks Suite: Seamless integration with Freshdesk Support Desk and other Freshworks products.
• Team Collaboration: Internal notes, tagging, and assignment for efficient teamwork.

Direct Comparison to LiveChat:

Both offer live chat and messaging, but Freshdesk Messaging includes AI chatbots and advanced customer journey mapping. Freshdesk Messaging offers competitive pricing with a free plan and affordable paid options. It provides better integration with other Freshworks products, while LiveChat integrates with a broader range of third-party tools. Freshdesk Messaging provides extensive customization and automation options.

Pros and Cons:

Freshdesk Messaging is praised for its user-friendly interface, affordable pricing plans, strong AI and automation capabilities, and seamless integration with the Freshworks suite. However, advanced features may require higher-tier plans, and it has fewer third-party integrations compared to LiveChat. Customization options for the chat widget are limited.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic features for small teams.
• Growth Plan: $15 per agent per month, billed annually.
• Pro Plan: $39 per agent per month, adds advanced features.
• Enterprise Plan: $69 per agent per month, offers full capabilities.

Ideal For: Businesses seeking an affordable and scalable messaging platform with AI capabilities, especially those already using Freshworks products.

5. Olark

Olark provides a simple live chat solution aimed at helping businesses connect with website visitors to increase sales and improve support. It emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, making it a popular choice for small businesses.

Key Features:

• Customizable Chatbox: Match the chat widget to your branding.
• Automated Messages: Engage visitors proactively based on behavior.
• Transcript Archives: Access chat histories for insights and training.
• Integrations: Connects with CRM and help desk systems like Salesforce and Help Scout.
• Real-Time Reporting: Monitor chat volume, agent activity, and customer satisfaction.
• Visitor Insights: View visitor activity and page navigation.

Direct Comparison to LiveChat:

Olark offers more affordable pricing options, especially for long-term commitments. LiveChat provides more advanced features like ticketing and a larger integration ecosystem. Both platforms are user-friendly, but Olark is praised for its simplicity. LiveChat offers more customization options for the chat widget.

Pros and Cons:

Olark is easy to install and use, with affordable pricing plans and discounts for longer billing cycles. It focuses on essential live chat features and provides real-time visitor insights. However, it has limited advanced functionalities, no free plan available, and fewer integrations compared to LiveChat.

Pricing:

• Monthly Plan: $29 per agent per month.
• Yearly Plan: $19 per agent per month, billed annually.
• 2-Year Plan: $15 per agent per month, billed biennially.

Ideal For: Small businesses looking for a straightforward live chat solution without unnecessary complexity.

6. LiveAgent

LiveAgent is a help desk and live chat software offering a wide range of features, including ticketing, automation, and a built-in CRM. It aims to provide an all-in-one solution for customer support across multiple channels.

Key Features:

• Universal Inbox: Manage all customer interactions in one place, including email, live chat, calls, and social media.
• Live Chat Widget: Fast and customizable chat solutions with real-time typing view.
• Ticketing System: Convert chats and messages into tickets for follow-up.
• Automation Rules: Streamline workflows with automated actions and SLA management.
• Call Center Support: Integrated voice communication with IVR, call routing, and recording.
• Knowledge Base: Build a self-service portal with FAQs and articles.
• Social Media Integration: Support for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Reporting and Analytics: Detailed insights into performance metrics.

Direct Comparison to LiveChat:

LiveAgent offers a more comprehensive suite of customer support tools, including ticketing and call center capabilities. It provides competitive pricing with various plans to suit different needs. LiveChat is known for its simplicity, while LiveAgent may have a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features. Both platforms offer a wide range of integrations.

Pros and Cons:

LiveAgent is a feature-rich platform at competitive pricing, offering an all-in-one solution for multi-channel support with 24/7 customer support and no setup fees. However, its interface can be overwhelming for new users, and there is a learning curve due to the abundance of features. Customization may require technical knowledge.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Limited features for small businesses.
• Ticket Plan: $15 per agent per month.
• Ticket+Chat Plan: $29 per agent per month.
• All-Inclusive Plan: $49 per agent per month, includes all features.

Ideal For: Businesses seeking a comprehensive support solution with extensive features and integrations.

7. Crisp

Crisp is a messaging platform that combines live chat, chatbot, and multi-channel customer support into a single solution. It aims to enhance customer relationships by providing tools for engagement, support, and marketing.

Key Features:

• Live Chat: Real-time messaging with visitors, including typing insights and message previews.
• Chatbot and Automation: Automate responses to common queries using chatbots.
• Multi-Channel Inbox: Manage conversations from email, Messenger, Twitter, SMS, and more.
• Knowledge Base: Create a help center for customer self-service.
• Co-Browsing and Video Calls: Assist customers directly on their screen or through video chat.
• Team Collaboration: Internal notes, mentions, and file sharing.
• Integrations: Connect with tools like Slack, WordPress, and Zapier.

Direct Comparison to LiveChat:

Crisp offers additional features like co-browsing and multi-channel support, while LiveChat focuses more on live chat functionalities. Crisp provides affordable plans with generous features, though LiveChat may offer more advanced customization options.

Pros and Cons:

Crisp stands out for its affordable pricing and generous free plan, making it accessible to startups and small businesses. The user-friendly interface and advanced features like co-browsing and video calls enhance its appeal. However, some advanced features require higher-tier plans, and the platform offers limited third-party integrations compared to LiveChat. Additionally, the chatbot builder may not be as advanced as some users might expect.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic features with limitations.
• Pro Plan: $25 per website per month, adds features like chatbots and team inbox.
• Unlimited Plan: $95 per website per month, includes all features.

Ideal For: Startups and small businesses seeking an affordable, feature-rich messaging platform.

8. Chatra

Chatra is a live chat and chatbot software designed to help businesses communicate with customers in real-time, reduce cart abandonment, and increase sales. It offers a balance between simplicity and useful features.

Key Features:

• Live Chat: Modern, customizable chat widget with real-time messaging.
• Chatbots: Automate responses and capture leads when agents are offline.
• Real-Time Visitor List: Monitor website visitors and initiate chats proactively.
• Typing Insights: See what visitors are typing before they send messages.
• Group Chats: Involve multiple agents in a conversation when needed.
• Offline Messaging: Collect visitor information when agents are unavailable.
• Integrations: Connect with platforms like Slack, Facebook, and CRM systems.

Direct Comparison to LiveChat:

Chatra offers competitive pricing with a free plan, making it accessible for small businesses. While LiveChat provides more advanced features and a larger ecosystem of integrations, both platforms are praised for their user-friendly interfaces.

Pros and Cons:

Chatra is easy to set up and use, with affordable pricing that includes essential features. Its attractive chat widget design and support for multi-agent chats make it a practical choice for small businesses. However, it has limited advanced features and automation capabilities, and offers fewer integrations compared to LiveChat. The chatbot capabilities are also relatively basic, which might not meet the needs of businesses seeking more sophisticated automation.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic features for one agent.
• Essential Plan: $19 per agent per month, includes all features.

Ideal For: Small businesses and startups needing a simple live chat solution with some automation capabilities.

9. Salesloft

Salesloft is a conversational marketing and sales platform that uses live chat and AI-powered chatbots to engage website visitors, qualify leads, and enhance customer relationships. It focuses on turning conversations into revenue.

Key Features:

• Live Chat and Chatbots: Real-time engagement with visitors using chatbots to automate responses.
• Conversational Marketing: Tools to personalize messages based on visitor behavior and attributes.
• Account-Based Marketing (ABM): Target high-value accounts with customized messaging.
• Meeting Scheduling: Allow prospects to book meetings directly through the chat interface.
• Integration Capabilities: Connects with CRM and marketing tools like Salesforce, Marketo, and HubSpot.
• Analytics and Reporting: Track engagement metrics, conversion rates, and pipeline influence.

Direct Comparison to LiveChat:

Salesloft is geared towards marketing and sales, emphasizing lead generation and conversion, while LiveChat focuses on customer support. Salesloft's advanced features come at a higher price point, and it offers advanced marketing features not available in LiveChat.

Pros and Cons:

Salesloft excels with its innovative approach to conversational marketing, offering powerful automation and personalization capabilities. Its strong tools for sales engagement and lead qualification, along with support for video and voice messages within chat, make it a robust choice for businesses focused on sales. However, the higher price point may not suit small businesses, and its focus on sales might not align with companies seeking a support-oriented solution. Additionally, setting up advanced features can be complex, requiring a more significant investment of time and resources.

Pricing:

• Premium Plans: Starting at $400 per month.
• Enterprise Plans: Custom pricing based on business needs.
• Salesloft also offers a free plan with limited features.

Ideal For: Businesses focusing on marketing and sales engagement through conversational tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have answered the most asked questions about LiveChat alternatives:

Why should I consider alternatives to LiveChat?

You might seek alternatives to LiveChat due to factors like cost, specific feature requirements, integration capabilities, customization options, or a preference for a different user interface. Evaluating alternatives can help you find a solution that better fits your business needs.

Are there free alternatives to LiveChat?

Yes, tools like Tidio, Crisp, Chatra, and Tawk.to offer free plans with basic features suitable for small businesses or those starting out. These can be a good way to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Can these tools integrate with my existing systems?

Most of the listed alternatives offer integrations with popular CRM, CMS, e-commerce platforms, and other business tools. It's important to verify compatibility with your existing systems to ensure seamless operations.

Do these alternatives support multichannel communication?

Many alternatives like Zendesk, Freshdesk Messaging, and Crisp support multiple channels, including email, live chat, social media, and messaging apps, allowing you to engage customers on their preferred platforms.

Which alternative is best for small businesses?

Tools like Tidio, Olark, Chatra, and Crisp are popular among small businesses due to their affordability and ease of use. The best choice depends on your specific needs, such as required features, budget, and integration requirements.

How do these alternatives compare in terms of pricing?

Pricing varies among the alternatives, with some offering free plans and others providing tiered pricing based on features and the number of agents. It's important to consider both the cost and the value provided by the features included in each plan.

Is it easy to migrate from LiveChat to another platform?

Migration processes vary by platform. Some providers offer migration assistance or tools to help transfer data from LiveChat to their system. It's advisable to consult with the vendor for specific migration support and to plan the transition carefully.

Do these platforms offer customer support?

Yes, most providers offer customer support through various channels like email, live chat, and phone. The level of support may vary based on your pricing plan, so it's important to consider this when selecting a solution.