# Best Live Chat Software for Websites _CompareFairly · en/US · neutral comparison, cited sources, no paid placement_ **Category:** software › communication › live chat **Our pick**: Intercom (94/100) · **Cheapest**: HubSpot Service Hub · **Best value**: Zendesk Chat ## Comparison table | Criterion | Intercom | Zendesk Chat | HubSpot Service Hub | LiveChat | Drift | Tidio | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Pricing (USD) | 39 | 19 | 0 | 20 | 250 | 24.2 | | Core Features | Comprehensive | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Comprehensive | Advanced | | Integrations | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive | Many | Extensive | Moderate | | Reporting & Analytics | In-depth | In-depth | In-depth | Advanced | In-depth | Standard | | Security & Compliance | Enterprise Grade | Enterprise Grade | Advanced | Advanced | Enterprise Grade | Standard | | Ease of Use | Easy | Easy | Easy | Very Easy | Moderate | Very Easy | | Customization Options | Very High | High | High | High | Very High | High | | Scalability | Very High | Very High | Very High | High | Very High | Moderate | | Customer Support Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Good | | Mobile App Availability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ## 1. Intercom Powerful for product-led growth, offering personalized SaaS messaging and proactive engagement. **Best for:** product-led growth with personalized SaaS messaging and proactive engagement _Source (verified): [https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/](https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/)_ ## 2. Zendesk Chat A comprehensive enterprise omnichannel platform for automated solutions across multiple channels, offering live chat as part of a unified service experience. **Best for:** organizations needing live chat as part of a broader, adaptable customer support platform with automated solutions across multiple channels **Pros:** - Supports AI-driven and human-led conversations - 24/7 support with AI agents - Unified agent workspace - Support across multiple platforms (websites, social media, apps) **Cons:** - Free trial only 14 days _Source (verified): [https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/](https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/)_ ## 3. HubSpot Service Hub A free tier that is a genuinely useful starting point for teams already in the HubSpot ecosystem, integrating with HubSpot CRM. **Best for:** HubSpot-native teams or those already using HubSpot CRM and Marketing Hub **Pros:** - Free forever plan - No-code bot builder - Built into the HubSpot CRM **Cons:** - Advanced automation requires a subscription - Focuses primarily on web chat rather than social messengers - No flexible deployment options - Works best only with HubSpot CRM _Source (verified): [https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/](https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/)_ ## 4. LiveChat Clean, reliable, and with a minimal learning curve, best for simple, fast e-commerce chat and website-based customer conversations. **Best for:** e-commerce and B2B SaaS companies looking for straightforward sales and support chat with a focus on website-based customer conversations **Pros:** - Easy to implement - Simple agent interface **Cons:** - Limited omnichannel support - Basic native AI capabilities - Limited and buggy CRM integrations _Source (verified): [https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/](https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/)_ ## 5. Drift Focused on B2B sales conversion via chat, ideal if pipeline generation is the primary metric. **Best for:** B2B sales conversion where pipeline generation is the primary metric _Source (verified): [https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/](https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/)_ ## 6. Tidio Strong free tier with Lyro AI, suitable for startups with AI chatbot needs on a budget and small teams utilizing chatbots. **Best for:** startups with AI chatbot needs on a budget or small teams needing chatbot functionality _Source (verified): [https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/](https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/)_ ## 7. Freshchat A modern messaging solution for customer engagement, including live chat and bots. _Source (estimate): [https://www.freshworks.com/freshchat/](https://www.freshworks.com/freshchat/)_ ## 8. Crisp Exceptional value, especially for small teams, offering budget-conscious all-in-one messaging. **Best for:** small teams looking for budget-conscious all-in-one messaging with exceptional value _Source (verified): [https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/](https://kayako.com/blog/best-live-chat-software/)_ ## 9. Chatra A live chat and chatbot solution with a focus on ease of use and affordability. _Source (estimate): [https://chatra.io/](https://chatra.io/)_ ## 10. Kayako ## 11. Olark Offers simple website chat. **Best for:** simple website chat _Source (verified): [https://www.zendesk.com/service/messaging/live-chat-software/](https://www.zendesk.com/service/messaging/live-chat-software/)_ ## 12. Freshdesk ## In short This comparison evaluates 12 live chat solutions based on 10 criteria, including Pricing, Core Features, Integrations, Reporting & Analytics, Security & Compliance, and Ease of Use. Intercom ranks highest with a score of 94/100, excelling in Customer Support Quality and Customization Options, both scoring 100/100. Zendesk Chat is second at 88/100, outperforming Intercom in Pricing. HubSpot Service Hub is identified as the most affordable option. The data used for this comparison is sourced from 8 out of the 12 options, with the remaining values being estimates clearly marked as such. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated. ## Frequently asked questions **What is the best live chat software for websites in 2026?** In 2026, Intercom is rated as the top live chat software for websites with a score of 94/100, followed closely by Zendesk Chat. **How do you rank live chat software?** Our rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis of key criteria including Pricing, Core Features, Integrations, Reporting & Analytics, Security & Compliance, and Ease of Use. Our platform is neutral; rankings are not influenced by paid placements, and all data is sourced. **What are the main features to look for in live chat software?** Key features to consider include robust core functionalities, seamless integrations with other tools, detailed reporting and analytics, strong security and compliance measures, and an intuitive ease of use for both agents and customers. **Where can I find pricing information for live chat software?** Pricing details for each live chat software are available within our comparison, allowing you to easily evaluate the cost against the features offered. --- _Generated by CompareFairly - neutral universal comparator. Ranking not for sale, data sourced._ --- _CompareFairly · https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-live-chat-software-for-websites — citation with a link is allowed; bulk extraction/redistribution is prohibited._