On this page
Our editors evaluate live chat software against a consistent, published set of criteria - ease of setup, day-to-day agent experience, automation and AI, reporting, integrations, and value. The ranking below is editorial: it follows that methodology, and paid partnerships are labeled and kept separate. Full hands-on reviews are linked from each pick.
At a glance
A quick side-by-side of every tool in the ranking. Pricing and detailed scoring land with each full review.
Featured partner
Featured PartnerLive chat and help desk toolkit with real-time agent performance metrics.
This is a paid placement, labeled and kept separate from the editorial ranking below. It does not affect the order of our picks.
The 5 best live chat software tools
Ranked by our editors against the methodology below. Each verdict, pros/cons, and price is filled in as our hands-on review of that tool is published.
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1. LiveChat
Best pure live chatTrade-off The specific strengths and limitations of LiveChat are documented here once our hands-on review is complete.
Dedicated live chat platform with a mature, fast agent workspace. Full verdict in progress - this slot will summarize how LiveChat performed against our testing criteria: where it stood out, where it fell short, and the kind of team it fits.
Pros
Cons
Best for Best pure live chat. Full confirmation lands with our complete review of this category.
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2. Tidio
Best for small e-commerceTrade-off The specific strengths and limitations of Tidio are documented here once our hands-on review is complete.
Live chat and chatbots with the Lyro AI assistant, aimed at online stores. Full verdict in progress - this slot will summarize how Tidio performed against our testing criteria: where it stood out, where it fell short, and the kind of team it fits.
Pros
Cons
Best for Best for small e-commerce. Full confirmation lands with our complete review of this category.
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3. Olark
Best simple live chatTrade-off The specific strengths and limitations of Olark are documented here once our hands-on review is complete.
Lightweight, highly customizable live chat for straightforward websites. Full verdict in progress - this slot will summarize how Olark performed against our testing criteria: where it stood out, where it fell short, and the kind of team it fits.
Pros
Cons
Best for Best simple live chat. Full confirmation lands with our complete review of this category.
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4. Crisp
Best all-in-one messagingTrade-off The specific strengths and limitations of Crisp are documented here once our hands-on review is complete.
Multichannel messaging, shared inbox, and chatbots for growing teams. Full verdict in progress - this slot will summarize how Crisp performed against our testing criteria: where it stood out, where it fell short, and the kind of team it fits.
Pros
Cons
Best for Best all-in-one messaging. Full confirmation lands with our complete review of this category.
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5. Tawk.to
Best free live chatTrade-off The specific strengths and limitations of Tawk.to are documented here once our hands-on review is complete.
Free live chat widget funded by optional paid add-ons and hired agents. Full verdict in progress - this slot will summarize how Tawk.to performed against our testing criteria: where it stood out, where it fell short, and the kind of team it fits.
Pros
Cons
Best for Best free live chat. Full confirmation lands with our complete review of this category.
How do we pick live chat software?
Every tool is scored against the same published criteria by our editorial reviewer - not by vendors, and not by ad spend. Placeholder methodology copy sits here until the team finalizes the write-up.
- Setup and onboardingHow fast a new team gets to a working setup.
- Agent experienceDay-to-day speed and clarity of the workspace.
- Automation and AIDeflection, routing, and assisted replies.
- ReportingVisibility into volume, resolution, and satisfaction.
- IntegrationsFit with the rest of your stack.
- ValueWhat you get for the price at each tier.
Read the full, named methodology on our How We Test page.
How to choose live chat software?
The right pick comes down to your channels, how much you need to automate, your existing integrations, and a live trial. Work through these four checks before you commit:
- Map your channels Decide where customers reach you - email, live chat, social, or in-app - and shortlist tools that cover them.
- Weigh automation Estimate how much volume an AI agent or macros could deflect before you pay per seat.
- Check the integrations Confirm the tool connects to your store, CRM, and billing without custom work.
- Trial with real tickets Run a week of live conversations before committing to an annual plan.
How much does live chat software cost?
Most live chat software tools price per agent per month, with usage-based add-ons for AI resolutions and higher-volume plans; several offer a free tier for very small teams. Exact pricing ranges and worked examples for each tool land here as its review is verified and published.
Where do I buy live chat software?
Each tool is bought directly from its vendor on a monthly or annual subscription. From any pick above, follow through to our full review for current plans, then start a trial or request a demo. Links marked as partners are paid placements and are labeled as such.
Frequently asked questions
How do we rank these tools?
Answer in progress. This will describe how the editorial ranking is produced and how paid placements are kept separate.
Is there a free live chat software option?
Answer in progress once free-tier testing is complete.
How long does it take to set up?
Answer in progress.
References
Sources and testing notes will be listed here as the reviews behind this ranking are published.
Read next
Reviews are on the way
Our hands-on reviews and guides behind this ranking are being published now. Check back soon.