This page is a condensed summary. For the full breakdown (detailed verdicts, pros and cons, pricing, our ranking criteria and FAQ), read the complete guide to the best live chat software of 2026.
At a glance
| # | Tool | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Freshchat | Best free plan for growing teams |
| 2 |  HubSpot Service Hub | Best for CRM-native support |
| 3 |  Help Scout | Best overall for small support teams |
| 4 |  LiveChat | Best pure live chat |
| 5 |  Tawk.to | Best free live chat |
| 6 |  Tidio | Best for small e-commerce |
| 7 |  Crisp | Best all-in-one messaging |
| 8 |  Olark | Best simple live chat |
| 9 |  Smartsupp | Best for small online stores |
| 10 |  Zoho SalesIQ | Best for chat with visitor insight |
The 10 best live chat software tools
Ranked against our published criteria. Paid partnerships are labeled on the full guide and never affect this order.
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1. Freshchat
Best free plan for growing teamsMessaging and live chat from Freshworks, with a free plan for up to 10 agents.
Full verdict on Freshchat -
2. HubSpot Service Hub
Best for CRM-native supportService tools tied natively into HubSpot's CRM, knowledge base, and reporting.
Full verdict on HubSpot Service Hub -
3. Help Scout
Best overall for small support teamsShared inbox and help desk designed around a lightweight, human support experience.
Full verdict on Help Scout -
4. LiveChat
Best pure live chatDedicated live chat platform with a mature, fast agent workspace.
Full verdict on LiveChat -
5. Tawk.to
Best free live chatFree live chat, ticketing, and knowledge base, funded by optional paid add-ons.
Full verdict on Tawk.to -
6. Tidio
Best for small e-commerceLive chat and chatbots with the Lyro AI assistant, aimed at online stores.
Full verdict on Tidio -
7. Crisp
Best all-in-one messagingMultichannel messaging, shared inbox, and chatbots for growing teams.
Full verdict on Crisp -
8. Olark
Best simple live chatLightweight, highly customizable live chat for straightforward websites.
Full verdict on Olark -
9. Smartsupp
Best for small online storesLive chat for online stores with WhatsApp, Messenger, and an AI shopping assistant.
Full verdict on Smartsupp -
10. Zoho SalesIQ
Best for chat with visitor insightLive chat, visitor tracking, and chatbots with messaging channels and bring-your-own AI.
Full verdict on Zoho SalesIQ
Read the complete ranking
Every pick above is covered in depth on the full page: trade-offs, pros and cons, who each tool fits, what it costs, and how we rank.