This page is a condensed summary. For the full breakdown - detailed verdicts, pros and cons, pricing, our testing methodology and FAQ - read the complete guide to the best live chat software of 2026.
At a glance
| # | Tool | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  LiveChat | Best pure live chat |
| 2 |  LiveHelpNow
The owner of this site also owns LiveHelpNow.
| Best for real-time agent coaching |
| 3 |  Tidio | Best for small e-commerce |
| 4 |  Crisp | Best all-in-one messaging |
| 5 |  Zoho SalesIQ | Best for chat with visitor insight |
| 6 |  Freshchat | Best free plan for growing teams |
| 7 |  Olark | Best simple live chat |
| 8 |  Tawk.to | Best free live chat |
| 9 |  Smartsupp | Best for small online stores |
| 10 |  Help Scout | Best overall for small support teams |
| 11 |  HubSpot Service Hub | Best for CRM-native support |
The 11 best live chat software tools
Ranked by our editors against a published methodology. Paid partnerships are labeled on the full guide and never affect this order.
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1. LiveChat
Best pure live chatDedicated live chat platform with a mature, fast agent workspace.
Full verdict on LiveChat -
2. LiveHelpNow
Best for real-time agent coachingThe owner of this site also owns LiveHelpNow.Live chat and help desk toolkit with real-time agent performance metrics.
Full verdict on LiveHelpNow -
3. Tidio
Best for small e-commerceLive chat and chatbots with the Lyro AI assistant, aimed at online stores.
Full verdict on Tidio -
4. Crisp
Best all-in-one messagingMultichannel messaging, shared inbox, and chatbots for growing teams.
Full verdict on Crisp -
5. 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 -
6. 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 -
7. Olark
Best simple live chatLightweight, highly customizable live chat for straightforward websites.
Full verdict on Olark -
8. Tawk.to
Best free live chatFree live chat, ticketing, and knowledge base, funded by optional paid add-ons.
Full verdict on Tawk.to -
9. Smartsupp
Best for small online storesLive chat for online stores with WhatsApp, Messenger, and an AI shopping assistant.
Full verdict on Smartsupp -
10. Help Scout
Best overall for small support teamsShared inbox and help desk designed around a lightweight, human support experience.
Full verdict on Help Scout -
11. 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
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 test.