Crisp vs Chatwoot: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Crisp and Chatwoot comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Crisp
Customer messaging platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • Customer messaging platform with free plan and Pro at $28/month for 5 agents
- • Omnichannel inbox for chat, email, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger
Chatwoot
Open source customer engagement
Best for you if:
- • Chatwoot is an open-source customer engagement platform and Intercom alternative
- • It provides live chat, email, social media inbox, and chatbots in one tool
| At a Glance |  Chatwoot | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Help Desk | Help Desk |
Rating | 84/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Crisp | Chatwoot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Help DeskCustomer Success | Help DeskLive Chat |
Understanding the Differences
Both Crisp and Chatwoot solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Crisp positions itself as "customer messaging platform" while Chatwootfocuses on "open source customer engagement". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Crisp
Crisp makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Chatwoot
Chatwoot is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Crisp lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Crisp
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Crisp handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Crisp
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Crisp
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Crisp, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Crisp higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Chatwoot more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Crisp Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Chatwoot If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Crisp (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Crisp scores higher in our analysis, but Chatwoot might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crisp or Chatwoot better?
Based on our analysis, Crisp scores higher with 84/100. Crisp isfreemium while Chatwoot is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Crisp to Chatwoot easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Crisp and Chatwoot offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Crisp is freemium with a free tier.Chatwoot is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.