Drift vs Freshchat: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Drift and Freshchat 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Drift
Conversational marketing platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.1/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need sales enablement features specifically
- • Live chat for sales and support
- • AI chatbot handles common questions
Freshchat
Modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need sales engagement features specifically
- • Freshchat is a conversational support platform offering omnichannel engagement, AI-driven bots, and a unified agent workspace.
- • It provides various pricing tiers, including a free plan, with advanced features like custom dashboards and security in higher-paid plans.
| At a Glance |  Drift |  Freshchat |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Sales Enablement | Sales Engagement |
Rating | 81/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Drift | Freshchat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 81 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 49 |
| Categories | Sales EnablementLive Chat | Sales EngagementHelp Desk |
How Drift and Freshchat Compare
Drift
Conversational marketing platform
Paid · 81/100 score
Freshchat
Modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement
Free tier available
Drift is a sales enablement tool. Freshchat is in sales engagement.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Freshchat has a free tier. Drift is paid only.
Go with: Freshchat
Want the highest-rated option?
Drift scores 81/100. Freshchat is unrated.
Go with: Drift
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Drift
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Drift is paid. Freshchat is freemium. Freshchat lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Drift is a sales enablement tool. Freshchat is in sales engagement. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Drift
- Higher score: 81/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Freshchat
- Has a free tier
- More community upvotes (49)
- Better fit for sales engagement
The Bottom Line
Drift (81/100) is our pick. Freshchat has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drift or Freshchat better?
Drift scores 81/100 in our evaluation. Drift is paid and Freshchat is freemium.
What are Drift and Freshchat used for?
Drift: Conversational marketing platform. Freshchat: Modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement.
What does Drift cost vs Freshchat?
Drift is a paid tool. Freshchat is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.