Freshchat vs Drift: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Freshchat and Drift 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:
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
- • You need modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
Drift
Conversational marketing platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.1/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need live chat features specifically
- • Live chat for sales and support
- • AI chatbot handles common questions
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Sales Engagement | Live Chat |
Rating | —/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | Freshchat | Drift |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 81 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 49 | 0 |
| Categories | Sales EngagementHelp Desk | Live ChatAI Agents |
Understanding the Differences
Both Freshchat and Drift solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Freshchat positions itself as "modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement" while Driftfocuses on "conversational marketing platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Freshchat
Freshchat makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Drift
Drift is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 81/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Freshchat lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Freshchat
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Drift is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Drift
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Drift takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Drift
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Freshchat, 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 Drift higher (81/100). But the community has upvoted Freshchat more (49 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Drift Does Better
- Higher overall score (81/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Freshchat 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 Drift (81/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Drift scores higher in our analysis, but Freshchat 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 Freshchat or Drift better?
Based on our analysis, Drift scores higher with 81/100. Freshchat isfreemium while Drift is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Freshchat to Drift 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 Freshchat and Drift offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Freshchat is freemium with a free tier.Drift is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.