Freshchat vs Livechat: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Freshchat and Livechat 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 customer support 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.
Livechat
Customer service chat software
Best for you if:
- • You need live chat features specifically
- • LiveChat is a customer service platform with live chat and ticketing
- • It enables real-time customer support with chatbots and analytics
| At a Glance |  Freshchat |  Livechat |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $20/moStarter |
Best For | Customer Support | Live Chat |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Freshchat or Livechat?
Choose Freshchat if
Modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement
- Offers a free plan for up to 10 agents, including website live chat, email, and a unified agent workspace.
- Provides omnichannel support across various channels including live chat, email, social media messengers (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Line, Google Business Messages), and SMS.
- Integrates AI-driven bots for scalable self-service and proactive customer engagement.
- Budget matters (Free vs $20/mo)
- Your work is customer support-shaped, not live chat-shaped
Choose Livechat if
Customer service chat software
- Good live chat tool
- Many integrations
- Chatbot builder
- Your work is live chat-shaped, not customer support-shaped
| Feature | Freshchat | Livechat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 604 reviews | ★4.5/5 2,362 reviews |
| Categories | Customer SupportLive Chat | Live ChatCustomer Support |
In-Depth Analysis
Freshchat
Modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement
Strengths
- +Offers a free plan for up to 10 agents, including website live chat, email, and a unified agent workspace.
- +Provides omnichannel support across various channels including live chat, email, social media messengers (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Line, Google Business Messages), and SMS.
- +Integrates AI-driven bots for scalable self-service and proactive customer engagement.
- +Features a unified agent workspace that provides agents with comprehensive customer context, including past purchases and open issues, for personalized experiences.
- +Includes robust analytics and administration tools to monitor customer behavior, team productivity, and bot effectiveness.
Weaknesses
- -Advanced ticketing and knowledge base functionalities require an upgrade to Freshdesk Omni, which is a separate product.
- -Freddy AI Agent sessions are limited, with only 500 free sessions offered once per account on paid plans, requiring additional purchases thereafter.
- -Some advanced features like custom dashboards, effective routing mechanisms, multiple SLA policies, and skills-based assignments are only available in higher-tier plans (Pro and Enterprise).
Key features
Livechat
Customer service chat software
Strengths
- +Good live chat tool
- +Many integrations
- +Chatbot builder
- +Good analytics
- +Reliable
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Per-seat pricing
- -Features spread across products
- -UI dated
- -Better modern alternatives
Key features
Pricing: Freshchat vs Livechat
| Plan | Freshchat | Livechat |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $20 Starter |
| Tier 2 | $19 Growth | $41 Team |
| Tier 3 | $49 Pro | $59 Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Freshchat pricing and Livechat pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Freshchat has a free tier. Livechat is paid only.
Go with: Freshchat
Want the highest-rated option?
Freshchat: 4.3/5 (604 reviews). Livechat: 4.5/5 (2,362 reviews).
Go with: Livechat
Value user reviews?
Freshchat: 604 reviews (4.3/5). Livechat: 2,362 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Livechat
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Freshchat is freemium. Livechat is paid. Freshchat lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Freshchat is a customer support tool. Livechat is in live chat. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Livechat is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Livechat
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (2,362 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Freshchat
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for customer support
The Bottom Line
Livechat is our pick. Freshchat has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freshchat or Livechat better?
Livechat is rated in our evaluation. Freshchat is freemium and Livechat is paid.
What are Freshchat and Livechat used for?
Freshchat: Modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement. Livechat: Customer service chat software.
What does Freshchat cost vs Livechat?
Freshchat is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Livechat is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.