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.
Bottom line: Livechat wins this matchup. Our overall Live Chat pick is Zoho Desk. Our free Live Chat pick is tawk.to. Pick Freshchat if you need customer support.
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 a free tier before you commit
- • You want offers a free plan for up to 10 agents, including website live chat, email, and a unified agent workspace
Livechat
Customer service chat software
Best for you if:
- • You want good live chat tool
- • You want many integrations
| At a Glance | Freshchat | Livechat |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $20/moStarter |
Best For | Customer Support | Live Chat |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Freshchat or Livechat?
Choose Freshchat if
Modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want offers a free plan for up to 10 agents, including website live chat, email, and a unified agent workspace
- Budget matters (Free vs $20/mo)
- Your work is customer support-shaped, not live chat-shaped
Choose Livechat if
Customer service chat software
- You want good live chat tool
- You want many integrations
- Your work is live chat-shaped, not customer support-shaped
| Feature | Freshchat | Livechat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 656 reviews | ★4.0/5 2,049 reviews |
| Categories | Customer SupportLive Chat | Live ChatCustomer Support |
In-Depth Analysis
Freshchat
Modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement
Freshchat's pricing is generally fair, offering a generous Free tier and competitive entry points.
Watch out
Campaign contact limits could lead to overage fees.
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
LiveChat's pricing is on the higher side compared to some market alternatives, especially the Starter tier at $20/agent/month for just one user and limited history.
Watch out
Starter tier is limited to 1 user
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 (656 reviews). Livechat: 4.0/5 (2,049 reviews).
Go with: Freshchat
Value user reviews?
Freshchat: 656 reviews (4.3/5). Livechat: 2,049 reviews (4.0/5).
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?
Freshchat is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
Livechat
- Larger review base (2,049 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Freshchat
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 4.0/5
- Better fit for customer support
The Bottom Line
Livechat wins this matchup. Our overall Live Chat pick is Zoho Desk. Our free Live Chat pick is tawk.to. 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.