Kayako vs Livechat: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kayako 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:
Kayako
Unified customer service platform for modern support teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need customer support features specifically
Livechat
Customer service chat software
Best for you if:
- • You need productivity features specifically
| At a Glance |  Livechat | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Customer Support | Productivity |
Rating | 72/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Kayako | Livechat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 72 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 85 |
| Categories | Customer Support | ProductivityCustomer Support |
Understanding the Differences
Both Kayako and Livechat solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Kayako positions itself as "unified customer service platform for modern support teams" while Livechatfocuses on "customer service chat software". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Kayako
Kayako makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 72/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Livechat
Livechat is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Livechat
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Kayako handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Kayako
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Kayako is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Kayako
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Kayako—it scored higher.
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 Kayako higher (72/100). But the community has upvoted Livechat more (85 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Kayako Does Better
- Higher overall score (72/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Livechat If
- 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 Kayako (72/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Kayako scores higher in our analysis, but Livechat 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 Kayako or Livechat better?
Based on our analysis, Kayako scores higher with 72/100. Kayako ispaid while Livechat 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 Kayako to Livechat 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 Kayako and Livechat offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Kayako is paid with potential trial.Livechat is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.