Livechat vs Freshchat: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Livechat 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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
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.
| At a Glance |  Livechat |  Freshchat |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $20/moStarter | $19/moGrowth |
Best For | Live Chat | Customer Support |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Livechat or Freshchat?
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
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 ($19/mo vs $20/mo)
- Your work is customer support-shaped, not live chat-shaped
| Feature | Livechat | Freshchat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 2,362 reviews | ★4.3/5 604 reviews |
| Categories | Live ChatCustomer Support | Customer SupportLive Chat |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: Livechat vs Freshchat
| Plan | Livechat | Freshchat |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $20 Starter | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $41 Team | $19 Growth |
| Tier 3 | $59 Business | $49 Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Livechat pricing and Freshchat 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Livechat
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Livechat
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Livechat is paid. Freshchat is freemium. Freshchat lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Livechat is a live chat tool. Freshchat is in customer support. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 Livechat or Freshchat better?
Livechat is rated in our evaluation. Livechat is paid and Freshchat is freemium.
What are Livechat and Freshchat used for?
Livechat: Customer service chat software. Freshchat: Modern messaging software for sales and customer engagement.
What does Livechat cost vs Freshchat?
Livechat is a paid tool. Freshchat is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.