Missive vs Kayako: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Missive and Kayako 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Missive
Inbox collaboration for teams that run on email, designed for seamless teamwork and efficiency.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 7.2/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need internal comms features specifically
- • Unifies all communication channels (email, chat, social) into a single collaborative inbox.
- • Enables team collaboration on emails, task management, and workload balancing directly within the inbox.
Kayako
Unified customer service platform for modern support teams
Best for you if:
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Unified customer service platform combining email, chat, and social support
- • Builds complete customer journey maps across all touchpoints
| At a Glance |  Missive |  Kayako |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Internal Comms | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 87/100 | 72/100 |
| Feature | Missive | Kayako |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 72 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Internal CommsWorkflow Automation | Workflow AutomationAI for Customer Service |
How Missive and Kayako Compare
Missive
Inbox collaboration for teams that run on email, designed for seamless teamwork and efficiency.
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Kayako
Unified customer service platform for modern support teams
Paid · 72/100 score
Missive is a internal comms tool. Kayako is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Missive has a free tier. Kayako is paid only.
Go with: Missive
Want the highest-rated option?
Missive: 87/100. Kayako: 72/100.
Go with: Missive
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Missive
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Missive is freemium. Kayako is paid. Missive lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Missive is a internal comms tool. Kayako is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Missive scores higher: 87/100 vs 72/100.
Key Takeaways
Missive
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 72
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Kayako
- Better fit for workflow automation
The Bottom Line
Missive (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missive or Kayako better?
Missive scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Missive is freemium and Kayako is paid.
What are Missive and Kayako used for?
Missive: Inbox collaboration for teams that run on email, designed for seamless teamwork and efficiency.. Kayako: Unified customer service platform for modern support teams.
What does Missive cost vs Kayako?
Missive is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Kayako is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.