--- title: "11 Best Live Chat Software for Websites: Enhance Customer Support and Engagement" date: 2023-07-13 author: "skyboot" featured_image: "https://skybootstrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/best-live-chat-software-for-websites.png" categories: - name: "Tools & SaaS Software" url: "/category/digital-marketing/tools-saas-software.md" --- # 11 Best Live Chat Software for Websites: Enhance Customer Support and Engagement Today’s website visitors expect instant answers. If they cannot get help quickly, they leave, often for a competitor. That is where live chat software plays a critical role. It allows businesses to communicate with visitors in real time, answer questions instantly, resolve issues faster, and guide users toward conversions while they are still on the site. Modern live chat tools go far beyond basic messaging. Many now include automation, AI-powered chatbots, CRM integrations, analytics, and multi-channel support that help teams improve response times while scaling customer support efficiently. However, with so many live chat solutions available, choosing the right one can be challenging. Each platform offers different features, pricing models, and use cases, and not every tool is suited for every business. In this guide, we review the 11 best live chat software for websites, comparing their features, strengths, and ideal use cases. Whether you run a small business, an eCommerce store, or a growing enterprise, this list will help you find the right live chat solution to improve customer engagement and support performance. Table of Contents - [What Is Live Chat Software for Websites?](#what-is-a-live-chat-software-for-websites) - [List of the 11 Best Live Chat Software for Websites](#list-of-the-10-best-live-chat-software-for-websites) - [ThriveDesk – Customer Support for SaaS & eCommerce](#thrive-desk-customer-support-for-saa-s-e-commerce) - [HubSpot Free Live Chat Software](#hub-spot-free-live-chat-software) - [SendPulse Live Chat and Marketing Automation](#send-pulse-live-chat-and-marketing-automation) - [Intercom](#intercom) - [Zendesk Chat](#zendesk-chat) - [PinChat](#pin-chat) - [Freshchat](#freshchat) - [Zoho Desk](#zoho-desk) - [Drift](#drift) - [Pure Chat Inc.](#pure-chat-inc) - [Kayako ](#kayako) - [Common FAQ](#common-faq) - [Conclusion](#conclusion) ## What Is Live Chat Software for Websites? Live chat software is a customer communication tool that allows businesses to interact with website visitors in real time through a chat widget or messaging interface. It enables customers to ask questions, get support, and receive instant responses without leaving the website or waiting for email or phone assistance. Modern live chat software often includes advanced features such as automated chatbots, pre-written responses, visitor tracking, CRM integrations, and performance analytics. These features help support teams handle multiple conversations efficiently while delivering faster and more personalized customer experiences. By reducing response times and removing friction from the support process, live chat software improves user experience, increases customer satisfaction, and can directly contribute to higher engagement, lead generation, and conversions. ## List of the 11 Best Live Chat Software for Websites Choosing the right live chat software can make a significant difference in how you support customers and engage website visitors. The best tools help you respond instantly, reduce support workload, and turn conversations into leads or sales. Below is a carefully curated list of the 11 best live chat software for websites, selected based on features, ease of use, integrations, scalability, and overall value. These solutions are suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small websites to large enterprises, and are designed to improve real-time communication and customer experience. ### ThriveDesk – Customer Support for SaaS & eCommerce ![ThriveDesk - Customer Support for SaaS & eCommerce](https://skybootstrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/thrivedesk.png)ThriveDesk – Customer Support for SaaS & eCommerceThriveDesk is a comprehensive customer support and live chat solution [software designed specifically for SaaS](https://skybootstrap.com/best-halloween-deals-wordpress-saas-hosting/) (Software as a Service) and eCommerce businesses. It offers a range of powerful features such as real-time chat, ticketing system integration, workflow automation, and analytics. ThriveDesk enables businesses to provide personalized support, boost customer engagement, and streamline customer communication. #### Key Features of ThriveDesk - Live Chat - Knowledge Base - Tracking System - Apps Integrations - Webhooks and API - Report Analysis - Assistive AI #### Pricing - **Starter**: $32/month (20% off for Annual payment) - **Plus**: $99/month (20% off for Annual payment) [More Details](https://www.thrivedesk.com/) ### HubSpot Free Live Chat Software ![HubSpot Free Live Chat Software](https://skybootstrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/hubspot-chatbot-builder-1024x637.jpg)HubSpot Free Live Chat SoftwareHubSpot Free Live Chat Software is one of the most popular options for businesses looking for live chat support software that integrates seamlessly with a [CRM](https://skybootstrap.com/best-advanced-crm-software-solutions/). As part of the HubSpot ecosystem, it allows teams to manage conversations, track customer interactions, and deliver personalized support from a single dashboard. This live chat software for websites supports automated chat responses, chatbot creation, and real-time visitor insights. Businesses can route conversations to the right teams, capture leads directly from chat, and analyze performance using built-in analytics. For companies already using HubSpot, this is often considered one of the best live chat software for websites with no upfront cost. **Best for:** Businesses seeking free, CRM-connected customer support chat software and scalable live chat solutions for websites. #### Key Features of HubSpot Live Chat - Chatbot automation - Real-time customer support - Route customer inquiries - Customizable live chat widget - Audience segmentation - Live chat notifications #### Pricing - **Free** [More Details](https://skybootstrap.com/go/hubspot-chatbot-builder) ### SendPulse Live Chat and Marketing Automation ![SendPulse Live Chat and Marketing Automation](https://skybootstrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sendpulse-live-chat-and-marketing-automation.png)SendPulse Live Chat and Marketing AutomationSendPulse is a multi-channel marketing platform offering various communication tools including [live chat functionality](https://sendpulse.com/features/live-chat). It enables real-time engagement with website visitors, supports automated responses, and can scale with your growing business needs. This platform also provides email marketing, SMS, and push notification capabilities for a comprehensive communication solution. #### Key Features of SendPulse - Real-time communication with website visitors - Automated message responses - Scalability for growing businesses - Comprehensive email marketing tools - SMS and push notification capabilities - User-friendly interface for seamless navigation #### Pricing Free plan, paid plan starting at $8 / month [More Details](https://sendpulse.com/features/live-chat) ### Intercom ![Intercom - Customer Service Solution](https://skybootstrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/intercom.jpg)Intercom – Customer Service SolutionIntercom is a versatile live chat software that caters to businesses of all sizes. It offers a wide range of features, including live chat, customer engagement tools, [chatbot](https://skybootstrap.com/best-ai-chatbot-platforms-and-apps/) automation, and knowledge base management. Intercom’s user-friendly interface and powerful integrations make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance customer support and build meaningful relationships with their audience. Intercom allows businesses to deliver fast, personalized support while proactively engaging visitors based on behavior and context. Its automation features help teams handle high chat volumes efficiently, while integrations with popular tools make it a strong choice for growing companies looking for scalable customer support chat software. Because of its balance between automation and human support, Intercom is often considered one of the best live chat software for websites for businesses focused on long-term customer relationships rather than one-time interactions. **Best for:** Growing businesses and SaaS companies that need advanced live chat support software with automation and engagement tools. #### Key Features of Intercom - Fin AI bot for customer service - Intercom Messenger - Ticketing system - Workflows for chatbots and automations - Custom and real-time reporting - Phone deflection to Messenger #### Pricing - Starting at $74 / month [More Details](https://skybootstrap.com/go/intercom) ### Zendesk Chat ![Zendesk - Customer Service Software](https://skybootstrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zendesk-chat-1024x608.jpg)Zendesk – Customer Service SoftwareZendesk Chat is a reliable live chat support software built to deliver consistent and high-quality customer service at scale. It focuses on real-time messaging, proactive chat triggers, chatbot automation, and in-depth analytics to help teams improve response times and customer satisfaction. As part of the Zendesk ecosystem, Zendesk Chat integrates seamlessly with other Zendesk products, allowing businesses to manage tickets, chats, and customer data from a unified platform. This makes it a strong option for companies seeking best live chat support for websites with enterprise-grade reporting and workflow management. Zendesk Chat is particularly well-suited for support teams that value structure, performance tracking, and omnichannel customer service. **Best for:** Medium to large businesses looking for robust support live chat software integrated with a full customer support suite. #### Key Features of Zendesk - Ticketing system - Email, chat, voice, social messaging, and more - Prebuilt analytics dashboards - 1,000+ apps & integrations - Custom and live analytics - [AI-powered Content](https://skybootstrap.com/best-ai-content-writing-tools-to-create-quality-content/) Cues - Customer satisfaction ratings (CSAT) #### Pricing - Starting at $59 per month per agent [More Details](https://skybootstrap.com/go/zendesk) ### PinChat ![PinChat - Engage with customers instantly via link or QR code](https://skybootstrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pinchat.jpg)PinChat – Engage with customers instantly via link or [QR code](https://tlinky.com/qr-code-generator/)PinChat is a lightweight and easy-to-use live support software designed for businesses that value simplicity and fast setup. It focuses on delivering a clean and distraction-free chat experience while still offering essential features for effective customer communication. With chat customization, automated greetings, intelligent chat routing, and customer feedback tools, PinChat helps reduce response times and improve engagement. It is a solid choice for small teams looking for support chat software that works without complexity or heavy configuration. **Best for:** Small businesses and startups looking for live chat support for websites with minimal setup and a user-friendly interface. #### Key Features of PinChat - Chat Functions - Tags and Folders - Appearance Setting - Widget for Website - Survey - Analytics - Sub-account - PinBoard - PinBot #### Pricing - **Free**: $0 /month - **Starter**: $30 /month - **Light**: $50 /month - **Standard**: $75 /month [Try PinChat](https://pinchat.app/) ### Freshchat Freshchat is a modern customer service chat software built for businesses that prioritize personalized and proactive engagement. It supports live chat, in-app messaging, chatbot automation, and customer context tracking to deliver seamless omnichannel experiences. As one of the more advanced live chat solutions, Freshchat enables teams to view user behavior, segment audiences, and automate conversations based on customer actions. Its intuitive interface and strong automation features make it a top contender for brands searching for the best live chat for websites that support growth and scalability. **Best for:** Growing businesses that need advanced live chat support software with automation and personalization. #### Key Features of Freshchat - Messaging channels - Chatbots - Web Widget - Journeys - Integrations - Team Inbox - Real-time Dashboard - Custom Reports #### Pricing - **Free**: $0 - **Growth**: $18 /agent/month - **Pro**: $47 /agent/month - **Enterprise**: $83/agent/month [Try FreshChat](https://www.freshworks.com/live-chat-software/) ### Zoho Desk Zoho Desk is a comprehensive help desk platform that includes powerful live chat software for websites as part of its customer support suite. It allows businesses to manage tickets, live chats, and automation workflows from a unified support dashboard. With features like chat routing, canned responses, chatbot automation, and integrations with CRM systems, Zoho Desk is well-suited for teams that need structured support live chat software combined with help desk capabilities. It is often chosen by businesses looking for best live chat support for website scenarios that involve higher support volumes. **Best for:** Teams needing an all-in-one customer support chat software with ticketing and automation. #### Key Features of Zoho Desk - Ticket Management - Zia - Self-Service - Agent Productivity - Automation - Extensibility - Insights and Impact - Customization - Omnichannel - Instant Messaging - Knowledge Base #### Pricing - **Standard**: $20/user/month - **Professional**: $35 /user/month - **Enterprise**: $50 /user/month [Try Zoho Desk](https://www.zoho.com/desk/) ### Drift Drift is a conversational marketing platform that places live chat at the center of sales and customer engagement. It is designed to help businesses start meaningful conversations with website visitors, qualify leads in real time, and move prospects through the funnel faster. Unlike traditional live chat support software, Drift focuses heavily on revenue-driven conversations. Its AI-powered chatbots can automatically qualify leads, route high-intent visitors to sales teams, and book meetings without manual intervention. With strong reporting and CRM integrations, Drift is often considered one of the best live chat solutions for websites focused on sales and conversions rather than basic support. **Best for:** Sales-driven teams looking for live chat software for websites that doubles as a lead generation and conversion tool. #### Key Features of Drift - Live Chat - Meetings - Custom Chatbots - Audiences - Real-Time Notifications - A/B Testing - Conversational Landing Pages #### Pricing - Premium plan for small business starting at $2,500/month billed annually [Try Drift](https://www.salesloft.com/platform/drift) ### Pure Chat Inc. Pure Chat Inc. is a straightforward and reliable live chat support software suitable for businesses of all sizes. It focuses on delivering core live chat functionality without unnecessary complexity, making it a practical option for teams that want quick deployment and ease of use. The platform offers essential features such as real-time live chat, visitor tracking, basic automation, and reporting. Pure Chat Inc. helps businesses communicate with website visitors effectively, capture leads, and provide consistent customer support chat software without a steep learning curve. **Best for:** Small to mid-sized businesses looking for best live chat software for websites with essential features and simple setup. #### Key Features of Pure Chat Inc - Unlimited Chats - Realtime Analytics - Visitor Tracking - Comprehensive Account Statistics and Reports - CSV exports for Reports & Contacts - Unlimited Chat History Transcripts - Advanced Widget Customization #### Pricing - **Growth**: $49/mo and $15 for per Additional User - **PRO**: $99/mo and $10 for per Additional User [Try Pure Chat](https://purechat.com/) ### Kayako Kayako is a cloud-based help desk and support live chat software built for small and medium-sized businesses that need a unified customer support solution. It combines live chat, email, and social media support into a single platform, allowing teams to manage conversations across channels efficiently. With strong out-of-the-box functionality, Kayako enables support teams to track customer history, manage tickets, and respond in real time through live chat. As businesses grow, Kayako helps maintain personalized support while scaling operations, making it a solid choice for those seeking best live chat support for websites alongside structured help desk features. **Best for:** SMBs that want an all-in-one customer support chat software with live chat and multi-channel support. #### Key Features of Kayako - Help Center - Live Chat - Integrations - Kayako Messenger - Proactive Engagement #### Pricing - Starting $125 per agent per month [Try Kayako ](https://kayako.com/) ## Common FAQ ### What is the best live chat software for websites in 2026? The best live chat software for websites in 2026 depends on your business needs, such as support volume, automation, and integrations. Tools like Intercom, Zendesk, and ThriveDesk are widely used for their reliability, scalability, and customer support features across SaaS, eCommerce, and service websites. ### What is the best free live chat software? HubSpot provides one of the best free live chat software options, offering unlimited chats, basic automation, and CRM integration at no cost. It’s ideal for small businesses and startups that want reliable live chat support without paying for advanced features upfront. ### How much does live chat software cost? Live chat software for a website typically costs between $0 and $100+ per month. Free plans cover basic chat functionality, while paid plans add automation, chatbots, analytics, integrations, and multi-agent support. Pricing increases based on features, team size, and enterprise requirements. ### What is a good live chat software for WordPress? The best live chat for a WordPress website includes tools like Tawk.to, Freshchat, and Zendesk. These platforms offer official WordPress plugins or simple embed options, making setup fast and beginner-friendly. ### Does HubSpot have live chat? Yes, HubSpot includes customer support chat software as part of its CRM platform. Businesses can add live chat to their website, manage conversations in a shared inbox, and track customer interactions alongside contacts and deals—all available on HubSpot’s free plan. [](https://skybootstrap.com/best-live-chat-software-for-websites/) ## Conclusion Choosing the right live chat software for your website is an important decision that directly impacts customer support quality, user experience, and overall business performance. The right solution can help you respond faster, engage visitors at the right moment, and turn real-time conversations into meaningful outcomes. The 11 live chat software options covered in this guide offer a wide range of features, from basic real-time messaging to advanced automation, integrations, and analytics. Each tool serves different business needs, so the best choice depends on your goals, team size, technical requirements, and budget. Take the time to evaluate the features that matter most to your business, test the platforms when possible, and choose a solution that can scale as your needs grow. Investing in a reliable live chat software is not just a support upgrade, it is a strategic move that can strengthen customer relationships and support long-term growth.