01
Follow a real conversation
From the first question to a teammate’s reply. Check the context, handoffs, and channels your customers actually use.
Find your next fit
Live chat software comparison
Compare live chat software by pricing, AI, and support workflows. Explore alternatives to your current tool, then test the right fit with your team.
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Text by LiveChat guide
Looking beyond Zendesk?
Eight alternatives compared on pricing, AI, and everyday workflows. Find out where Text fits, and when Zendesk still makes sense.
Explore Zendesk alternatives16 live chat comparisons
Pick the tool you use today, or the one you are considering. Each guide compares pricing, AI, and the support workflow.
LiveChat vs.
Chatway
Compare chat routing, integrations, and the tools for a growing support team.
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Text vs.
Crisp
Explore integrations, routing, and the support workflow as your team grows.
Read the comparison
LiveChat vs.
Drift
Compare live chat for sales conversations and day-to-day customer support.
Read the comparison
LiveChat vs.
Featurebase
Explore real-time support, chat routing, and connections to your existing tools.
Read the comparison
LiveChat vs.
Freshchat
Compare the chat experience and connections with the rest of your support stack.
Read the comparison
Text vs.
Gorgias
Compare ecommerce support workflows and how pricing scales with your workload.
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LiveChat vs.
HelpCrunch
Compare live chat, routing, and the tools your team uses to answer customers.
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LiveChat vs.
Help Scout
Explore shared support workflows and handling customer questions in real time.
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Text vs.
Intercom
Compare pricing, setup, and the handoff between automated and human support.
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LiveChat vs.
LiveAgent
Explore setup, chat routing, and the day-to-day experience for your agents.
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LiveChat vs.
LivePerson
Compare customer engagement workflows and integration requirements.
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LiveChat vs.
Olark
Explore chat routing and the support tools you may need beyond a widget.
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LiveChat vs.
Smartsupp
Compare conversation allowances, reporting, and integrations.
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LiveChat vs.
Tawk.to
Explore what to evaluate when moving beyond a free live chat setup.
Read the comparison
Text vs.
Tidio
Compare billing considerations, integrations, and routing as your team grows.
Read the comparison
Published by the team behind Text and LiveChat. Each guide identifies the product it compares.
Live chat tools at a glance
Start with the workflow and billing model. These four examples show what to compare before looking at a starting price.
| Software | Product focus | Billing model | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text by LiveChat Text review | Live chat, AI assistance, and ticket follow-up, with sales reporting tied to chats. | Per user, with included AI resolutions and additional usage charges. | AI allowance, conversation history, and the reporting your team needs. |
| Zendesk Suite Zendesk alternatives | Messaging, live chat, ticketing, and telephony in a service suite. | Per agent; the selected plan and usage affect the total. | Suite versus Support packaging, required channels, and AI costs. |
| Intercom Text vs. Intercom | Messenger, shared inbox, ticketing, and Fin AI Agent. | Seats plus usage, including Fin outcomes and certain channels. | Billable outcomes, workflow automation, and any add-ons. |
| Crisp Text vs. Crisp | Website chat and a shared workspace for customer conversations. | Per workspace, with seats and AI allowances depending on the plan. | Included teammates, AI credits, and the tier for your required tools. |
This overview snapshot uses published product and pricing information checked . Individual comparison guides show their own, later review dates. Plan limits and usage charges vary. The Zendesk, Tidio, Intercom, Crisp, and Gorgias guides compare Text by LiveChat with those products.
How to compare live chat software
Three checks that tell you more than a feature list.
02
Price the whole setup
Seats are only part of the bill. Include AI usage, add-ons, and the plan that gives your team what it needs.
03
Try it with your team
Bring a few real requests. See how your people work together before committing to a new platform.
Common questions
What is the best live chat software for my team?
The best fit depends on your channels, team size, and workflow. Compare how each tool handles a customer question, an AI-to-human handoff, and a follow-up. Check the complete cost of the plan you need, then test your shortlist with the people who will use it.
Is free live chat software enough?
A free plan can be enough for a small team with basic chat needs. Before choosing one, check agent limits, conversation history, branding, reporting, and integrations. Compare the cost of the paid tier you would need if your workload grows.
What should I compare beyond the starting price?
Count the people who need access, the channels you use, and any AI usage charges. Then check which plan includes your required routing, reporting, and integrations. Compare the full configuration your team would buy.
Do these guides compare Text or LiveChat?
The Zendesk, Tidio, Intercom, Crisp, and Gorgias guides compare Text by LiveChat. Other guides compare the legacy LiveChat product. Text is a separate product from the same team; check the product named in each guide when evaluating features and plans.
How should I test an alternative before switching?
Start with a few real customer questions, including one that needs a human handoff. Ask your team to try the workflow and check the customer context, integrations, and reporting. Validate any data migration requirements before moving your existing setup.
Can I try Text before choosing a plan?
Yes. Text offers a free 14-day trial with no credit card required. Use it to test your team’s workflow before deciding.
Are the features on this page included in my LiveChat plan?
No, your LiveChat plan stays the same. The features and capabilities on this page are part of Text and are available under Text pricing plans. They are not included in LiveChat plans, including legacy LiveChat subscriptions. Availability, limits, and pricing depend on your Text plan. If you’re on a LiveChat plan and want these features, you can move to Text.