[ Buyer's guide ]

The best live chat software in 2026.

Most live chat tools are priced per agent, and their AI is a bolt-on. The right pick depends on how you want to be billed and whether you need real AI and analytics, not just a chat box. Here's an honest look at the leading options.

1
RepliedOUR PICK
Best for AI chat + real humans + free analytics, flat-priced

Live chat with an AI (Maya) that answers instantly and hands off to a real person the moment it matters. Built on a real web analytics engine, so every chat knows who it's talking to. Flat pricing — never per-seat or per-resolution — with a genuinely free plan.

Start free, no card
2
Intercom
Best for large support orgs

Mature and capable. Trade-off: per-seat plus per-resolution AI, so the bill climbs with success.

Compare Replied vs Intercom
3
Zendesk
Best for big ticketing operations

Deep ticketing and workflows. Trade-off: per-agent pricing and annual contracts.

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4
Tidio
Best entry-level chat

Easy to start with. Trade-off: its Lyro AI is capped by a conversation quota.

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5
Crisp
Best value all-rounder

Affordable and tidy. Trade-off: the AI is a limited add-on and analytics are basic.

Compare Replied vs Crisp
6
LiveChat
Best classic per-agent chat

Established and reliable. Trade-off: per-agent, and its chatbot AI is a separate product.

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7
Tawk.to
Best free basic chat

Genuinely free live chat. Trade-off: AI is a paid add-on and removing branding costs extra.

Compare Replied vs Tawk.to
8
Gorgias
Best for high-volume ecommerce

Great Shopify integrations. Trade-off: billed per ticket, so busy months cost more.

Compare Replied vs Gorgias
See all Replied comparisons →
[ FAQ ]

Frequently asked

What's the best live chat software for a small business?+

One that doesn't charge per agent and includes AI and analytics — that's where Replied leads. Per-agent tools (LiveChat, Olark) get expensive as the team grows.

Which live chat software has the best AI?+

Look for AI that's included (not a metered add-on or capped quota) and can hand off to a human. Replied includes AI on every plan; several rivals gate or meter it.

Is there free live chat software?+

Yes — Tawk.to is free, and Replied has a free plan (10k pageviews/mo) that includes AI and analytics.

Should live chat include analytics?+

Ideally yes — knowing who's on your site makes every chat better. Most chat tools only show chat metrics; Replied bundles a real web analytics engine.

Live chat with AI and analytics, flat-priced.

No per-agent bill. AI replies and real analytics included on every plan. Start free — no card.

Start free, no card