Top 7 Live Chat Apps For Customer Support Teams

Live chat can boost customer satisfaction by 85% and increase conversion rates by up to 20%. With 53% of customers preferring live chat over other communication channels, choosing the right tool is crucial. Here are the 7 best live chat apps tailored for businesses of all sizes:

• LiveChat: $20/agent/month. Rich integrations, proactive chat tools, and detailed analytics.
• tawk.to: Free forever. Unlimited agents, multilingual support, and basic automation.
• Re:amaze: $29/agent/month. Best for e-commerce with AI bots and multichannel support.
• Zendesk: $55/agent/month. Enterprise-grade with ticketing, AI, and advanced analytics.
• LiveAgent: $15/agent/month. Unified inbox, gamification, and strong ticketing tools.
• Intercom: $29/agent/month. AI-powered, omnichannel messaging with proactive support.
• Olark: $29/agent/month. Easy to use, WCAG-compliant, with optional add-ons.

Quick Comparison

Tool	Best For	Starting Price	Key Features	Limitations
LiveChat	Feature-rich integrations	$20/agent/month	Proactive chats, 200+ integrations	No free plan, higher cost
tawk.to	Budget-friendly, unlimited agents	Free	Multilingual, ticketing, customization	Branding remains on free version
Re:amaze	E-commerce and multichannel support	$29/agent/month	AI bots, integrations with Shopify, Stripe	Costs rise with team size
Zendesk	Large teams needing scalability	$55/agent/month	AI tools, unified customer history	Complex setup, expensive
LiveAgent	Small-medium businesses	$15/agent/month	Real-time typing preview, gamification	Interface can feel outdated
Intercom	AI-powered omnichannel messaging	$29/agent/month	Proactive tools, 450+ app integrations	Costs increase with team size
Olark	Simplicity and accessibility	$29/agent/month	WCAG compliance, co-browsing	Limited advanced features

Automate With Latenode

Latenode simplifies live chat by integrating these tools with your CRM, email marketing, and project management systems. Automate tasks like creating tickets, syncing leads, and sending follow-ups - all in real-time. Save time and streamline workflows effortlessly.

7 Best Live Chat Software for Small Businesses (Compared)

1. LiveChat

Best for: Businesses looking for a robust live chat solution with rich integrations and proactive engagement tools.

LiveChat is a standout platform in the customer support world, boasting a 4.6/5 rating on Capterra based on feedback from over 1,700 users ^[3]. It’s designed to handle multiple conversations simultaneously without losing that personal touch customers value.

One of LiveChat’s most impactful features is its proactive chat invitations. Instead of waiting for visitors to reach out, the platform can initiate chats based on user behavior, such as time spent on a page or specific actions. This strategy can increase conversion rates by as much as 20% ^[4]. Additionally, its agent grouping feature ensures customers are routed to the right team - whether by expertise, department, or skill set - helping to speed up resolutions.

With over 200 integrations ^[4], including WordPress, Shopify, Facebook, and major CRM systems, LiveChat fits seamlessly into existing workflows. Real-time file sharing allows agents to provide resources like product manuals or troubleshooting guides during chats, improving the overall support experience and paving the way for automation.

"LiveChat makes it very simple for customers to reach us during our business hours and to connect with someone immediately. We can resolve issues on the spot and mark them as completed. Installing the code on our website was straightforward - just copy and paste."

• John J., CEO, Information Technology and Services ^[3]

Key Features:

• Real-time analytics and performance tracking
• Multi-channel support across social platforms
• Mobile-friendly for both agents and customers
• Chat history and transcript storage
• Predefined (canned) responses for faster replies

Pricing Structure:

• Starter: $20/month per agent (annual) or $24/month (monthly) ^[5]
• Team: $41/month per agent (annual) or $49/month (monthly) ^[5]
• Business: $59/month per agent (annual) or $69/month (monthly) ^[5]
• Enterprise: Custom pricing available ^[5]

With Latenode, LiveChat becomes even more powerful by turning chat interactions into fully automated workflows.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Over 200 integrations for seamless connectivity	Pricing may be steep for smaller businesses
Proactive chat tools to engage visitors	No free version available
Detailed analytics and reporting tools	Can feel complex for simpler needs
Excellent mobile support for on-the-go access	Advanced features come with extra costs

"It generates more inbound leads. The cost is relatively low compared to the communication opportunities it opens."

• Dominic Johnson, Sales, ICANotes LLC ^[6]

Automate LiveChat with Latenode

By integrating LiveChat with Latenode, you can automate repetitive tasks like creating CRM entries, updating lead records, or posting support tickets. Latenode enables you to build workflows that respond to chat events, analyze conversation sentiment, and trigger follow-up actions across your business tools.

Examples of popular automations:

• Automatically create Jira tickets from LiveChat transcripts
• Sync new LiveChat leads with HubSpot for marketing follow-ups
• Send LiveChat lead details directly to Salesforce for sales teams
• Post LiveChat support requests to Slack for team collaboration

Latenode’s visual workflow builder makes it easy to design custom automation flows triggered by new chats, agent assignments, or specific user messages. With built-in JavaScript support and access to advanced packages ^[2], you can even analyze chat sentiment using AI tools or extract key topics for deeper customer insights. Its compute-based pricing ensures scalability, allowing you to handle increasing chat volumes while transforming LiveChat into a central hub for automation ^[2].

2. tawk.to

Best for: Small to medium businesses looking for a robust live chat solution without upfront costs.

tawk.to stands out as one of the most widely-used live chat platforms, powering over 35% of websites with live chat functionality and facilitating interactions with more than 3 billion users each month ^[8].

What makes tawk.to particularly appealing is its free plan, which includes features like unlimited agents, reporting tools, a built-in ticketing system, automated triggers, customizable widgets, file sharing, canned responses, and data encryption - all at no cost ^[7]. The platform supports over 45 languages and provides 24/7 live support through chat and email ^[11].

Key Features:

• Real-time visitor monitoring and engagement
• Support for 45+ languages
• Mobile apps available for iOS and Android
• Built-in CRM and knowledge base tools
• White-label customization for branding
• JavaScript API for advanced customizations

Pricing Structure: ^[12]

• Core Service: Free forever
• Remove Branding: $29/month (annual) or $39/month (monthly)
• AI Assist: Free for up to 100 messages/month, scaling to $399/month for 20,000 messages/month
• Video/Voice/Screen Share: $29/month (annual) or $49/month (monthly)
• Hired Agent Service: Starts at $380/month for full-time coverage

These features make tawk.to a practical choice for businesses needing a reliable live chat solution that can also integrate into broader workflows.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Free with a comprehensive feature set	Branding remains on the free version
Simple to set up and use	Advanced features require add-ons
Unlimited agents and chat history	Occasional delays in chat notifications
24/7 customer support included	Fewer third-party integrations compared to premium tools
Mobile apps for managing chats on the go	Steeper learning curve for new users

"tawk.to enables me to connect and respond to customer queries over the internet." - Clarke C., Desktop Support Analyst ^[9]

Automate tawk.to with Latenode

Take tawk.to's capabilities even further by integrating it with Latenode to streamline and automate your workflows. With access to over 76,000 pre-built integrations ^[10], you can turn live chat interactions into actionable workflows that connect multiple systems and departments.

Examples of popular automations:

• Automatically create Jira tickets for customer issues raised in chats
• Sync leads from tawk.to directly to your CRM
• Send Slack notifications for high-priority chats
• Update project management tools with customer feedback or requests

Latenode’s compute-based pricing model lets you scale your automation as your business grows. The platform also supports advanced JavaScript for tasks like AI-powered sentiment analysis, enabling deeper insights into customer interactions.

3. Re:amaze

Best for: E-commerce businesses looking for a unified customer service platform with strong multichannel capabilities.

Re:amaze is a customer support platform that combines live chat, helpdesk tools, and other support channels into a single system, making it especially appealing to online businesses ^[13]. It streamlines communication by consolidating email, live chat, video calls, social media, SMS, VoIP, and push notifications into one inbox ^[13]. This approach simplifies customer support and enables automated workflows across all channels.

What makes Re:amaze stand out is its emphasis on e-commerce integration and AI-driven efficiency. Its chatbots handle many customer queries with minimal need for human intervention ^[14], helping businesses significantly expand their support capacity.

Key Features

• Centralized communication across all support channels
• AI-powered chatbots and automated responses
• Real-time insights into customer behavior
• Customizable Help Centers and FAQ sections
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• Seamless integrations with Shopify, BigCommerce, WordPress, Stripe, Slack, and Jira

Pricing Structure [35]

• Basic: $29 per team member per month
• Pro: $49 per team member per month
• Plus: $69 per team member per month
• Starter: $59 flat rate per month (limited to 500 responded conversations)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing starting at $899/month

Re:amaze offers a 5% discount for annual subscriptions and a 14-day free trial with full features ^[17].

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive multichannel support	User interface could be more intuitive
Strong integrations with e-commerce platforms	Costs can escalate for larger teams
Effective AI automation tools	Limited customization for chat widgets
Competitive pricing compared to Zendesk and Intercom	Basic search functionality
Responsive customer support team	Occasional unannounced UI changes during updates

Re:amaze enjoys high user satisfaction, with 89% of reviews awarding it 5 stars ^[15]. It scores 4.8/5 on Capterra ^[16] and 4.4/5 on the Shopify App Store ^[15].

"Reamaze has fundamentally changed how we interact with our customers and the speed with which we support them. It offers us a central place to track all customer issues and inquiries, and the tight integration with all of our existing systems had us up and running in a matter of minutes."

• Adam, Ellusionist ^[13]

Automate Re:amaze with Latenode

Re:amaze becomes even more powerful when integrated into an automated ecosystem. By using Latenode, you can extend its multichannel capabilities and turn customer interactions into actionable workflows.

Examples of automation with Latenode:

• Automatically sync high-value customer conversations to your CRM for follow-ups
• Create tasks in project management tools when customers report bugs or request features
• Send tailored email sequences based on chat outcomes
• Update inventory systems when customers inquire about product availability

Latenode's AI capabilities also let you analyze conversation sentiment, auto-categorize support tickets, or draft follow-up responses using tools like OpenAI ChatGPT or Claude. These features enhance Re:amaze's efficiency while preserving the personal touch that makes it a favorite among e-commerce businesses.

4. Zendesk

Best for: Large organizations looking for a robust customer service platform combining live chat, ticketing, and AI-driven automation.

Zendesk offers a well-rounded customer service solution that seamlessly integrates live chat with other support channels ^[20]. While it's widely recognized for its ticketing system, Zendesk has evolved to provide real-time communication through a unified agent workspace.

This workspace brings together all customer interactions, allowing agents to access a complete history of tickets, calls, and support queries without juggling multiple tools ^[18]. For companies managing high volumes of customer interactions, this centralized approach ensures faster and more informed responses.

Key Features

• Proactive chat triggers to engage visitors based on their behavior
• Skills-based routing for connecting customers to the most suitable agents ^[18]
• Pre-chat forms and visitor lists to provide agents with context before conversations start
• AI-driven tools, including generative search and automated responses ^[18]
• Customizable chat badges and a web SDK for tailored branding ^[19]
• Real-time analytics covering chat volume, agent performance, and customer satisfaction ^[19]
• File sharing during chat sessions for smoother communication
• Integration with over 1,000 apps and CMS platforms ^[18]

Pricing Structure

Zendesk's Suite plans include live chat as part of their offerings:

• Suite Team: $55 per agent/month (billed annually) ^[18]
• Suite Growth: $89 per agent/month (billed annually) ^[18]
• Suite Professional: $115 per agent/month (billed annually) ^[18]
• Suite Enterprise: $169 per agent/month (billed annually) ^[18]

For advanced AI features, Zendesk offers add-ons like Copilot at $50 per agent/month, providing tools for workflow optimization ^[18].

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive multichannel support platform	Higher cost compared to standalone chat tools
Advanced AI features for automation and routing	Setup complexity may require team training
Unified customer history across channels	Premium features often locked behind pricier plans
Enterprise-level security and compliance	May be too complex for smaller businesses
Integration with over 1,000 apps	Extra charges for advanced AI tools

Companies like Liberty London and Uber have seen impressive results with Zendesk. Liberty London reduced first reply times by 73% and improved customer satisfaction by 9% after using Zendesk's AI-powered routing. Meanwhile, Uber achieved a 95% chat satisfaction score, handling approximately 30,000 chats per week with response times under 30 seconds ^[21].

"Liberty is all about delivering a personal service. I see AI enhancing that personal service because now our customers will be interacting with a human who's being put in front of them at the right time with the right information."

• Ian Hunt, Director of Customer Services at Liberty London ^[21]

Automate Zendesk with Latenode

Latenode enhances Zendesk’s capabilities by automating workflows based on chat interactions, connecting Zendesk to your broader tech ecosystem.

Examples of Zendesk automation with Latenode:

• Automatically update CRM records, create project tasks, send follow-up emails, or enrich customer profiles using data from chat conversations.
• Generate tasks in tools like Asana or Monday.com when customers mention feature requests during chats.
• Trigger personalized follow-up email sequences based on the resolution of chat interactions.

Latenode can also leverage AI to analyze customer sentiment in real time, escalating frustrated customers to senior agents or summarizing chat data with OpenAI ChatGPT for actionable insights. These automations ensure businesses maximize Zendesk’s potential while maintaining top-tier customer experiences.

Next, discover how LiveAgent takes automation to the next level.

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5. LiveAgent

Best for: LiveAgent is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one support platform that integrates live chat, ticketing, and call center features.

LiveAgent brings together live chat, email, phone, and social media interactions into a single, streamlined workspace.

It enhances agent efficiency with tools like real-time typing previews and gamification elements to keep teams motivated and productive.

Key Features

• Real-time typing preview to help agents prepare responses faster
• Proactive chat invitations to engage website visitors at the right time
• Multiple chat distribution methods such as round-robin and load balancing
• Unified inbox for managing all customer communications in one place
• Hybrid ticket stream for seamless multitasking across various support channels
• Customizable chat buttons and windows to align with your brand’s identity
• Built-in CRM for managing customer relationships effectively
• Agent gamification with performance tracking and rewards to boost engagement
• Canned responses for quick replies to frequently asked questions
• Integration with over 40 third-party tools to expand functionality

Pricing Structure

LiveAgent offers four pricing tiers ^[22]:

• Free: Includes basic live chat features, a 7-day ticket history, and 1 chat button.
• Small ($15 per agent/month): Offers unlimited ticket history and essential customer service tools.
• Medium ($29 per agent/month): Adds unlimited chat buttons and proactive chat invitations.
• Large ($49 per agent/month): Includes call center features like IVR and call recording, making it ideal for businesses needing advanced voice support.

This pricing model makes LiveAgent a cost-effective option for growing businesses, offering robust features without the hefty price tag of enterprise platforms.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive feature set at competitive prices	Interface may feel outdated compared to newer tools
Quick to set up and implement	Advanced features come with a learning curve
Highly rated customer support	Reporting tools could offer more depth
All-in-one solution simplifies workflow management	UI navigation can be unclear for new users
Strong integration options with third-party apps	Lower tiers have limited customization options

By integrating LiveAgent with Latenode, you can unlock even more efficiency and automation.

Why Live Chat Matters

Live chat support significantly impacts business performance. It can increase revenue per chat hour by 48% and boost conversion rates by 40% ^[25]. Additionally, 63% of customers are more likely to return to businesses that offer live chat compared to those that don’t ^[25]. LiveAgent consistently earns high user ratings, including 4.7/5 on Capterra (based on over 1,700 reviews), 4.7/5 on GetApp, and 4.9/5 on Gartner Peer Insights ^[23][24][26].

"LiveAgent helps in centralizing all customer concerns from several channels in a ticketing system. This makes it possible to track all queries that may be generated in the course of customer service and this helps in processing and handling of customer complaints."

• Christ M., Social Media Manager, Professional Training & Coaching ^[23]

Automate LiveAgent with Latenode

Latenode enhances LiveAgent by creating automated workflows that seamlessly integrate chat data with your business systems.

Examples of LiveAgent automation with Latenode:

• Automatically generate CRM profiles with chat summaries and sentiment analysis.
• Trigger follow-up tasks for feature requests or technical issues without manual input.
• Launch targeted email campaigns based on chat resolution outcomes.
• Use AI to categorize support tickets by urgency, product category, or customer type.

With Latenode’s AI capabilities, such as integrating OpenAI ChatGPT for conversation summaries or Claude for real-time sentiment analysis, LiveAgent becomes even more powerful. These automations ensure every chat interaction contributes to a broader customer success strategy.

Next, discover how Intercom combines live chat with advanced customer messaging features.

6. Intercom

Best for: Intercom is ideal for growing businesses seeking a robust customer messaging platform with advanced AI features, proactive support tools, and seamless communication across multiple channels.

Intercom stands out by offering a well-rounded messaging solution that integrates live chat, AI chatbots, and proactive messaging. It unifies customer interactions across platforms like email, SMS, and WhatsApp, creating a seamless experience. The platform's AI-powered helpdesk provides agents with intelligent tools, customer insights, and automation to handle support tasks more efficiently.

Key Features

• AI-powered assistant to manage customer interactions and enable self-service options
• Omnichannel messaging across email, SMS, WhatsApp, and social platforms
• Proactive chat invitations to engage visitors at the right time
• Customizable messenger with brand-specific styling and navigation
• Unified inbox consolidating all conversations in one workspace
• Workflow automation to reduce repetitive tasks
• Knowledge base integration for self-service directly within chats
• Real-time customer insights and history for tailored support
• Over 450 app integrations including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Jira
• Mobile-friendly interface for on-the-go agent accessibility

Pricing Structure

Intercom's pricing is divided into three main tiers, with optional AI and automation add-ons ^[27]:

• Essential ($29 per seat/month): Includes core live chat, basic automation, and standard integrations.
• Advanced ($85 per seat/month): Offers enhanced automation, custom actions, and detailed reporting.
• Expert ($132 per seat/month): Provides full feature access, advanced security, and priority support.

AI and automation add-ons:

• Fin AI Agent: $0.99 per resolution for automated customer interactions
• Proactive Support Plus: $99/month for 500 targeted messages
• Copilot: $29 per agent/month for unlimited AI-assisted responses

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive AI and automation capabilities	Pricing structure can be complex and costly
Excellent omnichannel communication tools	Costs rise with team expansion
Extensive app integration options	Advanced features may require a learning curve
Proactive engagement tools for customer interaction	Some users report inconsistent support
Unified platform reduces the need for multiple tools	Lower-tier plans have limited customization

Real-World Performance Impact

Intercom has proven to significantly enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. For example, Qonto reduced their median first-response time to just two minutes and saved over 1,000 team hours per quarter by using Intercom Messenger ^[29]. Similarly, Copper achieved a 13% boost in website conversion rates and generated 19 new sales opportunities by leveraging targeted messaging for site visitors ^[29]. TrueCommerce saw an 80% drop in contact rates for temporary issues by proactively reaching out to affected customers with outbound messages ^[29]. These success stories highlight the platform's potential when combined with automation.

"Intercom has enhanced our communications tech stack and opened up more channels that we can use to communicate with our customers, like chat, SMS, and email. The benefit of using Intercom side by side with other point solutions is that it gives you both live insight, when customers are on our website, and offline insight, when they leave and we need to re-engage them at a later stage."

• Geronimo Chala, Chief Consumer Officer ^[28]

Why Businesses Choose Intercom

Research shows that website visitors are 82% more likely to become customers after engaging in a chat, and accounts are worth 13% more when businesses interact with customers before sign-up ^[29]. Intercom capitalizes on these opportunities by combining reactive support with proactive engagement, offering businesses the tools to connect with customers at key moments in their journey.

Automate Intercom with Latenode

Intercom's capabilities are further enhanced when paired with Latenode. By automating workflows, Latenode transforms Intercom into a hub for customer data and advanced processes that extend beyond simple chat features.

Examples of Intercom automation with Latenode:

• Automatically sync conversation summaries and customer sentiment data to your CRM after each chat session.
• Trigger personalized email campaigns based on specific chat topics or resolution outcomes.
• Create project management tasks for feature requests mentioned during support conversations.
• Generate detailed customer health scores by analyzing chat frequency, satisfaction ratings, and issue types.

Latenode leverages AI to analyze sentiment and categorize requests automatically, ensuring that every interaction enriches your business intelligence and customer success strategies.

Next, learn how Olark offers a straightforward live chat solution for businesses prioritizing simplicity and ease of use.

7. Olark

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use live chat solution.

Olark provides a straightforward live chat platform designed to enhance human-to-human interaction. Unlike tools heavily reliant on automation, Olark prioritizes accessibility and ensures compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards ^[32]. It aims to support agents with tools that improve their efficiency without overshadowing the personal touch.

Key Features

• Instant messaging for real-time customer interaction
• Automation rules to simplify workflows and engage visitors
• Co-browsing for visual support during customer assistance
• Targeted chat invitations based on user behavior
• Searchable chat transcripts for easy reference and training
• Team management tools, including performance tracking for agents
• Customizable chatbox forms to gather visitor details before chats
• Real-time reports covering chat volume, customer satisfaction, and agent activity
• Mobile-friendly design for remote agent access
• Support for live chat, chatbots, and SMS communication

Pricing Structure

Olark offers straightforward pricing with options for different levels of commitment ^[30]:

• Standard Plan: $29 per agent per month, reduced to $23 with annual billing, or $19 with a two-year prepayment
• Pro Plan: Custom pricing (contact Olark for details)
• Optional PowerUps (add-ons):
  • Co-browsing: $99/month
  • Non-branded chatbox: $59/month
  • Live chat translation: $29/month
  • Visitor insights (Social): $59/month
  • Visitor insights (Social & Professional): $99/month

A free 14-day trial is available, allowing you to explore all features before making a commitment ^[30].

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Quick setup and user-friendly interface	Per-agent pricing can add up for larger teams
Strong accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 AA)	Fewer advanced features compared to enterprise-grade tools
Integrates with widely-used business platforms	Optional PowerUps can increase costs
Cost-effective for smaller businesses	Pro Plan pricing requires direct negotiation
Focuses on human-centered customer support

Real-World Performance Impact

Olark’s practical advantages are evident in feedback from businesses and institutions. For instance, Lauren Rotman, Director of E-Commerce at Creative Bag, highlighted Olark’s simplicity:

"Don't be overwhelmed by the idea of jumping into chat and the automated bot world. CoPilot was just simple and easy, not intimidating" ^[32].

The University of Montana appreciated how Olark provided insights into their web visitors. Registrar Joe Hickman shared:

"Olark has helped us refine our web presence, especially over time. We had metrics of where people were going on our website, but not whether the information was the right information for them" ^[32].

Samantha Hudeck, Manager of Administrative Services at FeneTech Software, explained how fine-tuning automation improved their operations:

"When you're looking at software for your company, you want to read and digest before you are reached out to... Adjusting our automation settings was a game changer. We see fewer chats now, but more valuable chats" ^[32].

These examples showcase how Olark can enhance customer support and provide actionable insights.

Integration Capabilities

Olark integrates with a wide range of business tools, including Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Shopify, WordPress, Magento, and BigCommerce. Additionally, it connects to over 2,000 apps via Zapier, enabling automated workflows and seamless data sharing ^[31].

Automate Olark with Latenode

Pairing Olark with Latenode takes its functionality to the next level by introducing automation into your customer support strategy. Latenode’s low-code platform makes it easy to connect Olark with your other business tools, turning simple chats into fully integrated workflows. Here’s how you can use Latenode with Olark:

• Automatically create CRM profiles based on chat transcripts and visitor activity
• Trigger follow-up emails for unresolved issues or specific chat topics
• Generate support tickets for technical queries or feature requests
• Update inventory systems when customers inquire about product availability

Latenode’s AI-driven logic can even analyze chat sentiment, helping you identify trends and improve customer satisfaction. By integrating Olark with Latenode, you can ensure that every customer interaction contributes to a more efficient and effective support strategy.

With these capabilities, Olark becomes an even more powerful tool, setting the stage for a side-by-side comparison of all seven solutions.

Comparison Table

Live chat is a preferred communication channel for 92% of customers, making it essential to select the right platform for improving conversions and customer satisfaction. Below is a comparison of popular tools, highlighting their strengths and limitations.

Tool	Best For	Starting Price	Key Strengths	Notable Limitations
LiveChat	Businesses focused on a polished, feature-rich experience	$20/agent/month	Advanced reporting, customizable widgets, strong integrations	Higher cost for smaller teams
tawk.to	Startups and budget-conscious users	Free (unlimited agents)	Free plan, multilingual support, simple setup	Limited advanced features in the free version
Re:amaze	E-commerce stores and online retailers	$29/staff/month	Multi-channel support, shopping cart integration, social media tools	Costs increase as teams grow
Zendesk	Enterprise-level teams needing scalability	$19/agent/month	Comprehensive platform, advanced analytics, extensive customization	Complex setup and steep learning curve
LiveAgent	Teams aiming to boost conversion rates	$15/agent/month	Proactive chat features, effective conversion tools, robust ticketing	Interface can feel overwhelming at first
Intercom	Companies leveraging AI for omnichannel communication	$29/seat/month	Advanced AI tools, automation, sleek interface	Higher pricing with extra costs for AI features
Olark	Small to medium businesses prioritizing simplicity	$29/agent/month ($23 annually)	Accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 AA), user-friendly setup	Limited advanced features; add-ons can increase costs

Feature Comparison Highlights

Each platform stands out in different ways, from AI capabilities to integration options and pricing models. For example, AI chatbots are a cost-effective alternative to human agents, with costs ranging from $0.50–$0.70 per chat compared to $8–$15 for human support ^[33].

Free vs. Paid Options

Free tools are ideal for basic engagement, but paid plans often provide advanced features that can drive higher conversion rates and customer retention.

Integration and Automation Opportunities

Platforms like Latenode simplify automation and integration for all these tools. By linking live chat data with CRMs, project management systems, or email marketing platforms, you can create seamless workflows that save time and enhance efficiency.

Choose a platform that fits your budget and goals, then leverage Latenode to unlock its full potential through automated processes and integrations.

Conclusion

Live chat has become an essential tool in customer support, offering quick responses and helping businesses keep up with modern customer expectations. Each of the seven platforms highlighted in this guide brings distinct advantages - whether it's tawk.to's generous free plan, Zendesk's scalability for large enterprises, or Intercom's advanced use of AI. But to truly unlock the potential of live chat, integration is critical.

The numbers speak for themselves: live chat can increase customer spending by 60%, satisfy 73% of users, and deliver answers in an average of just 15 seconds ^[34][36]. It also drives measurable business outcomes, with conversion rates climbing by 8 to 20 percent and 38% of consumers making purchases directly after a chat session ^[1][35]. Additionally, live chat is cost-effective, averaging $5 per contact compared to $12 for phone support ^[35].

However, choosing a live chat platform is just the first step. Integrating it with your existing tools ensures you maximize its impact, and this is where Latenode comes in.

With Latenode, you can automate workflows that connect live chat to your other systems. For instance, chat data can be instantly captured into your CRM, follow-up tasks can be generated in project management tools, or personalized email campaigns can be triggered based on customer interactions. Whether you're leveraging Zendesk's robust features or Olark's straightforward interface, Latenode supports integration with over 300 business applications, turning your live chat platform into part of a seamless support ecosystem. Imagine ending a LiveChat session and having Latenode automatically create a new CRM contact, apply relevant tags, and schedule a follow-up email - all without lifting a finger.

Select the live chat platform that aligns with your team's goals, and let Latenode handle the heavy lifting. Integrate, automate, and transform your customer support into a system that drives efficiency and growth.

FAQs

What should I look for when choosing the best live chat app for my business?

When choosing a live chat app, it's essential to focus on a few critical aspects to ensure it meets your business requirements. Start with cost-effectiveness - select a tool that fits your budget while still delivering the features your team needs. Equally important is user-friendliness, both for your staff and your customers, to ensure a hassle-free experience that enhances productivity and satisfaction.

Pay attention to apps that offer strong management tools, such as reporting, analytics, and chat routing, which can help you track and improve performance. Integration capabilities are another key factor; make sure the app can work seamlessly with your existing systems, like CRMs or helpdesk software, to create a more efficient workflow. Lastly, look for advanced support features such as automation, ticket management, and the ability to handle multiple chats at once, which can significantly reduce response times and boost overall efficiency.

How does integrating live chat with Latenode improve customer support workflows?

Integrating live chat with Latenode simplifies customer support by automating essential tasks and boosting overall efficiency. For instance, Latenode can automatically generate new leads from live chat conversations, assign chats based on specific keywords, or tag discussions to ensure quicker follow-ups. These features help ensure every customer inquiry is addressed while reducing response times.

Latenode also allows live chat tools to connect effortlessly with platforms like CRMs or project management systems. This integration supports smooth communication, automated follow-ups, and better prioritization of support requests - even during off-hours. By handling repetitive tasks automatically, your team can dedicate more time to solving complex customer issues, improving both team productivity and customer satisfaction.

What are the best budget-friendly live chat apps for small businesses?

If you're running a small business on a tight budget, there are several live chat tools that won't break the bank while still offering great features:

• tawk.to: This completely free tool provides real-time messaging, ticketing, and even a knowledge base, making it a solid choice for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions.
• LiveAgent: With plans starting at $19 per user per month, this platform includes features like multiple chat buttons and tools designed to streamline customer support.
• Tidio: Known for its intuitive setup and simple design, Tidio is an affordable and user-friendly option for small businesses.

These tools deliver core live chat capabilities at a low cost, making them perfect for improving customer support while keeping expenses under control.

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