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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:
| 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| LiveAgent | Small-medium businesses | $15/agent/month | Real-time typing preview, gamification | Interface can feel outdated |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 |
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.
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:
Pricing Structure:
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:
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].
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:
Pricing Structure: [12]
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:
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.
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.
Re:amaze offers a 5% discount for annual subscriptions and a 14-day free trial with full features [17].
| 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]
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:
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.
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.
Zendesk's Suite plans include live chat as part of their offerings:
For advanced AI features, Zendesk offers add-ons like Copilot at $50 per agent/month, providing tools for workflow optimization [18].
| 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]
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:
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.
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.
LiveAgent offers four pricing tiers [22]:
This pricing model makes LiveAgent a cost-effective option for growing businesses, offering robust features without the hefty price tag of enterprise platforms.
| 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.
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]
Latenode enhances LiveAgent by creating automated workflows that seamlessly integrate chat data with your business systems.
Examples of LiveAgent automation with Latenode:
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.
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.
Intercom's pricing is divided into three main tiers, with optional AI and automation add-ons [27]:
AI and automation add-ons:
| 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 |
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]
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.
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:
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.
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.
Olark offers straightforward pricing with options for different levels of commitment [30]:
A free 14-day trial is available, allowing you to explore all features before making a commitment [30].
| 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 |
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.
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].
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:
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.
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 |
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 tools are ideal for basic engagement, but paid plans often provide advanced features that can drive higher conversion rates and customer retention.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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