22 Free Live Chat Software for 2024 [In-Depth Comparison]

Want a free live chat software? Great! 

Everyone wants one, but it all boils down to how to find one. But with every software vendor claiming their tool is the best, the task gets only tougher. 

For example, some free live chat apps use AI chatbots to improve customer support, while others combine live chat with a help desk. What’s best for you depends on what your needs are.

In this blog, I’ll share a thorough comparison of the best free live chat tools for businesses that I personally used. Here’s a first glance at the tools –

What is Free Live Chat Software?

For those who are in an early stage of research, let me briefly share what is live chat software.
Live chat software is a real-time messaging platform designed for businesses to communicate with customers directly on websites, apps, social media, etc. Imagine it as a tiny box popping up on your screen, ready to answer questions and offer assistance.

Here’s how it works:

• A chat window appears on your website or app.
• Customers can type their questions directly to a customer service representative or chatbot.
• The representative gets the message and responds in real time, just like an instant messaging conversation.
• Outside office hours, the chatbot tool takes control of the workstation.

Sometimes, some software vendors offer free plans and trials. And that is what free live chat platform is.

However, you must know that calling it ‘free software’ does not necessarily mean all these tools and their features are permanently free. It depends on what the software vendor offers, regardless of whether it’s a free plan or a trial.

For example, if you check ProProfs Chat, you’ll find that they offer a freemium plan. This plan offers every single feature for a single operator, which I think sets a great example of free live chat app.

Which is the Best Live Chat Platform for Free?

Want a quick sneak peek into my top three choices? Here you go. 

1. ProProfs Chat: This free live chat tool lets you connect with website visitors and app users instantly. It offers features like AI chatbots, canned responses, and detailed reports to boost customer satisfaction and sales – all without needing any coding to set up. The free plan offers all premium features for a single operator.
2. Zoho SalesIQ: Zoho SalesIQ offers free live chat and visitor tracking to boost customer engagement. You can engage visitors in real-time with chatbots handling routine questions, while proactive chat and visitor tracking help convert leads and understand your audience.
3. Tawk.to: Tawk.to is a free live chat app that lets you chat with website visitors, answer questions, and convert leads—all for free. It’s easy to set up and use, making it a favorite among small businesses. You can upgrade to advanced features if needed.

With that said, if you want a more detailed overview of the tools, please continue to the next section.

List of the 22 Free Live Chat Platforms

How did I put together this list of the 22 free live chat tools? I guess that’s something you’re wondering, too.

Over the last few months, I connected with businesses across diverse market niches. 

I conversed with their customer support managers, corporate training managers, and even some entrepreneurs (of startups and SMBs, mostly).

The result? I gained a quick understanding of the solutions people in different industries use. Luckily, I was already acquainted with most of the recommended free live chat apps. 

Combining that with some research, I compiled this exhaustive comparison. I hope it helps you in some way. Let’s begin!

1. ProProfs Chat

Best for 24/7 Delightful Customer Support With AI Chatbots

ProProfs Chat is an advanced free live chat software for businesses that helps you connect with customers in real time. The tool offers a wide range of features, from canned responses to proactive chat invitations, intelligent chat routing, and automated AI chatbot for 24/7 customer engagement and support.

It’s super easy to train your AI bot using your help center or website data. Once trained, the bot can be used to tackle complex customer queries and requests. 

I also like their detailed reports, which help you gain insights into your operators’ performance using metrics like average response time, CSAT scores, and chat ratings. With Chat SDK, the software lets you easily add it to your Android or iOS app. 

And the best part? You can add this live chat software to your website in minutes without any coding skills.

Read Customer Success Story

What you’ll like: 

• Provides transcripts of chats for future reference and operator training
• File sharing for team collaboration during chats
• Customer satisfaction surveys to gather feedback and improve service
• Complies with service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure consistent service quality
• Integrate with Wix, Shopify, Magento etc.
• Ready-to-use chatbot templates to build your bot in minutes 

What you may not like: 

• The free plan is limited to a single live chat operator
• Cloud-based software. May not be the ideal choice for on-premise requirements

Compatibility: Web, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS

Pricing: A freemium plan is available for a single operator. Paid options start from $19.99/operator/month.

2. Tidio

Best for Live Chat With Ticketing Functionality

Tidio is a free online live chat solution that lets you engage customers and resolve their queries. With this tool, you can offer customers 24/7 support, ensuring their questions are never left abandoned. One of the unique features of Tidio that I like is its mobile app, which allows operators to chat with customers on the go.

The platform also offers integrations with popular platforms like Wix, Shopify, and WordPress. With Tidio, you can access detailed reports on operator performance, including metrics like chat duration and customer satisfaction ratings.

What you’ll like: 

• Ticketing to track and respond to customer inquiries via email
• Lets agents tag tickets to keep them organized
• Chatbots to answer common customer questions and perform tasks 24/7
• Analytics to get insights into customer support performance
• Tracks the number of conversations, missed conversations, and first response time

What you may not like: 

• Some users report difficulty managing chat history or making changes to agent profiles
• No reports or analytics for the free plan

Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

Pricing: A free plan is available limited to 50 conversations. Paid options start from $29/month.

Read Also: Top 11 Tidio Live Chat Alternatives & Competitors

3. REVE Chat

Best for Real-Time Customer Engagement & Multichannel Support

I used REVE Live Chat, and it truly enhanced our customer engagement and support across multiple channels. 

This multichannel live chat solution offered a range of features, including proactive chat invitations, real-time visitor monitoring, and intelligent routing, which ensured that customer queries were directed to the right support agent. 

The software also provided advanced analytics and reporting tools that helped us gain valuable insights into customer behavior and agent performance. 

What I particularly liked was the ability to customize the chat widget to match our brand’s look and feel, ensuring a cohesive user experience. Overall, REVE Live Chat proved to be an invaluable tool for improving our customer service efforts.

What You’ll Like:

• Real-time visitor monitoring to track and engage with visitors effectively
• Multichannel support for consistent customer service across platforms
• Proactive chat invitations to initiate conversations with website visitors
• Intelligent chat routing to direct queries to the appropriate agents
• Customizable chat widget to maintain brand consistency

What You May Not Like:

• The initial setup and customization may require some technical knowledge
• The trial period is limited 

Compatibility: Web, Apps, macOS, iOS, Android

Pricing: Starts at $13.5/user/month (free trial available).

4. Tawk.to

Best for Free Live Chat With Basic Features, Good for Small Businesses

Tawk.to is one of the best free live chat apps. With it, you can effortlessly engage with website visitors, offer support, answer questions, and convert leads into sales. 

I’ve seen firsthand how the platform is designed to help companies boost customer engagement with an easy-to-use, customizable chat widget that can be embedded in any website. What I love about Tawk.to is that it’s free, with options for advanced features if you need them. 

With the software, you can enhance customer support, drive conversions, and gain valuable insights into visitors’ behavior. It’s super easy to set up and use, which is why it’s a favorite among small and medium-sized businesses.

What you’ll like: 

• Unlimited agents and chat history to record customer interactions
• Real-time monitoring for insights into visitor behavior and activity
• Automated triggers initiate chats based on visitor actions
• Ticketing system converts chats into support tickets for follow-up
• Detailed reporting to gain insights into chat performance and agent productivity

What you may not like: 

• The setup process, especially for chat triggers, may require a learning curve and precision
• Not a completely free platform as the company brands itself

Compatibility: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Pricing: A free plan is available without the AI chatbot.

Also Check: 11 Best Tawk.to Alternatives for Improved Customer Service in 2024

5. Freshchat

Best for Freshworks Suite Users

Freshchat is a powerful and intuitive free live chat software that has transformed how I interact with customers in real time. It empowers you to have seamless and engaging conversations, making customer interactions feel effortless. 

I find its features incredibly handy, including customizable chat widgets, automated chatbots, and targeted messaging—all tailored to enhance customer engagement.

The software’s detailed reports and analytics are a game-changer. They help you track key metrics like response time, customer satisfaction ratings, and chat volume, clearly showing your team’s performance. Plus, Freshchat integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs, offering a complete view of customer interactions and enabling personalized customer experiences.

What you’ll like: 

• AI-powered chatbots handle common inquiries and provide instant responses
• Contextual messaging engages customers based on their activity and behavior
• Real-time dashboards for insights into chat performance and agent productivity
• Co-browsing allows agents to guide customers through complex processes
• Rich media messaging supports images, videos, and carousels in chats

What you may not like: 

• Misses out features like user segmentation, chat routing, and canned responses in the free plan
• Some users feel the software lacks marketing possibilities on Facebook and Instagram

Compatibility: Web, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Pricing: A free plan is available for up to 10 agents. Paid options start from $19/agent/month

Related: 11 Best Freshchat Alternatives & Competitors Worth Considering in 2024

6. JivoChat

Best for Mobile-Friendly Customer Support

JivoChat offers a suite of features that I’ve found incredibly useful, including chatbots, social media integration, etc. It also has team collaboration tools to enhance customer communication and support. It’s compatible with popular platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Magento, making it super versatile.

What stands out to me is the detailed analytics and reports the platform provides, which help measure the effectiveness of support strategies. It’s user-friendly and efficient, making it a fantastic solution for businesses aiming to boost online customer engagement.

What you’ll like: 

• Real-time visitor monitoring tracks user activity on the website
• Multi-channel support integrates chat, email, phone, and social media
• Proactive chat invitations engage visitors based on behavior triggers
• Agent collaboration tools enhance internal team communication
• Offline messaging allows visitors to leave queries when agents are unavailable

What you may not like: 

• Free plan misses features like canned responses, agent ratings, Google Analytics integration, etc.
• Some users report poor technical support

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, Android, iOS

Pricing: A free plan is available with limited features. Paid options start from $19/agent/month.

Related Blog : 10 Best JivoChat Alternatives to Improve Your Customer Support in 2024

7. HubSpot

Best for Converting Sales & Engaging Customers With Free Live Chat

HubSpot’s live chat is a powerful customer communication tool that has truly transformed how I engage with website visitors. This live chat software allows you to enjoy various features, like canned responses, chatbots, and customized greetings, to streamline your customer support operations.

What I appreciate most about HubSpot’s free online live chat software is the detailed chat analytics it provides. These insights into your agents’ performance, including metrics like chat volume, response time, and customer satisfaction scores, have been invaluable. 

Additionally, the seamless integration with HubSpot CRM allows you to manage all customer interactions from a single platform, making the entire process more efficient and cohesive.

What you’ll like: 

• Customizable chat widgets match the branding of any website
• Targeted welcome messages to engage visitors based on their behavior
• Automated chatbots handle common queries and provide instant responses
• Mobile app support keeps teams connected on the go
• Email capture prompts visitors to leave contact information for follow-up

What you may not like: 

• Only 3 reporting dashboards in the free plan
• Some users find HubSpot’s interface and features challenging to learn

Compatibility: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android

Pricing: A free plan is available for up to 5 users. Paid options start from $15/seat/month.

Read Now : 10 Best HubSpot Chat Alternatives to Boost Your Engagement in 2024

8. Userlike

Best for Live Chat & AI Customer Support

Userlike is one of those free live chat apps that can make customer engagement a breeze. It allows you to engage with customers in real time, enhancing customer support and sales. 

With Userlike, I easily added a live chat widget to a website and started chatting with visitors immediately. The platform offers a range of useful features like chatbots, file sharing, and visitor tracking, which I find extremely handy. 

Moreover, the software integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs, help desk tools, and social media platforms. The user-friendly interface allowed me to customize the chat widget’s appearance and manage chats from multiple channels effortlessly.

What you’ll like: 

• Multilingual support for global customer reach
• Offers chat routing to the most suitable agent based on skills
• Delivers proactive chat invitations to engage visitors
• Features a rich messaging interface for enhanced interaction
• Enables seamless switching between live chat and chatbots

What you may not like: 

• Some users think the chat panel’s UI could be better
• The free plan and the starting plans lack AI chatbots or analytics

Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android

Pricing: A free plan is available for a single user. Paid options start from $90/month.

Read Also: 10 Best Userlike Alternatives to Boost Your Conversions in 2024

9. Smartsupp

Best for Automated Customer Engagement & Service

Smartsupp is a powerful and user-friendly free live chat platform. It made interacting with website visitors in real-time so much easier for us. The software offers a range of features, including chat customization, chat history, and visitor tracking, enabling efficient customer engagement. 

I love how Smartsupp provides detailed reports on the team’s performance, covering chat volume, response time, and customer satisfaction ratings. Plus, its seamless integration with popular CRM and eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and Magento makes managing customer data a breeze.

What you’ll like: 

• Video recordings provide insights into visitor interaction
• Real-time chat allows instant communication with website visitors
• Automated messages engage visitors based on their actions and timing
• Insights into chat performance and customer behavior
• Visitor information offers context for personalized interactions

What you may not like: 

• No AI chatbots in the free plan
• No options for different chat widgets, so users are stuck with the default chat box

Compatibility: Web, Android, iOS

Pricing: A free plan is available for up to 50 live chat conversations. Paid options start from $10/month.

Read Now : 10 Best Smartsupp Alternatives for Enhanced Customer Support in 2024

10. 3CX

Best for Small Businesses on a Budget

3CX’s free live chat software is a web-based communication solution that can greatly improve how you connect with website visitors, enhance customer satisfaction, and generate more leads. 

The software offers a range of features such as real-time chat, video and voice calls, canned responses, chat transfer between agents/departments, and integration with other communication channels. 

I found it fully customizable and easy to set up and use, with detailed reporting for performance analysis. Overall, it is a powerful tool for boosting customer service, generating leads, and increasing online conversions.

What you’ll like: 

• Seamless integration with 3CX phone system to unify communication channels
• AI-powered chatbots to handle support requests
• Video call support for face-to-face interaction with visitors
• Canned responses speed up reply times for common questions
• Offline messaging for visitors to leave messages when agents are unavailable

What you may not like: 

• Customer service can be irregular sometimes
• Some users find the interface to be not user-friendly, with confusing terminology

Compatibility: Windows, iOS, Android

Pricing: A free plan is available for up to 10 users. Paid options start from $195/system/year.

11. Zendesk

Best for Zendesk Users

Zendesk allowed me to engage with customers across multiple channels such as chat, email, and social media. With this tool, I could provide personalized support and assistance, improving the overall customer experience. 

The software offers a range of features, including chatbots, proactive engagement, and customization options for a seamless experience. Tracking my team’s performance and monitoring chat volume was also a breeze with detailed analytics and reporting. Additionally, integrating Zendesk with my CRM tool makes customer data management efficient and straightforward.

What you’ll like: 

• Automated workflows streamline common support tasks and queries
• Contextual AI provides personalized responses based on customer history
• Integration with Zendesk Support to deliver unified customer service
• Proactive chat triggers to engage customers based on their behavior
• File sharing allows easy exchange of documents and images

What you may not like: 

• Doesn’t offer skills-based chat routing in the starter plans
• Some users feel handling data within the platform can be cumbersome, especially for larger organizations

Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS

Pricing: Free Trial Option Available then Starts at $19/month.

Read Also : Zendesk Alternatives: 10 Best Customer Support Software in 2024

12. Pure Chat

Best for Entrepreneurs & Small Teams

Pure Chat is a comprehensive live chat solution that helped me connect with customers effortlessly. With this tool, I could provide personalized support, answer common queries, and resolve issues promptly. 

The software offers a wide range of features, including customizable chat widgets, canned responses, and chat transcripts, streamlining my customer support process. Tracking multiple chat metrics, such as chat volume, response time, and customer satisfaction ratings, was also pretty easy.

What you’ll like: 

• Unlimited chat history to keep records of all conversations
• Trigger-based greetings to engage visitors based on their actions
• File transfer for quick sharing of documents and images
• Multiple chat management to handle several conversations simultaneously
• Detailed reporting provides insights into chat performance and metrics

What you may not like: 

• Only 4 operators can be included in the starting plan
• Some users feel the platform is not ideal for multilingual chat, which may be a drawback for diverse customer bases

Compatibility: Web, Windows, iOS, Android

Pricing: 30 Days Free Trial Available. Starts at $39/month

Also Read: 10 Best Pure Chat Alternatives in 2024

13. Olark

Best for Simple Chat Solution

With Olark, engaging with customers, providing support, and gathering feedback had become second nature to me. 

This highly customizable platform allowed me to create personalized chat experiences that reflected my brand. The tool’s user-friendly interface makes it easily accessible to businesses of all sizes. 

Olark offers robust analytics and reporting features, providing valuable insights into customer interactions. The software is reliable and effective for enhancing customer communication and support, making it an essential tool for small businesses.

What you’ll like: 

• Real-time chat connects instantly with website visitors for immediate support
• Detailed chat transcripts for a record of all conversations
• Co-browsing guides visitors through complex processes on your site
• Offline messaging ensures visitors can leave queries
• Chat routing directs visitors to the appropriate department or agent

What you may not like: 

• No AI chatbots or automation in the starting plan
• Integrations often require additional development work with Olark’s API or webhooks

Compatibility: Web, Windows, macOS

Pricing: Free Trial Available. Starts at $29/seat/month .

Related : Best Olark Alternatives: 10 Competitors to Consider in 2024

14. LiveChat

Best for Boosting Sales & Customer Engagement With Live Chat

LiveChat is an online messaging software that can change how you connect with customers for efficient engagement. The custom forms feature lets you qualify leads effortlessly. With multichannel support, you can reach customers on their favorite platforms. 

The platform also has chatbots that automate repetitive tasks like booking appointments, scheduling meetings, and answering FAQs. Needless to say, I think it saves a ton of time. Its detailed reports and analytics make monitoring and analyzing the team’s performance a breeze.

What you’ll like:

• Provides detailed customer insights and tracking
• Offers chat tags for better conversation organization
• A ticketing system for managing offline messages
• Features automated greetings to engage visitors
• Offers real-time visitor monitoring for proactive engagement

What you may not like:

• AI chatbot support comes with additional monthly costs and is not included in pricing plans
• Some users have experienced glitches with the notification system

Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS

Pricing: 14 Days Free Trial Available. Starts at $20/person/month .

Read Also : Top 13 LiveChat Alternatives in 2024

15. Chatra

Best for Multichannel Messaging for Business Communication

Chatra is free live chat software for businesses. Its customer support chat app allowed us to communicate effectively with customers in real time. 

With Chatra, we were able to deliver instant support, engage website visitors, improve customer satisfaction, and boost sales. The tool offers features like offline messages, customizable chat widgets, typing insights, and chat history, which are all incredibly useful. 

Moreover, it integrates with various platforms such as Slack, Zapier, and Facebook Messenger. 

What you’ll like:

• Offers real-time visitor list for monitoring site activity
• Enables group chats for collaborative support
• A unified inbox for managing all communications
• Supports offline messaging when agents are unavailable
• Includes read receipts to know when messages are seen

What you may not like: 

• Chatbots are not available in the free plan
• Some reviews suggest that notifications don’t show up promptly

Compatibility: Web, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS

Pricing: A free plan is available for a single agent. Paid options start from $17/agent/month.

Read Now : 10 Best Chatra Alternatives in 2024

16. LiveAgent

Best for Simple & Feature-Rich Live Chat With Gamification for Agent Motivation

LiveAgent is a cloud-based help desk and customer support software. It streamlined communication between our business and customers with features like email, live chat, social media integration, ticket management, and knowledge base tools. 

The software’s intuitive interface allowed me to easily manage and prioritize customer requests, collaborate with team members, and provide personalized support. With real-time visitor monitoring and customizable chat invitations, I could engage with customers promptly and efficiently, resulting in higher satisfaction and retention.

What you’ll like:

• A universal inbox for managing all communications
• Automated ticket distribution for efficient handling
• Includes a customer portal for self-service options
• Supports video calls directly from the chat widget
• Features multi-brand support for managing different businesses

What you may not like: 

• Some users find LiveAgent’s interface complex
• No proactive chat invitation or canned responses in the free plan

Compatibility: Web, Windows, macOS

Pricing: A free plan is available with a single live chat button. Paid options start from $9/agent/month. 

Good Read : 10 Best LiveAgent Alternatives to Enhance Customer Support 2024

17. Chaport

Best for All-in-One Customer Messaging

Chaport is free live chat platform that allows you to provide exceptional customer support and increase sales by offering instant assistance to visitors. 

Using the software, I could customize the chat widget to match our brand and use features like pre-chat forms, chat transfers, and typing insights to enhance the customer experience. The mobile app for customer support agents makes it easy for you to stay connected with customers on the go. 

Overall, I think Chaport is an effective tool for enhancing online communication and customer service.

What you’ll like:

• Unlimited chat history for easy reference
• Auto-invitations to engage visitors proactively
• Enables file sharing within chat sessions
• Offers typing insights to see what visitors are typing
• Integrates with Facebook, Viber, and Telegram

What you may not like: 

• Messages are shown on the timeline instead of within the chat, which can make it difficult for customers
• No chatbots or pre-chat form in the free plan

Compatibility: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS

Pricing: A free plan is available for up to 2 operators. Paid options start from $29/month.

18. Respond.io

Best for AI-Powered Customer Conversation Management

Respond.io is a powerful live chat platform that can help you connect with customers in real time. With its intuitive interface and comprehensive features, the tool streamlines communication across various channels like Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, and more. 

It also comes with intelligent chatbots that assist you in providing immediate customer support and automating repetitive tasks, which is a huge time-saver. The platform is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the chat experience to specific needs.

What you’ll like:

• Centralizes all messaging channels into one platform
• Automated workflows for efficient communication
• Detailed customer profiles for personalized service
• Enables chatbot integration for automated responses
• Supports multi-user collaboration in conversations

What you may not like: 

• Some users have experienced slowness, which can make your experience bitter
• No workflows and automation capabilities in the starter plan

Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android

Pricing: Starts at $79/month for 5 users (free trial available).

Also Read : Top 10 Respond.io Alternatives & Competitors in 2024

19. Zoho SalesIQ

Best for Zoho Suite Users

Zoho SalesIQ is one of the best free live chat apps. It offers powerful live chat and visitor tracking software that can take your customer engagement to the next level. The software lets you engage with visitors in real time, providing instant support and personalized assistance, drastically improving customer satisfaction rates.

I like the platform’s proactive chat feature. It allows you to initiate conversations with potential leads, turning visitors into customers effortlessly. One of the features I found incredibly useful is the AI-driven chatbots. 

They handle common queries and automate routine tasks, freeing up your team to focus on more complex issues. With advanced visitor tracking, you can gain deep insights into visitor behavior to better understand the audience.

What you’ll like:

• Tracks visitor activity in real-time for insightful analytics
• Proactive chat triggers based on visitor behavior
• Chatbot integration for automated customer support
• Integrates seamlessly with Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps.
• Live chat translation for multilingual support

What you may not like: 

• Only 100 conversations are allowed in the free plan
• Some users report not receiving alert pop-ups when someone tries to communicate, leading to missed chats

Compatibility: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV

Pricing: A free plan is available for up to 3 operators. Paid options start from $7/operator/month.

Related : 10 Best Zoho Desk Alternatives and Competitors

20. ThriveDesk

Best for Customer Messaging & Helpdesk Solutions

Thrive Desk revolutionizes how you provide customer support in your business. It allows customers to connect with support agents in real time. In my experience, this largely helps resolve issues quickly and improve customer satisfaction. 

The features like automatic chat routing, canned responses, file sharing, and chat transcripts can make the support process much more efficient. Additionally, the software supports integration with third-party apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Slack, which has streamlined our customer interactions across various platforms. 

What you’ll like:

• Centralizes email, chat, and social media messages in one inbox
• Integrates with WordPress for seamless website support
• Automated chat routing based on agent skills.
• Includes chat transcripts for future reference and training
• Multi-agent collaboration on customer issues

What you may not like: 

• No live visitor tracking in the basic plan
• Some users report difficulties locating specific information without a search function within the tickets

Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS

Pricing: Starts at $9/month (free trial available).

21. Crisp

Best for Creating Engaging Dialogues With Cutting-Edge Chatbot Technology

Crisp is a powerful live chat platform that helped me create meaningful customer interactions. The range of features, including chatbots, email integration, team inbox, and mobile apps, allowed me to manage customer interactions seamlessly. 

I could easily embed the chat widget into a website, enabling visitors to initiate chats and receive instant support. Advanced features like visitor tracking, typing insights, and file sharing enabled me to deliver personalized customer experiences. 

Additionally, the detailed analytics and reporting provided by Crisp helped us measure the effectiveness of our live chat support.

What you’ll like:

• Integrated live chat, email, and messaging on one platform
• Automated chatbots to handle customer queries 24/7
• Real-time notifications for new messages and customer activity
• In-app messaging to engage users directly within your app
• Screen sharing and video calls for enhanced customer interactions

What you may not like: 

• No chatbots in the free plan
• Some users have encountered problems when integrating Crisp with other platforms, especially Zapier or similar tools

Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows

Pricing: A free plan is available for up to 2 users. Paid options start from $25/workspace/month.

Also Read : 10 Crisp Chat Alternatives for Enhanced Customer Support in 2024

22. Appy Pie

Best for Customizable Live Chat & Customer Support

AppyPie’s live chat software can help you connect with customers in real time. The platform offers various features, including chatbots, canned responses, and file sharing, which facilitate efficient customer engagement. 

Using the software, you can gain valuable insights into operators’ performance through detailed reports that include average response time, CSAT scores, and chat ratings. 

I like how the software seamlessly integrates with CRM tools, which makes managing customer data more effective. Overall, it’s a comprehensive live chat tool that can greatly enhance online communication and customer service capabilities.

What you’ll like:

• Real-time visitor monitoring for instant customer engagement
• Proactive chat invitations to boost interaction rates
• Chat transcripts for detailed conversation history and analysis
• Automated chat routing to the right team members
• Offline messaging to capture customer queries outside business hours

What you may not like: 

• Features like chat forms, email notifications, unlimited chat history, etc., are not available in the free plan
• Some users feel that the user interface is confusing to navigate

Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows

Pricing: A free plan is available with limited features. Paid options start from €7/agent/month.

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation of products or tools chosen for this article follows an unbiased, systematic approach that ensures a fair, insightful, and well-rounded review. This method employs six key factors:

1. User Reviews / Ratings: Direct experiences from users, including ratings and feedback from reputable sites, provide a ground-level perspective. This feedback is critical in understanding overall satisfaction and potential problems.
2. Essential Features & Functionality: The value of a product is ascertained by its core features and overall functionality. Through an in-depth exploration of these aspects, the practical usefulness and effectiveness of the tools are carefully evaluated.
3. Ease of Use: The user-friendliness of a product or service is assessed, focusing on the design, interface, and navigation. This ensures a positive experience for users of all levels of expertise.
4. Customer Support: The quality of customer support is examined, taking into account its efficiency and how well it supports users in different phases – setting up, addressing concerns, and resolving operational issues.
5. Value for Money: Value for money is evaluated by comparing the quality, performance, and features. The goal is to help the reader understand whether they would be getting their money’s worth. 
6. Personal Experience / Expert’s Opinion: This part of the evaluation criteria draws insightful observations from the personal experience of the writer and the opinions of industry experts.

What are the Benefits of Using Free Live Chat Software?

“Nearly 80% of American consumers point to speed, convenience, knowledgeable help, and friendly service as the most important elements of a positive customer experience.”

PwC

Missing out on live chat software can be a blunder for your business, especially for your customer service team. Adopting such a software solution can yield numerous benefits, such as:

• Improved Customer Satisfaction: Customers love getting speedy answers to their questions without waiting on hold or for emails.
• Increased Sales & Conversions: Sales reps can answer questions and close deals directly in the chat, boosting sales.
• Reduced Costs: Live chat agents can handle multiple chats at once, potentially reducing the need for extra staff and lowering overall support costs.
• Enhanced Engagement: Live chat keeps visitors engaged on your website and provides a way to proactively reach out to potential leads.
• Valuable Customer Insights: Software can track conversations and visitor behavior, providing insights into customers’ needs and wants.

People also read: 12 Benefits of Using a Live Chat on Website (Expert Advice)

What Are the Top 5 Features of Free Live Chat Tools?

As far as live chat is concerned, there are plenty of features that you should consider before selecting a software vendor. However, features offered in free trials or plans are usually more confined, and you can expect these, more or less.

1. Reporting & Analytics: Track key metrics like chat volume, response times, and agent performance to identify areas for improvement.
2. Intelligent Chat Routing: Distribute chats amongst available agents based on skills, workload, or customer information for faster resolution.
3. Proactive Chat Invitation: Set up automated chat invitations based on visitor behavior or browsing activity to engage potential customers who might need assistance.
4. Canned Responses: Create pre-written responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) for faster and more consistent answers.
5. AI Chatbot: Utilize customer service AI chatbots to answer simple questions, qualify leads, and route complex inquiries to live agents, even outside business hours.

Related post: Things to Consider Before Buying a Live Chat Software

Get Your Customer Service Game Running With a Free Live Chat Tool

I think you, too, understand the need for a live chat system for customer service and engagement. Apart from boosting support processes, you can’t deny that it also cuts down on your operational costs.

But then, you need a free live chat solution in the first place, right?

Luckily, you now have one – a detailed comparison of the best 22 tools you’ll find in the market today. Most of these tools have a free plan, which is awesome if you’re just starting out. Even if not a free plan, you still get a free trial with every tool in the list to test out the software.My personal recommendation would be going for a platform like ProProfs Chat – it’s free, has no feature limitations, and even if you want to upgrade, there are affordable plans. Why not sign up today to upgrade your customer support for free?