Top 15 Live Chat Software for 2025

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Chatbots have evolved from being just software in this modern era; they have become a business imperative for businesses that want to engage with their customers. Chatbots have become our personalized assistants, designed to help modern customers who expect instant answers, real-time product assistance, and seamless handoffs across web, mobile, and messaging apps.

It has therefore become essential to utilize live chat software providers to maintain a consistent conversation across your channels and provide your customers with the opportunity to make informed decisions, even as more websites become transactional. For businesses, especially ecommerce stores, the best live-chat apps do more than answer questions: they drive conversions, recover abandoned carts, and turn casual browsers into buyers.

Having reviewed and evaluated the top live chat software, we have prepared an expert guide on the right live chat software you can use to enhance your customer support services by providing instant answers to customer queries. However, for ecommerce teams seeking a conversion-first chat solution that also serves as a 24/7 sales and support representative, Zipchat stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Live-chat software overview (Tool comparison)

Best Live Chat Software for 2025

According to Hubspot, consumers are very impatient these days; they expect an instant, personalized response 90% of the time to answer their service questions. Brands that fail to deliver risk losing sales within minutes.

So, you need the best live chat software that can handle complex conversations, resolve WISMO requests, recover abandoned carts, and even predict buyer intent. The top contenders all bring something different to the table: collaboration tools, shared inboxes, AI copilots, or simple plug-and-play widgets.

However, one trend is unmistakable: businesses want chat that drives real revenue, proactive AI messaging, Shopify and WhatsApp integrations, and high-conversion flows designed to turn conversations into checkouts, not just deflect support. That’s why Zipchat stands out at the top of this list.

1. Zipchat — Best for ecommerce brands that want chats that convert

Zipchat is built specifically for ecommerce platforms to provide live chat support to their customers, generating revenue beyond just answering questions. Instead of waiting for shoppers to initiate live chat conversations, Zipchat opens proactive AI-driven chats that convert visitors, reduce WISMO tickets, and provide 24/7 support without overwhelming your support team.

With native Shopify and WhatsApp integrations, plus automated pre-sale and post-purchase flows, it’s one of the few chat tools truly built for ecommerce outcomes: to provide customer support, higher AOV, faster support, and fewer repetitive tickets.

Top features

• Proactive AI chat that starts conversations automatically
  Turns browsing shoppers into engaged customers with prompts tailored to cart value, product page, and behavior.
• Shopify integration with real-time order lookup
  Shoppers can check their order status instantly (“Where is my order?”) without needing an agent to touch the ticket.
• WhatsApp integration
  Syncs chat messages and automations directly to WhatsApp — ideal for merchants with high mobile traffic.
• Built-in upsell & cross-sell flows
  Chat recommends products dynamically based on shopper behavior.
• 24/7 automated support agent
  Handles FAQs, policies, shipping questions, and refund status, allowing your customer support team to focus on edge cases.
• Zero-code setup + customizable chat widget
  Fast installation and full brand control.

Pricing

Zipchat starts at $49/month, which includes proactive AI chats, unlimited conversations, and full access to ecommerce automations. A 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee make it risk-free for new merchants.

Rating

Zipchat consistently earns high marks across software marketplaces, averaging 4.8/5 for ease of use, fast onboarding, and a strong conversion impact.

Try Zipchat free for 7 days. Launch proactive AI chats that boost sales and automate support.

2. Pure Chat – best for lightweight, fast-to-deploy live chat

Pure Chat is a simple, clean, and lightweight live chat solution built for small businesses that want an easy, no-frills way to chat with website visitors. It’s not designed to automate complex tasks or drive ecommerce conversions like Zipchat, but for basic support and lead capture, it’s fast, reliable, and straightforward.

Top features

• Unlimited chats on all plans
• Easy install widget for any website
• Mobile apps for Android/iOS
• Real-time visitor tracking
• Customizable chat widget

Pricing

Paid plans start around $49/mo with a lower annual rate available.

Rating

Generally positive SMB feedback; praised for ease of use.

3. SparrowDesk – best for small teams needing AI-assisted shared inbox + chat

SparrowDesk is an omnichannel support tool combining live chat, email, and AI-assisted ticket management. Its standout promise is auto-resolving up to 60% of simple customer requests using built-in AI.

While not revenue-focused like Zipchat, it’s a practical option for small teams that need organization and automated messages without the complexity of an enterprise solution.

Top features

• AI auto-resolves for common support questions
• Chat interface + email shared inbox
• Workflow automation
• Customizable chat widget
• Customer portal and 24/7 support availability

Pricing

Plans start at around $16/agent/month.

Rating

Solid ratings as a budget-friendly omnichannel helpdesk.

4. 3CX – best for teams needing free live chat + voice/video integration

3CX is primarily known as a VoIP and PBX communication channel, but it also offers a free live chat plugin with optional upgrades for both voice calls and video calls. It’s ideal for service businesses where real-time escalation from chat → call → video matters.

Top features

• Free live chat plugin
• Seamless video/voice handoff
• WhatsApp + Facebook messenger
• Mobile + desktop apps
• Multi-agent chat routing

Pricing

Live chat is free; phone system pricing varies by tier.

Rating

Strong reputation among service teams for stability and integrated communications.

5. Front – best for shared inbox teams that want chat + collaboration

Front combines live chat with email, SMS, and social messaging into a single collaborative workspace. It’s perfect for teams that want chat connected to a shared inbox, especially account management, CX, and operations teams.

Top features

• Unified inbox across all channels
• Live chat + bots
• Automated routing
• Team collaboration features
• CRM integrations

Pricing

Tiered per-seat plans (Starter → Growth → Scale → Enterprise).

Rating

Highly rated for collaboration and workflow management.

6. LiveAgent – best all-in-one helpdesk + chat for SMBs

LiveAgent offers a mature, feature-rich help desk with multiple platforms, including live chat, ticketing, and call center tools. It’s built for teams that want everything, including chat, email, calls, and reporting, under one roof at an accessible price.

Top features

• Chat interactions (live chat + proactive chat)
• Ticketing + knowledge base
• Call center modules
• 200+ integrations
• SLA rules + automation

Pricing

Multiple per-agent tiers depending on features.

Rating

Consistently strong ratings for value and reliability.

7. Hiver – best for Google Workspace teams needing chat inside Gmail

Hiver transforms Gmail into a team helpdesk, with live chat as an added channel. It’s ideal for small support teams already living inside Google Workspace who need simple collaboration and routing.

Top features

• Gmail-native shared inbox
• Live chat widget
• SLAs and routing rules
• CSAT surveys
• Collision detection

Pricing

Per-user pricing; scales with features.

Rating

Highly rated for ease of use and Gmail integration.

8. ProProfs Chat – best for teams wanting chat + knowledge base + helpdesk

ProProfs Chat bundles live chat with a knowledge base, helpdesk, and training tools. It’s affordable and easy to set up, making it well-suited for small businesses that want a lightweight, all-in-one support stack.

Top features

• Live chat + entry-level chatbots
• Knowledge base integration
• Canned responses
• Analytics
• Visitor monitoring

Pricing

From around $20/operator/month.

Rating

Reliable ratings for affordability and simplicity.

9. Olark – best for websites needing clean, no-frills live chat

Olark offers a minimalist, user-friendly live chat widget that works well for blogs, consultants, small sites, and SaaS companies who want simple, clean customer chat without heavy automation.

Top features

• Lightweight real-time chat widget
• Automated rules
• Searchable chat transcripts
• Customizable chat box
• Integrations with CRMs and helpdesks

Pricing

Flat monthly per-seat pricing.

Rating

Widely liked for simplicity and stability.

10. Intercom – best for SaaS teams needing powerful in-app chat automation

Intercom is one of the most advanced live-chat platforms for SaaS and product-led companies. Its Fin AI agent and robust workflow engine are powerful, but the cost is significantly higher than most of all the tools, making it less suitable for ecommerce brands compared to Zipchat.

Top features

• In-app chat + product tours
• AI agent (Fin)
• Sophisticated routing and workflows
• Behavioral messaging
• Extensive integrations

Pricing

Seat-based + usage-based + AI charges.

Rating

Strong ratings for product depth and automation.

11. HubSpot Live Chat – best for CRM-first sales & marketing teams

HubSpot Live Chat integrates directly with the HubSpot CRM, making it perfect for sales-driven teams that want lead tracking, automation, and customer history tied directly to every chat.

Top features

• Chatflows + bots
• CRM contact creation
• Lead routing
• Email + marketing automation
• In-app visitor tracking

Pricing

A free tier is available; advanced automation requires a paid Hubs subscription.

Rating

Highly rated among CRM-driven teams.

12. Tidio – best budget live chat + AI bot for small ecommerce business operations

Tidio combines live chat with simple automation, making it popular among small online stores. It’s affordable and beginner-friendly, but more limited in proactive revenue-driving features compared to Zipchat.

Top features

• Live chat + Lyro AI bot
• Drag-and-drop bot builder
• Visitor tracking
• Shopify/WooCommerce integrations
• Email & Messenger add-ons

Pricing

Free tier + paid plans starting around $24–$29/mo.

Rating

Strong ratings for value.

13. LivePerson – best for enterprise customer conversations and messaging

LivePerson powers messaging for large enterprises with massive volumes across various channels, including chat, SMS, WhatsApp, and social media. It’s extremely scalable, though often overkill for SMBs and ecommerce stores.

Top features

• AI + human messaging orchestration
• Multichannel automation
• Large-scale routing
• Analytics + sentiment detection
• Enterprise-grade reliability

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing.

Rating

Widely trusted by enterprise brands.

14. Lime Connect (Lime Technologies) – best for Nordic/EMEA businesses needing chat widget + CRM

Lime Connect integrates live chat into Lime CRM, providing a localized, compliance-friendly platform for EU/Nordic companies that need customer lifecycle management and support in a single system.

Top features

• CRM-integrated chat
• Case management
• Customer data syncing
• Knowledge base
• Omnichannel support

Pricing

Custom quotes.

Rating

Positive ratings in EU regions; strong for regulated industries.

15. LiveChat – best for long-term reliability and plugin ecosystem

LiveChat is one of the oldest and most established live-chat platforms, boasting a robust marketplace of add-ons and integrations. Great for teams that want a stable, proven chat tool with lots of customization options.

Top features

• Real-time live chat
• Chatbots
• Advanced reporting
• 200+ integrations
• Customizable widget

Pricing

Tiered plans: Starter → Team → Business → Enterprise.

Rating

Consistently strong market reputation.

How to choose the best live chat software

When comparing tools, don’t start with feature lists; start with your customer's reality. What actually happens at 2:17 PM on a Tuesday when your support inbox spikes? What do shoppers do when they hit a dead end on your site? The best live chat software solves your version of that chaos.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Automation that reduces real workload for your customer support team

Not “cute chatbots,” but automation that actually saves your team hours, proactive messages that prevent WISMO tickets, AI responses that get smarter with context, and routing that cuts time-to-first-response.
This is where tools like Zipchat AI stand out, with proactive WhatsApp and on-site engagement, as well as intelligent deflection, all baked in, creating a seamless customer interaction.  

2. Channels that match how your customers behave

If your buyers message you on WhatsApp, email, Instagram, and live chat, a tool that only handles web chat will instantly bottleneck your team. Multichannel isn’t optional anymore; it’s operational.

3. Clear analytics you can act on

Look for conversion insights, message performance, agent accountability data, and automation reports. Good analytics tell you why something happened, not just that it happened.

4. Seamless integrations, especially Shopify for a better customer experience

For ecommerce brands, your live chat tool should sync carts, past orders, tracking data, and customer profiles instantly. If Shopify is your revenue engine, deep integration isn’t negotiable; it’s how your team works fast.

5. Transparent pricing

Watch out for:

• per-seat inflation
• hidden “chat volume” fees
• required add-on modules for basic features

Leaning toward tools with simple, scalable pricing will protect your budget in the long term.

Conclusion

Choosing live chat software in 2025 comes down to one question: Does this tool help you have fewer tickets, faster resolutions, and more revenue, or does it just add another dashboard to your day?

Across the 15 tools in this guide, several options shine for specific use cases. However, if you're looking for an AI-powered platform designed for speed, proactive engagement, and Shopify-ready workflows, Zipchat AI consistently outperforms the rest.

It’s not just live chat, it’s automated customer operations that feel human.

Try Zipchat AI (Free Trial Included)

Reduce tickets, increase conversions, and automate your customer conversations without adding headcount. Start your free Zipchat trial today.

FAQs

What is the best live chat software for ecommerce brands?

Tools with deep integrations into Shopify or WooCommerce perform best. Zipchat AI, Intercom, and Tidio all offer ecommerce-focused features, but Zipchat’s proactive cart-recovery and WhatsApp automation make it especially strong for fast-moving DTC stores, with guaranteed customer satisfaction.

How much does live chat software cost?

Most tools range from $20 to $150 per seat per month, depending on the level of automation and multichannel support. Enterprise platforms like LivePerson and Intercom can exceed that. Zipchat keeps pricing simple with no hidden paid add-on fees.

Do live chat tools replace human agents?

Not fully, but they do reduce repetitive questions by 30–60% when automation is well-configured. AI doesn’t replace teams; it gives them more time for the conversations that matter.

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