Explore the 7 best LiveAgent alternatives. Compare features, pricing, and hands-on performance tests to find the right customer support software for your business.

---

LiveAgent has been a popular choice for many businesses due to its live chat capabilities and affordability. However, the market brims with formidable alternatives that offer unique strengths and might better align with your business needs.

In this blog, I'm sharing my hands-on evaluation of the top 7 LiveAgent alternatives. I've personally tested these tools, analyzed their core features, and scrutinized their strengths and limitations to give you an unbiased, detailed comparison. Whether you're a startup, SMB, or enterprise, this list will help you find a customer support platform that truly fits your objectives.

My Research Methodology

I evaluated each tool across multiple critical dimensions to ensure a well-rounded analysis:

• Core Customer Support Features: Ticketing systems, live chat capabilities, omnichannel support, automation
• AI and Automation: Presence of AI bots, workflow automation, predictive routing
• Scalability and Customization: Flexibility to grow with your business, ability to customize workflows
• User Interface & Usability: Intuitive design for agents and customers
• Integration Ecosystem: Compatibility with other business tools (CRMs, marketing platforms, telephony)
• Analytics & Reporting: Depth and actionable nature of performance insights
• Mobile Support: Agent apps and mobile accessibility
• Pricing & Value: Cost-effectiveness relative to features provided

With this framework, I was able to measure each platform objectively against LiveAgent's strengths and weaknesses.

Kayako

Kayako is an AI-powered customer support platform that focuses on eliminating repetitive tickets rather than just managing them faster. Its top feature is autonomous resolution capabilities that can eliminate over 80% of repetitive support tickets. It's best suited for fast-growing SaaS and tech companies handling high ticket volumes who want to reduce support costs dramatically.

Key Features

• Autonomous Resolution: AI that eliminates repetitive tickets before they reach human agents
• One Platform, Zero Tickets: Comprehensive AI workflow that handles detection to resolution
• Code Integration: Connects to repositories, logs, and CI/CD pipelines for automatic bug fixes
• Self-Learning Support: Platform learns from interactions to improve resolution accuracy
• Multi-brand Support: Handle multiple products and brands within a single platform
• Advanced Analytics: Deep insights into ticket elimination rates and cost savings
• Scalable Architecture: Designed for companies processing 5,000+ tickets monthly
• Custom Workflows: Highly customizable automation rules and processes

Kayako vs LiveAgent

Kayako takes a fundamentally different approach compared to LiveAgent's traditional helpdesk model. While LiveAgent excels in live chat and affordable ticket management, Kayako focuses on eliminating tickets entirely through AI automation. Kayako's autonomous resolution capabilities can handle complex support scenarios without human intervention, making it ideal for companies looking to reduce headcount costs. LiveAgent remains better for businesses that prefer human-centric support with strong real-time chat features and straightforward ticket management.

Kayako Pricing

• $79/mo with + $1 per AI-resolved ticket with intelligent automation.

Try Kayako

Zendesk

Zendesk is a comprehensive customer service and engagement platform designed to enhance customer experience across various channels. Its top feature is the seamless omnichannel support, allowing agents to manage customer interactions from multiple channels in one unified interface. It's best suited for medium to large businesses looking for scalable customer support solutions.

Key Features

• AI-powered Answer Bot: Uses machine learning to provide instant answers to common questions
• Scalability: Multiple plans and add-ons to scale as your business grows
• Advanced Analytics: Detailed reporting to measure customer satisfaction and agent performance
• Integration Ecosystem: Pre-built integrations with over 1,000 apps and tools
• Customizable Workflows: Tailor ticket handling processes to specific business needs
• Multilingual Support: Supports over 40 languages for interface and ticket management
• Mobile App: Comprehensive mobile application for agents
• Sunshine Conversations: Robust messaging platform for real-time engagement

Zendesk vs LiveAgent

Zendesk and LiveAgent both offer comprehensive customer support solutions with different strengths. Zendesk provides more robust ticketing and knowledge base capabilities, making it superior for managing complex support requests and self-service options. LiveAgent performs better in live chat functionality, making it preferable for businesses prioritizing real-time interactions. Users praise Zendesk for ease of use and scalability, while LiveAgent is appreciated for affordability and responsive customer support.

Zendesk Pricing

• Essential: $19/agent/month (billed annually)
• Team: $49/agent/month (billed annually)
• Professional: $99/agent/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: $150/agent/month (billed annually)

Freshdesk

Freshdesk is a helpdesk software focused on simplifying customer support. Its top feature is the intuitive user interface that makes it easy to manage tickets and customer interactions. It's best suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable, easy-to-use solution.

Key Features

• Freddy AI: Automates ticket routing, responses, and prioritization
• Ticket Dispatch: Automatically assigns tickets based on agent skills and availability
• Scenario Automation: Create custom workflows to automate repetitive tasks
• Field Service Management: Integrates with Freshservice for managing field teams
• Gamification: Points-based system to motivate agents and improve productivity
• Multi-product Support: Handle support for multiple products within the same platform
• Time Tracking: Built-in tracking for agents to log time spent on tickets
• Knowledge Base: Integrated self-service options and ticket deflection

Freshdesk vs LiveAgent

Freshdesk and LiveAgent serve as effective help desk solutions but cater to different needs. Freshdesk offers more comprehensive ticketing and knowledge base management, with superior automation features and an intuitive interface. LiveAgent excels in live chat capabilities, making it better for businesses focused on real-time customer interactions. Freshdesk provides better automation and workflow management, while LiveAgent offers more cost-effective solutions with responsive support.

Freshdesk Pricing

• Free: $0 for up to 10 agents
• Growth: $15/agent/month (billed annually)
• Pro: $49/agent/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: $79/agent/month (billed annually)

Zoho Desk

Zoho Desk is a customer support platform that's part of the broader Zoho suite of business applications. Its top feature is the tight integration with other Zoho apps, enabling seamless data flow across business functions. It's best suited for businesses already using or considering the Zoho ecosystem.

Key Features

• Context-aware Assistance: Zoho Desk Assistant provides contextual help to agents
• Zia AI: AI capabilities for predictive ticket routing and sentiment analysis
• Multi-lingual Support: Supports over 30 languages for customer support
• Custom Functions: Create custom functions to automate complex workflows
• Mobile SDK: Develop native mobile apps with embedded support features
• Telephony Integration: Built-in telephony to manage calls directly from platform
• Proactive Ticket Management: Tools to identify and resolve issues before escalation
• Feedback Management: Collect and manage customer feedback seamlessly

Zoho Desk vs LiveAgent

Zoho Desk and LiveAgent offer competitive help desk solutions with distinct strengths. Zoho Desk provides superior ticketing and knowledge base management, making it more robust for handling support requests and self-service options. LiveAgent performs better in live chat functionality, making it ideal for businesses prioritizing real-time customer interactions. Users appreciate Zoho Desk's integration with other Zoho products and customization options, while LiveAgent is praised for affordability and customer support quality.

Zoho Desk Pricing

• Free: $0 for up to 3 agents
• Standard: $12/agent/month (billed annually)
• Professional: $20/agent/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: $35/agent/month (billed annually)

Help Scout

Help Scout is a helpdesk software that emphasizes personalized customer support. Its top feature is the Docs feature, which provides a robust knowledge base for customer self-service. It's best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that value personalized customer interactions.

Key Features

• Docs: Powerful, customizable knowledge base for customer self-service
• Collision Detection: Prevents multiple agents from working on the same ticket
• Advanced Reports: In-depth analytics to track team performance and satisfaction
• Happy Mail: Automated follow-up emails to keep customers engaged
• Custom Workflows: Streamline ticket handling and automate responses
• Popular Integrations: Seamless integration with Slack, Zapier, and Mailchimp
• Multi-channel Support: Manage emails, live chat, and social media from one platform
• Shared Inboxes: Centralized communication management for teams

Help Scout vs LiveAgent

Help Scout and LiveAgent both provide effective customer support solutions with different focus areas. Help Scout offers superior ticketing and knowledge base management, providing more comprehensive support request handling and self-service resources. LiveAgent excels in live chat capabilities, making it better for businesses focused on real-time customer interactions. Help Scout features a more user-friendly interface and powerful reporting, while LiveAgent provides better affordability and responsive support team assistance.

Help Scout Pricing

• Standard: $20/user/month (billed annually)
• Plus: $40/user/month (billed annually)
• Pro: Custom pricing, contact Help Scout for a quote

Discover More

Intercom

Intercom is a customer communication platform focused on enhancing customer engagement through messaging. Its top feature is the ability to provide targeted, personalized messages based on user behavior. It's best suited for businesses looking to improve customer engagement and marketing automation.

Key Features

• Behavioral Targeting: Sends targeted messages based on user actions and behavior
• In-app Messaging: Real-time messaging capabilities within your app or website
• Custom Chatbots: Instant, automated customer support solutions
• Product Tours: Guided tours to help users navigate your app or website
• Article Series: Create educational content to engage and educate customers
• Resolution Bot: AI-powered bot to resolve common queries automatically
• Segmentation Tools: Robust customer segmentation and communication automation
• Mobile SDKs: Native iOS and Android SDKs for mobile app integration

Intercom vs LiveAgent

Intercom and LiveAgent serve different customer support philosophies. Intercom excels in live chat and messaging capabilities, offering more advanced real-time customer interaction tools. LiveAgent provides better traditional ticketing management, making it more suitable for businesses focused on structured support processes. Intercom's strength lies in personalized messaging and integration capabilities, while LiveAgent offers better affordability and comprehensive customer support assistance.

Intercom Pricing

• Essential: $74/month (billed annually) for up to 250 contacts
• Advanced: $134/month (billed annually) for up to 250 contacts
• Expert: $214/month (billed annually) for up to 250 contacts

HubSpot Service Hub

HubSpot Service Hub is a customer service platform that integrates with HubSpot's broader CRM and marketing tools. Its top feature is the integration with HubSpot's marketing and sales tools, enabling a unified view of the customer journey. It's best suited for businesses already using HubSpot or those looking to integrate customer service with marketing and sales.

Key Features

• Centralized Tickets: Ticket management with automated routing and prioritization
• Integrated Conversations: Live chat and email tools for seamless communication
• Feedback Surveys: Collect and manage customer feedback to improve service quality
• Knowledge Base: Create and manage self-service options for customers
• Agent Playbooks: Guides for consistent and effective customer support
• Service Analytics: Detailed analytics to measure satisfaction and performance
• HubSpot CRM Integration: Seamless integration for unified customer view
• Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency

HubSpot Service Hub vs LiveAgent

HubSpot Service Hub and LiveAgent provide comprehensive support solutions with different focuses. HubSpot offers superior ticketing and knowledge base management, providing more robust support request handling and self-service options. LiveAgent excels in live chat functionality, making it better for businesses prioritizing real-time customer interactions. HubSpot's seamless integration with other HubSpot tools and CRM capabilities appeal to existing users, while LiveAgent provides better affordability and responsive support.

HubSpot Service Hub Pricing

• Free: $0 for up to 2,000 free contacts
• Starter: $45/month (billed annually)
• Professional: $360/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: $1,200/month (billed annually)

HappyFox

HappyFox is a helpdesk software designed to improve customer support efficiency. Its top feature is the smart rules engine that automates ticket management and workflow. It's best suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable and flexible customer support solution.

Key Features

• Smart Rules: Highly customizable automation rules to streamline ticket handling
• Field Service Management: Tools to manage on-site support and field technicians
• Time Tracking: Integrated tracking for agents to log time spent on tickets
• SLA Management: Manage and track service level agreements for timely resolution
• Knowledge Base: Integrated self-service and ticket deflection capabilities
• Multi-language Support: Multiple languages for customer and agent interactions
• Mobile App: Comprehensive mobile application for ticket management
• IT Asset Management: Track and manage IT assets related to support tickets

HappyFox vs LiveAgent

HappyFox and LiveAgent both offer effective help desk solutions for different business needs. HappyFox provides superior ticketing and knowledge base management, offering more comprehensive support request handling and self-service resources. LiveAgent performs better in live chat functionality, making it preferable for businesses focused on real-time customer interactions. HappyFox excels in automation capabilities and ease of use, while LiveAgent offers better affordability and customer support quality.

HappyFox Pricing

• Lite: $29/agent/month (billed annually)
• Pro: $49/agent/month (billed annually)
• Growth: $79/agent/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: $89/agent/month (billed annually)

Get Started

How to Choose the Right LiveAgent Alternative

Choosing from these alternatives boils down to a few critical questions:

What's your priority — real-time chat or comprehensive ticketing? If live chat is paramount, tools like Intercom and LiveAgent excel. If you need robust ticketing and knowledge management, Kayako or Help Scout shine.

What size is your business and how fast are you growing? Scalability matters — enterprise-grade solutions like Kayako or HubSpot Service Hub offer extensive features and integrations for larger teams. Simpler setups like Freshdesk or HappyFox might serve small to medium businesses better.

How important is automation and AI to your workflow? If you value AI-driven ticketing and chatbots, Kayako, Freshdesk, and Zoho Desk offer sophisticated options that can reduce manual effort significantly.

Are integrations with your existing tech stack a dealbreaker? If you rely on particular CRM or marketing tools, selecting a helpdesk with deep, native integrations (Zoho Desk with Zoho apps, HubSpot with its own CRM) will streamline operations.

What is your budget? Pricing models vary widely; consider both monthly costs and features unlocked at each tier to ensure you get the best ROI.

This list distills my research and real-world testing to give you a clear, actionable overview for your customer support platform selection. 

Remember, the ultimate choice hinges on your unique business requirements and growth plans.