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- Chatwoot vs Smooch (Sunshine Conversations)
Chatwoot vs Smooch (Sunshine Conversations)
Side-by-side comparison for 2026
| Feature | Chatwoot | Smooch (Sunshine Conversations) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $19/seat/mo | From $115/seat/mo |
| Best For | Technical teams wanting open-source flexibility | Existing Zendesk customers needing omnichannel messaging |
| Standout Feature | Open-source with self-hosting option | Deep integration with Zendesk ecosystem |
| Free Plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| G2 Rating | 4.4 | 4.2 |
Chatwoot and Smooch (Sunshine Conversations) compete in the customer messaging space with different approaches. Chatwoot offers open-source flexibility at $20 per agent monthly, while Smooch provides enterprise messaging infrastructure at $19-$99 per agent monthly.
With G2 ratings of 4.4 for Chatwoot and 4.2 for Smooch, both platforms deliver solid customer experiences, though their target markets and feature sets differ significantly.
Feature Comparison
Chatwoot provides a comprehensive support platform with unified inbox, automation, reporting, and extensive third-party integrations. Its open-source foundation allows for significant customization and self-hosting options.
Smooch (Sunshine Conversations) focuses on conversation orchestration across multiple channels with advanced routing, AI-powered features, and enterprise-grade security. It's designed for businesses managing high-volume, complex customer interactions.
While both handle multi-channel communication, Chatwoot emphasizes simplicity and customization, whereas Smooch prioritizes advanced conversation management and enterprise scalability.
Pricing Comparison
Chatwoot's flat $20 per agent per month provides predictable costs regardless of conversation volume. Custom enterprise pricing is available for larger organizations with specific requirements.
Smooch's $19-$99 per agent monthly pricing depends on feature tiers and conversation volumes. Their Starter plan at $19 offers basic features, while Professional at $99 includes advanced automation and analytics.
For a 10-agent team, Chatwoot costs $200 monthly, while Smooch ranges from $190 (Starter) to $990 (Professional), making feature requirements crucial for cost comparison.
Chatwoot
Pros
- ✓ Open-source option available
- ✓ Good channel coverage
- ✓ Active development community
Cons
- ✗ Per-agent pricing model
- ✗ Self-hosting requires technical expertise
- ✗ Limited advanced features in lower tiers
Smooch (Sunshine Conversations)
Pros
- ✓ Strong Zendesk integration
- ✓ Good channel coverage
- ✓ Mature platform
Cons
- ✗ Per-agent pricing gets expensive
- ✗ Complex setup process
- ✗ Limited customization options
Verdict
Choose Chatwoot if you want open-source flexibility with straightforward pricing. Choose Smooch if you need enterprise-grade messaging infrastructure with advanced conversation management.
Choose Chatwoot if: You value open-source flexibility, predictable pricing, and strong community support with excellent G2 ratings (4.4/5).
Choose Smooch if: You need enterprise conversation orchestration with advanced features and can justify the higher-tier pricing for Professional features.
Alternative: Consider Converge at $49/month flat rate for teams seeking simple customer communication without per-agent fees or complex feature tiers.
Looking for more options? Browse all 750+ platform comparisons, or see all Chatwoot comparisons and all Smooch (Sunshine Conversations) comparisons.