Freshdesk vs LiveAgent
Converge Team
Side-by-side comparison for 2026
| Feature | Freshdesk | LiveAgent |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $79/seat/mo | From $49/seat/mo |
| Best For | Mid-sized businesses needing traditional helpdesk with optional omnichannel messaging through the Freshworks ecosystem | Traditional customer service teams needing comprehensive help desk functionality with phone support |
| Standout Feature | Freddy AI for automated ticket classification, responses, and the broader Freshworks integration ecosystem | Comprehensive all-in-one platform combining help desk, live chat, and call center in a single solution |
| Free Plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pricing Model | Per seat | Per seat |
Freshdesk and LiveAgent are both established helpdesk solutions serving businesses of all sizes. Freshdesk offers a traditional helpdesk approach with AI features, while LiveAgent provides comprehensive ticketing at competitive prices.
Feature Comparison
Freshdesk excels with Freddy AI for automated responses and smart ticket routing. The platform offers solid multichannel support but suffers from a dated interface.
LiveAgent provides comprehensive ticketing with strong automation features. While also having an older interface, it offers better value with more features at lower price points.
Pricing Comparison
Freshdesk: $0-$79 per agent per month. Free tier available for up to 10 agents with basic features.
LiveAgent: $0-$69 per agent per month. More affordable premium tiers with comprehensive feature sets.
Freshdesk
Pros
- ✓ Mature platform with proven reliability at scale
- ✓ Two product lines: ticketing-only (cheaper) and Omni (full messaging)
- ✓ Strong automation and workflow capabilities
Cons
- ✗ Confusing dual product line (Freshdesk vs Freshdesk Omni)
- ✗ Omnichannel messaging requires Omni plans ($29+/agent/mo)
- ✗ AI Copilot is $29/agent/mo extra on top of base plan
LiveAgent
Pros
- ✓ Extensive feature set with 188+ capabilities
- ✓ Strong call center functionality with unlimited recordings
- ✓ Mature platform with robust reporting and analytics
Cons
- ✗ Per-agent pricing can become expensive for larger teams
- ✗ Complex interface may overwhelm users focused on messaging
- ✗ Social media integrations require additional fees on lower tiers
Verdict
LiveAgent edges out with slightly better G2 ratings (4.5/5 vs 4.4/5) and more affordable top-tier pricing ($69 vs $79 per agent). However, Freshdesk's free tier and Freddy AI capabilities make it attractive for smaller teams.
Both platforms serve traditional helpdesk needs well, with LiveAgent offering better value and Freshdesk providing superior AI capabilities. For teams seeking predictable pricing without per-seat costs, Converge offers a modern alternative at $49/month flat rate with up to 15 agents.
Looking for more options? Browse all 750+ platform comparisons, or see all Freshdesk comparisons and all LiveAgent comparisons.
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