Chatwoot vs LiveChat

Chatwoot and LiveChat represent different approaches to customer communication software. Chatwoot positions itself as an open-source alternative with transparent pricing and customization freedom, while LiveChat offers a polished, enterprise-ready solution with extensive third-party integrations.

The decision often hinges on whether you value open-source flexibility and cost transparency versus proven enterprise features and comprehensive support.

Chatwoot offers solid multi-channel support including website chat, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and email in a unified inbox. Being open-source, it allows unlimited customization and self-hosting options. The platform includes basic automation, canned responses, and team collaboration features.

LiveChat provides more advanced features out-of-the-box: sophisticated chat routing, detailed visitor tracking, extensive widget customization, and over 200 third-party integrations. It excels in analytics, reporting, and enterprise-level security features.

Chatwoot wins on customization potential and cost transparency, while LiveChat wins on feature depth and ease of implementation.

Chatwoot starts at $20 per agent monthly for their hosted solution, with custom pricing for enterprise needs. The open-source version is free to self-host, making it extremely cost-effective for technical teams willing to manage infrastructure.

LiveChat ranges from $20 to $149 per agent monthly, with most businesses requiring the $41 Team plan for essential features. While more expensive, this includes hosting, security, and comprehensive support.

For budget-conscious teams with technical expertise, Chatwoot offers significant savings. For businesses wanting a turnkey solution, LiveChat's pricing includes valuable managed services.

Choose Chatwoot if you want open-source flexibility, transparent pricing, and don't mind managing some technical aspects. Choose LiveChat if you prefer a fully-managed solution with extensive integrations and enterprise-grade support.

Choose Chatwoot if: You have technical resources, want open-source flexibility, need cost-effective scaling, or prefer transparent pricing without vendor lock-in.

Choose LiveChat if: You want a fully-managed solution, need extensive integrations, require enterprise-grade security, or prefer comprehensive vendor support.

Consider Converge at $49/month flat rate if you want the simplicity of managed hosting without per-agent fees, offering a middle ground between open-source complexity and enterprise pricing.