Freshchat vs Olark
Converge Team
Side-by-side comparison for 2026
| Feature | Freshchat | Olark |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $49/seat/mo | From $29/seat/mo |
| Best For | Large enterprises already using Freshworks products | Small to medium businesses needing basic live chat |
| Standout Feature | Deep integration with Freshworks CRM and helpdesk | Visitor insights and chat targeting |
| Free Plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| G2 Rating | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Freshchat by Freshworks and Olark represent two distinct approaches to customer messaging. Freshchat offers a modern, AI-powered platform with advanced automation, while Olark focuses on simplicity and ease of use for live chat interactions.
Both platforms excel in different areas - Freshchat with its comprehensive omnichannel capabilities and Olark with its straightforward implementation and reliable chat functionality.
Feature Comparison
Freshchat provides advanced features including AI chatbots, intelligent routing, and deep CRM integrations. Its omnichannel approach supports web chat, mobile messaging, social media, and email in a unified interface.
Olark specializes in live chat with features like real-time visitor monitoring, chat transcripts, and basic automation. It offers excellent customization options for chat widgets and straightforward reporting.
Freshchat's strength lies in its automation and AI capabilities, while Olark excels in simplicity and human-centered chat experiences.
Pricing Comparison
Freshchat starts at $15/agent/month for basic features, scaling to $49/agent/month for advanced AI and automation capabilities. Enterprise pricing is available for larger teams.
Olark offers a simpler pricing structure starting at $29/agent/month for their standard plan, with a free tier supporting up to 20 chats per month.
Freshchat may offer better value for teams needing advanced features, while Olark's pricing is more predictable for basic chat needs.
Freshchat
Pros
- ✓ Part of Freshworks ecosystem
- ✓ Strong mobile app
- ✓ Good WhatsApp integration
Cons
- ✗ Per-agent pricing gets expensive
- ✗ Limited customization options
- ✗ Steep learning curve
Olark
Pros
- ✓ Easy setup and customization
- ✓ Good visitor tracking
- ✓ Reliable uptime
Cons
- ✗ Per-agent pricing gets expensive
- ✗ Limited mobile app functionality
- ✗ No social media integration
Verdict
Choose Freshchat if you need advanced automation, AI-powered features, and comprehensive omnichannel support. Choose Olark if you prefer simplicity, quick setup, and focused live chat functionality without complexity.
Choose Freshchat if: You need AI-powered automation, omnichannel support, and advanced routing capabilities for complex customer service operations.
Choose Olark if: You want a simple, reliable live chat solution with easy setup and human-focused customer interactions.
For teams seeking a balance of advanced features and simplicity, consider Converge at $49/month flat rate - offering comprehensive chat capabilities without per-agent pricing complexity.
Looking for more options? Browse all 750+ platform comparisons, or see all Freshchat comparisons and all Olark comparisons.