Chatwoot vs Kayako

Chatwoot and Kayako represent different approaches to customer support software. Chatwoot is an open-source platform emphasizing flexibility and developer-friendly customization, while Kayako offers a traditional SaaS helpdesk with polished workflows and established integrations.

Chatwoot leads with a 4.4/5 G2 rating compared to Kayako's 4.2/5, reflecting its growing popularity among tech-savvy teams seeking customizable solutions.

Chatwoot offers modern messaging capabilities with features like automated assignment, canned responses, and team collaboration tools. Being open-source, it allows unlimited customization and self-hosting options, appealing to privacy-conscious organizations.

Kayako provides a mature helpdesk platform with robust ticket management, SLA tracking, and customer satisfaction surveys. Its strength lies in email integration and established workflows that work out-of-the-box.

While both support multiple channels, Chatwoot excels in real-time messaging and developer integrations, whereas Kayako focuses on structured ticket workflows and customer history management.

Chatwoot starts at $20 per agent monthly for hosted plans, with custom enterprise pricing available. The open-source version is free to self-host, making it attractive for budget-conscious or privacy-focused organizations.

Kayako's $15-$35 per agent monthly pricing offers a lower entry point for small teams, with predictable scaling costs. However, advanced features may require higher-tier plans.

For teams with technical resources, Chatwoot's self-hosted option provides significant cost savings, while Kayako's managed approach reduces operational overhead.

Choose Chatwoot if you value open-source flexibility, have technical resources for customization, and want modern messaging features. Choose Kayako if you prefer a fully-managed solution with established workflows and don't need extensive customization.

Choose Chatwoot if: You want open-source flexibility, have technical resources for customization, prioritize data privacy, or need modern messaging features without vendor lock-in.

Choose Kayako if: You prefer fully-managed solutions, need established integrations, want proven workflows, and don't require extensive customization.

For teams seeking managed simplicity without per-agent scaling costs, Converge at $49/month offers comprehensive support features with flat-rate pricing that eliminates budget surprises as your team grows.