
In today’s fast-paced digital world, customers expect instant responses and seamless communication with businesses.
Did you know?
- 79% customer preference for live chat over other communication channels.
- 40% increase in conversion rates by engaging visitors in real time.
With such a significant impact on customer experience and revenue, choosing the right live chat software is essential. However, many businesses—especially startups and small companies—struggle to find high-quality live chat software at an affordable price. Premium solutions can be expensive, often requiring long-term commitments or additional costs for essential features. But affordability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality.
To help businesses get the most value for their money, we conducted in-depth research on the best-performing live chat software available for under $10 per month. Each of these solutions comes with a free trial, allowing businesses to test their features before making a commitment. These platforms offer essential functionalities such as automation, chatbot support, integrations with CRM and helpdesk software, and multi-channel communication—all at a budget-friendly price.
Why Choosing the Right Live Chat Software Matters
Live chat is more than just a customer service tool—it’s a powerful asset that can transform how businesses interact with customers, drive sales, and optimize internal operations. Selecting the right live chat software ensures that your business stays responsive, competitive, and efficient. Here’s why it matters:
1. Enhancing Customer Experience
Customers today expect instant support, and live chat is the fastest way to provide it. Studies show that 73% of consumers find live chat the most satisfying way to communicate with a business. A well-chosen live chat solution allows businesses to:
- Provide real-time responses, reducing wait times and frustration.
- Offer 24/7 availability through AI-powered chatbots.
- Personalize interactions based on customer history and preferences.
A seamless and efficient customer experience leads to higher satisfaction, stronger brand loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
2. Boosting Sales & Conversions
Live chat isn’t just for support—it’s a powerful sales tool. Businesses that use live chat effectively can see a 10% to 30% increase in conversion rates by:
- Engaging potential customers at critical decision points.
- Providing product recommendations and personalized assistance.
- Reducing cart abandonment by addressing concerns in real time.
By integrating live chat into the sales process, businesses can turn website visitors into paying customers and maximize revenue opportunities.
3. Improving Team Efficiency
A well-implemented live chat solution streamlines customer service operations, making it easier for support teams to handle multiple inquiries at once. Key benefits include:
- AI chatbots and automation that handle FAQs and repetitive questions.
- Canned responses for quick replies, reducing response time.
- Chat routing and department transfers to ensure the right agent handles each inquiry.
This reduces workload, allows agents to focus on complex issues, and helps businesses manage high volumes of customer interactions efficiently.
4. Seamless Integration with Business Tools
The best live chat software doesn’t operate in isolation—it connects with your existing business tools to create a unified workflow. Top integrations include:
- CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce) to track customer interactions.
- Helpdesk solutions (e.g., Zendesk, Freshdesk) for efficient ticket management.
- E-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce) to assist customers in real time.
By integrating live chat with other essential business tools, companies can centralize customer interactions, improve data accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency.
Top 15 Live Chat Software Solutions
Explore our top picks for budget-friendly live chat solutions with free trials.
1. LiveHelpNow
Best for: Call centers and businesses needing multi-channel support
LiveHelpNow is a feature-rich customer support management software that enables businesses to handle support tickets, live chat, and SMS inquiries efficiently. It helps businesses convert emails into support tickets and integrates with social media channels for seamless communication.
Price: Starts at $9.00/month | Free trial available
Key Features:
- AI-based chatbots for handling FAQs
- Pre-chat and post-chat surveys
- Multi-channel communication (chat, SMS, email)
Integrations: Social media, email, CRM
Support: 24/7 customer support
2. Provide Support
Best for: Businesses needing quick and easy live chat setup
Provide Support offers an easy-to-install live chat tool that integrates seamlessly with websites, helping businesses offer real-time customer support.
Price: Starts at $8.25/month | Free-forever plan available
Key Features:
- Customizable live chat windows
- Audio and visual alerts for incoming requests
- Visitor tracking and proactive chat
Integrations: WordPress, Magento, Shopify
Support: 24/7 customer service
3. ProProfs Chat
Best for: Businesses looking for predefined messages and operator collaboration
ProProfs Chat simplifies customer interactions with predefined messages, real-time monitoring, and customizable chat windows.
Price: Starts at $10.00/month | Custom plans available
Key Features:
- Operator-to-operator chat
- Live visitor tracking and monitoring
- Ready-made chat templates
Integrations: CRM tools, WordPress, and eCommerce platforms
Support: 24/7 customer support
4. FocalScope
Best for: Businesses needing omnichannel communication
FocalScope is a comprehensive live chat and ticketing system that enables businesses to manage support across multiple channels.
Price: Starts at $9.00/month | Free trial available
Key Features:
- AI-powered chat routing
- Multi-agent chat transfer
- Social media and phone support
Integrations: Social media platforms, CRM
Support: Live support available
5. HelpOnClick
Best for: eCommerce stores and online businesses
HelpOnClick helps businesses boost customer engagement with real-time chat features, mobile support, and AI-powered virtual agents.
Price: Starts at $7.20/month | Free trial available
Key Features:
- AI-powered chatbot for automated responses
- Supports multi-device chatting
- Customizable chat widgets
Integrations: Web browsers, mobile devices
Support: 24/7 customer service
6. Zoho SalesIQ
Best for: Businesses looking to track and engage high-value leads
Zoho SalesIQ provides real-time visitor tracking and engagement tools to improve conversion rates and customer interactions.
Price: Starts at $7.00/month | Free-forever plan available
Key Features:
- CRM integration for lead tracking
- Automated engagement triggers
- Visitor segmentation
- Integrations: Zoho CRM, CMS platforms
- Support: 24/7 live support
7. Chatway
Best for: Businesses looking for seamless customer interactions
Chatway is a multi-channel customer communication tool that integrates with social media and email.
Price: Starts at $9.00/month | Free-forever plan available
Key Features:
- AI-powered canned responses
- Private notes and task assignments
- Real-time message translation
Integrations: Facebook Messenger, email, CRM
Support: 24/7 customer service
8. Paldesk
Best for: Businesses needing a unified communication tool
Paldesk is an all-in-one communication platform offering live chat and help desk solutions.
Price: Starts at $9.00/month | Free trial available
Key Features:
- Omnichannel support
- Mobile-friendly interface
- Zapier integration
Integrations: Slack, WordPress, Drupal
Support: 24/7 live support
9. Re:plain
Best for: Businesses wanting a WhatsApp-integrated chat tool
Re:plain is a WhatsApp-based live chat that connects website visitors with businesses instantly.
Price: Starts at $3.99/month | Free-forever plan available
Key Features:
- Video chat support
- WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram integration
Integrations: API, Webhooks, JavaScript API, Zapier, Integrately, WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace.
Support: Email and chat support
10. Lime Talk
Best for: Small businesses looking for an affordable live chat solution
Lime Talk is a lightweight live chat tool designed for easy customer engagement.
Price: Starts at $6.00/month | Free trial available
Key Features:
- Multi-language support
- Offline messaging
Integrations: Google Analytics, CMS platforms
Support: Email and chat support
11. Subiz
Best for: Businesses needing AI-powered chatbot automation
Subiz helps businesses automate lead generation and customer engagement with AI-driven chat features.
Price: Starts at $8.00/month | Free-forever plan available
Key Features:
- AI-driven chatbot for FAQs
- Customizable live chat widgets
- Customer behavior tracking
Integrations: Website, social media
Support: 24/7 customer service
12. Chative
Best for: Businesses needing AI-powered chatbot automation
Chative offers AI-powered live chat automation to streamline customer interactions.
Price: Starts at $8.00/month | Free-forever plan available
Key Features:
- AI-driven chatbot for FAQs
- Customizable live chat widgets
- Customer behavior tracking
Integrations: Website, social media
Support: 24/7 customer service
13. Wowchat
Best for: Businesses seeking automatic chat routing
Wowchat provides automatic chat routing to improve response efficiency.
Price: Starts at $5.00/month | Free trial available
Key Features:
- Automated chat routing
- Predefined responses for quick replies
- Proactive chat invitations
Integrations: Website platforms, CRM
Support: Email support
14. typedesk
Best for: Businesses needing canned responses for customer engagement
typedesk is a simple canned responses tool that enhances customer support speed.
Price: Starts at $3.99/month | Free-forever plan available
Key Features:
- Automatic language detection
- Canned responses for FAQs
- Team collaboration features
Integrations: CRM, helpdesk software
Support: Email support
15. Consolto
Best for: Businesses needing live video chat for customer interactions
Consolto is a platform that provides businesses with live video chat tools for direct customer interactions, including screen and file sharing, and appointment scheduling.
Price: Starts at $8.20/month | Free trial available
Key Features:
- Live video chat integration
- Screen sharing and file sharing
- Appointment scheduling
Integrations: Email, website chat widgets
Support: 24/7 live chat support
How to Choose the Right Live Chat Software for Your Business
In a world where instant communication defines customer expectations, live chat has become a must-have tool for businesses. It’s not just about responding to inquiries—it’s about engaging visitors, closing sales, and building long-term customer relationships. The right live chat software can improve efficiency, boost conversions, and enhance the overall customer experience.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one? This guide breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting live chat software that fits your business needs, budget, and growth strategy.
1. Define Your Business Needs
Before exploring different live chat solutions, identify your specific requirements based on your business model, industry, and customer service goals. Consider:
- Business Size: Do you need a simple chat tool for a small team, or an advanced platform with automation and AI?
- Industry Needs: E-commerce businesses may need cart recovery and sales chat, while SaaS companies might prioritize onboarding and technical support.
- Customer Support Hours: Do you need 24/7 chat capabilities, or will your agents be available only during business hours?
By clearly outlining your needs, you can narrow down options and avoid overpaying for unnecessary features.
2. Evaluate Key Features
Not all live chat software is created equal. Look for the following essential features:
Real-Time Chat Capabilities
- Fast response times with minimal delay.
- Multi-agent chat support for handling high volumes.
Chat Automation & AI
- Chatbots for handling FAQs and repetitive queries.
- Canned responses and pre-written templates to improve efficiency.
Customization & Branding
- Ability to match chat widgets with your website’s design.
- Customizable greetings, automated messages, and chat flow.
Integrations with Business Tools
- CRM integration (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) for tracking customer interactions.
- E-commerce platform compatibility (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce).
- Helpdesk integration (e.g., Zendesk, Freshdesk) for streamlined support.
Multi-Channel Support
- Social media integration (Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram).
- Email and SMS support to provide omnichannel communication.
Mobile & Desktop Compatibility
- Responsive design for mobile-friendly customer interactions.
- Mobile apps for agents to respond on the go.
3. Consider Pricing & Scalability
Many live chat tools offer affordable plans starting under $10 per month, but pricing structures vary based on:
- Number of agents/users – Some platforms charge per user, while others offer unlimited agents.
- Feature limitations – Free and low-cost plans may lack automation, AI, or integrations.
- Scalability options – Ensure the software can scale with your business growth without expensive upgrades.
Look for software with transparent pricing, free trials, and flexible plans that align with your budget.
4. Assess Ease of Use & Deployment
A live chat solution should be easy to set up and use without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Consider:
- User-friendly interface – Ensure both customers and support agents can navigate it easily.
- Quick setup & onboarding – Platforms with drag-and-drop builders and simple integrations save time.
- Training & support – Look for live chat providers that offer tutorials, knowledge bases, and responsive customer support.
5. Review Customer Support & Reliability
Since live chat is a real-time tool, downtime or poor customer support from the provider can lead to lost sales and frustrated users. Check for:
User reviews & testimonials to gauge performance and service quality.
6. Take Advantage of Free Trials & Demos
Many live chat providers offer free trials or freemium plans, allowing you to test the platform before committing. Use this opportunity to:
- Assess functionality – Test chatbot capabilities, automation, and integrations.
- Monitor response times – See if the chat experience meets your speed expectations.
- Get team feedback – Have support agents evaluate usability and efficiency.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right live chat software requires balancing cost, features, usability, and long-term scalability. By defining your business needs, evaluating key features, and testing different solutions, you can invest in a cost-effective yet powerful live chat tool that enhances customer support and drives business growth.
However, having the right software alone isn’t enough. To fully leverage its potential, you need a strategic marketing plan that attracts the right audience, nurtures leads, and seamlessly integrates live chat into your customer journey. Without the right approach, even the best tools can fall short of delivering real results.
Looking for a Powerful Growth Marketing Strategy for Your SaaS Business?
At SaaSlaunchr, I specialize in creating innovative and results-driven marketing strategies tailored to boost growth for scaling SaaS companies. Let’s collaborate to take your business to the next level! Schedule a call with me today to learn more about how I can support your success.
Curious about the impact we can make? Check out our success story on how we helped a SaaS business significantly increase website traffic by implementing a strategic growth marketing plan. Read the case study here.
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