Help Scout vs LiveChat
Compare Help Scout and LiveChat on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
Help Scout
SMB shared inbox and helpdesk — free for up to 5 users; Standard $25, Plus $45, Pro $75 user/mo annual.
Best for
- • SMB teams wanting email-first shared inbox support without enterprise complexity
- • Startups using the free 5-user tier
- • Buyers prioritizing ease of use over omnichannel breadth
Starting from $0.00/user/mo
Free plan available
VS
Our verdict
No universal winner. Choose based on which criteria matter most for your team.
Help Scout is better for
- ✓ Free plan
- ✓ Ticketing depth
- ✓ Knowledge base
- ✓ SLA & routing
LiveChat is better for
- ✓ Integrations
Tie
- • Live chat
- • Omnichannel inbox
- • AI features
Choose Help Scout if: SMB teams wanting email-first shared inbox support without enterprise complexity
Choose LiveChat if: Teams wanting mature live chat with Text ecosystem optionality
LiveChat
Established live chat from Text — Starter $19, Team $49, Business $79, Enterprise $52 per person/mo annual.
Best for
- • Teams wanting mature live chat with Text ecosystem optionality
- • SMB–mid-market website support with per-agent clarity
- • Buyers who may add ChatBot or HelpDesk from the same vendor
Starting from $19.00/user/mo
No free plan
Feature comparison
Grouped feature support from verified product research for Help Scout and LiveChat.
Capabilities
| Feature | Help Scout | LiveChat | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticketing | Strong | Moderate | Help Scout |
| Shared inbox | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Live chat | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Knowledge base | Strong | Moderate | Help Scout |
| Omnichannel inbox | Moderate | Moderate | Tie |
| SLA & routing | Strong | Limited | Help Scout |
| Macros & automation | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Self-service portal | Strong | Moderate | Help Scout |
| CSAT / satisfaction surveys | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Helpdesk reporting | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Ecommerce helpdesk | Limited | Limited | Tie |
| ITSM / service desk | Limited | Limited | Tie |
| Chatbot / AI agent | Moderate | Moderate | Tie |
| Agent copilot | Moderate | Moderate | Tie |
| Phone support | Limited | Limited | Tie |
| Helpdesk integrations | Strong | Strong | Tie |
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