SoftwareGlimpse

Help Scout vs LiveChat

Compare Help Scout and LiveChat on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.

Independently recommendedLast updated Aug 18, 20264 evidence sources2 screenshotsHow we compare
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Help Scout logo

Help Scout

7.5/10

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

Our verdict

No universal winner

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

See detailed comparison ↓
LiveChat logo

LiveChat

7.4/10

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

Help Scout vs LiveChat pricing

Help Scout researched starting price from $0/mo; a free plan is researched. LiveChat researched starting price from $19/mo. Affiliate economics excluded.

Help Scout logo

Help Scout

From $0.00/user/mo

LiveChat logo

LiveChat

From $19.00/user/mo

Help Scout logo

Help Scout

Starting from $0.00/user/mo

Free plan available

Free trial available

  • Free$0.00/user/mo
    • Free for up to 5 users — entry SMB shared inbox.
    • max users: 5
  • Standard$25.00/user/mo
    • $25/user/mo annual — core shared inbox and docs.
  • PlusPopular$45.00/user/mo
    • $45/user/mo annual — workflows, routing, and light automations.
  • Pro$75.00/user/mo
    • $75/user/mo annual — advanced permissions and API depth.
View full Help Scout pricing →
LiveChat logo

LiveChat

Starting from $19.00/user/mo

No free plan

Free trial available

  • Starter$19.00/user/mo
    • $19/person/mo annual — entry live chat for small teams.
  • TeamPopular$49.00/user/mo
    • $49/person/mo annual — reporting and staffing features.
  • Business$79.00/user/mo
    • $79/person/mo annual — advanced automation and routing.
  • Enterprise$52.00/user/mo
    • $52/person/mo annual — enterprise tier (verify live packaging).
View full LiveChat pricing →

Estimate your team cost

Monthly estimate from verified per-seat list pricing. Confirm on the vendor site before purchasing.

Help Scout logo

Help Scout

$0.00/mo

LiveChat logo

LiveChat

$285.00/mo

+$285.00/mo — LiveChat costs more

Open cost calculator →

Verified monthly unit prices · Aug 18, 2026

Prices in USD

Shown per user / month from verified list pricing.

Plans can change

Confirm live vendor rates before purchasing.

Add-ons may apply

Calling, SMS, or usage fees can add cost.

Independence

Affiliate status never changes pricing outcomes.

Some visit links may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Comparison outcomes are never based on commission.

Affiliate disclosure: some links may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rankings and scores are never based on commission. Full disclosure

Methodology disclosure: scores and recommendations follow SoftwareGlimpse evaluation criteria (version 1.0.0). Affiliate relationships do not determine rankings.

How we recommend: product claims are tied to recorded research where available.

AI-assisted disclosure: drafts may be AI-assisted from approved facts and assessments. Humans approve publishable editorial judgments. AI does not invent live prices or claim hands-on testing.