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
Pros & cons
A balanced look at where each product shines — and where it falls short.
Help Scout
Strengths in greenPros
- Stronger on free plan
- Stronger on ticketing depth
- Stronger on knowledge base
- Stronger on sla & routing
Cons
- Trails on integrations
Best for
SMB teams wanting email-first shared inbox support without enterprise complexity
LiveChat
Trade-offs in redPros
- Stronger on integrations
Cons
- Trails on free plan
- Trails on ticketing depth
- Trails on knowledge base
Best for
Teams wanting mature live chat with Text ecosystem optionality
Choose if…
Choose Help Scout if
- 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
Choose LiveChat if
- 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
Still unsure which fits?
Answer a few buyer questions and get a shortlist matched to your priorities.
Find My CRMSome visit links may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Comparison outcomes are never based on commission.