--- title: "Best Free Live Chat Software Solutions 2026 | Capterra" description: "Find and compare the 2026 best free Live Chat software solutions, using our interactive tool to quickly narrow your choices based on businesses like yours." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/live-chat-software/s/free/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- # Best Live Chat Software for free Written by Andrew Blair Andrew is an analyst with over 4 years in CRM, marketing, and customer support software, plus AI. His insights draw on 150,000+ verified Capterra reviews and nearly 3,000 buyer interactions. [See full bio and all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/andrew-blair/). ## Top 10 free products, ranked by reviewer ratings ### Ranked free Live Chat products | Rank | Product | Overall rating | Category rating | Key attribute | Starting price | Key features | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | [Chatway](https://www.capterra.com/p/10014051/Chatway/) | 4.9 out of 5 (81 reviews) | 4.9 out of 5 (81 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Use | $39.00 Flat Rate, Per Month | Included: Chat/Messaging, File Sharing, Mobile Access, Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Real-Time Notifications, Reporting/Analytics, Third-Party Integrations, Transcripts/Chat History | | 2 | [Slack](https://www.capterra.com/p/135003/Slack/) | 4.7 out of 5 (24,244 reviews) | 4.8 out of 5 (603 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Use | $8.75 Per User, Per Month | Included: Chat/Messaging, File Sharing, Mobile Access, Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Real-Time Notifications, Reporting/Analytics, Third-Party Integrations, Transcripts/Chat History | | 3 | [EngageBay CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/178819/EngageBay-Marketing/) | 4.6 out of 5 (912 reviews) | 4.8 out of 5 (52 category reviews) | Highly rated for Quality of Support | $14.99 Per User, Per Month | Included: File Sharing, Mobile Access, Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Real-Time Notifications, Reporting/Analytics, Third-Party Integrations, Transcripts/Chat History; Not included: Chat/Messaging | | 4 | [WhatsApp](https://www.capterra.com/p/180345/WhatsApp/) | 4.7 out of 5 (16,488 reviews) | 4.7 out of 5 (2,684 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Use | Contact vendor | Included: Chat/Messaging, File Sharing, Mobile Access, Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Real-Time Notifications, Third-Party Integrations; Not included: Reporting/Analytics, Transcripts/Chat History | | 5 | [Tidio](https://www.capterra.com/p/144040/Tidio-Chat/) | 4.7 out of 5 (590 reviews) | 4.7 out of 5 (272 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Use | $24.17 Flat Rate, Per Month | Included: Chat/Messaging, File Sharing, Mobile Access, Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Real-Time Notifications, Reporting/Analytics, Third-Party Integrations, Transcripts/Chat History | | 6 | [Broadly](https://www.capterra.com/p/161326/Broadly-Reviews/) | 4.8 out of 5 (336 reviews) | 4.7 out of 5 (69 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Setup | $249.00 Per Month | Included: Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Reporting/Analytics, Third-Party Integrations; Not included: Chat/Messaging, File Sharing, Mobile Access, Real-Time Notifications, Transcripts/Chat History | | 7 | [Smartsupp](https://www.capterra.com/p/136251/Smartsupp-live-chat/) | 4.6 out of 5 (343 reviews) | 4.7 out of 5 (73 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Setup | $17.00 Flat Rate, Per Month | Included: Chat/Messaging, File Sharing, Mobile Access, Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Real-Time Notifications, Reporting/Analytics, Third-Party Integrations, Transcripts/Chat History | | 8 | [Zoho Desk](https://www.capterra.com/p/169505/Zoho-Desk/) | 4.5 out of 5 (2,216 reviews) | 4.6 out of 5 (154 category reviews) | Highly rated for Value for Money | $9.00 Per User, Per Month | Included: Chat/Messaging, File Sharing, Mobile Access, Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Real-Time Notifications, Reporting/Analytics, Third-Party Integrations, Transcripts/Chat History | | 9 | [Salesforce Service Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/136189/Salesforce/) | 4.5 out of 5 (833 reviews) | 4.6 out of 5 (50 category reviews) | Highly rated for Functionality | $25.00 Per User, Per Month | Included: Chat/Messaging, File Sharing, Mobile Access, Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Real-Time Notifications, Reporting/Analytics, Third-Party Integrations, Transcripts/Chat History | | 10 | [Freshdesk](https://www.capterra.com/p/124981/Freshdesk/) | 4.5 out of 5 (3,494 reviews) | 4.6 out of 5 (292 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Use | $19.00 Per User, Per Month | Included: Chat/Messaging, Third-Party Integrations; Not included: File Sharing, Mobile Access, Multi-Channel Communication, Real-time Consumer-facing Chat, Real-Time Notifications, Reporting/Analytics, Transcripts/Chat History | Category rating: Rating from reviewers who used each product as Live Chat software, with the number of those reviews. Products are ranked by this rating, adjusted for how many reviews support it. For the complete directory, see [the full product list](#full-product-list). --- ## See top 10 product details ### 1. [Chatway](https://www.capterra.com/p/10014051/Chatway/) Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 (81 reviews) Category rating: 4.9 out of 5 (81 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting price: $39.00 Flat Rate, Per Month Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Included - File Sharing: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Multi-Channel Communication: Included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Included - Real-Time Notifications: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Included --- ### 2. [Slack](https://www.capterra.com/p/135003/Slack/) Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (24,244 reviews) Category rating: 4.8 out of 5 (603 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting price: $8.75 Per User, Per Month Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Included - File Sharing: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Multi-Channel Communication: Included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Included - Real-Time Notifications: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Included #### Pros based on reviews - Integrated team collaboration platform - Efficient workplace communication hub #### Cons based on reviews - Overwhelming and inconsistent notifications - Resource-heavy and slow performance --- ### 3. [EngageBay CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/178819/EngageBay-Marketing/) Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (912 reviews) Category rating: 4.8 out of 5 (52 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Quality of Support Starting price: $14.99 Per User, Per Month Free trial: Not available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Not included - File Sharing: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Multi-Channel Communication: Included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Included - Real-Time Notifications: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Included #### Pros based on reviews - Affordable all-in-one platform - Time-saving automation features #### Cons based on reviews - Occasional bugs and slowdowns - Email delivery and limits issues --- ### 4. [WhatsApp](https://www.capterra.com/p/180345/WhatsApp/) Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (16,488 reviews) Category rating: 4.7 out of 5 (2,684 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting price: Contact vendor Free trial: Not available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Included - File Sharing: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Multi-Channel Communication: Included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Included - Real-Time Notifications: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Not included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Not included #### Pros based on reviews - Global family connection platform - Cost-free communication solution #### Cons based on reviews - Restrictive file sharing limits - Ongoing privacy concerns --- ### 5. [Tidio](https://www.capterra.com/p/144040/Tidio-Chat/) Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (590 reviews) Category rating: 4.7 out of 5 (272 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting price: $24.17 Flat Rate, Per Month Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Included - File Sharing: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Multi-Channel Communication: Included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Included - Real-Time Notifications: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Included --- ### 6. [Broadly](https://www.capterra.com/p/161326/Broadly-Reviews/) Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 (336 reviews) Category rating: 4.7 out of 5 (69 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Setup Starting price: $249.00 Per Month Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Not included - File Sharing: Not included - Mobile Access: Not included - Multi-Channel Communication: Included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Included - Real-Time Notifications: Not included - Reporting/Analytics: Included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Not included --- ### 7. [Smartsupp](https://www.capterra.com/p/136251/Smartsupp-live-chat/) Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (343 reviews) Category rating: 4.7 out of 5 (73 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Setup Starting price: $17.00 Flat Rate, Per Month Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Included - File Sharing: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Multi-Channel Communication: Included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Included - Real-Time Notifications: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Included --- ### 8. [Zoho Desk](https://www.capterra.com/p/169505/Zoho-Desk/) Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (2,216 reviews) Category rating: 4.6 out of 5 (154 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Value for Money Starting price: $9.00 Per User, Per Month Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Included - File Sharing: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Multi-Channel Communication: Included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Included - Real-Time Notifications: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Included #### Pros based on reviews - Integrated team collaboration tools - Comprehensive workflow automation features #### Cons based on reviews - Email integration limitations and glitches - Occasional slow performance issues --- ### 9. [Salesforce Service Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/136189/Salesforce/) Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (833 reviews) Category rating: 4.6 out of 5 (50 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Functionality Starting price: $25.00 Per User, Per Month Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Included - File Sharing: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Multi-Channel Communication: Included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Included - Real-Time Notifications: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Included #### Pros based on reviews - Extensive platform customization options - Comprehensive organizational tracking tools #### Cons based on reviews - High cost for small businesses - Frequent glitches and technical errors --- ### 10. [Freshdesk](https://www.capterra.com/p/124981/Freshdesk/) Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (3,494 reviews) Category rating: 4.6 out of 5 (292 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting price: $19.00 Per User, Per Month Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Chat/Messaging: Included - File Sharing: Not included - Mobile Access: Not included - Multi-Channel Communication: Not included - Real-time Consumer-facing Chat: Not included - Real-Time Notifications: Not included - Reporting/Analytics: Not included - Third-Party Integrations: Included - Transcripts/Chat History: Not included #### Pros based on reviews - Effective team collaboration tools - Quick and flexible setup process #### Cons based on reviews - Recurring bugs and reliability concerns - Limited and inefficient email handling --- ## All live chat software with a free version [4.5 (3494)](https://www.capterra.com/p/124981/Freshdesk/reviews/) [Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/live-chat-software/shortlist/) Freshdesk is a modern, AI-powered customer service solution with enterprise capability without the enterprise complexity.  [Learn more about Freshdesk](https://www.capterra.com/p/124981/Freshdesk/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History 81% recommend this product [4.6 (49)](https://www.capterra.com/p/102230/Vision-Helpdesk/reviews/) Multi-Company Live Chat Software, Secure, Reliable Customer Engagement & Real-Time Customer Support. [Learn more about Vision Helpdesk](https://www.capterra.com/p/102230/Vision-Helpdesk/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History [4.6 (912)](https://www.capterra.com/p/178819/EngageBay-Marketing/reviews/) EngageBay is an AI-powered all-in-one CRM that helps businesses manage marketing, sales, and customer service from a single platform. [Learn more about EngageBay CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/178819/EngageBay-Marketing/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History 84% recommend this product Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. [## Slack](https://www.capterra.com/p/135003/Slack/) [4.7 (24244)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135003/Slack/reviews/) Slack is cloud-based software that unites people, projects, and tools, helping teams work efficiently with productivity & AI features. [Learn more about Slack](https://www.capterra.com/p/135003/Slack/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History 86% recommend this product [## WhatsApp](https://www.capterra.com/p/180345/WhatsApp/) [4.7 (16488)](https://www.capterra.com/p/180345/WhatsApp/reviews/) [Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/live-chat-software/shortlist/) WhatsApp helps businesses engage customers, boost sales, and enhance service through direct communication. [Learn more about WhatsApp](https://www.capterra.com/p/180345/WhatsApp/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History 89% recommend this product [## HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/) [4.5 (4493)](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/reviews/) HubSpot Smart CRM keeps your records current automatically, so your team can spend more time with buyers and less time on data entry. [Learn more about HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History [## Brevo](https://www.capterra.com/p/132996/brevo/) [4.6 (3528)](https://www.capterra.com/p/132996/brevo/reviews/) Cloud-based platform for email, SMS, and WhatsApp marketing with automation, CRM, live chat, transactional email, and loyalty program. [Learn more about Brevo](https://www.capterra.com/p/132996/brevo/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History 86% recommend this product [## Zoho Desk](https://www.capterra.com/p/169505/Zoho-Desk/) [4.5 (2216)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169505/Zoho-Desk/reviews/) Zoho Desk is a web-based customer service software equipped with an embeddable AI-powered chat widget for your website and app. [Learn more about Zoho Desk](https://www.capterra.com/p/169505/Zoho-Desk/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History [## Bitrix24](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/) [4.2 (1009)](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/reviews/) #1 free live chat and contact center software used by over 15 million companies. Also comes with free CRM and email marketing. [Learn more about Bitrix24](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History [## Salesforce Service Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/136189/Salesforce/) [4.5 (833)](https://www.capterra.com/p/136189/Salesforce/reviews/) [Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/live-chat-software/shortlist/) The worlds #1 customer service platform, empowers every service employee with the innovative tools, and unified data. [Learn more about Salesforce Service Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/136189/Salesforce/) Live Chat features reviewers most value Chat/Messaging File Sharing Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. Filter (271) Products: Sort By: Featured Partners * * * Plan Type Free Trial Popular 85% of professionals opt for a 30-day trial before the software purchase Other subsciption plans: Free Version Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription One-Time License Key Features All key features Popular We have selected the most important and critical features as defined by Capterra user reviews AI Copilot Autoresponders Canned Responses Chat/Messaging Customizable Branding File Sharing Generative AI Geotargeting Mobile Access Multi-Channel Communication Offline Form Proactive Chat Real-time Consumer-facing Chat Real-Time Notifications Reporting/Analytics Screen Sharing Support Ticket Management Third-Party Integrations Transcripts/Chat History Transfers/Routing Deployment Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based Desktop Mac Desktop Windows Desktop Linux On-Premise Windows On-Premise Linux Desktop Chromebook Mobile Android Mobile iPhone Mobile iPad Related Software Category: [Customer Service Software](https://www.capterra.com/customer-service-software/)[Help Desk Software](https://www.capterra.com/help-desk-software/)[Online CRM Software](https://www.capterra.com/online-crm-software/)[Sales Enablement Software](https://www.capterra.com/sales-enablement-software/)[Remote Work Software](https://www.capterra.com/remote-work-software/)[Contact Center Software](https://www.capterra.com/contact-center-software/) I'm looking for Live Chat Software that is: [For iPhone](https://www.capterra.com/live-chat-software/s/iphone/)[For Small Businesses](https://www.capterra.com/live-chat-software/s/small-businesses/)