Live chat users are three times more likely to convert and typically have a 10 to 15% higher cart value. That’s a significant boost to your bottom line. Moreover, 42% of US online adults now consider live chat essential on retailer websites, up from 27% in 2019. These stats highlight the growing importance of integrating live chat into your WordPress site.

• Ease of use and integration with existing systems
• Customization options to match your site’s branding
• Automation and chatbot capabilities for handling simple queries
• Reporting and analytics to evaluate performance
• Multi-channel support for managing various communication channels
• Pricing and scalability to accommodate growth

By selecting a plugin that meets these criteria, you can enhance customer satisfaction, increase conversions, and drive growth. Let’s explore the top WordPress live chat plugins that can help you achieve these goals.

WordPress Live Chat Plugins Shortlist

Here’s the list of the best tools I’ll cover in this article:

• LiveChat
• Tidio
• tawk.to
• HubSpot Live Chat
• Support Board
• Userlike
• Sendinblue
• LiveAgent
• Olark
• Crisp

LiveChat

 

Best for: Businesses seeking robust live chat solutions with omnichannel support and advanced marketing automation.

Overview

LiveChat is a premium WordPress plugin renowned for its powerful live chat features, marketing tools, and multi-channel support. It allows businesses to engage with visitors in real-time, enhancing customer experience and conversion rates. LiveChat integrates with major platforms like WooCommerce and supports various communication channels such as WhatsApp Business and Messenger. The plugin offers customizable chat widgets, AI-powered chatbots, and real-time visitor monitoring, making it a comprehensive tool for customer support and sales optimization.

👍Pros

• Advanced Customization: LiveChat allows businesses to personalize their chat widgets with company logos and custom themes, enhancing brand identity and user experience.
• Omnichannel Support: It integrates with multiple communication channels, enabling businesses to engage with customers across different platforms.
• AI-Powered Chatbots: LiveChat includes AI-driven chatbots that can automate customer interactions, reducing the workload for human agents.
• Real-Time Monitoring: The plugin provides real-time visitor tracking, allowing businesses to proactively engage with potential customers based on their behavior or location.

👎Cons

• Cost: LiveChat is a premium service, which may be more expensive for small businesses compared to free or low-cost alternatives.
• Complexity: While feature-rich, LiveChat can be overwhelming for users who are not tech-savvy, requiring some time to fully understand and utilize all its capabilities.

Pricing and Integrations

LiveChat offers a range of pricing plans starting at $20 per month, making it suitable for businesses with varying budgets. It integrates seamlessly with major ecommerce platforms like WooCommerce and supports various third-party apps, enhancing its utility for businesses looking to streamline their customer support processes.

Customer Support

LiveChat provides comprehensive customer support through multiple channels, including web, desktop, and mobile applications. This ensures that businesses can manage their customer interactions efficiently across different devices and platforms.

 

Tidio

Best for: E-commerce businesses and small online stores seeking to enhance customer engagement and automate support with AI-driven chatbots.

Overview

Tidio is a comprehensive live chat solution designed to improve customer experience through live chat, AI chatbots, and multichannel communication. It offers a range of features to help businesses convert website visitors into loyal customers by providing immediate support and personalized interactions.

👍Pros

• AI-Powered Chatbots: Tidio’s Lyro AI chatbot can automatically answer up to 70% of customer questions, providing fast and personalized support without requiring extensive training.
• Multichannel Communication: Tidio allows businesses to manage live chat, email, and Messenger messages from a single panel, ensuring seamless communication across different platforms.
• Easy Integration: The plugin can be easily integrated with WordPress and other popular platforms like WooCommerce, making it a convenient choice for e-commerce sites.
• Customizable Widget: The live chat widget is fully customizable to match the website’s design and is mobile-friendly, ensuring a consistent user experience across devices.

👎Cons

• Limited Advanced Features in Free Version: While Tidio offers a free version, some advanced features may require a paid subscription, which could be a drawback for small businesses on a tight budget.
• Dependence on AI for Complex Queries: While the AI chatbot is effective for simple queries, more complex issues might require human intervention, which could lead to delays if not managed properly.

Key Features for Decision Making

When considering Tidio for your WordPress live chat needs, here are some key features to evaluate:

Feature	Description
Pricing	Offers a free version with basic features; paid plans provide additional functionalities like advanced chatbot capabilities and integrations.
Integrations	Supports integrations with popular marketing tools like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, and ActiveCampaign, as well as e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce.
Customer Support	Provides comprehensive support through email ticketing systems and live chat, ensuring that customer inquiries are addressed promptly.
Customization	Allows customization of the live chat widget to match the website’s design, enhancing user experience and brand consistency.
Mobile Compatibility	Offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, ensuring that businesses can manage customer interactions on-the-go.

 

tawk.to

Best for: Small businesses and e-commerce sites seeking a cost-effective, feature-rich live chat solution with unlimited agents.

Overview

tawk.to is a free live chat plugin designed to enhance customer engagement and communication on websites. It offers a wide range of features, including real-time monitoring, automated triggers, customizable widgets, and built-in ticketing systems. This platform allows businesses to interact with their customers effectively, providing a seamless experience through live chats and automated responses.

👍Pros

• Cost-Effectiveness: tawk.to is completely free, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce costs without compromising on features.
• Unlimited Agents and Chats: It supports an unlimited number of agents and chats, which is beneficial for growing businesses that need to handle a large volume of customer interactions.
• Customization and Integration: The platform offers extensive customization options and integrates with over 100 third-party services, allowing businesses to tailor the chat experience to their brand and existing systems.

👎Cons

• Branding Removal Costs: While the basic service is free, removing the tawk.to branding requires a paid upgrade, which might be a drawback for some users.
• Limited Advanced Features in Free Version: Some advanced features, like video and voice add-ons, are available as paid upgrades, which could limit the functionality for users relying solely on the free version.

Pricing and Integrations

tawk.to is free, with optional paid upgrades for additional features such as removing branding or adding video and voice capabilities. It integrates with over 100 services, making it versatile for businesses with diverse software ecosystems.

Customer Support

tawk.to provides support through its documentation and community forums. However, for more personalized support, users might need to rely on external resources or paid services.

Key Features Summary

Feature	Description
Real-Time Monitoring	Allows businesses to track visitor activity in real-time.
Automated Triggers	Sends personalized messages to visitors based on predefined conditions.
Customizable Widgets	Enables businesses to customize the appearance of the chat widget to match their brand.
Built-in Ticketing	Manages customer inquiries and issues through a ticketing system.
Unlimited Agents and Chats	Supports an unlimited number of agents and chats without additional costs.

 

HubSpot Live Chat

Best for: Businesses seeking to integrate live chat with comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities.

Overview

HubSpot Live Chat is part of the HubSpot CRM suite, offering a robust live chat solution that enhances customer engagement and satisfaction. It allows businesses to embed live chat widgets on their websites and social media channels, providing real-time messaging and automated responses through chatbots. HubSpot’s live chat feature is highly customizable, enabling businesses to tailor the chat experience to their brand and customer needs.

👍Pros

• Real-Time Engagement: HubSpot Live Chat enables businesses to engage with customers in real-time, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.
• Customization and Integration: The live chat widget can be customized to match the business’s branding, and it integrates seamlessly with other HubSpot tools, such as CRM and marketing automation.
• AI-Powered Tools: HubSpot offers AI-powered writing tools and chatbot builders, which help automate responses and personalize customer interactions.

👎Cons

• Complexity for Small Businesses: While HubSpot offers a free version, its full suite of features can be overwhelming for small businesses without extensive CRM needs.
• Cost for Advanced Features: Accessing all of HubSpot’s advanced features, including comprehensive CRM capabilities, requires a paid subscription.

Pricing and Integrations

HubSpot offers a free CRM version that includes basic live chat features. However, for more advanced CRM and marketing automation tools, businesses need to subscribe to one of HubSpot’s paid plans. HubSpot integrates well with its own suite of tools but may require additional setup for integration with external platforms.

Customer Support

HubSpot provides extensive customer support resources, including documentation, community forums, and direct support options for paid subscribers. However, the complexity of its platform might require more time to learn and set up for some users.

Key Features for WordPress Users

While HubSpot Live Chat is not specifically designed for WordPress, it can be integrated into any website, including those built on WordPress, by embedding the live chat widget into the site’s HTML. This allows WordPress users to leverage HubSpot’s CRM and live chat capabilities without needing a native WordPress plugin.

 

Support Board

Best for: Site owners who prioritize data security and prefer to host their live chat data on their own servers.

Overview

Support Board is a self-hosted live chat plugin designed for WordPress, offering a comprehensive solution for managing customer interactions. It integrates AI-driven chatbots and supports conversational marketing, making it ideal for businesses seeking to automate customer communication while maintaining control over their data.

👍Pros

• Data Security: Since Support Board is self-hosted, all chat data remains on your server, ensuring greater control and security over sensitive customer information.
• Multilingual Support: The plugin supports multiple languages, allowing businesses to cater to a diverse customer base.
• WooCommerce Integration: It seamlessly integrates with WooCommerce, enabling chatbots to provide product information and support directly from your store’s data.
• AI-Driven Features: Offers AI-powered chatbots and automated responses to streamline customer support and marketing efforts.

👎Cons

• Technical Requirements: As a self-hosted solution, it may require more technical expertise to set up and manage compared to cloud-based alternatives.
• Limited Scalability: While suitable for many small to medium-sized businesses, it might not be as scalable as cloud-based solutions for very large enterprises.

Key Features and Considerations

Integration and Compatibility

• WordPress Compatibility: Works seamlessly with WordPress, including multisite networks.
• WooCommerce Integration: Automates product inquiries and support using WooCommerce data.
• Mobile App Support: Offers mobile apps for Android and iOS to manage chats on-the-go.

Pricing and Support

• Pricing: Support Board offers a one-time purchase option, which can be cost-effective for businesses with long-term needs.
• Customer Support: Provides direct admin access and a comprehensive admin area for managing chats and agents.

Technical Requirements

• Server Requirements: Requires sufficient server resources to handle chat data and AI-driven features.
• Technical Expertise: May need more technical knowledge for setup and customization compared to cloud-based solutions.

 

Userlike

Best for: Companies seeking an all-in-one messaging solution with AI automation and GDPR compliance.

Overview

Userlike is a leading provider of live chat and service automation solutions, particularly popular in Germany. It offers a comprehensive WordPress plugin that enables site owners to engage with customers through live chat on their website and various messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. The platform includes features such as automatic customer profile building, AI-powered chatbots, and seamless integrations with other business tools.

👍Pros

• Comprehensive Messaging Solution: Userlike allows businesses to manage customer interactions across multiple channels from a single interface, making it easier to track and respond to customer inquiries.
• AI Automation: The AI Automation Hub enables the creation of AI-powered chatbots and smart FAQs, which can significantly reduce customer service costs and improve response times.
• GDPR Compliance: Userlike stores data on servers in Germany, ensuring high levels of data security and compliance with GDPR regulations.
• Customizable Messenger: The website messenger can be fully customized to match the design of your website, providing a seamless user experience.

👎Cons

• Cost for Advanced Features: While the basic plugin is free, accessing advanced features such as integrations with messaging apps requires a paid plan, which might be a barrier for small businesses on a tight budget.
• Steep Learning Curve: Setting up and fully utilizing all the features, especially the AI automation tools, can require some technical expertise and time.

Pricing and Integrations

Userlike offers a free plan with basic features, but for more advanced functionalities, businesses need to upgrade to a paid plan starting at $90 per month. The platform integrates well with popular business tools like Salesforce and Slack, enhancing its utility for larger teams.

Key Features

Feature	Description
Message Center	Central hub for managing all customer chats across different channels.
AI Automation Hub	Allows creation of AI-powered chatbots and smart FAQs for automated customer support.
Integrations	Supports integrations with WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Email, Threema, and SMS.
Live Translation	Enables live translation in over 26 languages for global customer support.
Customer Profiles	Automatically builds customer profiles based on available information.

 

Sendinblue

Best for: Businesses seeking a comprehensive solution that integrates live chat with robust marketing automation tools.

Overview

Sendinblue is a versatile platform that offers a range of services, including live chat, email marketing, and SMS messaging. It provides businesses with the ability to engage customers through multiple channels, enhancing customer service and sales opportunities. Sendinblue’s live chat feature can be easily integrated into websites, allowing businesses to manage customer interactions efficiently.

👍Pros

• Comprehensive Communication Suite: Sendinblue combines live chat with email marketing and automation tools, making it a one-stop solution for businesses looking to streamline their customer communication.
• Easy Integration: The live chat widget can be easily added to websites using a simple embed code, making it accessible even for non-technical users.
• Customizable Chat Box: The chat box can be customized to match a website’s branding, ensuring a seamless user experience.
• Advanced Reporting: Sendinblue provides detailed chat reports that help businesses analyze customer interactions and improve their support services.

👎Cons

• Limited Free Features: While Sendinblue offers a free plan, it is limited in terms of features and scalability compared to premium plans.
• Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Some users may find the advanced marketing automation features complex to set up and manage.

Additional Considerations

Pricing

Sendinblue’s pricing for live chat starts at $25 per month for chat-enabled plans. This includes access to a range of marketing automation tools, making it a cost-effective option for businesses looking for an integrated solution.

Integrations

Sendinblue integrates with popular CRMs like Salesforce and Highrise, as well as helpdesk platforms such as Zendesk. This allows businesses to manage customer data and support tickets efficiently across different systems.

Customer Support

Sendinblue offers support through various channels, including email and phone. However, some users have reported that the support could be more responsive and comprehensive, especially for complex issues.

Features Comparison

Feature	Description
Live Chat	Real-time customer support with customizable chat boxes
Marketing Automation	Automated email and SMS campaigns for enhanced customer engagement
CRM Integration	Seamless integration with popular CRM systems
Reporting	Detailed analytics for chat interactions and customer satisfaction

 

LiveAgent

Best for: Businesses seeking a comprehensive customer support solution with multiple communication channels and advanced features.

Overview

LiveAgent is a multi-channel help desk software that integrates live chat, ticketing systems, call centers, and knowledge bases into a unified platform. It supports various communication channels, including emails, chats, calls, and social media messages, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking to streamline their customer support operations.

👍Pros

• Universal Inbox: LiveAgent’s universal inbox consolidates all customer interactions into a single view, simplifying the management of multiple communication channels.
• Hybrid Ticketing System: It provides a comprehensive ticket stream that combines messages from different channels, ensuring that all customer interactions are tracked and managed efficiently.
• Fast Live Chat: LiveAgent boasts the fastest chat widget on the market, allowing real-time customer engagement and support.
• Customization and Integration: The chat widgets are fully customizable, and LiveAgent integrates with various platforms, including WordPress, Shopify, and Magento.

👎Cons

• Complexity: The extensive feature set can be overwhelming for small businesses or those with simple support needs.
• Cost: While there is a free version, the full range of features requires a paid subscription, which may not be cost-effective for all users.

Pricing and Plans

LiveAgent offers a free version with limited features, as well as several paid plans starting at $15/month. The paid plans provide additional features such as social media integrations, advanced reporting, and multibrand support.

Integrations

LiveAgent supports integration with multiple platforms, including WordPress, Shopify, and Magento. It also offers social media integrations with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Customer Support

LiveAgent provides 24-hour customer service, including live chat, phone support, and email support. Additionally, it offers a knowledge base and customer forums for self-service support.

Mobile Accessibility

LiveAgent offers both iOS and Android mobile apps, allowing businesses to manage customer support on the go.

 

Olark

Best for: E-commerce businesses and small enterprises seeking to enhance customer engagement and sales through real-time live chat interactions.

Overview

Olark is a live chat service designed to integrate seamlessly with WordPress, offering features like custom pre-chat forms, triggered messages, and offline messaging. It provides detailed chat metrics, allowing businesses to gain actionable insights into customer interactions. The Olark WordPress plugin is free to install, but the service itself is paid based on the number of chat agents required.

👍Pros

• Real-time Visitor Monitoring: Olark allows businesses to monitor visitors in real-time, enabling proactive engagement and timely assistance.
• Customizable Chatbox: The chat window can be customized to match brand colors, ensuring a consistent user experience.
• Integration with E-commerce Platforms: Olark integrates well with WooCommerce, providing features like cart visibility to help agents assist customers more effectively.
• Automated Rules and Messages: Businesses can configure automation rules and send custom messages based on visitor behavior, streamlining customer service processes.

👎Cons

• Cost: While the plugin is free, the service requires a paid subscription based on the number of agents, which can be costly for larger teams.
• Limited Free Trial: The free trial period is limited, which might not be sufficient for all businesses to fully evaluate the service.

Pricing and Plans

Olark offers a free 14-day trial, after which businesses need to subscribe to one of their plans based on the number of chat agents required. The pricing structure is not explicitly detailed on their website, but it generally scales with the number of agents.

Integrations

Olark integrates with various tools, including CRM systems, email services, and e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce. This integration allows for seamless data exchange and enhanced customer insights.

Customer Support

Olark provides rapid support through live chat, Twitter, email, and a comprehensive Help Center. This ensures that users can quickly resolve any issues or questions they may have about the service.

 

Crisp

Best for: Small businesses and e-commerce stores seeking a free, feature-rich live chat solution for customer engagement and lead generation.

Overview

Crisp is a versatile live chat plugin designed for WordPress sites, offering a comprehensive suite of features that include live chat, chatbots, real-time notifications, and more. It is particularly noted for its ease of use and the ability to enhance customer relationships without requiring developer assistance. Crisp also supports email list building and lead generation, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to grow their customer base.

👍Pros

• Free and Unlimited: Crisp provides a free live chat service with no limitations on the number of chats, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes.
• Lead Generation and Email List Building: It allows businesses to capture emails and phone numbers, helping to enrich their marketing databases.
• Chatbot Integration: Crisp offers a no-code chatbot builder, enabling businesses to automate customer interactions and improve response times.
• Multi-Channel Support: Beyond website integration, Crisp supports chatbots on platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger.

👎Cons

• Limited Advanced Features in Free Version: While Crisp offers a robust free version, some advanced features may require upgrading to a paid plan.
• Dependence on Plugins for Extra Functionality: Additional features like auto-responders require installing plugins, which can add complexity.

Pricing and Integrations

Crisp offers a free plan with unlimited chats, making it highly accessible. For more advanced features, businesses can upgrade to paid plans. Crisp integrates well with various platforms, including Slack, and supports multiple channels for chatbot deployment.

Customer Support

Crisp provides a help desk feature within its platform, allowing businesses to manage customer inquiries efficiently. Additionally, it offers educational resources to help users maximize the plugin’s capabilities.

Key Features Comparison

Feature	Description
Live Chat	Real-time customer interaction with support for mobile and desktop apps.
Chatbot	No-code builder for automating customer conversations.
Multi-Channel Support	Integration with WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and more.
Email List Building	Capture emails and phone numbers to enhance marketing databases.
Help Desk	Manage customer inquiries and support tickets within the platform.

Conclusion

Choosing the right WordPress live chat plugin can significantly impact your customer engagement and sales. From free options like tawk.to and Crisp to comprehensive solutions like LiveChat and HubSpot Live Chat, there’s a plugin to suit every business need and budget. Consider your specific requirements, such as customization options, integration capabilities, and scalability, when making your choice. Remember, the best plugin for you is one that aligns with your business goals and provides a seamless experience for both your team and your customers. By implementing the right live chat solution, you can enhance customer satisfaction, increase conversions, and ultimately drive your business growth.