NEWJoin 2M+ software buyers|Get Weekly Insights, Trends & Expert PicksSubscribe free →

Last updated:

Best Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) Alternatives for Windows — 12 Compared in 2026

Explore 12 alternatives to Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) — vetted by our editors with real user reviews, pricing, and feature comparisons.

Best Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) alternatives, ranked and compared

Quick answer

The quick answer: the best Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) alternatives are Olark, Smartsupp and ProProfs Chat. Olark tops the list with a SpotScore of 9.4 and a 4.31★ rating. Compare all 12 on score, rating, and pricing below.

A tool that fits one team can frustrate another, so if Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) is frustrating yours, these 12 live chat software alternatives are worth a look. We rank them by SpotScore, which combines verified user satisfaction with market presence, then ratings and pricing. The table gives a quick side-by-side; the sections below explain each pick.

ProductSpotScoreRatingPricingBest for
OlarkConnect with customers. Streamline communication. Boost conversions.9.4★★★★ 4.31(250)FreeFree Trial · Quotation Basedteams of all sizes
SmartsuppImprove customer satisfaction with real-time chat.9.3★★★★★ 4.68(410)Freefrom $10 /User/Monthteams of all sizes
ProProfs ChatStreamline chat support and increase customer engagement.8.9★★★★ 4.45(70)Freefrom $10 /User/Monthteams of all sizes
Re:plainInstantly connect and engage with website visitors.8.3★★★★★ 4.7(5)Freefrom $3.99small & mid-size businesses
ZoomInfo ChatTransform your website chats into valuable connections.8.2Not yet ratedQuotation Basedteams of all sizes
IntercomBoost your sales, keep your customers, and grow.9.8★★★★★ 4.55(2496)Subscription · Quotation Basedteams of all sizes
LiveChatStreamline customer support and boost satisfaction with LiveChat.9.8★★★★ 4.35(791)FreeFree Trial · Subscription · Quotation Basedteams of all sizes
LiveAgentConnect with your customers on all channels.9.8★★★★★ 4.67(870)FreeFree Trial · Freemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
tawk.toEngage with customers in real-time, effortlessly.9.7★★★★ 3.92(274)teams of all sizes
CrispTransforming customer conversations, one click at a time.9.7★★★★ 4.47(140)FreeFree Trial · Freemium · Subscriptionsmall & mid-size businesses
JivoChatConnect and convert with JivoChat.9.6★★★★ 3.93(92)FreeFree Trial · Freemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
BirdEyeManage your reputation like a pro.9.6★★★★★ 4.93(1957)FreeFree Trial · Quotation Basedteams of all sizes

9.4

SpotScore

Olark - Live Chat Software

Olark

Connect with customers. Streamline communication. Boost conversions.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is Olark?

Olark is the ultimate chat software for your brand. It allows you to connect with your customers through automated messages and live chatting. With an easy-to-use interface, Olark offers features like automated messaging, comprehensive visitor insights, and custom pre-chat surveys. Keep track ...

Read more about Olark
Free Trial·

Olark offers custom pricing plan

9.3

SpotScore

Smartsupp - Live Chat Software

Smartsupp

Improve customer satisfaction with real-time chat.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

Add to compare

What is Smartsupp?

Smartsupp is a live chat platform that lets website operators engage visitors in real time, with visibility into screen views, clicks, and cursor movements to understand browsing behavior. Operators can customize the chat widget appearance and position to match their brand and stay connected ...

Read more about Smartsupp

8.9

SpotScore

ProProfs Chat - Live Chat Software

ProProfs Chat

Streamline chat support and increase customer engagement.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is ProProfs Chat?

ProProfs Chat helps your chat representatives easily engage with customers using predefined messages, ensuring that no potential clients are missed. With the added feature of operator-to-operator chat, new representatives can learn from experienced ones, while customizable chat windows and ...

Read more about ProProfs Chat
Free Trial·

ProProfs Chat offers custom pricing plan

Spotsaas Ads

Want your product up here? Put it in front of buyers the moment they're comparing your category.

Reach in-market buyersRank above rivals2M+ buyers a year

8.3

SpotScore

Re:plain - Live Chat Software

Re:plain

Instantly connect and engage with website visitors.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is Re:plain?

Enhance your online communication and support with Re:plain, the ultimate web-chat service provider. This platform integrates with popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram, allowing you to capture more leads and engage with website visitors in real time. With ...

Read more about Re:plain
Free Trial

8.2

SpotScore

ZoomInfo Chat - Live Chat Software

ZoomInfo Chat

RECOMMENDED

Transform your website chats into valuable connections.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Add to compare

What is ZoomInfo Chat?

Transform the way you build relationships with ZoomInfo Chat. This innovative platform enables you to quickly create valuable conversations with your website visitors in just a few clicks. With personalized AI-driven experiences, you can engage with potential leads and efficiently route ...

Read more about ZoomInfo Chat

ZoomInfo Chat offers custom pricing plan

9.8

SpotScore

Intercom - Live Chat Software

Intercom

Boost your sales, keep your customers, and grow.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

See Plans & Pricing

Add to compare

watch-demo

Watch Demo

What is Intercom?

Intercom, a sales, marketing, and support software, is designed to boost your customer acquisition and retention efforts. By utilizing its chat and bot features, you can efficiently qualify, route, and convert leads, resulting in faster sales and improved lead generation. Engage customers with ...

Read more about Intercom

Starts from $59/Month

9.8

SpotScore

LiveChat - Live Chat Software

LiveChat

Streamline customer support and boost satisfaction with LiveChat.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is LiveChat?

Introducing LiveChat, an advanced live chat software that offers a range of features to enhance communication between businesses and their customers. With a user base of over 23,000 companies across 150 countries, including the ability to view customers' messages in real-time, prepare canned ...

Read more about LiveChat
Free Trial·

Starts from $16/User/Month when Billed Yearly

9.8

SpotScore

LiveAgent - Help Desk Software

LiveAgent

Connect with your customers on all channels.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is LiveAgent?

LiveAgent is online support software that gives users the freedom to talk with their customers, manage projects and deliver live chat, e‑mail and phone support. It's mobile‑enabled too so it doesn't matter where customers are based, users be able to connect with them seamlessly. LiveAgent ...

Read more about LiveAgent
Free Trial·

Starts from $15/User/Month, also offers free forever plan

9.7

SpotScore

tawk.to - Live Chat Software

tawk.to

Engage with customers in real-time, effortlessly.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Get Pricing Details

Add to compare

What is tawk.to?

tawk.to is a free live chat and messaging platform that lets businesses monitor and respond to customer inquiries and support tickets from a central dashboard. It includes FAQs, knowledge base articles, and quick-reply shortcuts to help teams respond faster, along with real-time visitor ...

Read more about tawk.to

9.7

SpotScore

Crisp - Live Chat Software

Crisp

Transforming customer conversations, one click at a time.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is Crisp?

Introducing Crisp, the ultimate live chat software that adds a personal touch to your conversations with visitors. With a wide range of tools and features, Crisp helps you turn visitors into loyal customers. From the ability to add emojis and files, to the Magic Browse feature that provides a ...

Read more about Crisp
Free Trial·

Starts from $25/User/Month, also offers free forever plan

9.6

SpotScore

JivoChat - Live Chat Software

JivoChat

Connect and convert with JivoChat.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is JivoChat?

JivoChat, a must-have for any e-commerce company, is a powerful communication tool that allows businesses to generate revenue by connecting with clients from anywhere. Through its intuitive interface, JivoChat seamlessly integrates various channels such as email, live chat, Facebook messaging, ...

Read more about JivoChat
Free Trial·

Starts from $13/User/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

9.6

SpotScore

BirdEye - Reputation Management Software

BirdEye

Manage your reputation like a pro.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is BirdEye?

BirdEye's reputation management software provides the tools to monitor, respond and resolve online customer reviews. It empowers businesses to own their online reviews and provide the most accurate, real-time picture of their reputation. BirdEye makes it easy to proactively monitor online ...

Read more about BirdEye
Free Trial·

BirdEye offers custom pricing plan

Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) competitors, compared

There are 12 direct Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) competitors in Live Chat Software. The ones that come up most often are Olark, Smartsupp and ProProfs Chat. Each is compared against Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) on rating, pricing and feature coverage below.

Sites and apps like Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat)

Searches for "sites like Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat)" and "apps like Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat)" land on the same shortlist as "Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) alternatives" — the 12 options below cover both, whether you want a like-for-like replacement or something lighter.

What each tool does well

Olark9.4Best for teams of all sizes

Straightforward and easy to use interface, facilitating quick setup and adoption for both users and customers.

Watch for: Lack of advanced features and integrations, limiting functionalities for advanced users/organizations.

Smartsupp9.3Best for teams of all sizes

Easy to use and customize, saving time and improving customer interactions.

Watch for: Some users find the setup and notifications on the mobile app challenging, leading to missed customer interactions.

ProProfs Chat8.9Best for teams of all sizes

Predefined messages for efficiency

Watch for: Limited integrations

Re:plain8.3Best for small & mid-size businesses

Integrates with popular messaging apps

Watch for: Limited to messaging apps

ZoomInfo Chat8.2Best for teams of all sizes

AI-driven experiences

Watch for: May require technical setup

Intercom9.8Best for teams of all sizes

Easy-to-navigate interface that makes it easy to navigate and use.

Watch for: Some users may find the richness of features and customization options overwhelming without proper guidance.

LiveChat9.8Best for teams of all sizes

Integration capabilities with third-party software tools, enhancing customer engagement and marketing efforts.

Watch for: Limited number of active accounts, hindering flexibility during certain periods of high volume.

LiveAgent9.8Best for teams of all sizes

Multi-channel support across channels

Watch for: Can be overwhelming for new users

tawk.to9.7Best for teams of all sizes

User-friendly and cost-effective, offering easy setup and customization options.

Watch for: Inconsistent customer support and difficulty in obtaining refunds, especially after canceling services.

Crisp9.7Best for small & mid-size businesses

Responsive and helpful customer support team, providing prompt assistance and solutions.

Watch for: Some users experienced complexities when navigating through various options, indicating potential navigation challenges.

JivoChat9.6Best for teams of all sizes

Easy to use and integrate with various systems, making it convenient for businesses to connect with customers.

Watch for: Poor customer support with delayed responses and unresolved issues, impacting user satisfaction and experience.

BirdEye9.6Best for teams of all sizes

Exceptional support team that guides users step-by-step and ensures they feel in control.

Watch for: The richness of features may be overwhelming for new users without adequate support.

Why teams look for a Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) alternative

Here's what tends to push teams toward a Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) alternative:

  • Limited Marketplace options for additional apps and connectors, restricting advanced functionality expansion.
  • Depth of features and customizations can be complex for new users without adequate onboarding or guidance.

What makes a good Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) replacement

By the numbers, these 12 live chat software alternatives shake out as follows: 9 offer a free tier; paid plans run $3.99–$10, with Re:plain the cheapest entry point; and BirdEye is the highest rated at 4.93 across 1957 reviews.

What drives the order.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Stuck on something? We're here to help with all the questions and answers in one place.

The top-rated alternatives to Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) are BirdEye (4.9★), Re:plain (4.7★), Smartsupp (4.7★). Compare all 12 alternatives side-by-side above.

When evaluating alternatives to Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat), prioritize: Visitor Targeting, Transfers, Shortcut Messages, Persistent Chat, Offline Form, transparent pricing, free trial availability, and integrations with your existing tools. Use the filters above to compare by feature, budget, and team size.

Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) starts from $19 /agent/month. Many alternatives offer similar functionality at different price points — some with free tiers, others with more flexible per-seat pricing. Use the filters above to narrow by budget.

Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) is integrated into your workflows. Most alternatives offer data export/import tools and dedicated onboarding support. We recommend narrowing to 2–3 options, running a free trial, and checking each vendor's migration guides before committing.

The right Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) alternative for your situation

  • On a budget / just exploring: start with a free tier — Olark, Smartsupp and ProProfs Chat let you evaluate without paying upfront.
  • If real-user ratings matter most: BirdEye has the strongest star rating (4.93★) among the options with verified reviews.
  • Want the safest pick: Olark has the highest Spotsaas Score (9.4) in this list — a strong default if you're unsure.

How to move on from Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat)

A safe move off Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) starts with the basics: export your data and test the import into your new tool. Make sure the workflows you depend on are covered, run a short pilot, and keep Freshdesk Messaging (Formerly Freshchat) active until the migration is finished. Free tiers above make trialing easy.

Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].