Chatwoot vs Gladly — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Chatwoot and Gladly to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Gladly takes the lead with a 4.7 rating and is best for dtc and consumer brands wanting premium support experiences. Chatwoot (4.1) is the better pick if you need teams wanting intercom-like support without per-agent pricing through self-hosting..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Chatwoot | Gladly |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.1(89) | ★★★★★ 4.7(58) |
| Pricing Model | open_source | subscription |
| Starter Price | $19/agent/mo (Cloud Hacker) | Custom (starts ~$150/agent/mo) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | Web |
| Learning Curve | medium | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Teams wanting Intercom-like support without per-agent pricing through self-hosting. | DTC and consumer brands wanting premium support experiences |
| Verdict | situational | Best for Consumer Brands |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Chatwoot | Gladly |
|---|---|---|
| Open source and self-hostable | — | |
| Multi-channel inbox | — | |
| Live chat widget | — | |
| Knowledge base | — | |
| Chatbot integration | — | |
| WhatsApp and social media support | — | |
| People-Centered | — | |
| Omnichannel | — | |
| AI Answers | — | |
| Task Management | — | |
| Knowledge Base | — |
Chatwoot
Pros
- ✓Free self-hosted with unlimited agents and conversations
- ✓Multi-channel support including WhatsApp and social
- ✓Open source with full data control
Cons
- ✕Self-hosting requires DevOps setup and maintenance
- ✕AI features less mature than Intercom Fin
- ✕Cloud pricing is not notably cheaper than alternatives
Gladly
Pros
- ✓People-first model is transformative
- ✓True omnichannel experience
- ✓Loved by agents and customers
Cons
- ✕Very expensive
- ✕Not ideal for B2B
- ✕Smaller integration ecosystem
The Bottom Line
Both Chatwoot and Gladly are solid tools in the Customer Support space. Gladly edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for dtc and consumer brands wanting premium support experiences. However, if you prioritize teams wanting intercom-like support without per-agent pricing through self-hosting., Chatwoot is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.