Chatwoot vs Kayako — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Chatwoot and Kayako to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Chatwoot takes the lead with a 4.1 rating and is best for teams wanting intercom-like support without per-agent pricing through self-hosting.. Kayako (3.8) is the better pick if you need support teams wanting full customer journey visibility.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Chatwoot | Kayako |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.1(89) | ★★★★ 3.8(55) |
| Pricing Model | open_source | paid |
| Starter Price | $19/agent/mo (Cloud Hacker) | $30/agent/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | web, ios, android |
| Learning Curve | medium | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Teams wanting Intercom-like support without per-agent pricing through self-hosting. | Support teams wanting full customer journey visibility |
| Verdict | situational | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Chatwoot | Kayako |
|---|---|---|
| Open source and self-hostable | — | |
| Multi-channel inbox | — | |
| Live chat widget | — | |
| Knowledge base | — | |
| Chatbot integration | — | |
| WhatsApp and social media support | — | |
| Help desk | — | |
| Live chat | — | |
| Customer journey tracking | — | |
| Multi-channel support | — | |
| Automation | — |
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
Kayako
Pros
- ✓Customer journey tracking is excellent
- ✓Unified multi-channel view
- ✓Mature and reliable
Cons
- ✕Expensive for small teams
- ✕UI feels dated
- ✕Setup takes time
The Bottom Line
Both Chatwoot and Kayako are solid tools in the Customer Support space. Chatwoot edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.1 vs 3.8) and is the better choice for teams wanting intercom-like support without per-agent pricing through self-hosting.. However, if you prioritize support teams wanting full customer journey visibility, Kayako is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.