Crisp vs Hiver — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Crisp and Hiver to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Crisp takes the lead with a 4.7 rating and is best for small to mid-size businesses who want an affordable all-in-one customer messaging platform. Hiver (4.4) is the better pick if you need teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving gmail.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Crisp | Hiver |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(37) | ★★★★ 4.4(92) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $25/mo | $19/user/mo |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android | Web (Gmail), Chrome Extension |
| Learning Curve | easy | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small to mid-size businesses who want an affordable all-in-one customer messaging platform | Teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving Gmail |
| Verdict | recommended | Best Gmail Helpdesk |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Crisp | Hiver |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat widget | — | |
| Shared inbox | — | |
| Chatbot builder | — | |
| Knowledge base | — | |
| CRM built-in | — | |
| Multi-channel messaging | — | |
| Shared Inbox | — | |
| Ticket Assignment | — | |
| SLA Tracking | — | |
| Automation | — | |
| Analytics | — |
Crisp
Pros
- ✓Excellent value for features
- ✓All-in-one messaging
- ✓Good free tier
- ✓Multi-channel support
Cons
- ✕Less AI automation than Intercom
- ✕Chatbot builder is basic
- ✕Limited enterprise features
Hiver
Pros
- ✓Works entirely inside Gmail
- ✓Zero learning curve
- ✓Affordable pricing
Cons
- ✕Gmail-only
- ✕Limited features vs full helpdesks
- ✕Not ideal for high-volume support
The Bottom Line
Both Crisp and Hiver are solid tools in the Customer Support space. Crisp edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and is the better choice for small to mid-size businesses who want an affordable all-in-one customer messaging platform. However, if you prioritize teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving gmail, Hiver is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.