Crisp vs Kayako — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Crisp and Kayako 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. Kayako (3.8) is the better pick if you need support teams wanting full customer journey visibility.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Crisp | Kayako |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(37) | ★★★★ 3.8(55) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | paid |
| Starter Price | $25/mo | $30/agent/mo |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android | web, ios, android |
| Learning Curve | easy | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small to mid-size businesses who want an affordable all-in-one customer messaging platform | Support teams wanting full customer journey visibility |
| Verdict | recommended | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Crisp | Kayako |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat widget | — | |
| Shared inbox | — | |
| Chatbot builder | — | |
| Knowledge base | — | |
| CRM built-in | — | |
| Multi-channel messaging | — | |
| Help desk | — | |
| Live chat | — | |
| Customer journey tracking | — | |
| Multi-channel support | — | |
| Automation | — |
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
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 Crisp and Kayako are solid tools in the Customer Support space. Crisp edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 3.8) 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 support teams wanting full customer journey visibility, Kayako is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.