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
Hiver takes the lead with a 4.4 rating and is best for teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving gmail. Crisp (4.3) is the better pick if you need small businesses wanting all-in-one customer messaging with flat, predictable pricing..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Crisp | Hiver |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.3(145) | ★★★★ 4.4(92) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $25/mo (Pro, 4 seats) | $19/user/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android, mac, windows | Web (Gmail), Chrome Extension |
| Learning Curve | easy | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting all-in-one customer messaging with flat, predictable pricing. | 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 | — | |
| Flat pricing (not per agent) | — | |
| Shared Inbox | — | |
| Ticket Assignment | — | |
| SLA Tracking | — | |
| Automation | — | |
| Analytics | — |
Crisp
Pros
- ✓Flat pricing eliminates per-agent cost anxiety
- ✓Clean, modern interface that is a pleasure to use
- ✓All-in-one includes chat, inbox, bot, KB, and CRM
Cons
- ✕Lacks enterprise features like advanced SLAs and compliance
- ✕Chatbot builder is less powerful than dedicated tools
- ✕Smaller integration ecosystem than Zendesk
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. Hiver edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.4 vs 4.3) and is the better choice for teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving gmail. However, if you prioritize small businesses wanting all-in-one customer messaging with flat, predictable pricing., Crisp is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.