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Drift vs Hiver — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Drift and Hiver to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
Hiver takes the lead with a 4.4 rating and is best for teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving gmail. Drift (4.2) is the better pick if you need b2b companies wanting to convert website visitors into pipeline.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Drift | Hiver |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.2(130) | ★★★★ 4.4(92) |
| Pricing Model | subscription | freemium |
| Starter Price | Custom | $19/user/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web | Web (Gmail), Chrome Extension |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | B2B companies wanting to convert website visitors into pipeline | Teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving Gmail |
| Verdict | Best Conversational Marketing | Best Gmail Helpdesk |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Drift | Hiver |
|---|---|---|
| AI Chatbots | — | |
| Live Chat | — | |
| Meeting Scheduling | — | |
| Account Targeting | — | |
| Revenue Orchestration | — | |
| Shared Inbox | — | |
| Ticket Assignment | — | |
| SLA Tracking | — | |
| Automation | — | |
| Analytics | — |
Drift
Pros
- ✓Excellent lead qualification bots
- ✓Account-based targeting
- ✓Strong Salesforce integration
Cons
- ✕Expensive
- ✕Future unclear post-Salesloft acquisition
- ✕Can be overwhelming to configure
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 Drift and Hiver are solid tools in the Customer Support space. Hiver edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.4 vs 4.2) and is the better choice for teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving gmail. However, if you prioritize b2b companies wanting to convert website visitors into pipeline, Drift is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drift better than Hiver?▼
Hiver scores higher overall with a 4.4 rating vs 4.2. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Drift is best for B2B companies wanting to convert website visitors into pipeline, while Hiver is best for Teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving Gmail.
Can I switch from Drift to Hiver?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Hiver offers a free tier to test before committing.
Which is more affordable, Drift or Hiver?▼
Drift starts at Custom, while Hiver starts at $19/user/mo. Drift offers a free tier. Hiver offers a free tier.