Front vs Hiver — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Front 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. Front (4.3) is the better pick if you need teams managing shared email inboxes who need collaboration without abandoning email..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Front | Hiver |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.3(178) | ★★★★ 4.4(92) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starter Price | $29/seat/mo (Growth) | $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 | Teams managing shared email inboxes who need collaboration without abandoning email. | Teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving Gmail |
| Verdict | recommended | Best Gmail Helpdesk |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Front | Hiver |
|---|---|---|
| Shared team inboxes | — | |
| Internal comments on emails | — | |
| Multi-channel (email, chat, SMS, social) | — | |
| Workflow automation | — | |
| Analytics and SLAs | — | |
| CRM integration | — | |
| Shared Inbox | — | |
| Ticket Assignment | — | |
| SLA Tracking | — | |
| Automation | — | |
| Analytics | — |
Front
Pros
- ✓Best collaborative email experience available
- ✓Internal comments eliminate forwarding and CC chaos
- ✓Multi-channel inbox handles email, chat, SMS, and social
Cons
- ✕Premium per-seat pricing at $29+/seat/mo
- ✕Not a traditional help desk with ticketing
- ✕Requires team adoption to see full benefits
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 Front 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 teams managing shared email inboxes who need collaboration without abandoning email., Front is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.