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Helpshift vs Kayako — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Helpshift and Kayako to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
Helpshift takes the lead with a 4.0 rating and is best for mobile gaming and app companies with high ticket volumes. Kayako (3.8) is the better pick if you need support teams wanting full customer journey visibility.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Helpshift | Kayako |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.0(55) | ★★★★ 3.8(55) |
| Pricing Model | subscription | paid |
| Starter Price | Custom | $30/agent/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | iOS SDK, Android SDK, Web, Unity | web, ios, android |
| Learning Curve | Medium | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Mobile gaming and app companies with high ticket volumes | Support teams wanting full customer journey visibility |
| Verdict | Best Mobile Support SDK | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Helpshift | Kayako |
|---|---|---|
| In-App Support | — | |
| AI Bots | — | |
| Knowledge Base | — | |
| Issue Classification | — | |
| Analytics | — | |
| Help desk | — | |
| Live chat | — | |
| Customer journey tracking | — | |
| Multi-channel support | — | |
| Automation | — |
Helpshift
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for mobile
- ✓Handles massive scale
- ✓Strong Unity/gaming integration
Cons
- ✕Opaque pricing
- ✕Overkill for non-mobile businesses
- ✕Limited web support 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 Helpshift and Kayako are solid tools in the Customer Support space. Helpshift edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.0 vs 3.8) and is the better choice for mobile gaming and app companies with high ticket volumes. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Helpshift better than Kayako?▼
Helpshift scores higher overall with a 4.0 rating vs 3.8. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Helpshift is best for Mobile gaming and app companies with high ticket volumes, while Kayako is best for Support teams wanting full customer journey visibility.
Can I switch from Helpshift to Kayako?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Kayako offers trial options to help you evaluate the switch.
Which is more affordable, Helpshift or Kayako?▼
Helpshift starts at Custom, while Kayako starts at $30/agent/mo. Helpshift offers a free tier.