VS
Hiver vs LiveChat — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Hiver and LiveChat 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. LiveChat (4.3) is the better pick if you need teams where live chat is the primary customer support channel..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Hiver | LiveChat |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.4(92) | ★★★★ 4.3(234) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | paid |
| Starter Price | $19/user/mo | $24/agent/mo (Starter) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web (Gmail), Chrome Extension | web, ios, android, mac, windows |
| Learning Curve | Easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving Gmail | Teams where live chat is the primary customer support channel. |
| Verdict | Best Gmail Helpdesk | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Hiver | LiveChat |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Inbox | — | |
| Ticket Assignment | — | |
| SLA Tracking | — | |
| Automation | — | |
| Analytics | — | |
| Customizable chat widget | — | |
| Canned responses | — | |
| Chat transfers and routing | — | |
| File sharing in chat | — | |
| Visitor tracking | — | |
| Reporting and analytics | — |
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
LiveChat
Pros
- ✓Most polished live chat experience for agents and customers
- ✓Extensive customization for the chat widget
- ✓Focused product that does chat exceptionally well
Cons
- ✕Chat-only — not a complete support platform
- ✕Per-agent pricing without a free tier
- ✕Requires separate tools for ticketing and knowledge base
The Bottom Line
Both Hiver and LiveChat 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 where live chat is the primary customer support channel., LiveChat is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hiver better than LiveChat?▼
Hiver scores higher overall with a 4.4 rating vs 4.3. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Hiver is best for Teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving Gmail, while LiveChat is best for Teams where live chat is the primary customer support channel..
Can I switch from Hiver to LiveChat?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. LiveChat offers a free tier to test before committing.
Which is more affordable, Hiver or LiveChat?▼
Hiver starts at $19/user/mo, while LiveChat starts at $24/agent/mo (Starter). Hiver offers a free tier. LiveChat offers a free tier.