Hiver vs Olark — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Hiver and Olark 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. Olark (4.0) is the better pick if you need small businesses wanting simple, accessible live chat without platform complexity..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Hiver | Olark |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.4(92) | ★★★★ 4.0(123) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | paid |
| Starter Price | $19/user/mo | $29/seat/mo (Standard) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web (Gmail), Chrome Extension | web |
| Learning Curve | Easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving Gmail | Small businesses wanting simple, accessible live chat without platform complexity. |
| Verdict | Best Gmail Helpdesk | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Hiver | Olark |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Inbox | — | |
| Ticket Assignment | — | |
| SLA Tracking | — | |
| Automation | — | |
| Analytics | — | |
| Customizable chat widget | — | |
| Automated messages | — | |
| Chat transcripts | — | |
| Team management | — | |
| ADA-compliant widget | — | |
| CRM integrations | — |
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
Olark
Pros
- ✓One plan with no feature gating — refreshing transparency
- ✓ADA-compliant chat widget for accessibility
- ✓Simple setup without platform complexity
Cons
- ✕No free tier — must pay from day one
- ✕No chatbot or AI capabilities
- ✕Limited to live chat — not a full support platform
The Bottom Line
Both Hiver and Olark are solid tools in the Customer Support space. Hiver edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.4 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for teams wanting helpdesk features without leaving gmail. However, if you prioritize small businesses wanting simple, accessible live chat without platform complexity., Olark is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.