Kayako vs Olark — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Kayako and Olark to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Olark takes the lead with a 4.0 rating and is best for small businesses wanting simple, accessible live chat without platform complexity.. Kayako (3.8) is the better pick if you need support teams wanting full customer journey visibility.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Kayako | Olark |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 3.8(55) | ★★★★ 4.0(123) |
| Pricing Model | paid | paid |
| Starter Price | $30/agent/mo | $29/seat/mo (Standard) |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | web |
| Learning Curve | medium | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Support teams wanting full customer journey visibility | Small businesses wanting simple, accessible live chat without platform complexity. |
| Verdict | situational | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Kayako | Olark |
|---|---|---|
| Help desk | — | |
| Live chat | — | |
| Customer journey tracking | — | |
| Multi-channel support | — | |
| Automation | — | |
| Customizable chat widget | — | |
| Automated messages | — | |
| Chat transcripts | — | |
| Team management | — | |
| ADA-compliant widget | — | |
| CRM integrations | — |
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
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 Kayako and Olark are solid tools in the Customer Support space. Olark edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.0 vs 3.8) and is the better choice for small businesses wanting simple, accessible live chat without platform complexity.. 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.