If you’re looking for the best Shopify chat apps to add live chat to your Shopify store, you’re in the right place. With so many options out there, choosing the right live chat app for Shopify can feel overwhelming. So, which ones are worth your time in 2024? We’ve narrowed it down to the 9 best live chat apps that help boost your customer experience, increase sales, and improve your store’s customer support.
In this guide, we’ll cover a variety of Shopify chat apps, including free and paid options, and highlight how each app can benefit your Shopify store. Whether you’re looking for a free live chat app or a premium solution with more advanced features like chatbots and customer engagement tools, this list has something for everyone.
Want to add a live chat widget to your store and start interacting with your customers instantly? Let’s dive into the top live chat apps for Shopify in 2024.
Why Adding a Live Chat to Your Shopify Store Matters in 2024
In today’s fast-paced eCommerce world, live chat isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Adding a live chat app to your Shopify store helps you provide instant support, answer customer questions in real time, and even increase sales. Whether it’s resolving an issue or guiding customers through a purchase, live chat for Shopify boosts customer satisfaction and improves your overall customer support experience.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding a live chat widget to your Shopify store:
- Real-Time Support: Customers love getting instant answers to their questions. A live chat app allows your support team to provide real-time customer support, which can make all the difference in completing a sale.
- Improved Customer Experience: Live chat can help you enhance the customer experience by offering fast, convenient support directly on your store. This keeps customers engaged and happy.
- Boost Sales: Studies show that live chat increases conversion rates. Customers who engage with chat support are more likely to make a purchase.
- Competitive Advantage: Adding a live chat solution for Shopify gives you an edge over competitors who may rely solely on email or phone support.
9 Best Shopify Chat Apps to Enhance Customer Experience
1. Tidio – Best Shopify Live Chat App for Quick Setup
When it comes to getting started quickly with live chat on your Shopify store, Tidio is one of the best options. It offers a free plan that’s perfect for small businesses and a premium tier for larger stores looking for more advanced features. Tidio live chat is known for its simplicity and ease of setup, making it a top choice for Shopify users who want to integrate chat without hassle.
Key Features:
- Real-time chat with visitors and automated messages to handle common questions.
- AI-powered chatbot to offer support even when your support agents are offline.
- Multichannel communication—Tidio doesn’t just offer live chat but also supports email and Messenger integration.
- Customization options to match your store’s branding.
- Mobile app for managing chat on the go, ensuring you never miss a customer inquiry.
Tidio live chat is designed to help you connect with Shopify store visitors instantly, enhancing the customer experience and offering a smooth communication flow. The app also allows you to see who is browsing your site in real time, so you can proactively engage them via a live chat widget.
Pricing:
- Free plan: Offers basic live chat features with limited automation.
- Paid plans: Start at $29/month for more advanced automation and chatbot options.
For store owners who want a free Shopify live chat app with easy integration and scalability, Tidio is a fantastic choice in 2024.
2. Gorgias – Best Live Chat App for Shopify Stores Offering Advanced Support
If your store needs robust customer support and deeper integrations, Gorgias is the live chat app you should consider. Known for being more than just a live chat tool, Gorgias integrates customer support with social media, email, and chat in one place. This app is ideal for Shopify stores that handle a high volume of customer inquiries and need a more powerful support system.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel support: Manage customer interactions from live chat, email, phone, and social media in a single dashboard.
- Automation tools: Automate common responses to frequently asked questions, saving time for your support agents.
- Shopify integration: Directly integrates with Shopify to pull in customer data, like order status and shipping details, into chat conversations.
- Customizable chat: You can customize the chat feature to match your store’s branding and workflow needs.
- Proactive chat: Engage with visitors in real-time to improve conversion rates and offer quick solutions.
Gorgias is not just about live chat; it’s a full-fledged help desk solution. You can even set up rules for automated responses, which is great for handling repetitive queries. This is particularly useful for stores with a large support team or stores looking to scale their customer support capabilities.
Pricing:
- Starts at $10/month, scaling up based on the volume of tickets and users.
- Free trial: Available for new users to test out all features.
For Shopify store owners who need an advanced support app with more than just chat capabilities, Gorgias is one of the best Shopify live chat apps in 2024.
3. LiveChat – Top Choice for Comprehensive Customer Experience
If you’re looking for a live chat app that does more than just basic chat, LiveChat is a strong contender. It’s one of the best Shopify live chat apps for those who want a comprehensive tool that combines live chat with customer engagement features like CRM integration, analytics, and customizable chat options.
LiveChat helps you create a seamless communication experience for your Shopify store by allowing you to interact with customers, track their behavior, and offer support in real-time.
Key Features:
- CRM and ticketing integration: Automatically turn chats into support tickets or sales leads and manage them within a unified dashboard.
- Chat widget: Fully customizable to match your store’s design and branding.
- Chat triggers: Set automated messages to proactively engage with visitors, which can help with boosting customer engagement and sales.
- Analytics dashboard: Get detailed insights into chat performance, response times, and customer satisfaction.
- Multi-language support: Perfect for stores with a global audience, offering chat support in different languages.
LiveChat is ideal for Shopify store owners who need advanced live chat software to handle both customer support and sales inquiries. The real-time chat functionality helps store owners respond to shopify store visitors quickly, while the analytics ensure that you are always improving your support strategy.
Pricing:
- Starts at $20/month per agent.
- Offers a free trial for new users to explore all features.
If you’re looking for a live chat solution for Shopify that offers a complete package of chat support, CRM, and automation, LiveChat is one of the best live chat apps in 2024.
4. Zendesk Chat – A Shopify Chat App for Support & Ticketing
Zendesk Chat is another top contender for Shopify stores that require a more organized and scalable customer support system. It’s widely known for its excellent customer support software, which integrates live chat with a full help desk solution. This makes Zendesk perfect for stores that need both real-time live chat and long-term ticketing support.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel support: Handle conversations from live chat, email, social media, and more, all in one platform.
- Chat routing: Automatically route chats to the right support agents, improving response times and customer satisfaction.
- Proactive chat: Engage customers while they browse, offering help when they need it most.
- Deep integration with Shopify: Pull customer order history and information directly into chats to offer personalized support.
- Customizable chat widget: Adjust the look and feel of your chat to match your store’s branding.
Zendesk Chat is great for store owners who want to offer a blend of live chat and long-term ticketing, helping them provide instant support while also keeping track of more complex issues. It’s also a good fit for businesses looking for a unified platform that brings all communication channels under one roof.
Pricing:
- Free plan available for basic live chat.
- Paid plans start at $19/month per agent for more advanced features like chat routing and reporting.
For businesses seeking a complete customer support solution that includes live chat and ticket management, Zendesk Chat is one of the best Shopify live chat apps in 2024.
5. HubSpot Live Chat – Best for Combining CRM & Chat
If you’re looking for a live chat app that pairs seamlessly with a robust CRM, HubSpot Live Chat is the perfect solution for your Shopify store. HubSpot’s free live chat feature integrates directly with their CRM, giving you the ability to manage customer conversations and leads all in one place. It’s especially useful for Shopify store owners who want to improve both their customer support and sales funnel at the same time.
Key Features:
- CRM integration: Automatically log every chat interaction in HubSpot’s CRM, giving you full visibility into your customers’ journeys.
- Free plan: HubSpot offers a generous free plan with basic live chat features and CRM access, perfect for small to mid-sized stores.
- Chat automation: Use HubSpot’s chatbots to qualify leads and answer common customer questions, freeing up your support agents for more complex queries.
- Customizable chat widget: Tailor the chat widget to match your store’s design and branding.
- Live chat and chatbot capabilities allow for a mix of real-time support and automated assistance.
With HubSpot Live Chat, you can easily manage customer conversations, track leads, and improve your overall customer experience. This app is perfect for Shopify businesses looking to combine live chat with a powerful CRM system.
Pricing:
- Free plan: Includes live chat and CRM access.
- Paid plans start at $50/month for more advanced automation and marketing tools.
For store owners who want both live chat and a full-fledged CRM, HubSpot Live Chat is one of the best apps for Shopify in 2024.
6. JivoChat – Free Live Chat App for Shopify with Multichannel Support
JivoChat is a versatile live chat app for Shopify that provides multichannel support across live chat, email, phone, and social media. It’s an excellent option for Shopify store owners who want a free live chat app with a lot of functionality, especially for stores catering to customers in multiple languages.
Key Features of JivoChat:
- Multichannel Support: Manage customer interactions across various channels (live chat, phone, email, and social media) from a single dashboard.
- Live Chat and Chatbot: JivoChat includes both live chat and chatbot options to automate responses when your support team is unavailable.
- Multilingual Support: Perfect for global stores, JivoChat supports multiple languages, helping you connect with customers from different regions.
- Free Plan: Offers a free plan with unlimited agents and chats, which is great for startups and smaller businesses.
JivoChat Pricing:
- Free Plan available with core features. Paid plans start at $19 per month for advanced features like call-back requests and CRM integration.
For store owners looking to streamline customer support across multiple platforms while keeping costs low, JivoChat is one of the best free Shopify live chat apps in 2024.
7. Tawk.to – Best Free Live Chat App for Shopify Stores
If you’re looking for a fully free Shopify live chat app, Tawk.to is a top choice. This app offers a rich set of features without any costs, making it perfect for Shopify store owners who want to add a professional-level live chat solution without paying a dime.
Key Features of Tawk.to:
- 100% Free: Unlike most live chat apps, Tawk.to live chat is completely free, with no hidden costs.
- Unlimited Agents: Add as many support agents as you want, which is ideal for growing businesses.
- Customizable Chat Widget: Easily customize the chat widget to fit your store’s look and feel.
- Mobile App: Manage chats on the go with their mobile app, so you can stay connected with customers even when you’re away from your desktop.
Tawk.to Pricing:
- Free! This is one of the few free Shopify live chat apps that offers a solid feature set without charging for extra agents or functionality.
If you’re a Shopify store owner on a budget, Tawk.to is hands-down the best free live chat app for your store, offering robust features with zero costs.
8. Chatra – Best Shopify Chat App for Engaging Conversations
Chatra is an excellent live chat app for Shopify that focuses on engaging conversations with your customers. It offers a clean, easy-to-use interface and allows for real-time customer support. One of the standout features is the ability to see what your customers are typing before they send a message, giving your support team a head start on addressing their needs.
Key Features of Chatra:
- Typing Insights: See what customers are typing in real-time before they hit “send,” helping your support agents respond faster and more accurately.
- Group Chats: Multiple agents can join a single chat session to collaborate on more complex customer queries.
- Chatbots: Includes a basic chatbot for automating responses to frequently asked questions when your team is unavailable.
- Offline Messaging: Customers can leave messages when you’re not online, and your team can follow up later.
Chatra Pricing:
- Offers a free plan with core features, while paid plans start at $19 per agent per month for additional features like group chats and advanced reporting.
Chatra is a great option for Shopify stores looking to engage customers in real-time while also offering a flexible free plan. Its unique typing insights feature gives it an edge in delivering quick and efficient chat support.
9. WhatsApp Chat + Abandoned Cart – Best Shopify Chat App for Mobile-Friendly Support
WhatsApp Chat + Abandoned Cart is a fantastic option for Shopify stores looking to offer mobile-first live chat support. This app allows customers to reach out to you directly through WhatsApp, making it perfect for stores with a global or mobile-focused audience. Additionally, the app helps reduce abandoned carts by sending reminders to customers via WhatsApp.
Key Features of WhatsApp Chat + Abandoned Cart:
- WhatsApp Integration: Connect with your customers via WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps in the world.
- Abandoned Cart Reminders: Automatically send messages to customers who leave items in their cart, encouraging them to complete their purchase.
- Customizable Chat: Adjust the look and feel of the chat widget to match your store’s branding.
- Mobile-Friendly: Perfect for mobile-first stores, as customers can easily reach out using WhatsApp on their smartphones.
WhatsApp Chat + Abandoned Cart Pricing:
- Offers a free plan with core features. Paid plans start at $9.99 per month for additional automation and abandoned cart features.
For Shopify store owners looking for a mobile-friendly solution to boost sales and customer support, WhatsApp Chat + Abandoned Cart is one of the best Shopify live chat apps to consider in 2024.
Key Features to Look for in a Shopify Live Chat App in 2024
When choosing the best Shopify live chat app for your store, it’s important to focus on features that align with your business goals. Whether you’re prioritizing customer support, increasing sales, or simply improving the customer experience, here are the key features to consider:
1. Chatbots and Automation
- A good live chat app should offer automation options like chatbots. These bots can handle common questions, allowing your team to focus on more complex inquiries. Apps like Tidio and Re offer excellent chatbot functionality to help streamline your support.
2. Customizable Chat Widget
- Personalizing the chat widget to match your brand helps create a seamless user experience. Most apps, including LiveChat and Tawk.to, allow you to customize the chat box colors, text, and appearance to fit your store’s design.
3. Mobile App Support
- Many customers shop from their phones, so it’s essential that your live chat app supports mobile devices. Apps like WhatsApp Chat + Abandoned Cart and JivoChat are ideal for stores with a mobile-first focus.
4. Multichannel Support
- Look for apps that offer more than just live chat. Tools like Zendesk Chat and HubSpot Live Chat integrate multiple channels (email, social media, live chat) into one platform, helping you manage all customer interactions from a single dashboard.
5. Free Plan or Free Trial
- If you’re just getting started or want to test the waters, consider an app that offers a free plan or free trial. For example, Tawk.to is completely free, while apps like JivoChat and Tidio offer free plans with the option to upgrade as your store grows.
6. Proactive Messaging
- Apps that allow proactive messaging can help you reach out to customers before they ask for help. LiveChat and Gorgias offer this feature, which can be key to converting visitors into paying customers.
7. Analytics and Reporting
- A strong live chat app should provide insights into how your chat system is performing. LiveChat and Zendesk offer advanced reporting features that help you track customer satisfaction, chat response times, and more.
By focusing on these key features, you’ll be able to choose the best live chat app for Shopify that enhances your store’s customer support while helping you scale your business in 2024.
FAQ: Shopify Live Chat Apps
Can I use multiple live chat apps on my Shopify store?
Yes, you can install and test multiple live chat apps on your Shopify store, but it’s not recommended to run them simultaneously as it can confuse your customers and slow down your site. It’s best to pick one app that suits your needs and stick with it. Most apps offer free trials, so you can test a few before making your decision.
What is the best free live chat app for Shopify?
For a completely free solution, Tawk.to is the best option. It provides unlimited agents and features without any hidden costs. If you’re looking for a mix of free and premium features, apps like Tidio and JivoChat also offer free plans with paid upgrade options.
How does live chat help increase sales for Shopify stores?
Live chat lets you provide instant support, answer customer questions in real time, and guide them through their purchasing decisions. Engaging visitors through live chat often results in higher conversion rates, as customers are more likely to buy when their concerns are addressed immediately.
Are there any live chat apps with helpdesk integration?
Yes, apps like Gorgias and Reoffer helpdesk features alongside live chat. These apps allow you to manage customer queries through multiple channels (email, live chat, social media) from a single dashboard, which is ideal for stores with high customer support needs.
How can I customize the live chat widget to match my store’s branding?
Most live chat apps, including LiveChat, Tidio, and Chatra, offer customization options. You can change the colors, text, and positioning of the chat widget to match your store’s design. This ensures a seamless look that aligns with your brand identity.
Can I use live chat on mobile?
Yes, many live chat apps are mobile-friendly and offer apps for both iOS and Android. Apps like WhatsApp Chat + Abandoned Cart and JivoChat are designed specifically for mobile support, allowing you to manage customer interactions on the go.
Conclusion
Choosing the right live chat app for your Shopify store can greatly enhance your customer support and improve your customer experience. Whether you’re looking for a free live chat app to start or a premium solution with advanced automation, there’s a perfect option for your store in 2024.
Apps like Tidio and JivoChat are great for fast setup and easy use, while tools like Gorgias and Re
provide deeper integrations for stores with more complex customer support needs. If you’re on a budget, Tawk.to offers a robust free plan that doesn’t skimp on features. Ultimately, adding a live chat feature helps you engage with visitors in real-time, guide them through their purchases, and resolve their issues quickly, all of which can help boost sales and customer satisfaction.
Explore the best live chat apps for Shopify, test a few with their free trials, and find the one that suits your business needs. Whether you’re aiming for simple chat support or a more integrated solution, there’s no better time to implement a live chat app to help your Shopify store thrive.
