Small businesses and e-commerce stores rely heavily on reliable business messengers and effective communication tools to stay connected with customers and manage inquiries effortlessly. With the right AI-powered tools for customer support, businesses can handle inquiries efficiently, improve response times, and deliver an outstanding customer experience. For those aiming to transform their operations into a true sales machine, it’s crucial to choose tools that offer more than basic live chat functions.
While popular options like JivoChat and Apple Business Chat serve many needs, they might not meet the demands of businesses requiring features like a shared inbox for collaborative multi-channel communication, voice services, or advanced integrations. In such cases, exploring alternative solutions tailored to your specific objectives is a smart move. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 11 top JivoChat alternatives, each designed to enhance customer satisfaction while addressing the unique requirements of small businesses and e-commerce stores.
Criteria for Choosing the Right JivoChat Alternative
When considering best JivoChat alternative, it’s helpful to understand what makes a live chat tool effective. Before diving into the list of JivoChat alternatives, it’s essential to understand what makes a great customer chat tools for small businesses and e-commerce stores. Here are some key features and considerations , including social media integration to help you evaluate each option:
User-Friendly Interface:
- A simple, intuitive interface helps your team manage chats seamlessly. Look for software with a user-friendly dashboard that minimizes the learning curve for your support teams. Effective JivoChat alternative often support additional channels, like email, social media, and video calls, making it easy for customers to reach you. Automation features in AI-powered live chat tools, like quick replies, auto messages, and strategic messaging, can help automate customer support by providing quick responses to common queries.
Multiple Communication Channels:
- Effective customer service platform often support many channels like chat, email, social media, phone support and even video calls. This flexibility allows customers to choose their preferred communication method and enhances customer satisfaction.
Scalability:
- As your business grows, your live chat solution should grow with you. Consider if the tool can scale to meet future needs, especially for handling higher volumes of customer inquiries and interactions. A scalable real time chat solution ensures that your chat tool keeps pace with increased traffic, enabling you to maintain high engagement and improve the website conversion rate as you grow.
Automated Messaging and Support:
- Automated features like quick responses, auto messages, and proactive messaging can help manage high chat volumes while offering quick responses to customer queries. Automation not only saves time but also ensures instant support for simple questions.
Advanced Features:
- Depending on your corporate needs, high-level functionalities like screen sharing, interactive voice response (IVR), knowledge base integration, and contact sourcing tools can be valuable. These features enhance the support customer experience and boost customer involvement.
Integration Capabilities:
- Make sure the live chat tool seamlessly integrates with other platforms you’re using, like CRM systems, email marketing software, social media channels and help desk software. Integration enables smoother customer lifecycle management and allows you to track client behavior more effectively. Many JivoChat alternatives integrate with leading software, creating a more unified customer support system.
Engage Customers Easily:
Choose a live chat tool that’s designed to engage customers quickly and keep them interested. Look for features like proactive messaging and custom greetings to welcome visitors, helping to build an interactive and responsive environment.
Top 11 JivoChat Alternatives
Here’s a rundown of some of the best JivoChat alternatives to help you find the ideal customer chat tools for your small business or e-commerce store.
1. Desku
Overview: Desku is an affordable and effortless help desk and live chat software. It offers a range of features designed for small businesses, enabling seamless client communication and ticket management.
- Key Features: Multi-channel support, chat widgets, canned responses, knowledge base integration, and ticketing system. Desku also supports automated messaging for quick responses to common inquiries.
- Pricing: Starts with a free plan, with flexible paid options for more Premium options.
- Best For: Small businesses that need an all-in-one support solution combining chat, ticketing, and self-service options.
- Pros:
- Affordable Pricing
- All-in-One Platform
- Cons:
- Limited Advanced Feature
- Basic Reporting Tools
- Limited Customization
2. LiveChat
- Overview: LiveChat combines virtual chat and chat widgets with a focus on customer engagement and client outreach. It’s a popular choice for e-commerce businesses that want to proactively engage website visitors. Live chat software, as part of a broader customer service platform, like JivoChat, has been a popular choice. It also includes a message archive so support teams can access and review past conversations.
- Key Features: Chat ratings, data transfer, default responses, and sales team members support. It’s also known for its intuitive interface that’s easy for teams to navigate.
- Pricing: Paid plans only, with a 14-day free trial.
- Best For: E-commerce stores that want to boost sales and improve customer satisfaction through proactive chat.
- Pros:
- Easy-to-navigate and intuitive.
- Effective for sales team engagement with visitors.
- Extensive customization options and proactive messaging.
- Cons:
- No free plan, only paid tiers.
- Limited integrations compared to other tools.
3. Intercom
- Overview: Intercom combines live chat with powerful marketing automation and user behavior tracking features. It’s a versatile option that allows businesses to manage smarter conversations with customers. Intercom is an affordable and approachable JivoChat alternative designed for small businesses
- Key Features: Customizable chat widgets, auto messaging, in-app messenger, and knowledge base integration.
- Pricing: Paid plans based on active users, starting at a higher price range.
- Best For: Companies focused on customer engagement and premium options like visitor segmentation.
- Pros:Where is JivoChat located?Wilmington, Delaware.Where is JivoChat located?Wilmington, Delaware.
- Advanced user behavior tracking and segmentation.
- Combines live chat with marketing automation.
- Strong in-app messaging and visitor engagement capabilities.
- Cons:
- Pricing can be steep, especially for small businesses.
- Learning curve for new users.
4. Tawk.to
- Overview: Tawk.to is a forever free plan live chat tool that’s popular with small businesses due to its affordability and robust feature set. Tawk.to offers robust real time chat features and a message archive that keeps a record of all past interactions. Tawk.to supports real-time support, visitor monitoring, chat transcripts, and file transfer capabilities, making it easy for teams to exchange information with customers directly.
- Key Features: Real-time support, visitor monitoring, chat transcripts, and file transfer. Tawk to also supports automated messages and video session.
- Pricing: Free for most features, with paid add-ons.
- Best For: Small businesses on a budget looking for a reliable interface.
- Pros:
- Forever free plan with robust features.
- Friendly interface and easy setup.
- Supports media sharing and video calling.
- Cons:
- Lacks some advanced customization options.
- Limited integrations with other software.
5. Olark
- Overview: Olark is a uncomplicated chat tools with excellent support features and a clean, simple interface. Olark is an affordable and user-friendly JivoChat alternative designed for small businesses
- Key Features: Chat ratings, standard responses, desktop sharing, and automated messages to streamline support.
- Pricing: Paid plans, with a 14-day free trial.
- Best For: Small businesses focused on providing great customer service through a customer-centric chat widget.
- Pros:
- Simple and easy to use with a clean interface.
- Useful features like chat ratings and auto replies.
- Excellent support and customer service.
- Cons:
- Higher cost compared to similar alternatives.
- Limited multi-channel support.
6. Drift
- Overview: Drift specializes in conversational marketing and is designed for businesses aiming to turn chats into conversions.
- Key Features: Lead sourcing tools, user monitoring, automated messages, and schedule appointments.
- Pricing: Paid plans only, with options based on business needs.
- Best For: Businesses focused on audience building and proactively engaging website visitors.
- Pros:
- Focused on lead generation with powerful tools.
- Allows scheduling and appointment setting with customers.
- Effective for sales-focused customer engagement.
- Cons:
- Lacks a free plan, and pricing is higher than competitors.
- Not ideal for businesses focused only on support (more for sales and marketing).
7. Freshchat
- Overview: Freshchat is a part of the Freshworks suite and offers a robust chat experience for customer support and sales. Freshchat is an affordable and easy to use JivoChat alternative designed for small businesses
- Key Features: In-app messaging, information sharing, video calls, and support for mobile devices.
- Pricing: Free and paid plans, with flexible pricing based on the number of agents.
- Best For: Growing businesses needing scalable chat software that integrates with other tools.
- Pros:
- Flexible pricing with free and paid plans.
- In-app messaging and strong mobile support.
- Integration with Freshworks’ suite of tools.
- Cons:
- Limited to Freshworks ecosystem for the best customer experience.
- Pro features only available in higher-priced plans.
8. Crisp
- Overview: Crisp offers a blend of live chat and automated marketing system features. It’s an excellent choice for visitor monitoring.
- Key Features: Customer queries handling, chat transcripts, knowledge base integration, and support for multiple channels.
- Pricing: Free and paid plans.
- Best For: Businesses looking to combine customer service with marketing capabilities.
- Pros:
- Combines marketing and support tools.
- Offers a good mix of essential and advanced options like knowledge base integration.
- Supports visitor monitoring.
- Cons:
- Limited integrations compared to top competitors.
- Some users report occasional slow loading times.
9. Pure Chat
- Overview: Pure Chat provides essential live chat features with an easy setup and friendly interface. Pure chat is an affordable and customer-friendly JivoChat alternative designed for small businesses
- Key Features: Chat widgets, file sharing, proactive outreach, and visitor tracking.
- Pricing: Free plan available, with superior tools in paid plans.
- Best For: Small businesses that need a straightforward, cost-effective live chat solution.
- Pros:
- Simple setup and user-friendly interface.
- Basic free plan available.
- Effective for visitor tracking and file sharing.
- Cons:
- Lacks next-gen features for larger businesses.
- Limited customization options compared to other tools.
10. REVE Chat
- Overview: REVE Chat includes multiple engagement tools, such as video call, display sharing, and interactive voice response.
- Key Features: Automated replies, provide support team tools, customer query handling, and video calling.
- Pricing: Paid plans with flexible options based on team size.
- Best For: Businesses looking for a wide range of client communication channels beyond just live chat.
- Pros:
- Multi-channel with virtual meeting and screen sharing.
- Premium options like IVR and message automation.
- Great for businesses needing varied engagement channels.
- Cons:
- Higher pricing for the full suite of features.
- Can be complex to set up for smaller teams.
11. Chaport
- Overview: Chaport offers a simple, effective live chat solution with forever free plans available, which makes it appealing to small businesses.
- Key Features: Canned responses, automatic call distribution, chat transcripts, and mobile apps for easy management.
- Pricing: Free and paid plans.
- Best For: Budget-conscious businesses seeking a basic live chat tool that covers essential features.
- Pros:
- Simple, forever free plan with key features.
- Mobile app support for on-the-go management.
- User-friendly with canned responses and automatic call distribution.
- Cons:
- Limited advanced feature for larger businesses.
- Fewer integrations than some competitors.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Key Features | Pricing | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desku | Multi-channel support, chat widgets, canned responses, knowledge base integration, ticketing system, automated messaging | Free plan; flexible paid plans | Small businesses needing an all-in-one support solution | Affordable, all-in-one platform | Limited advanced features, basic reporting tools, limited customization |
| LiveChat | Chat ratings, data transfer, default responses, sales team support, intuitive interface | Paid plans only; 14-day trial | E-commerce stores aiming to boost sales and customer satisfaction | Intuitive interface, effective for sales engagement, extensive customization options | No free plan, limited integrations |
| Intercom | Customizable chat widgets, auto messaging, in-app messenger, knowledge base integration | Higher-priced paid plans | Companies focused on engagement and visitor segmentation | Advanced behavior tracking, combines live chat with marketing automation | High pricing, learning curve for new users |
| Tawk.to | Real-time support, visitor monitoring, chat transcripts, file transfer, automated messages, video sessions | Free for most features; add-ons | Budget-conscious small businesses needing a reliable live chat solution | Forever free plan, friendly interface, supports media sharing and video calling | Limited customization, fewer integrations |
| Olark | Chat ratings, standard responses, desktop sharing, automated messages | Paid plans; 14-day trial | Small businesses emphasizing customer service | Simple, clean interface, useful features like chat ratings and auto replies | Higher cost, limited multi-channel support |
| Drift | Lead sourcing, user monitoring, automated messages, scheduling appointments | Paid plans only | Businesses focusing on lead generation and proactive visitor engagement | Powerful lead generation tools, scheduling appointments, sales-focused engagement | No free plan, higher pricing, less suited for support-centric businesses |
| Freshchat | In-app messaging, video calls, mobile support, scalable integration | Free and paid plans | Growing businesses needing scalable, integrated solutions | Flexible pricing, mobile support, integration with Freshworks tools | Pro features in higher-priced plans, best experience limited to Freshworks ecosystem |
| Crisp | Customer query handling, chat transcripts, knowledge base integration, multi-channel support | Free and paid plans | Businesses combining customer service and marketing | Combines support and marketing tools, visitor monitoring, knowledge base integration | Limited integrations, occasional slow loading times |
| Pure Chat | Chat widgets, file sharing, proactive outreach, visitor tracking | Free and paid plans | Small businesses needing cost-effective, straightforward live chat | Simple setup, free plan, effective visitor tracking and file sharing | Lacks advanced features, limited customization |
| REVE Chat | Automated replies, support tools, video calls, screen sharing, IVR | Paid plans | Businesses needing multi-channel communication options | Multi-channel engagement, premium features like IVR and screen sharing | Higher pricing, complex setup for smaller teams |
| Chaport | Canned responses, auto call distribution, chat transcripts, mobile apps | Free and paid plans | Budget-conscious businesses seeking basic live chat functionality | Forever free plan, mobile app support, user-friendly features | Limited advanced features, fewer integrations |
How to Choose the Right Live Chat Tool
Selecting the best live chat software for your business depends on a few important factors. Consider whether the live chat tool includes file transfer capabilities, as this feature is crucial for businesses needing to send documents or troubleshoot files directly within the chat. When choosing a live chat tool, consider whether it offers pre chat capabilities like forms or surveys. Here’s a quick guide on what to consider:
1. Understand Your Business Needs
Your goals will determine the best live chat solution. If you’re focused on boosting sales and lead generation, choose a tool with robust audience tracking and digital marketing system features like Drift or Intercom. For smaller budgets, Tawk.to or Pure Chat offers cost-effective solutions for customer support.
2. Consider Integration Requirements
Your interactive chat tools should seamlessly integrate with existing platforms like CRMs, email marketing tools, and help desk software. Look for tools that provide support essential integrations to avoid any workflow disruptions. Desku and Freshchat offer a variety of integration options and are ideal for businesses with extensive support needs.
3. Prioritize User-Friendliness
Your team members will need to work quickly within the platform to handle customer queries. Choose a user-friendly interface that makes chat management straightforward. Tools like LiveChat and Olark are particularly known for their easy navigation, making them a good choice for businesses without dedicated technical teams.
4. Evaluate Automation and Advanced Features
Automation features like canned responses, auto responses, and advance notification can be game-changers for managing high chat volumes. Advanced capabilities, such as interactive voice response (IVR), screen sharing, and video chat (available in tools like REVE Chat), provide extra support for complex inquiries.
5. Factor in Scalability
Consider whether the tool will accommodate future growth, especially if you’re a fast-growing e-commerce business. Scalable options like Freshchat allow you to adjust as your business expands, supporting larger teams and more customer interactions.
6. Check for Multi-Device and Mobile Support
Your customers may interact with your business on a variety of devices. Tools like Crisp and Freshchat provide mobile support and in-app messaging, enabling you to reach users on mobile apps, tablets, and other devices.
7. Assess Customer Support and Resources
Reliable customer support is crucial when issues arise. Tools like Olark have strong customer service reputations. Also, consider resources such as knowledge bases, training, and user communities that help onboard your team quickly.
By focusing on these criteria, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right live chat tool that meets both your immediate and long-term needs. The ideal tool will not only improve customer communication tool but also add value to your overall customer service strategy.
FAQ Section
How much is JivoChat?
JivoChat offers a Free Plan for basic features and a Professional Plan at $19/agent/month (or $13 if billed annually), with advanced options like CRM integration and analytics. Custom pricing is available for enterprise needs.
How does JivoChat work?
JivoChat lets businesses engage with website visitors in real-time via real-time chat widget. Agents can manage chats, calls, and messages from multiple channels (like email and social media) in one inbox, enabling quick responses and seamless customer support.
How do I add JivoChat to my website?
To add JivoChat to your website, sign up on JivoChat, then copy the code provided in your account. Paste this code into your website’s HTML before the closing </body> tag. Once saved, the chat widget will appear on your site.
Where is JivoChat located?
JivoChat is headquartered in Moscow, Russia, but operates globally, providing direct messaging solutions to businesses worldwide. They support clients across various countries, offering multilingual support to cater to a diverse customer base.
Conclusion
Choosing the right live chat software and business messenger are a crucial step for small businesses and e-commerce stores aiming to enhance customer engagement and increase sales. The right software can help manage customer questions, streamline customer communication, and create more opportunities to connect with website visitors in real-time. The right chat support software enables small businesses to handle customer inquiries efficiently, boosts agent productivity, turning these interactions into opportunities for engagement and even sales.
As you consider these JivoChat alternatives, think about what will work best for your unique business needs. Are you looking for a budget-friendly, user-friendly interface like Tawk.to , an Apple-focused option like Apple Business Chat ? Or do you need a more advanced solution that offers multi-channel support and automation features, like Intercom? The right real time chat software allows small businesses and online businesses not only to manage inquiries effectively but also to strengthen customer relationships by sharing company news and timely updates.
Each tool in this list has its strengths, from handling auto-reponse messaging and support tickets to enhancing customer self-service options with a knowledge base and voice services. The right online chat software can transform your business into a sales machine. By weighing these features and considering your future growth, you’ll be ready to select the software that keeps your support agents efficient, engages customers effectively, and ultimately drives better customer satisfaction. As your business scales, tools with customers behavior insights will help you refine interactions, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and retention. The right communication tool empowers small businesses by turning customer interactions into meaningful engagements and even sales opportunities.
With the right live chat software in place, you can make customer support a seamless, efficient part of the customer lifecycle—turning customer inquiries into meaningful interactions and even sales.
