10 Best Shopify Live Chat Apps to Look Forward in 2024 [Pros + Cons]

Live chat has become a must-have tool for e-commerce businesses. It allows you to interact with potential customers, answer their queries in real time, and even drive sales. If you’re running a Shopify store, finding the best live chat app for your business can boost customer engagement, provide better support, and enhance the overall shopping experience. Live chat has become a must-have tool for e-commerce businesses, especially for those running Shopify live stores that aim to enhance customer engagement and boost sales. If you’re searching for the best Shopify live chat apps, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

With so many live chat apps available, selecting the right one can be tricky. From basic features like canned responses and conversation history to advanced tools like Automated virtual assistant and Instant visitor analytics, there’s a lot to consider. Some apps even offer features like abandoned cart recovery and Leave-a-message tool to ensure higher customer satisfaction.

This guide will help Shopify business owners like you find the best Shopify live chat apps in 2024. We’ll dive into the features, pricing, and benefits of the top 10 apps, whether you’re a small ecommerce business looking for a free live chat app or a medium-sized business aiming to boost sales with advanced tools.

Read on to discover live chat software options that integrate seamlessly with your Shopify account, support multiple languages, and even offer social media integrations. By the end, you’ll know exactly which app fits your needs and how to start engaging with your Shopify site users today.

Top 10 Shopify Live Chat Apps for 2024

1. Desku

Desku is an AI-powered customer support platform designed to enhance customer service for Shopify store owners. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including live chat, ticketing, and a no-code chatbot builder, all aimed at streamlining Client engagement and improving satisfaction. Desku is one of the most popular Shopify live chat apps for Entrepreneurs.

Key Features

• Live Chat: Engage with website visitors in real-time, providing immediate assistance and boosting customer engagement.
• AI-powered assistant: Utilize AI-driven chatbots to automate responses to common queries, ensuring 24/7 support and freeing up human agents for complex issues.
• Shared Inbox: Consolidate customer communications from various channels into a single inbox for efficient management.
• Knowledge Base: Create a self-service portal where customers can find answers to frequently asked questions, reducing the volume of support tickets.
• E-commerce Integrations: Seamlessly integrate with platforms like Shopify, allowing for order tracking and customer profile viewing directly within the support interface.

Pricing

Desku offers multiple pricing plans to cater to different business needs:

• Free Plan: Includes AI features, live chat, chatbot functionality, and up to 50 tickets per month.
• Startup Plan: Priced at $29/month, it supports 3 customer support agents with unlimited tickets, live chat, chatbot, and knowledge base access.
• Team Plan: At $59/month, it accommodates 5 agents, supports multiple stores, and includes all features from the Startup Plan.
• Business Plan: For $89/month, it offers additional benefits like app surveys, webhook access, custom branding, and integrations with platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.

Pros

• Comprehensive Feature Set: Combines live chat, AI-powered assistant, ticketing, and knowledge base functionalities in one platform.
• User-Friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use, facilitating quick onboarding and efficient support management.
• Cost-Effective: Offers a free plan and competitively priced tiers, providing value for businesses of various sizes.
• Seamless Integrations: Provides deep integration with Shopify, enabling direct order management and customer insights within the support dashboard.

Cons

• Learning Curve: Some users may experience a Training phase when exploring advanced features.
• Feature Limitations in Free Plan: The free plan has limitations on the number of tickets and available features, which may not suffice for growing businesses.

Desku is an ideal solution for Shopify store owners seeking to enhance their customer support operations through AI-driven automation and comprehensive support tools. Its integration capabilities and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any e-commerce business aiming to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

2. Zendesk Chat

Zendesk Chat is a powerful live chat software designed for businesses that need advanced customer support features. Known for its reliability and deep integration with Shopify, it’s a solid choice for e-commerce businesses looking to improve Buyer exchanges and satisfaction. Zendesk Chat integrates smoothly with Shopify live stores, providing advanced tools for customer support. Zendesk is one of the most popular Shopify live chat apps for Independent businesses.

Key Features

• Visitor behavior tracking: Track Shopify store visitors in real time to engage with potential customers.
• Conversational bots: Automate responses to Client questions and reduce the workload for your support team.
• Customization Options: Tailor the chat widget to match your Shopify store’s branding.
• Social Media Support: Seamlessly integrate with social media messengers for multi-channel communication.
• Ticketing System: Convert Client dialogues into tickets for efficient follow-up.

Pricing

Zendesk Chat offers a no-cost plan with Standard features, perfect for Entrepreneurs starting out. Paid plans with advanced tools like Contact form bot and multiple agents start at $14/month.

Pros

• Highly customizable chat widget.
• Excellent integration with Shopify and other apps on the Shopify app store.
• Supports multiple agents and communication channels.
• Helps increase sales by engaging website visitors proactively.

Cons

• Limited features in the free plan.
• Advanced features can get expensive for Small enterprises.

Zendesk Chat is ideal for mid-sized businesses or Shopify stores with a dedicated support team. It’s designed to improve customer engagement while streamlining customer support operations.

3. LiveChat

LiveChat is one of the best live chat apps for Shopify, offering a sleek interface and a host of tools to enhance customer communication. It’s perfect for Shopify sellers who want to deliver high-quality online chat support and boost sales. Livechat is one of the most popular Shopify live chat apps for Independent businesses

Key Features

• Canned Responses: Save time by using pre-written answers to common Client questions
• User tracking: Gain insights into customer behavior with Visitor behavior tracking.
• Omnichannel Support: Integrate with social media messengers and other Interaction platforms.
• Checkout recovery process: Reach out to customers who didn’t complete their purchase.
• Customer Feedback: Collect feedback directly through the chat app to improve the customer experience.

Pricing

LiveChat offers a 14-day free trial for its paid plans, which start at $20/month. While it doesn’t have a completely free plan, the advanced tools make it a worthy investment for Shopify store owners.

Pros

• Smooth Shopify integration with easy setup.
• Powerful Web traffic analysis and Recovering lost sales tools.
• Customizable chat widget to match your store’s design.
• Offers a Skill development tailored to both beginners and experienced users.

Cons

• No free plan available.
• Costs may be high for smaller e-commerce businesses.

LiveChat is a great tool for Shopify developers or consultants looking to provide premium customer service. It’s designed to boost customer satisfaction and Increase profits through personalized interactions.

4. Gorgias Live Chat

Gorgias Live Chat is a customer service platform built specifically for e-commerce businesses. It provides Shopify store owners with a centralized solution for managing User discussions across multiple channels. Gorgias is one of the most popular Shopify live chat apps for Family-run businesses

Key Features

• Deep Shopify Integration: Access order details, refund options, and other Shopify dashboard information directly from the chat interface.
• Automated Responses: Use AI-powered automation to handle repetitive tasks like answering FAQs or providing tracking updates.
• Social Media Integrations: Connect with Network-based messengers like Facebook Messenger and Instagram.
• Ticket Management: Turn live chat queries into tickets for better organization and follow-up.
• Customer Information: View detailed customer profiles and order histories to personalize interactions.

Pricing

Gorgias offers pricing plans starting at $10/month, with options to scale based on ticket volume. While it lacks a free plan, the deep Shopify integration makes it a preferred choice for serious e-commerce businesses.

Pros

• best Shopify apps store ratings for e-commerce support.
• Strong Social account linking for seamless communication.
• Perfect for medium-sized ecommerce businesses with high customer query volumes.
• Automates routine tasks, reducing the burden on support agents.

Cons

• No free plan for Small enterprises
• Can be overkill for stores with minimal Customer touchpoints.

If your Shopify store handles frequent user queries or requires multi-channel communication, Gorgias is a top contender for managing live chat support.

5. Tawk.to

Tawk.to is one of the most popular free live chat apps available for Shopify merchants. It offers a full suite of live chat features without any hidden costs, making it ideal for Startups on a budget. Tawk.to is one of the most popular Shopify live chat apps for Startups

Key Features

• Free Plan: Access all Core tools without any charges, including live chat support and Real-time visitor insights
• Unlimited Agents: Add as many support agents as needed without worrying about extra costs.
• Message drop feature: Allow website visitors to leave messages when your team is unavailable.
• Customization Options: Personalize the chat widget to align with your Shopify store’s branding.
• Active user monitoring: Track website visitors and initiate conversations to boost customer engagement.

Pricing

Tawk.to is entirely free to use, with optional paid add-ons for advanced features like Chat panel branding removal or video chat functionality.

Pros

• Completely free, with no restrictions on usage.
• Perfect for Local businesses or startups with limited budgets.
• User-friendly interface with simple setup for Shopify entrepreneurs
• Supports multiple languages for global customer communication.

Cons

• Limited advanced features compared to premium live chat apps.
• Lacks AI-powered automation like chatbots.

Tawk.to is a great option for Shopify customers who need a free, straightforward live chat app. It’s especially useful for those who want to manage customer conversations without incurring extra costs.

6. Chatra

Chatra offers a well-rounded solution for Shopify business owners looking to improve consumer engagement and support. It combines live chat, After-hours inquiries, and chatbot functionality into one easy-to-use package. Chatra is one of the most popular Shopify live chat apps for Local businesses.

Key Features

• Real-time communication: Engage with website visitors instantly to answer their questions.
• Group Chats: Allow many agents to collaborate on a single chat for complex customer questions.
• Message drop feature: Enable customers to leave inquiries when your team isn’t available.
• User Tracking: Monitor Shopify site visitors and reach out to high-potential leads.
• AI-driven support bot: Use automation to handle repetitive queries and provide 24/7 support.

Pricing

Chatra offers a free plan with limited features and paid plans starting at $19/month, which include advanced tools like Active user monitoring and chatbot support.

Pros

• Flexible pricing with a free option for Small ventures.
• AI-driven support bot functionality for auto-responses.
• User-friendly interface suitable for Shopify sellers with minimal tech expertise.
• Great for increasing customer satisfaction and streamlining support operations.

Cons

• Free plan lacks some key features.
• May not support larger teams with complex requirements.

Chatra’s balance of usability and advanced tools makes it a strong contender for e-commerce businesses looking to enhance customer experience and increase sales.

7. HubSpot Live Chat

HubSpot Live Chat is a versatile tool that integrates seamlessly with Shopify site and provides advanced marketing and CRM capabilities. It’s an excellent option for Shopify merchants who want to manage customer conversations while leveraging HubSpot’s broader suite of tools.

Key Features

• Customer connections: Engage with Store customers directly through the Chat panel.
• CRM Integration: Automatically log User connections into HubSpot’s CRM for a unified customer history.
• AI-Powered Chatbots: Automate responses to frequently asked questions and provide 24/7 support.
• Customizable Chat Widget: Match your live chat design to your Shopify store’s branding.
• Ticketing System: Convert chats into support tickets for better query management.

Pricing

HubSpot Live Chat is free to use, but access to advanced features like deeper CRM functionalities requires a paid HubSpot plan starting at $45/month.

Pros

• Free live chat app with Essential options for Small ventures
• Powerful integration with HubSpot’s CRM for customer management.
• Easy to set up and use for Shopify store owners.
• Excellent for building long-term customer relationships.

Cons

• Advanced features require a premium HubSpot plan.
• Some features may feel overwhelming for Small firms.

HubSpot Live Chat is a great option for Shopify store owners who are already using HubSpot or those looking for a free tool with CRM integration.

8. Olark

Olark is a straightforward live chat app that provides Shopify store owners with tools to boost client engagement and gather insights from website visitors. Its simplicity and focus on core live chat features make it a popular choice for e-commerce businesses.

Key Features

• Visitor Insights: Access customer information, including their location and browsing behavior, in real time.
• After-hours inquiries: Collect inquiries from visitors when your team isn’t online.
• Canned Responses: Speed up Buyer interactions with pre-written replies.
• Customizable Chat box: Adjust the look and feel to fit your Shopify store.
• Social Media Support: Integrate with Facebook Messenger and other Contact methods.

Pricing

Olark offers a free trial, with pricing starting at $29/month for its premium features.

Pros

• Simple setup and easy to use for Shopify clients.
• Great for small and medium-sized companies.
• Helps gather customer review to improve customer support operations.
• Focus on user engagement through real-time Conversation

Cons

• Lacks advanced features like AI driven chatbots.
• May not scale well for large e-commerce businesses.

Olark is perfect for Shopify stores that need a reliable live chat app without unnecessary complexity.

9. Re:amaze

Re:amaze is an all-in-one client communication platform that combines live chat, helpdesk, and chatbot functionalities. It’s particularly useful for Shopify stores handling large volumes of user interactions.

Key Features

• Omnichannel Support: Manage customer communication from chat apps, email, social media, and more in one place.
• Shopify Integration: Access customer order details and manage refunds directly within the chat interface.
• Automated Chatbots: Provide instant responses to common questions.
• Recovering lost sales: Reach out to customers who leave items in their carts.
• Real-time customer tracking: Track website visitors to identify sales opportunities.

Pricing

Re:amaze starts at $29/month, with scalable plans for larger teams and more advanced tools.

Pros

• Combines live chat, ticketing, and chatbot features in one app.
• Seamless connection with Shopify for seamless order management.
• Supports Expanded team for team collaboration.
• Great for medium and large e-commerce businesses.

Cons

• Pricing may be high for smaller businesses.
• Some advanced features have a Knowledge ramp-up.

Re:amaze is ideal for Shopify stores that need a robust tool to manage high volumes of customer interactions while streamlining customer support workflows.

10. JivoChat

JivoChat is a versatile live chat app that supports communication across multiple platforms, making it a great choice for Shopify store owners who want to reach customers wherever they are.

Key Features

• Multichannel Support: Engage with customers via live chat, phone, email, and online messengers.
• Intelligent chatbot: Automate repetitive client queries.
• User Tracking: Monitor website visitors in real time to identify sales opportunities.
• Unlimited Agents: Add as many team members as needed without extra costs.
• Message drop feature: Ensure consumer queries are captured even when your team is offline.

Pricing

JivoChat offers a free plan with Primary capabilities, while premium plans with advanced tools start at $13/month per agent.

Pros

• Affordable pricing for Small firms.
• Supports communication across multiple channels.
• Easy to set up and use for Shopify users.
• Helps boost sales with real-time visitor engagement.

Cons

• Advanced features require a paid plan.
• Limited customization options compared to other apps.

JivoChat is a solid choice for Shopify users looking for an affordable and easy-to-use live chat solution with multichannel support.

Comparison Table: Shopify Live Chat Apps

This comparison will help you identify the best live chat tools for your Shopify live store, considering factors like pricing, features, and ease of integration. Here’s a quick comparison of the top 10 live chat apps for Shopify in 2024:

Live Chat App	Best For	Free Plan	Starting Price	Key Features	Cons
Desku	Growing brands, automation	Yes	$29/month	Real-time messages, AI driven chatbot, Social tool integration	Limited features in free plan
Zendesk Chat	Medium businesses, support	Yes	$14/month	Customer monitoring, ticketing system, AI chatbot, multichannel support	Advanced features can be pricey
LiveChat	Sales-focused businesses	No	$20/month	Canned responses, Web traffic analysis, Shopping cart rescue, customization	No free plan
Gorgias	Shopify-focused automation	No	$10/month	Deep Shopify integration, social media integrations, ticketing system	Overkill for smaller stores
Tawk.to	Budget-conscious businesses	Yes	Free	No cap on agents, User tracking, Leave-a-message tool, customization	Lacks advanced features like AI
Chatra	Growing e-commerce brands	Yes	$19/month	Group chats, Shopper monitoring, AI chatbot, Offline support messaging	Limited features in free plan
HubSpot Live Chat	CRM-focused businesses	Yes	$45/month	CRM integration, ticketing system, real-time communication, customizable widget	Advanced features require HubSpot
Olark	Simple live chat needs	No	$29/month	Leave-a-message tool, canned responses, visitor insights, customization	No AI chatbot functionality
Re:amaze	Large stores with high volume	No	$29/month	Omnichannel support, Reclaiming incomplete purchases, AI chatbot, real-time monitoring	High learning curve for some users
JivoChat	Multichannel communication	Yes	$13/month	Multichannel support, Shopper monitoring, No agent limit, AI chatbot	Limited advanced features in free plan

How to Integrate a Live Chat App with Shopify

To set up a live chat app for your Shopify live store, start by visiting the Shopify App Store. Once installed, configure the widget to match your Shopify live store’s branding.

Visit the Shopify App Store

Open the Shopify App Store and search for the live chat app you want to install, such as Tidio Live Chat, Zendesk Chat, or JivoChat. Use the search bar to find apps quickly.

Click on the App

Choose the app from the search results. Check reviews, ratings, and screenshots to ensure it meets your requirements.

Install the App

Click the “Add App” button. Shopify will guide you through the installation process, including connecting your Shopify profile.

Configure the Chat box

Once installed, customize the Support window to match your store’s branding. Most apps allow adjustments to colors, text, and placement on the website.

Set Up Features

Enable key features like canned responses, AI chatbots, and Customer monitoring. Many apps also let you integrate Social message services, offering seamless communication channels.

Test the Integration

Run a test by initiating a chat as a visitor. Ensure all features, like automated responses and real-time visitor monitoring, work correctly.

Compatibility Considerations

Mobile Optimization: Ensure the live chat app is mobile-friendly for on-the-go Shopify audience

Speed and Performance: Check if the app impacts your website’s loading time. Lightweight apps like Tawk.to are ideal for maintaining performance.

Social Media Integrations: If you rely on platforms like Facebook Messenger or Instagram, confirm that the app supports these channels.

Expanded team Support: For growing businesses, ensure the app allows Several team members to handle User discussions simultaneously.

E-commerce-Specific Features: Look for Shopify-specific integrations, such as Checkout recovery process and order management tools.

Choosing the Right Live Chat App for Your Business

Selecting the best live chat app for your Shopify store depends on your business size, customer support needs, and budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice.

1. Define Your Business Needs

• Small Business: Look for free live chat apps like Tawk.to or Tidio with basic features to handle customer questions without breaking the bank.
• Medium-Size Businesses: Consider apps like Zendesk Chat or Chatra that customer support Multiple support staff, advanced visitor tracking, and AI-powered chatbots.
• Large E-commerce Stores: Opt for feature-rich tools like Re:amaze or Gorgias that integrate deeply with Shopify, offer social media service, and streamline User discussions across multiple channels.

2. Prioritize Features Based on Goals

• For Real-Time Customer Support: Apps like LiveChat and Tidio offer fast, responsive Support window and canned responses for instant engagement.
• To Boost Sales: Choose apps with Checkout recovery process, like Re:amaze, or those with visitor tracking to convert website visitors into customers.
• For Automation: If reducing workload is a priority, pick an app with AI-powered chatbots, such as Zendesk Chat or HubSpot Live Chat.
• For Multichannel Communication: Apps like JivoChat and Gorgias support Social communication tools, email, and live chat for seamless customer interactions.

3. Consider Budget Constraints

• Free Plans: If you’re a startup, apps like Tawk.to or Tidio are great options with no upfront costs.
• Affordable Paid Plans: Zendesk Chat and JivoChat start at under $15/month, offering good value for growing businesses.
• Premium Features: Tools like Gorgias and Re:amaze are priced higher but provide comprehensive customer support for large teams and high query volumes.

4. Evaluate Ease of Use

• Minimal Learning Curve: Apps like LiveChat and Chatra are known for their user-friendly setup and simple interfaces.
• Advanced Customization: For businesses with technical resources, apps like Zendesk Chat or Gorgias allow detailed customization.

5. Check Integration Capabilities

Ensure the live chat app you choose integrates seamlessly with your Shopify account. Look for apps with deep integration that allow you to access customer information, manage orders, and provide real-time chat support without leaving the dashboard.

6. Think About Future Scalability

As your business grows, you may need to customer support Additional agents, handle more user queries, and use advanced features. Choose an app like Re:amaze or HubSpot Live Chat that can scale with your needs.

By evaluating your requirements and aligning them with the features of these Shopify live chat apps, you’ll be able to select a tool that not only meets your current needs but also supports long-term growth.

Maximizing the Benefits of Live Chat Tools

Installing a live chat app on your Shopify store is only the first step. Shopify live businesses can use visitor tracking to identify where customers drop off and engage with them proactively through chat invitations. To truly harness its potential, you’ll need to implement strategies that enhance customer engagement, improve customer experience, and driven sale. Here are practical tips for getting the most out of your live chat tools.

1. Provide Quick, Accurate Responses

Customers expect real-time support. Use features like:

• Canned Responses: Save time by providing instant find answers to frequently asked questions.
• AI Chatbots: Automate responses to common queries, such as shipping details or return policies.
• Real-Time Visitor Monitoring: Engage with visitors proactively by tracking their behavior and addressing concerns before they leave.

2. Train Your Support Team

Empower your customer support agents to deliver excellent service:

• Familiarize agents with the live chat software interface and its features.
• Train them to personalize customer interactions using tools like conversation history and customer information.
• Encourage the use of positive language to create a friendly and approachable tone.

3. Use Live Chat for Sales and Lead Generation

Live chat isn’t just for support—it can also boost your sales efforts:

• Recovering lost sales: Set up automated reminders for customers who leave items in their cart.
• Upselling and Cross-Selling: Suggest additional products based on the customer’s browsing history.
• Proactive Chat Invitations: Offer assistance to potential customers who spend significant time on product pages.

4. Personalize Customer Conversations

Make your customers feel valued by tailoring your responses:

• Refer to previous interactions using the conversation history feature.
• Use customer feedback collected via live chat to improve the shopping experience.
• Leverage customer data from Shopify to address specific needs and preferences.

5. Offer 24/7 Support

Enhance accessibility by providing around-the-clock assistance:

• Enable AI-powered chatbots to handle consumer queries when your team is offline.
• Set up offline messaging so visitors can leave inquiries even outside business hours.
• Consider hiring support agents across different time zones to ensure continuous coverage.

6. Optimize for Mobile Users

Many Website guests browse on mobile devices:

• Ensure your live Messaging tool is responsive and works seamlessly on all screen sizes.
• Test the mobile experience to confirm it’s intuitive and user-friendly.

7. Analyze Performance Regularly

Monitor the effectiveness of your live chat strategy:

• Track metrics like response time, resolution time, and customer satisfaction scores.
• Use visitor tracking data to understand how live chat influences customer behavior.
• Adjust your approach based on analytics to improve your team’s efficiency and customer interactions.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform your live chat app into a powerful tool for customer support and business growth.

Conclusion

Choosing the right live chat app for your Shopify store can make a significant difference in how you connect with customers, address their queries, and boost sales. Whether you’re a local business looking for a free plan or a growing brand needing advanced tools, the Shopify app store has options tailored to your needs.

From apps like Tidio and Tawk.to for Family-run businesses to Re:amaze and Gorgias for medium to large e-commerce stores, each tool offers unique features to enhance customer communication and engagement. By integrating the right live chat software, you can deliver real-time customer support, recover abandoned carts, and create meaningful customer interactions that drive higher satisfaction and sales.

Don’t forget to optimize your live chat tool by:

• Training your support team.
• Using AI chatbots for round-the-clock service.
• Regularly analyzing performance to make data-driven improvements.

With the strategies and tools outlined in this guide, your Shopify store will be well-equipped to handle Buyer interactions and deliver an exceptional shopping experience.

FAQs