Crisp vs Kayako: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Crisp
Kayako
Starting Price
$25/mo
$30/agent/mo
Free Plan
Yes
No
Users
500K+ orgs
35K+ orgs
Founded
2015
2001
Rating
4.5/5
4.1/5
Best For
Startups wanting free, all-in-one customer messagi...
SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified c...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
CrispKayako
92Ease of Use81
94Features86
94Value for Money80
85Customer Support77
87Integrations79
88Mobile App80
AI Verdict
Crisp leads with a ToolScout Score of 90 vs 82 for Kayako. Crisp is best suited for Startups wanting free, all-in-one customer messaging from day one, while Kayako excels for SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view. Both are strong options in the Customer Support space.
CHOOSE CRISP IF:
Startups wanting free, all-in-one customer messaging from day one.
CHOOSE KAYAKO IF:
SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crisp better than Kayako?
Crisp scores 90/100 on ToolScout compared to Kayako's 82/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Crisp is best for Startups wanting free, all-in-one customer messaging from day one. Kayako is best for SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view.
Does Crisp have a free plan?
Yes, Crisp offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $25/mo.
Does Kayako have a free plan?
No, Kayako does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $30/agent/mo.
Can I migrate from Crisp to Kayako?
Migration between Crisp and Kayako depends on the specific features you use. Both tools are in the Customer Support category. Check each tool's import/export options for data portability before switching.