Drift vs Kayako: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
💙
Drift
Customer Support
86
ToolScout Score
RECOMMENDED
VS
🛶
Kayako
Customer Support
82
ToolScout Score

Quick Comparison

Drift
Kayako
Starting Price
$2500/mo
$30/agent/mo
Free Plan
No
No
Users
5K+ orgs
35K+ orgs
Founded
2015
2001
Rating
4.3/5
4.1/5
Best For
B2B SaaS companies converting website visitors wit...
SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified c...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

DriftKayako
85Ease of Use81
90Features86
84Value for Money80
81Customer Support77
83Integrations79
84Mobile App80
AI Verdict

Drift leads with a ToolScout Score of 86 vs 82 for Kayako. Drift is best suited for B2B SaaS companies converting website visitors with conversational AI, 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 DRIFT IF:

B2B SaaS companies converting website visitors with conversational AI.

CHOOSE KAYAKO IF:

SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Drift better than Kayako?
Drift scores 86/100 on ToolScout compared to Kayako's 82/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Drift is best for B2B SaaS companies converting website visitors with conversational AI. Kayako is best for SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view.
Does Drift have a free plan?
No, Drift does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $2500/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 Drift to Kayako?
Migration between Drift 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.