Choosing between Hiver and LiveChat is a common decision for customer support buyers in 2026. LiveChat has been in the market since 2002, giving it a 9-year head start over Hiver (founded 2011). Hiver serves 10K+ orgs users while LiveChat has 38K+ orgs users globally. Hiver differentiates with shared gmail inbox and email assignment, while LiveChat leads with live chat and ticketing. In this head-to-head comparison, Hiver earns a higher hiltonsoftware.co score of 90/100 — but the right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and team size.
AI Verdict
After comparing Hiver and LiveChat across features, pricing, and user satisfaction, Hiver takes the lead with a score of 90/100 versus LiveChat's 90/100. Hiver's key advantages include "works inside gmail natively" and "no context switching needed". That said, LiveChat has its own strengths — particularly "reliable and stable chat platform" — making it a viable alternative for specific use cases.
On pricing, there's a clear difference: Hiver offers a free plan, making it more accessible for individuals and small teams exploring customer support solutions. LiveChat starts at $20/agent/mo with no free tier, but often justifies the cost with live chat and ticketing.
Bottom line: Choose Hiver if you need gmail-first teams wanting shared inbox help desk without leaving gmail. Go with LiveChat if your priority is e-commerce and service businesses wanting reliable, real-time live chat. Both are strong customer support tools — we recommend trying the free plan of each before committing.
CHOOSE HIVER IF:
Gmail-first teams wanting shared inbox help desk without leaving Gmail.
CHOOSE LIVECHAT IF:
E-commerce and service businesses wanting reliable, real-time live chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hiver better than LiveChat in 2026?
Hiver scores 90/100 on hiltonsoftware.co compared to LiveChat's 90/100. Hiver stands out for "works inside gmail natively" and is best for Gmail-first teams wanting shared inbox help desk without leaving Gmail. LiveChat is known for "reliable and stable chat platform" and suits E-commerce and service businesses wanting reliable, real-time live chat. Your specific workflow and team size should guide the decision.
What is the pricing difference between Hiver and LiveChat?
Hiver offers a free plan while LiveChat starts at $20/agent/mo, making Hiver the more budget-friendly option. When comparing value, consider that Hiver (founded 2011, 10K+ orgs users) includes features like Shared Gmail inbox, Email assignment, Collision alerts. LiveChat (founded 2002, 38K+ orgs users) offers Live chat, Ticketing, Chat archives. The right choice depends on which features matter most to your team.
What are the main differences between Hiver and LiveChat?
The key differences come down to focus and approach. Hiver excels at Shared Gmail inbox, Email assignment, Collision alerts, while LiveChat focuses on Live chat, Ticketing, Chat archives. Hiver's main advantage is "works inside gmail natively", though some users note "gmail only". LiveChat's strength is "reliable and stable chat platform", but "no free plan" can be a drawback. Both serve the Customer Support market but target different user profiles.
Can I switch from Hiver to LiveChat?
Switching between Hiver and LiveChat is possible since both operate in the Customer Support space. Before migrating, export your data from Hiver and check LiveChat's import capabilities. Key features to verify compatibility: Shared Gmail inbox, Email assignment, Collision alerts (Hiver) vs Live chat, Ticketing, Chat archives (LiveChat). Consider running both tools in parallel during a trial period to ensure a smooth transition.
Which is better for small teams: Hiver or LiveChat?
For small teams, Hiver has an advantage with its free plan, letting you get started without financial commitment. Hiver is best for Gmail-first teams wanting shared inbox help desk without leaving Gmail. LiveChat (starting at $20/agent/mo) may be worth the investment if your team specifically needs Live chat, Ticketing, Chat archives.