Head-to-head · Conversational Support Software
Freshchat vs Chatwoot
Freshchat leads on 0 checks, Chatwoot on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFreshchat · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialboth
Freshchat scores higher on our rubric for conversational support software: 9.2 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
Freshchat is the better fit for teams wanting a free-to-start omnichannel suite. Chatwoot is the better fit for teams seeking open-source omnichannel support.
- Freshchat fits best
Teams wanting a free-to-start omnichannel suite
- Chatwoot fits best
Teams seeking open-source omnichannel support
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Side by side
| Feature | Freshchat 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Chatwoot 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #2 in Conversational Support Software | #7 in Conversational Support Software |
| Best for | Teams wanting a free-to-start omnichannel suite | Teams seeking open-source omnichannel support |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $19/user/mo | $19/user/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 14 days | 15 days |
| Free trial length | 14 days · no card needed | 15 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs | Email, Community |
| Compliance | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, SSO/SAML, 2FA | SOC 2, GDPR, SSO/SAML, 2FA |
| Integrations | 1,000+ integrations | 15+ integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Freshchat 0/3 · Chatwoot 0/3 | ||
| Shared inbox tools | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Conversation routing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Mobile apps | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Messaging channels | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Automation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Listed integrations | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Freshchat is Freshworks’ customer messaging and live-chat product for sales, marketing, and support teams. It combines website and mobile-app chat widgets, a shared inbox, live human-agent conversations, AI-powered chatbots, visitor… Read the review → |
Chatwoot brings customer conversations from website live chat, email, WhatsApp, social networks, SMS and other channels into a shared inbox. It is aimed at support teams that need agent assignment, customer profiles, conversation history… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Freshchat — where it wins
- Free plan includes web/mobile chat, shared inbox, email, and permissions
- Omnichannel coverage spans email, social, SMS, WhatsApp, and live chat
- Enterprise tier adds audit logs, JWT authentication, and domain/IP controls
Where it doesn't
- Freddy AI Agent is an add-on on the Growth plan
- Intelligent routing and multiple SLA policies begin on Pro
- Skill-based routing and audit controls require the Enterprise tier
Chatwoot — where it wins
- Shared inbox combines channels with agent assignment and collaboration.
- Self-hosted deployment, REST API and webhooks support customization.
- Plans include AI, automation, reporting and help-center tools.
Where it doesn't
- The free Hacker plan is limited to 2 agents.
- Paid plans start at $19 per agent per month with annual billing.
- The listed native integration set totals 15.
- Freshchat9.2/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A free-to-start omnichannel support suite that scales from shared inboxes to enterprise controls.
Visit FreshchatFull verdict → - Chatwoot8.3/10 · Free plan · 15-day trial
A flexible shared inbox with cloud and self-hosted options, plus AI and automation.
Visit ChatwootFull verdict →
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All conversational support software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







