Head-to-head · Customer Support Software
Help Scout vs LiveAgent
Help Scout leads on 0 checks, LiveAgent on 1, and 1 is 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 scoreHelp Scout · 7.3/10
- Lowest starting priceLiveAgent · $15/user/mo
- Free planboth
Help Scout scores higher on our rubric for customer support software: 7.3 against 6.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.
LiveAgent is cheaper to start at $15/user/mo against $25/user/mo.
Help Scout is the better fit for small and mid-sized teams wanting a shared inbox. LiveAgent is the better fit for teams needing phone, chat, and ticketing together.
- Help Scout fits best
Small and mid-sized teams wanting a shared inbox
- LiveAgent fits best
Teams needing phone, chat, and ticketing together
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Side by side
| Feature | Help Scout 7.3/10 Visit ↗ | LiveAgent 6.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.3 | 6.8 |
| Ranking | #5 in Customer Support Software | #7 in Customer Support Software |
| Best for | Small and mid-sized teams wanting a shared inbox | Teams needing phone, chat, and ticketing together |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $25/user/mo | $15/user/mo (best) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Free trial length | 15 days · no card needed | 30 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7 |
| Compliance | HIPAA, SSO/SAML, 2FA | GDPR, 2FA, SSO/SAML |
| Integrations | 100+ integrations | 200+ integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Help Scout 0/5 · LiveAgent 0/5 | ||
| Ticket management | Not published | Not published |
| Live chat | Not published | Not published |
| Knowledge base | Not published | Not published |
| Omnichannel support | Not published | Not published |
| Automation rules | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Included agent seats | Not published | Not published |
| Deployment | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Help Scout brings customer conversations, help content, and support workflows into a cloud workspace for customer-facing teams. Its shared inbox supports internal notes and collision detection, while Docs provides searchable, branded… Read the review → |
LiveAgent is a cloud-based help desk for teams managing customer conversations across email, live chat, phone, social messaging, and self-service channels. Its shared inbox turns messages into trackable tickets, while customer portals,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Help Scout — where it wins
- Shared inboxes include internal notes and collision detection.
- Plans combine workflows and SLAs with searchable Docs knowledge bases.
- Plus adds a secure customer portal and Salesforce, Jira, and HubSpot integrations.
Where it doesn't
- The Free plan is limited to 5 users, 1 Inbox, and 1 Docs site.
- Advanced routing, unlimited workflows, and unlimited SLAs require Pro.
- Pro trial access is handled through sales rather than the self-serve trial.
LiveAgent — where it wins
- Shared inbox spans email, chat, phone, social, and messaging channels
- Ticketing, SLA automation, customer portal, and knowledge base included
- AI assistance plus built-in call center and IVR on higher tiers
Where it doesn't
- The free plan has feature limitations
- Call center and IVR start with the Medium business tier
- Facebook, Instagram, X, and WhatsApp require the Large business tier
- Help Scout7.3/10 · Free plan · paid from $25/user/mo · 15-day trial
A shared support workspace with useful knowledge and automation tools, from $25 per user monthly.
Visit Help ScoutFull verdict → - LiveAgent6.8/10 · Free plan · paid from $15/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial
LiveAgent brings ticketing, phone, chat, automation, and portals into one support platform.
Visit LiveAgentFull verdict →
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All customer support software comparisons → · Full ranking →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update