Tawk.to gives away live chat for free (unlimited agents, unlimited chats, no time limits) and monetises through optional paid add-ons. LiveChat charges per-agent per-month for the best-in-class chat experience. The decision usually comes down to whether your team can absorb Tawk.to’s ad-supported model or pay for LiveChat’s polish.
⚡ Quick Verdict
- →Pick LiveChat if chat is a real conversion lever for your business and you want best-in-class polish, predictable per-seat pricing, and full feature depth.
- →Pick Tawk.to if you want completely free live chat with unlimited agents and don’t mind the ad-supported model or paying for add-ons (removing branding, AI features).
LiveChat Overview
LiveChat is the polished specialist with 20+ years refining live chat. Starter at $24/agent/month, scaling to Business at $69/agent/month. Includes the best chat UX in the category, HelpDesk for ticketing, AI assist, and a mature integration ecosystem. For broader context, see our roundup of best live chat software for customer support.
Tawk.to Overview
Tawk.to is the free live chat platform with unlimited agents and unlimited chats. The business model: free chat with Tawk.to branding, then paid add-ons (remove branding $19/month, hire chat agents for $1/hour, AI Assist credits). The full-featured free tier is generous, and millions of websites use Tawk.to without ever paying.
Pricing
The cost gap is enormous. LiveChat Starter at $24/agent/month for 5 agents = $1,440/year. Tawk.to free with unlimited agents and chats = $0/year (with Tawk.to branding) or ~$228/year to remove branding ($19/month). For SMBs and startups, Tawk.to’s economics are hard to beat.
Polish and Workflow
LiveChat’s chat experience, both for agents and customers, is genuinely polished. Tawk.to’s UX is functional but visibly less refined; the agent dashboard feels heavier, and the customer chat widget looks more dated. For brands where chat polish reflects brand polish, LiveChat’s UX premium matters.
| Feature | LiveChat | Tawk.to |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $24/agent/mo | Free (with branding) |
| Agent Limits | Per seat | Unlimited |
| Chat Polish | Best-in-class | Functional |
| Remove Branding | Included | $19/mo add-on |
| AI Features | Included | Paid credits |
| Integrations | 200+ mature | Solid |
| Best For | Brand-conscious businesses | Cost-sensitive SMBs |
Which Should You Choose?
Pick LiveChat if chat polish matters as part of your brand experience, predictable per-seat pricing fits your budget, or you need mature integrations and AI included. Pick Tawk.to if cost is the deciding factor and you can accept Tawk.to branding (or pay $19/month to remove it). For most brand-conscious businesses, LiveChat justifies the cost. For cost-sensitive operators and indie sites, Tawk.to is genuinely capable.
💬 Try LiveChat for Polished Customer Chat
Best-in-class live chat with HelpDesk integration, AI assist, and predictable per-seat pricing.
Try LiveChat Free →FAQs
Is Tawk.to really free?
Yes, free unlimited agents and chats with Tawk.to branding. Paid add-ons remove branding and add AI features.
Why pay for LiveChat over free Tawk.to?
Polish, no third-party branding, mature integrations, AI included. For brand-conscious businesses, the difference matters.
Can I remove Tawk.to branding?
Yes, $19/month add-on removes the Tawk.to footer.
Which has better AI?
LiveChat includes AI features in its paid plans. Tawk.to charges credits for AI Assist usage.
Which integrates with Shopify/WooCommerce?
Both integrate with major ecommerce platforms. LiveChat’s integrations are more mature.
Is Tawk.to good for ecommerce?
Yes for cost-sensitive stores. LiveChat’s polish often pays off better for premium brands.
Can I migrate from one to the other?
Both export chat history. Migration is straightforward; expect to reconfigure customisations.
Do both work on mobile?
Yes, both have iOS and Android apps. LiveChat’s app is more polished.
Final Word
LiveChat for polished brand experience. Tawk.to for free unlimited chat. For broader context, see best website chat widgets for small business.