Freshdesk vs LiveAgent

4.5
16,578 reviews
Free tier From $23/mo
VS
4.7
4,013 reviews
From $19/mo
01

The Winner

Too Close to Call

Both Freshdesk and LiveAgent are excellent choices. Your decision should be based on specific feature needs and use case.

Choose Freshdesk if: SMBs needing affordable helpdesk
Choose LiveAgent if: SMB customer support teams
02

Quick Comparison

Criteria Freshdesk LiveAgent
Free Tier Yes Best No
Starting Price $23/mo $19/mo Best
User Rating 4.5 4.7 Best
Review Count 16,578 Best 4,013
Free Trial No 30 days Best
Annual Discount 17% Best true%
Best For SMBs needing affordable helpdesk SMB customer support teams
03

Feature Breakdown

Freshdesk Key Features

  • Ticket management
  • Freddy AI automation
  • Knowledge base
  • Multi-channel support
  • SLA management
  • Analytics & reports

LiveAgent Key Features

  • Live chat
  • Email ticketing
  • Call center
  • Social media support
  • Knowledge base
  • Customer portal

Freshdesk

Strengths
  • Aggressive Price-to-Feature Ratio
  • Genuinely Useful Free Tier
  • Clean Learning Curve
  • Solid Marketplace Ecosystem
Limitations
  • AI Features Cost Extra
  • Reporting Limits on Lower Tiers
  • Phone and Chat Require Add-ons
Full Freshdesk Review →

LiveAgent

Strengths
  • 175+ Built-in Features
  • Fastest Chat Widget
  • Competitive Per-Agent Pricing
  • Multi-Channel Unified Inbox
Limitations
  • Mobile App Limitations
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
  • Limited AI Capabilities
Full LiveAgent Review →
04

Freshdesk Overview

If you need multi-channel customer support without enterprise pricing, Freshdesk delivers the essential ticketing, automation, and knowledge base features at 40-60% less than Zendesk. The free tier works for 2-agent teams getting started. Growth tier (5/agent/month annual) unlocks automation and SLA management. Freddy AI add-ons (9+/agent) provide chatbot and copilot capabilities when needed.

Best For:

  • SMBs needing affordable helpdesk
  • Growing teams with multi-channel support
  • Companies wanting AI-powered automation
  • Teams needing knowledge base
Read Full Freshdesk Review
05

LiveAgent Overview

LiveAgent is a feature-rich, all-in-one help desk that excels at multi-channel support for SMBs. Strengths include the fastest chat widget on the market, 175+ built-in features, and a competitive free tier. Weaknesses center on its mobile app and a learning curve for advanced features. With budget-friendly per-agent pricing, it delivers strong value for teams that want ticketing, chat, and call center in one place.

Best For:

  • SMB customer support teams
  • Help desk operations
  • Multi-channel support needs
Read Full LiveAgent Review
06

The Verdict

Too Close to Call

Both Freshdesk and LiveAgent are excellent choices for their respective strengths. Freshdesk is ideal for SMBs needing affordable helpdesk, while LiveAgent shines at SMB customer support teams. Your final choice should depend on your specific requirements and budget.

07

Freshdesk vs LiveAgent FAQ

Both Freshdesk and LiveAgent are excellent tools. Freshdesk is better for SMBs needing affordable helpdesk, while LiveAgent excels at SMB customer support teams. Your choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Freshdesk pricing: Free tier available. LiveAgent pricing: Contact sales. Freshdesk is more affordable at the entry level, but compare features at each tier to find the best value for your needs.
Yes, many teams use multiple tools for different purposes. Freshdesk might handle SMBs needing affordable helpdesk, while LiveAgent covers SMB customer support teams. Check integration options for both tools.
Both offer robust support. Freshdesk provides standard support, while LiveAgent offers comprehensive support. Enterprise plans typically include dedicated support for both.
Consider switching if LiveAgent better fits your current needs. Key factors: SMB customer support teams, pricing alignment, and team workflow compatibility. We recommend trialing LiveAgent before making a full switch.