We review products independently. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more


Looking for the broader list? See all tools in our Knowledge Base & Self-Service Portals guide.

Live Chat and Messaging for Support and Success Teams
Albert Richer

Unpacking the Top Live Chat and Messaging Tools for Support and Success Teams: Insights from Recent Research Market research shows that effective communication tools are essential for support and success teams aiming to enhance customer engagement. Data indicates that platforms like Zendesk and Intercom are often highlighted in customer reviews for their user-friendly interfaces and integration capabilities. When comparing specifications, many consumers indicate a preference for tools that offer robust analytics features—this is where LiveChat tends to excel, often noted for its comprehensive reporting tools. Interestingly, while some brands market themselves as "all-in-one" solutions, research suggests that focusing on specific functionalities, such as proactive messaging and AI-driven responses, may help improve customer satisfaction significantly. One might wonder: why do some tools dominate while others fade into obscurity? It's often about understanding the nuances of user needs rather than flashy marketing claims. Unpacking the Top Live Chat and Messaging Tools for Support and Success Teams: Insights from Recent Research Market research shows that effective communication tools are essential for support and success teams aiming to enhance customer engagement.

Similar Categories
1
Expert Score
9.8 / 10
396
105
MULTICHANNEL MESSAGING
ENTERPRISE READY

Zendesk AI Agents

Zendesk AI Agents
View Website
Zendesk AI Agents provide a comprehensive solution for customer and employee service in the SaaS industry. The software caters specifically to the needs of support and success teams, offering personalized support through various channels such as chat, email, and voice.
Zendesk AI Agents provide a comprehensive solution for customer and employee service in the SaaS industry. The software caters specifically to the needs of support and success teams, offering personalized support through various channels such as chat, email, and voice.
MULTICHANNEL MESSAGING
ENTERPRISE READY

Best for teams that are

  • Current Zendesk Suite users with high volume
  • B2C teams prioritizing automated ticket deflection
  • Support operations scaling without adding headcount

Skip if

  • Teams not using the Zendesk ecosystem
  • Low-volume B2B support requiring high empathy
  • Businesses needing a standalone free chatbot

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Zendesk AI Agents stand out for their enterprise-grade security, being one of the few platforms with ISO 42001 certification for AI management. Research indicates the acquisition of Ultimate.ai has significantly bolstered its 'agentic' capabilities, allowing for complex, autonomous problem-solving beyond simple FAQs. While pricing is complex, the depth of the ecosystem and compliance features makes it a top choice for large-scale operations.

Pros

  • Automates up to 80% of requests
  • ISO 42001 & FedRAMP certified
  • 2,000+ Marketplace apps available
  • Supports 79+ languages (Advanced)
  • Seamless agentic AI integration

Cons

  • Expensive $50/agent AI add-on
  • Unpredictable per-resolution costs
  • Steep learning curve for Advanced
  • UI can lag with high volume
  • Complex pricing structure
2
Expert Score
9.7 / 10
357
40
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION
HIGH SATISFACTION

Slack: AI Work Management

Slack: AI Work Management
View Website
Slack is a robust SaaS solution specially designed for support and success teams in the Customer Support & Success software industry. It integrates AI-powered work management and productivity tools, providing a unified workspace where teams can collaborate, share knowledge, and provide real-time customer support. Slack's integrations with other tools used in the industry make it an ideal choice for enhancing team productivity and customer service.
Slack is a robust SaaS solution specially designed for support and success teams in the Customer Support & Success software industry. It integrates AI-powered work management and productivity tools, providing a unified workspace where teams can collaborate, share knowledge, and provide real-time customer support. Slack's integrations with other tools used in the industry make it an ideal choice for enhancing team productivity and customer service.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION
HIGH SATISFACTION

Best for teams that are

  • B2B companies offering "white-glove" client support
  • Internal IT and engineering help desks
  • Teams using Slack Connect for vendor communication

Skip if

  • High-volume B2C support for general consumers
  • Teams needing structured ticketing without add-ons
  • Businesses requiring strict email-only workflows

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Slack leverages its massive ecosystem to deliver AI that doesn't just summarize chat, but searches across connected enterprise apps. Research indicates a strong commitment to privacy, with a documented policy that customer data is never used to train third-party LLMs. While pricing is rigid, the ability to surface institutional knowledge from 2,600+ integrations makes it a powerful intelligence layer for heavy users.

Pros

  • AI search respects permission levels
  • Data not used to train LLMs
  • Massive ecosystem of 2,600+ apps
  • Daily recaps reduce information overload
  • Enterprise-grade security certifications

Cons

  • Expensive 'all-or-nothing' pricing model
  • AI summaries can miss action items
  • Occasional AI hallucinations reported
  • Manual opt-out for ML training
  • Adoption friction for existing users
3
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
499
113

TeamSupport Live Chat

TeamSupport Live Chat
View Website
TeamSupport's Live Chat is a powerful SaaS solution designed specifically for customer support teams in different industries. Its omnichannel experience enables seamless communication with clients irrespective of time and location, thus addressing the industry's need for real-time, efficient, and personalized customer service.
TeamSupport's Live Chat is a powerful SaaS solution designed specifically for customer support teams in different industries. Its omnichannel experience enables seamless communication with clients irrespective of time and location, thus addressing the industry's need for real-time, efficient, and personalized customer service.

Best for teams that are

  • B2B SaaS and technology companies
  • Support teams managing complex client relationships
  • Organizations needing account-level customer visibility

Skip if

  • High-volume B2C retail businesses
  • Companies needing a free or standalone chat tool
  • Simple support use cases like shipping status

Expert Take

Our analysis shows TeamSupport Live Chat stands out for its rigorous commitment to security, boasting both SOC 2 Type II certification and HIPAA compliance, making it a top choice for healthcare and regulated industries. Research indicates the platform goes beyond standard chat with its proprietary Customer Distress Index (CDI), which leverages AI to gauge sentiment and predict churn. While the interface has been described as functional rather than flashy, the depth of its integrations with major CRMs like Salesforce and Zendesk ensures it fits seamlessly into complex B2B workflows.

Pros

  • HIPAA compliant & SOC 2 certified
  • Omnichannel support (SMS, Social, Web)
  • Proprietary Customer Distress Index (CDI)
  • Secure data masking & PCI compliance
  • Native Salesforce & Zendesk integrations

Cons

  • Interface described as dated by some
  • Occasional slow loading performance
  • Reporting tools currently being overhauled
  • Mobile app UI issues reported
  • Steep learning curve for advanced features
4
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
573
160

Attentive Customer Success

Attentive Customer Success
View Website
Attentive Customer Success is a SaaS solution tailored for support and success teams looking to optimize messaging and maximize ROI. With a comprehensive support system, ongoing assistance, and in-depth resources, the software significantly addresses the need for efficient customer communication and assistance in the industry.
Attentive Customer Success is a SaaS solution tailored for support and success teams looking to optimize messaging and maximize ROI. With a comprehensive support system, ongoing assistance, and in-depth resources, the software significantly addresses the need for efficient customer communication and assistance in the industry.

Best for teams that are

  • E-commerce and retail brands focusing on B2C
  • Marketing teams driving revenue via SMS
  • Brands wanting "concierge" style mobile support

Skip if

  • B2B companies or non-retail industries
  • Support teams needing a full-featured helpdesk
  • Businesses not focused on SMS marketing

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Attentive distinguishes itself through a 'white glove' approach that blends advanced AI with human intervention. Research indicates their 'Concierge' service—using real agents to reply to shoppers—drives significantly higher conversion rates than automated bots alone. Furthermore, their 'Litigator Defender' tool addresses a critical pain point in SMS marketing by proactively suppressing known legal threats, a feature that provides substantial peace of mind for enterprise brands.

Pros

  • Human 'Concierge' agents for replies
  • Patented 'two-tap' mobile sign-up
  • Litigator Defender compliance tool
  • Dedicated 'white glove' CSM support
  • Documented 181% ROI (Forrester)

Cons

  • Quarterly minimum spend requirements
  • Strict contract exclusivity clauses
  • Opaque pricing (no public tiers)
  • Potential support impact from layoffs
  • Steep learning curve for reporting
5
Expert Score
9.3 / 10
441
102
24/7 AVAILABILITY
SCALABLE SOLUTIONS

Live Chat in Microsoft Teams

Live Chat in Microsoft Teams
View Website
Live Chat in Microsoft Teams is a revolutionary SaaS solution designed specifically for small businesses and their customer support and success teams. This platform creates an effortless connection between businesses and their customers, vendors, and partners, addressing the pressing need in the industry for swift, real-time communication and problem-solving.
Live Chat in Microsoft Teams is a revolutionary SaaS solution designed specifically for small businesses and their customer support and success teams. This platform creates an effortless connection between businesses and their customers, vendors, and partners, addressing the pressing need in the industry for swift, real-time communication and problem-solving.
24/7 AVAILABILITY
SCALABLE SOLUTIONS

Best for teams that are

  • SMBs already using the Microsoft 365 ecosystem
  • Small support teams with fewer than 25 agents
  • Internal IT or HR help desks needing simple chat

Skip if

  • Large enterprises requiring advanced contact center features
  • Teams not licensed for Microsoft 365 Business
  • High-volume B2C support requiring complex routing

Expert Take

Our analysis shows this feature is a game-changer for SMBs already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. By embedding customer support directly into the Teams interface at no additional cost, it removes the friction of adopting third-party tools. Research indicates the 25-user limit and Business license requirement clearly position this as a 'Contact Center Lite' solution, perfect for smaller teams needing immediate, integrated functionality without enterprise complexity.

Pros

  • Included free with M365 Business plans
  • Native integration with Microsoft Teams
  • No agent context switching required
  • Supports AI agents via Copilot Studio
  • Easy 'out-of-the-box' setup

Cons

  • Hard limit of 25 support users
  • Not available for Enterprise plans
  • Basic reporting compared to CCaaS
  • Currently US-first rollout
  • Requires Business license for admins
6
Expert Score
9.3 / 10
374
130

LiveChat Customer Success Software

LiveChat Customer Success Software
View Website
LiveChat is a comprehensive customer service platform designed specifically for businesses that value seamless customer support and sales enhancement. It directly addresses the needs of support and success teams in the industry by providing live chat and messaging features, enabling real-time communication and immediate problem solving.
LiveChat is a comprehensive customer service platform designed specifically for businesses that value seamless customer support and sales enhancement. It directly addresses the needs of support and success teams in the industry by providing live chat and messaging features, enabling real-time communication and immediate problem solving.

Best for teams that are

  • SMB to Mid-market e-commerce and SaaS
  • Teams wanting a user-friendly, standalone chat tool
  • Businesses needing quick, code-free implementation

Skip if

  • Enterprises needing a full CRM suite replacement
  • Teams requiring complex voice support integration
  • Businesses looking for a free-forever plan

Expert Take

Our analysis shows LiveChat stands out for its 'message sneak-peek' technology, a feature that allows agents to see what customers are typing before they send it, significantly speeding up resolution times. Research indicates it offers one of the strongest integration ecosystems in its class, with deep two-way syncs for Salesforce and HubSpot. While it separates its AI automation into a paid add-on, the core chat product is highly polished, offering enterprise-grade security features like credit card masking and EU data residency.

Pros

  • Message 'sneak-peek' shows typing in real-time
  • 200+ native integrations including Salesforce & HubSpot
  • Trusted by 35,000+ companies globally
  • Choice of US or EU data centers
  • Superior UI/UX compared to legacy tools

Cons

  • AI ChatBot requires separate paid subscription
  • SSO and HIPAA locked to Enterprise plan
  • No native email ticketing system
  • Mobile app struggles with IP restrictions
  • Reporting features limited on lower tiers
7
Expert Score
9.1 / 10
744
118

LivePerson Conversational AI

LivePerson Conversational AI
View Website
LivePerson is an AI-powered platform that connects customer support teams with their clients across multiple channels. It offers conversational AI, enabling businesses to automate responses and provide 24/7 support, a high-value feature for the customer support and success industry.
LivePerson is an AI-powered platform that connects customer support teams with their clients across multiple channels. It offers conversational AI, enabling businesses to automate responses and provide 24/7 support, a high-value feature for the customer support and success industry.

Best for teams that are

  • Large enterprises in banking, telco, or retail
  • Teams needing enterprise-grade security and scale
  • Operations requiring complex AI automation

Skip if

  • SMBs or startups with limited budgets
  • Teams needing simple, plug-and-play installation
  • Businesses without developer resources

Expert Take

Our analysis shows LivePerson stands out for its massive enterprise scale, handling over a billion conversations monthly with robust security certifications like HIPAA and SOC 2. Research indicates their 'Conversational Cloud' effectively bridges the gap between legacy telephony and modern generative AI, with nearly 50% of recent enterprise deals including GenAI capabilities. Based on documented features, it is a powerhouse for regulated industries requiring deep orchestration and compliance.

Pros

  • Powers 1B+ monthly conversations
  • HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI compliant
  • Strong generative AI orchestration
  • Deep Salesforce & Avaya integrations
  • Trusted by Fortune 500 brands

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for admins
  • Opaque quote-based pricing
  • Rigid reporting dashboards
  • Requires dedicated implementation specialists
  • Strict cancellation policies
8
Expert Score
9.0 / 10
671
31
AI ENHANCED SUPPORT
SMALL BIZ FRIENDLY

Crisp: AI Customer Support Platform

Crisp: AI Customer Support Platform
View Website
Crisp provides an all-in-one customer support solution using AI to streamline and enhance customer interactions. It is designed specifically for the needs of businesses seeking to improve their customer support and success teams. Its multichannel messaging capability allows businesses to instantly connect with customers or leads, no matter where they are.
Crisp provides an all-in-one customer support solution using AI to streamline and enhance customer interactions. It is designed specifically for the needs of businesses seeking to improve their customer support and success teams. Its multichannel messaging capability allows businesses to instantly connect with customers or leads, no matter where they are.
AI ENHANCED SUPPORT
SMALL BIZ FRIENDLY

Best for teams that are

  • Startups and SMBs seeking flat-rate, predictable pricing
  • Teams needing a simple, all-in-one shared inbox
  • Companies wanting quick, self-service setup

Skip if

  • Enterprises requiring complex routing or SLAs
  • Teams needing deep Salesforce or ERP integrations
  • Businesses prioritizing phone support over chat

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Crisp stands out primarily for its flat-rate pricing model, which is a rarity in the SaaS support market. Research indicates that for growing teams, the ability to add unlimited agents without increasing costs is a massive value driver. Additionally, the inclusion of 'MagicBrowse' (co-browsing) directly in the platform without requiring extra plugins offers a unique capability for high-touch support teams that competitors often charge extra for.

Pros

  • Flat-rate pricing per workspace (unlimited agents)
  • Built-in co-browsing (MagicBrowse) feature
  • Unified inbox for Email, WhatsApp, Messenger
  • Free plan available for 2 seats
  • No-code visual chatbot builder included

Cons

  • Severe AI limits on mid-tier plans
  • Reporting lacks advanced SLA metrics
  • UI design can feel outdated
  • No native telephony (requires integration)
  • Recent complaints about support quality
9
Expert Score
8.6 / 10
502
167
CUSTOMER-CENTRIC FOCUS
BUDGET-FRIENDLY

Salesforce Digital Engagement

Salesforce Digital Engagement
View Website
Salesforce Digital Engagement is a powerful SaaS solution designed specifically for support and success teams. It combines live chat software with an omnichannel customer engagement platform to effectively reduce service costs and boost customer satisfaction, addressing the unique needs of the industry to manage customer interactions seamlessly and efficiently.
Salesforce Digital Engagement is a powerful SaaS solution designed specifically for support and success teams. It combines live chat software with an omnichannel customer engagement platform to effectively reduce service costs and boost customer satisfaction, addressing the unique needs of the industry to manage customer interactions seamlessly and efficiently.
CUSTOMER-CENTRIC FOCUS
BUDGET-FRIENDLY

Best for teams that are

  • Current Salesforce Service Cloud enterprises
  • Teams requiring seamless omnichannel routing
  • Businesses needing a 360-degree customer view

Skip if

  • Small businesses with limited budgets
  • Teams not already using Salesforce CRM
  • Simple use cases not needing complex automation

Expert Take

Salesforce Digital Engagement stands out for its robust and flexible features that meet the complex needs of support and success teams. It offers an omnichannel approach, allowing teams to interact with customers across various platforms seamlessly. Its integration with the broader Salesforce ecosystem enables more comprehensive customer insights. The AI-powered capabilities help automate routine tasks and improve service efficiency. These features make it loved by industry professionals who seek to streamline their customer engagement process.

Pros

  • Omnichannel customer engagement
  • Advanced live chat features
  • Integration with Salesforce ecosystem
  • AI-powered service capabilities
  • Scalable solutions

Cons

  • Can be complex for beginners
  • Pricing can be high for small businesses
  • Requires training to fully utilize

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1 Zendesk AI Agents
Yes No Yes - 14 days Yes Yes Yes SOC 2 Slack, Salesforce, Google Workspace Yes $19/agent/month
2 Slack: AI Work Management
Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes SOC 2 Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce Yes $6.67/month
3 TeamSupport Live Chat
No No Contact for trial Yes Yes Yes Not specified Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft 365 Yes Enterprise pricing
4 Attentive Customer Success
No No Contact for trial Not specified Not specified Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified Enterprise pricing
5 Live Chat in Microsoft Teams
Yes No No No No Yes Not specified Microsoft 365 Yes Depends on Microsoft 365 subscription
6 LiveChat Customer Success Software
Yes Yes Yes - 14 days Yes Yes Yes Not specified Slack, Google Workspace, HubSpot Yes $16/month
7 LivePerson Conversational AI
Yes No Contact for trial Yes Yes Yes Not specified Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft 365 Yes Enterprise pricing
8 Crisp: AI Customer Support Platform
Yes Freemium Yes - 14 days Yes Yes Yes Not specified Slack, Google Workspace, HubSpot Yes $25/month
9 Salesforce Digital Engagement
Yes No Contact for trial Yes Yes Yes ISO 27001 Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 Yes Enterprise pricing
1

Zendesk AI Agents

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Slack, Salesforce, Google Workspace
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$19/agent/month
2

Slack: AI Work Management

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
No
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$6.67/month
3

TeamSupport Live Chat

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft 365
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing
4

Attentive Customer Success

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
Not specified
Has Public API
Not specified
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Not specified
Supports SSO
Not specified
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing
5

Live Chat in Microsoft Teams

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
No
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Microsoft 365
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Depends on Microsoft 365 subscription
6

LiveChat Customer Success Software

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Slack, Google Workspace, HubSpot
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$16/month
7

LivePerson Conversational AI

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft 365
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing
8

Crisp: AI Customer Support Platform

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Freemium
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Slack, Google Workspace, HubSpot
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$25/month
9

Salesforce Digital Engagement

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
ISO 27001
Popular Integrations
Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing

Similar Categories

How We Rank Products

Our Evaluation Process

The 'How We Choose' section for live chat and messaging solutions for support and success teams relies on a comprehensive evaluation of key factors such as product specifications, feature sets, customer reviews, ratings, and overall value. Important considerations in this category include integration capabilities with existing workflows, user interface design, scalability, and the availability of AI-driven features that enhance customer interactions. Rankings were determined by analyzing data from a variety of sources, including detailed comparisons of product specifications, qualitative assessments of customer feedback, and quantitative evaluations of user ratings, ensuring a thorough and unbiased selection process.

Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.

Verification

  • Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of user satisfaction and support effectiveness.
  • Rankings based on analysis of features, customer reviews, and expert ratings in live chat and messaging solutions.
  • Selection criteria focus on responsiveness, integration capabilities, and user experience for support and success teams.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions from other affiliate partners.

×

Score Breakdown

0.0 / 10

What This Award Means