Compare The Best Live Chat Software for UK Business Websites

Give website visitors an instant way to get answers, increase conversions, and handle more queries without adding headcount.

Small and mid-size businesses wanting affordable live chat with built-in AI automation.
4.7
Free plan available
Pros
User-friendly interface with quick setup and a minimal learning curve.
Built-in AI chatbot (Lyro) handles common queries automatically on all paid plans.
Generous free plan for businesses that want to trial live chat before committing.
Cons
AI chatbot response limits on lower plans can restrict automation at higher volumes.
Analytics and reporting are more basic than enterprise-grade alternatives.
Widget customisation options are limited compared to some competitors.
Email marketing features, while included, are not as strong as dedicated tools.
Customer support teams wanting a reliable, dedicated live chat platform with strong reporting.
4.6
From £20/mo
Pros
Clean, professional interface that both agents and website visitors find easy to use.
Detailed reporting on agent performance, chat satisfaction, and queue data.
Part of a broader ecosystem including chatbot, knowledge base, and helpdesk tools.
Cons
No free plan available, which limits accessibility for very small businesses.
Pricing can increase once you add additional products from the LiveChat ecosystem.
Chatbot functionality is a separate paid product rather than being built in.
Less suited to marketing and sales automation than all-in-one platforms like Intercom.
SaaS businesses wanting AI-powered chat combined with onboarding and CRM features.
4.5
From £39/mo
Pros
Powerful AI chatbot (Fin) resolves a high proportion of queries without human involvement.
Combines live chat, email, and in-app messaging in a single platform.
Deep integrations with popular SaaS tools and CRM platforms.
Cons
Pricing is high compared to most live chat alternatives on the market.
Can be complex to configure for smaller teams with straightforward support needs.
Costs increase significantly as contact volume or seat count grows.
More than most businesses need if the requirement is a basic website chat widget.
Businesses already using Freshdesk or other Freshworks products wanting a unified inbox.
4.4
Free plan available
Pros
Connects seamlessly with Freshdesk and the wider Freshworks product family.
AI-powered chatbot handles ticket creation and common support queries automatically.
Good free plan for small teams with straightforward live chat requirements.
Cons
Interface can feel cluttered when managing multiple channels simultaneously.
Advanced AI features require higher-tier plans to unlock their full potential.
Third-party integrations outside of the Freshworks ecosystem are more limited.
Mobile app experience is less polished than the desktop version.
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What?

What is live chat software?

Live chat software adds a real-time messaging widget to your website, letting visitors start a conversation and receive an instant reply from your team. Modern platforms include AI chatbots that handle common queries automatically, visitor tracking that shows who is browsing your site right now, and integrations with CRM tools to log every conversation against a contact record. Popular platforms include Intercom, Zendesk Chat, Tidio, LiveChat, and Freshchat.

why?

Why do I need live chat software?

Most website visitors leave without making contact. Live chat removes the friction at the point of decision by giving potential customers an immediate way to ask questions and get answers. Businesses using live chat typically report meaningful improvements in conversion rates and customer satisfaction compared to relying on email or phone alone. It also reduces inbound call volumes by resolving simple queries before they escalate into support tickets.

compare

Compare live chat software in 3 simple steps.

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Browse the best platforms.

Compare live chat tools based on features, pricing, chatbot capability, and which integrations they support.

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Choose the right fit for your team.

Filter by team size, budget, and whether you need AI-powered automation or a straightforward human chat solution.

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Add it to your site.

Most platforms go live in under ten minutes with a simple script or plugin install. No developer required.

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Frequently asked questions

Live Chat Software Questions, Answered

Common questions from businesses comparing live chat tools for their websites.

What is live chat software?
Can a small business use live chat?
Do I need live chat if I already have a contact form?
What is the difference between live chat and a chatbot?
What is the difference between live chat and a chatbot?