Crisp vs Kayako: Which Live Chat Software Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction — side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
Crisp vs Kayako, in 15 seconds
Choose Crisp if…
- You want the lower entry price
- You need a genuinely free plan
- You need the broader feature set
Choose Kayako if…
- You want deeper AI and automation features
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Crisp and Kayako score
Crisp leads on 3 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
CrispNo reviewsKayakoNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption
Crisp0Kayako0 - Crisp
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
Crisp$45/moKayako$79/mo - Crisp
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
CrispFree plan + trialKayakoFree trial - Even
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Crisp8Kayako8 - Crisp
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Crisp11Kayako8 - Kayako
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Crisp1Kayako2 - Even
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Crisp2Kayako2 - Kayako
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Crisp4Kayako5
Feature Comparison
Crisp vs Kayako feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Crisp
KayakoPricing Comparison
Crisp vs Kayako pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Crisp
$45/mo to start- 2 seats
- Unlimited conversations
- Live chat widget
- Mobile apps
- 4 seats
- Email inbox
- Canned responses
- Custom chat widget
- 10 seats
- Omnichannel messaging
- AI chatbot (50 uses)
- Knowledge base
- 20 seats
- Unlimited AI usage
- Ticketing system
- White-label
Kayako
$79/mo to start- Flat monthly base
- Shared inbox and chat
- Kay AI agent
- Knowledge base
- About 1 dollar per resolved ticket
- Billed on usage
- Only successful resolutions
- Scales with volume
- Custom pricing
- Advanced security
- SLA
- Dedicated support
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
Crisp vs Kayako: strengths and trade-offs
Crisp
Pros
- Free plan available
- Free trial offered
- Lower starting price ($45/mo)
- Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
Kayako
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: GDPR, SOC 2
- Stronger AI / automation features
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Higher starting price ($79/mo)
Buyer Fit
Who should use Crisp vs Kayako?
Startups
Crisp
Crisp keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Crisp
Crisp offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Crisp
Crisp connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Crisp
Crisp leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Kayako
Kayako integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Kayako
Kayako is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (4)
Only in Crisp (4)
Only in Kayako (4)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar live chat software products buyers compare alongside Crisp and Kayako.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Crisp and Kayako against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs — then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationCrisp vs Kayako — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Crisp and Kayako?
Crisp and Kayako are both Live Chat Software solutions. Crisp is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Kayako is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Crisp or Kayako?
Based on user ratings, Crisp scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Crisp or Kayako?
Crisp is the more affordable option, starting at $45/month.
Does Crisp or Kayako have a free plan?
Crisp offers a free plan. Kayako does not have a free tier but does offer a free trial.
Can I switch from Crisp to Kayako?
Switching between Crisp and Kayako is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Crisp vs Kayako?
Crisp is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Kayako works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Crisp vs Kayako
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Crisp
Crisp has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Crisp
Crisp leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Crisp
Crisp delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Kayako
Kayako ships more AI and automation.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.