CRM Comparison

Hiver vs LiveAgent (2026)

Hiver turns Gmail and Google Workspace into a shared-inbox help desk; LiveAgent is a standalone multi-channel platform with a built-in call center. Here's how to pick in 2026.

Hiver

Gmail-native customer service platform that layers shared inboxes, AI agents, and omnichannel support on top of Google Workspace without replacing it.

Pricing Free plan available; paid from $25/user/mo (Growth)
Our rating 4.4/5
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LiveAgent

LiveAgent is a multi-channel help desk platform combining live chat, ticketing, call center, and social media support for customer service teams of all sizes.

Pricing From $15/agent/month (annual); 30-day free trial, no credit card required
Our rating 4.4/5
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TL;DR

  • Pick Hiver if your team runs on Google Workspace and you want a help desk that feels like email — shared inboxes and AI agents layered onto Gmail with almost no learning curve.
  • Pick LiveAgent if you want a standalone, all-in-one help desk with ticketing, live chat, and a real phone call center in one subscription.

The core difference: inside Gmail vs. standalone

This comparison is really about where the work happens. Hiver lives inside Gmail. It turns shared addresses like support@yourcompany.com into a full help desk — assignment, AI agents, live chat, WhatsApp, analytics — without asking anyone to leave the inbox they already know. That's a huge advantage for Google Workspace teams and a non-factor for everyone else.

LiveAgent is a dedicated workspace. Agents log into a purpose-built platform that pulls email, chat, phone, and social into one console. It's a bigger context switch than Hiver, but it doesn't depend on any particular email provider, and it brings capabilities — notably a call center — that a Gmail overlay doesn't natively provide.

Pricing

Both are affordable, but structured differently. Hiver offers a real free plan — unlimited users with shared inboxes, live chat, and knowledge base — then paid Growth from $25/user/mo, with AI agents and Salesforce/HubSpot integrations gated to Pro at $55–65/user/month. LiveAgent starts at $15/agent/month billed annually with a 30-day free trial (no credit card) and month-to-month billing. If you want to start at zero cost, Hiver's free tier is unmatched here; if you're paying for seats and want the lowest entry price, LiveAgent undercuts Hiver's Growth plan.

Channels and the call center

Hiver's omnichannel story — email, live chat, voice, WhatsApp, and a customer portal — converges into the Gmail inbox on Pro and above. LiveAgent spreads across email, chat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, Viber, and a built-in call center, though some social channels are paid add-ons. The deciding factor: if phone is a primary channel, LiveAgent's dedicated call center beats Hiver's add-on voice.

AI and automation

Both automate. Hiver's AI agents handle repetitive requests autonomously, with vendors claiming up to 70% deflection, but they require the Pro tier. LiveAgent bundles AI chatbots and response suggestions within its plans to cut agent workload. Hiver's AI is deeper but pricier to unlock; LiveAgent's is simpler and included earlier.

Who should pick what

  • Google Workspace team that wants zero learning curve → Hiver.
  • Team that wants a standalone all-in-one platform → LiveAgent.
  • Phone support is a primary channel → LiveAgent.
  • You want to start completely free → Hiver.
  • Not on Gmail / Google Workspace → LiveAgent.
  • Lowest paid per-seat price → LiveAgent.

Bottom line

Hiver is the smartest pick for Google Workspace teams — the free plan is genuinely useful and the Gmail-native experience means near-instant adoption. LiveAgent is the better standalone platform, especially if you need a call center or don't live in Gmail. Answer one question first: is staying inside Gmail worth more than a dedicated all-in-one console?

Try them yourself

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Frequently asked questions

Hiver vs LiveAgent — which is better?
It comes down to where your team wants to work. Hiver is better if you live in Gmail and want zero learning curve — it layers ticketing onto the inbox you already use. LiveAgent is better if you want a dedicated help-desk workspace with a built-in call center and broad social channels. If Google Workspace is your home, Hiver; if you want an all-in-one standalone tool, LiveAgent.
Is Hiver cheaper than LiveAgent?
Hiver has a genuinely free plan for unlimited users with shared inboxes, live chat, and a knowledge base, but its paid Growth tier starts at $25/user/mo and AI agents require Pro at $55–65/user/month. LiveAgent starts lower on paid plans at $15/agent/month annually. For a free start Hiver wins; for the cheapest paid seats LiveAgent generally wins.
Do I need Google Workspace to use Hiver?
Effectively yes to get the value. Hiver's whole advantage is being Gmail-native — agents work inside their existing inbox with no tab-switching or new interface. If your team is not on Google Workspace, that core advantage disappears and LiveAgent's standalone platform makes more sense. Hiver only shines for Gmail-based teams.
Which one has a built-in call center?
LiveAgent — a phone call center is part of its all-in-one platform alongside ticketing, live chat, and knowledge base. Hiver focuses on email, live chat, WhatsApp, and a customer portal converging in the Gmail inbox, and adds voice on higher tiers, but phone is not its center of gravity. For serious phone support, LiveAgent is built for it.
Which is faster to onboard?
Hiver, for Google Workspace teams — because the interface is already Gmail, most teams are live in hours rather than days with almost no training. LiveAgent is a new interface to learn, though still lighter than enterprise suites. If speed-to-value with minimal change management matters most, Hiver has the edge.