Live chat has become a game-changer for businesses. It’s a powerful tool that connects you with your customers in real time, boosting engagement and satisfaction.
Regardless of your profession, picking the right live chat solution can make a huge difference. Two popular options currently taking the market by storm are Tawk.to and Zoho Chat (also commonly known as Zoho SalesIQ).
Live Chat Software Feature Showdown
Picking between the two platforms mentioned above is a tricky decision. Both are great, but which one’s going to give you that extra scoop of satisfaction?
Let’s dive into the juicy details, compare features, and help you figure out which live chat solution is your perfect match.
- Free Vs. Paid Plans
Tawk.to’s bundle is almost too good to be true. You get everything you need without paying a cent. We aren’t kidding. You can bring the whole team on board without worrying about costs.
However, while its free plan is generous, it doesn’t include advanced AI features. If you want an AI assistant or human agents, you’ll need to shell out a bit extra – $29/month for AI Assist and $1/hour for human agents.
Zoho SalesIQ’s free plan is pretty sweet too, especially if you’re just starting. You get three operators, which is enough for a small team.
Still, to unlock more features like chatbots, screen sharing, and advanced analytics, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
- Chat Functionality: What’s in the Toolbox?
Tawk.to offers a robust set of chat functionalities:
- File Sharing: Send and receive image and video files within the chat.
- Canned Responses: Save time with pre-set answers and automatic dialogues.
- Chat History: Access past chats anytime, anywhere.
- Trigger Responses: Automatically respond to specific actions by visitors.
On the other hand, Zoho Chat (SalesIQ) also comes packed with features to keep your chat game strong:
- File Sharing: Easily share documents and images within individual and group chats.
- Canned Responses: Send out quick replies within seconds.
- Chat History: Never lose track of conversations and data.
- Typing Preview: See what customers are typing before they send.
- AI-powered Features: Summarize chats and visitor information for future reference.
Agent Management: Keep Your Team in Sync
With Tawk.to, managing different agents is a breeze. Here’s what this live chat software offers:
- Unlimited Agents: Add as many team members as you need.
- Chat Assignment: Easily assign chats to available agents.
- Real-time Monitoring: Keep an eye on chat performance 24/7.
Similarly, Zoho Chat offers advanced agent management tools:
- Chat Transfer: Seamlessly transfer chats between agents.
- Group Chat: Collaborate with your team in real-time.
- Agent Training: Train new agents within the platform.
Mobile Apps: Chat on the Go
Tawk.to’s mobile app ensures you’re always connected:
- Agent App: Respond to chats from your phone – anywhere, anytime.
- Customer App: Customers can also text via mobile.
Zoho SalesIQ also offers responsive mobile apps for both agents and customers:
- Agent App: Manage chats and get notifications on the go.
- Customer App: Smooth mobile chat experience for your customers.
Third-party Integrations: Making Your Tools Play Nice Together
Integrations are like the glue that holds your digital operations together. They let your live chat tool talk to your CRM, marketing automation, and other essential platforms.
Let’s see how these two platforms integrate with popular tools to streamline your workflow and enhance your customer interactions.
Tawk.to prides itself on being easy to integrate with a variety of platforms, helping you connect your chat app with your existing tools effortlessly.
- WordPress: Easily add Tawk.to to your WordPress site with a simple plugin.
- Joomla: Integrate Tawk.to with your Joomla site for seamless chat functionality.
- Shopify: Connect with your Shopify store to offer instant support to your customers.
While Tawk.to offers basic CRM integration options, you might need to rely on APIs or third-party services for deeper connections.
On the other hand, Zoho Chat (or Zoho SalesIQ), stands out with its deep integration capabilities, especially if you’re already within the Zoho ecosystem.
- WordPress: Seamlessly integrate Zoho Chat with your WordPress site for a smooth customer experience.
- GoDaddy: Connect Zoho Chat with your GoDaddy website for real-time support.
- Shopify: Like Tawk.to, Zoho Chat integrates with Shopify, helping you assist customers directly in your store.
- WooCommerce: If you’re using WooCommerce, Zoho Chat fits right in, enhancing your customer service.
Zoho Chat excels in CRM integrations, particularly with Zoho’s suite of tools. It merges easily with Salesforce, letting you leverage your existing CRM data for better customer interactions.
Tawk.to Vs. Zoho Chat: Pricing Comparison
Choosing a live chat solution can feel like shopping for a new phone—lots of options, and you want the best bang for your buck.
- Tawk.to Pricing Structure
With Tawk.to, you get all the core features without paying a single penny. Here’s what you can expect:
- Core Features: By default, all users get to enjoy unlimited agents, customizable widgets, third-party integrations, detailed reporting, and a ticketing system.
- Add-ons: While the core features are free, Tawk.to offers some valuable add-ons, such as:
- AI Assist: $29/month. This feature provides a chatbot that handles queries 24/7/365.
- Human Agents: Hire live agents for only $1/hour to answer chats around the clock.
Regarding small businesses or startups, Tawk.to is a no-brainer. You get a robust live chat solution without straining your budget. The free plan is more than enough for many, and if you need extra help, the add-ons are reasonably priced.
- Zoho Chat Pricing Structure
Zoho SalesIQ offers a tiered pricing model, making it scalable depending on your business needs. Here’s the breakdown:
- Free Plan: $0/month
- Features: Three operators, 100 chat sessions per month, basic functionalities.
- Basic Plan: $7/agent/month
- Features: One operator, 1,000 chat sessions per month, screen sharing, and more.
- Professional Plan: $12.75/agent/month
- Features: One operator, five chatbots, real-time reporting, and advanced features.
- Enterprise Plan: $20/agent/month
- Features: One operator, 10 chatbots, unlimited chat sessions, live translation, and premium features.
Zoho SalesIQ is great for businesses that need more advanced features and scalability. The tiered plans mean you can start small and upgrade as your business grows. Plus, you also get a 15-day free trial for all three bundles.
Which Live Chat Tool Is Easier to Use?
You don’t want to spend hours trying to figure out how to use a new platform. The easier it is, the quicker you can start chatting with customers and boosting your business.
The first time you log into Tawk.to, you’ll notice a clean, straightforward dashboard. Its interface isn’t cluttered with unnecessary elements.
Zoho Chat (Zoho SalesIQ) also packs a punch with its features but still manages to keep things user-friendly.
The dashboard is sleek and modern, with a design that’s easy on the eyes. Everything is neatly categorized.
Which Software Offers the Best Support?
Tawk.to doesn’t just leave you to fend for yourself. You can chat with the support team directly from the website. It’s quick, efficient, and gets you answers fast.
The help center is a treasure trove of articles, guides, and FAQs. Regarding less urgent queries, you can drop the team an email. Response times are generally quick, and you’ll get detailed, helpful replies.
Like Tawk.to, Zoho Chat provides live chat support. You can connect with its team directly from the website for immediate assistance.
Zoho SalesIQ’s help documentation is extensive. You’ll find in-depth articles, how-to videos, and troubleshooting guides that cover every aspect of the platform. Customers can also reach out via email or phone.
Looking for More? Try Chatway
There are several free live chat options available to help you connect with customers and website visitors in real-time. These solutions can provide the benefits of live chat without breaking the bank. Consider Chatway, a popular free live chat app, to get started.
Free Live Chat: No Risk, Big Rewards
Chatway’s free plan removes the barrier to entry for businesses of all sizes. Chat with unlimited customers and add your entire team – all at zero cost. It’s a risk-free way to see how live chat can transform your customer service without breaking the bank.
Free Plan, Packed with Power
Don’t underestimate the free plan! Chatway equips you with features that rival paid options. Deliver exceptional service with features like live chat, branding customization to reflect your style, and multilingual support to connect with a global audience. Plus, built-in analytics provide valuable insights to track conversions.
Works with Most Platforms
Chatway integrates seamlessly with your existing tools. Effortlessly connect it to your website builder (Duda, WordPress, etc.) or payment processor (Square, etc.) for a frictionless experience.
Empower Your Team Collaboration
Unlike services that restrict agents on free plans, Chatway’s free tier allows unlimited agents. This ensures you’re always well-staffed to handle customer inquiries, boosting your team’s efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Final Words
Whether you choose Tawk.to or Zoho Chat, you’re in good hands. Tawk.to wins the affordability game with its completely free core features. For small businesses and startups, this is a massive plus.
However, while it covers the basics well, it lacks some of the more advanced features like detailed analytics and deep CRM integrations.
On the other hand, Zoho Chat grows with your business, offering tiered pricing plans and extensive customization options. Its premium support plans and dedicated account managers ensure you’re well taken care of.
Unfortunately, Zoho Chat may feel overwhelming at first, especially for new users to live chat or prefer simpler tools.
Whichever platform you choose, improving your customer interactions with a live chat tool will undoubtedly boost your business’s success.
