Head to head · 2026
Tidio vs Freshchat
Quick answer
Tidio is the better fit for small e-commerce stores answering order and shipping questions. Freshchat is the better fit for small support teams that want free live chat for up to 10 agents. On our scores Freshchat comes out ahead overall (4.3 out of 5).
Tidio
Tidio is one of the easiest ways for a small online store to add live chat, a shared inbox and an AI agent that answers routine questions. Setup is quick and the free plan is usable for very low volume. The cost model is the catch: plans are capped by billable conversations, and Lyro AI, Flows and branding removal are separate add-ons, so the real monthly bill is often well above the headline price.
- ✓Free plan with live chat, ticketing and 10 seats
- ✓Lyro AI agent answers from your knowledge base and hands off to a human
- ✓Flows automate data collection, quote requests and missed conversations
- –Plans cap billable conversations: 50 on Free, 100 on Starter
- –Lyro AI (from $32.50/month) and Flows (from $24.17/month) are separate add-ons
Freshchat
Freshchat is a strong, fairly priced choice for small and mid-sized teams that want live chat, social messaging and an AI agent in one inbox. The free plan is unusually generous on seats, and Growth at $19/agent adds the channels and bot most teams need. Watch the add-ons: AI sessions beyond the first 500 cost $49 per 100, and Copilot is another $29 per agent.
- ✓Free plan covers up to 10 agents with a chat widget, shared inbox and email connection
- ✓Growth at $19/agent/month adds Freddy AI Agent, social messengers, SMS and reporting
- ✓500 free AI Agent sessions included once per account on paid plans
- –AI Agent sessions cost $49 per 100 after the first 500, so heavy bot use adds up
- –Freddy AI Copilot is an extra $29/agent/month on Pro and Enterprise
Side by side
| Tidio | Freshchat | |
|---|---|---|
| Brent score | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Features | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Ease of use | 4.6 | 4.4 |
| Value | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| Support | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Price | Free plan; paid from $24.17/month (billed annually) | Free for up to 10 agents; paid from $19/agent/month (USD, billed annually) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Small e-commerce stores answering order and shipping questions | Small support teams that want free live chat for up to 10 agents |
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Compared on Brent Technologies using the same scoring method for both products.