11 Best Live Chat Apps for Shopify in 2026: Features, Pricing, and How to Choose

Quick Summary

Live chat can recover abandoned carts, answer pre-purchase questions, and turn browsers into buyers, but only if you choose the right app. This guide compares 11 Shopify live chat options across features, pricing, and AI capabilities, from free tools for small stores to agentic commerce platforms built for revenue growth.

Why Live Chat Matters for Shopify Stores

The global cart abandonment rate hovers around 70%. One major reason? Shoppers have questions, but no one to answer them. Unlike physical retail, where customers can flag down staff, e-commerce visitors hit friction and leave.

Live chat closes that gap. It provides real-time support that removes purchasing roadblocks, clarifying sizing, explaining shipping, and resolving hesitation, right when it matters. But most live chat apps stop there. They wait for customers to reach out, then react.

The real opportunity lies in engaging shoppers before they leave, not just answering questions. That's the difference between support-first chat and sales-first chat, and it's why choosing the right platform matters more than simply adding a widget to your site.

Why Listen to Us?

At Rep AI, we built the first Agentic Commerce OS for Shopify brands, combining sales, support, and shopper intelligence in one platform. We've seen what works and what doesn't across hundreds of stores, and we know where traditional live chat falls short when the goal is revenue, not just ticket deflection.

What Is a Live Chat App For Shopify?

A live chat app is a real-time messaging tool that sits on your Shopify store, enabling instant communication between your brand and potential buyers. At its most basic, it lets support agents answer questions as customers browse. More advanced platforms boost Shopify sales with AI chatbots, automation, and proactive engagement.

Beyond answering questions, live chat captures behavioral data that enables personalized recommendations and targeted outreach. The best platforms integrate directly with Shopify, pulling product and order data into conversations so agents (or AI) can respond with full context.

What Can Live Chat Do for Your Store?

When used right, live chat transforms from an ordinary support channel to a conversion tool. Here's what the right platform delivers:

• Increase Conversion Rates: Shoppers with questions that go unanswered leave. Live chat removes friction at the moment of hesitation, turning browsers into buyers before they bounce.
• Reduce Cart Abandonment: Proactive chat can intercept visitors showing exit intent, offering help, answering last-minute objections, or surfacing incentives to complete the purchase.
• Deliver 24/7 Availability: Unlike human agents, AI chat doesn't sleep. Customers get instant responses regardless of time zone, which matters when 30% of purchases happen outside business hours.
• Create Personalized Experiences: With access to browsing history, cart contents, and past orders, chat can recommend products, suggest alternatives, and tailor responses to each visitor's context.

The Best Shopify Live Chat Apps Compared

Before diving into detailed reviews, here's a quick comparison of the top Shopify live chat apps. This table highlights what each platform does best and what you'll pay.

1. Rep AI

Rep AI is an AI-powered live chat platform for e-commerce brands that want live chat to do more than answer questions. Instead of waiting for shoppers to start a conversation, Rep AI proactively engages visitors showing hesitation or exit intent, guiding purchases and resolving issues in real time.

While most live chat apps on this list focus primarily on reactive support, Rep AI redefines what live chat can do by using behavioral signals trained on over 160 million shopper sessions to trigger in-chat guidance, recommend relevant products, and assist shoppers before they abandon their session.

Built initially for Shopify brands and expanding to WooCommerce and Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Rep AI functions as a full agentic commerce platform, combining proactive sales, automated support, and shopper intelligence in a single live chat experience.

On the support side, Rep AI handles up to 97% of live chat inquiries autonomously, including order tracking, returns, cancellations, and FAQs. When conversations require human involvement, it hands off seamlessly to your existing helpdesk with full context, so agents never start from scratch.

Key Features

• Behavioral AI Sales Agent: Engages shoppers showing exit intent with personalized, conversational product guidance.
• One-Click Add to Cart & Visual Product Filtering: Shoppers browse product carousels and add items directly in-chat without being redirected to separate browser tabs.
• Automated Support Resolution: Handles orders, returns, cancellations, WISMO inquiries, and FAQs autonomously, deflecting 50–70% of support tickets within 30 days.
• Shopper Intelligence & Drop-Off Analytics: Surfaces actionable insights on visitor behavior, unanswered questions, and missing website information.
• Seamless Integrations: Connects with Shopify, Klaviyo, Gorgias, Zendesk, and marketing platforms to sync catalog data in real time.

Pricing

Plans scale with monthly sessions. All include a 30-day free trial with a 5X ROI guarantee.

• Pay As You Grow: $12/1,000 visitors
• Basic (25K sessions): $159–$191/month
• Standard (50K sessions): $280–$336/month
• Pro Plus (180K sessions): $792–$952/month
• Enterprise (500K+): Custom pricing

Pros

• Sales-first AI that actively drives conversion and AOV, not just ticket deflection
• Easy 6-click setup with automatic brand voice and tone calibration
• Real-time catalog sync keeps product recommendations accurate without manual updates
• Dedicated CSM support and detailed analytics for data-driven optimization

Cons

• Currently Shopify-only (Salesforce Commerce Cloud expansion planned for Q2)

2. Gorgias

Gorgias is a helpdesk solution built specifically for e-commerce, with deep Shopify integration. It pulls customer conversations from email, live chat, social media, SMS, and WhatsApp into a single dashboard where support agents can view order history, process refunds, and respond to tickets without switching tabs.

Key Features

• Unified Multichannel Support: Manage conversations from email, live chat, social media, SMS, and voice in one centralized helpdesk.
• Deep E-Commerce Integrations: Native Shopify integration lets agents access order data, edit orders, and issue refunds directly within tickets.
• AI Agent & Automation: AI handles common questions and automates responses, though most conversations route to human agents after 2–3 exchanges.

Pricing

• Starter: 50 tickets from $10/month
• Basic: 300 tickets from $50/month
• Pro: 2,000 tickets from $300/month
• Advanced: 5,000 tickets from $750/month

Pros

• Easy integration with Shopify and other e-commerce platforms
• Streamlines communication across multiple channels
• Solid choice for support-focused teams

Cons

• AI is a paid add-on, not included in base pricing
• Primarily support-focused with no proactive sales engagement
• Ticket-based pricing can get expensive as volume grows

3. LiveChat

LiveChat is a straightforward customer service and sales chat platform designed for real-time messaging. It offers rich messaging features, canned responses, and solid analytics without the complexity of enterprise solutions.

Key Features

• Chat Tools: Canned responses, file sharing, chat archives, real-time notifications, and message templates for faster replies.
• Multichannel Messaging: Connect across SMS, email, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp from one interface.
• Reports and Analytics: Track chat volume, response times, customer satisfaction, and conversion rates with detailed dashboards.

Pricing

• Starter: For small businesses from $19/person/month
• Team: For full-time support teams from $49/person/month
• Business: For customer service departments from $79/person/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for global companies

Pros

• User-friendly interface with minimal learning curve
• Strong analytics for tracking team performance
• Affordable entry point for small teams

Cons

• Limited AI capabilities compared to newer platforms
• Per-agent pricing adds up quickly for larger teams
• Lacks proactive engagement features

4. Tidio

Tidio is a live chat and chatbot platform built for small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses. Its drag-and-drop chatbot builder lets teams create automated flows without coding, making it an accessible entry point for stores exploring automation.

Key Features

• Lyro AI Agent: AI-powered assistant that answers customer questions and resolves repetitive issues across channels automatically.
• Live Chat: Real-time website chat with visitor tracking so agents can see browsing behavior and cart contents.
• Visual Chatbot Builder: Drag-and-drop editor with pre-built templates for common e-commerce scenarios like order tracking and FAQs.

Pricing

• Starter: $29/month for 100 billable conversations
• Growth: $59/month 250 billable conversations
• Plus: $749/month for custom billable conversations
• Premium: Custom pricing

Pros

• Easy setup with minimal technical knowledge required
• Affordable entry point with a functional free tier
• Native Shopify integration provides order context in conversations

Cons

• Chat logic is rule-based and lacks natural conversational AI
• Limited analytics make it difficult to measure sales impact
• Quickly outgrown by scaling brands; the jump to higher tiers is steep

5. Tawk.to

Tawk.to is a completely free live chat platform with no message caps, no visitor limits, and support for unlimited agents. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious teams that need basic live chat functionality without monthly fees.

Key Features

• Unlimited Free Live Chat: No caps on messages, visitors, or agents—completely free core product.
• Knowledge Base: Built-in self-service portal with shortcuts and canned responses to speed up agent replies.
• Visitor Monitoring: Real-time tracking shows who's on your site, their location, pages viewed, and browsing behavior.

Pricing

Free to use. $1/hr for professionally trained live agents.

Pros

• Completely free with no hidden costs for core features
• Easy to set up and onboard new agents
• Unlimited agents and chat history

Cons

• Limited customization options for chat widget design
• Requires paid add-ons for automation features
• Basic feature set compared to paid alternatives

6. Zendesk

Zendesk is an enterprise customer support platform that includes AI-powered live chat as part of a broader omnichannel suite. It's built for large teams with complex routing requirements, SLA management, and advanced automation needs.

Key Features

• Omnichannel Inbox: Consolidates live chat, email, SMS, WhatsApp, social media, and phone into one unified agent workspace.
• AI-Powered Bots: Chatbots handle routine inquiries and route complex issues to human agents based on configurable rules.
• Advanced Ticketing & Workflows: Robust ticket management with automated routing, SLA tracking, and custom workflows.

Pricing

• Support Team: $25/agent/month
• Suite Team: $69/agent/month
• Suite Professional: $149/agent/month
• Suite Enterprise: $219/agent/month

Copilot plans available at an additional cost.

Pros

• Scales effectively for high-volume, multi-department operations
• Deep customization options for workflows and routing
• Massive integration ecosystem

Cons

• Configuration complexity requires dedicated admin time
• Pricing is prohibitive for smaller teams
• Overkill for stores that primarily need live chat

7. Richpanel

Richpanel is a customer support platform for e-commerce that combines a self-service portal with live chat and helpdesk functionality. Its Shopify-native design lets customers track orders, process returns, and manage subscriptions without agent intervention.

Key Features

• Self-Service Portal: Shopify-integrated portal where customers handle order tracking, returns, and subscriptions independently.
• Multi-Channel Helpdesk: Unified inbox for email, live chat, social media, SMS, and WhatsApp with full order context.
• In-Chat Order Management: Agents can view, edit, cancel, or refund orders directly within conversations.

Pricing

• Pro: $89/agent/month
• Pro Max: $119/agent/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Paid add-ons available from$99/month.

Pros

• Self-service portal reduces ticket volume significantly
• Strong Shopify integration with full order context
• Clean interface that's easy for agents to navigate

Cons

• Self-service portal is a paid add-on, not included in base plans
• Higher starting price than some alternatives
• Mobile experience could be improved

8. Re:amaze

Re:amaze is a unified customer messaging platform that combines helpdesk, live chat, chatbots, and email in one shared inbox. It's particularly useful for e-commerce businesses managing multiple Shopify stores or brands from a single dashboard.

Key Features

• Multi-Brand Management: Manage customer conversations across multiple Shopify stores and brands from one dashboard.
• Live Chat & FAQ Bot: Automated FAQ bot handles common questions, while live chat provides real-time support with order context.
• Workflow Automation: Custom chatbot workflows, canned responses, and automated routing based on customer tags or order history.

Pricing

• Basic: $29/team member/month
• Pro: $49/team member/month
• Plus: $69/team member/month

Pros

• Excellent for multi-store or multi-brand operations
• Affordable pricing with straightforward tiers
• Conversation history is well-organized and searchable

Cons

• Limited integration options compared to larger platforms
• Settings and configuration can be difficult to navigate
• Lacks advanced AI capabilities

9. Chatra

Chatra is a live chat tool focused on proactive engagement. Its smart triggers let you initiate conversations based on visitor behavior—time on page, cart value, exit intent—to engage shoppers at critical moments.

Key Features

• Smart Triggers: Proactive chat invitations based on visitor behavior like time on page, cart value, or exit intent.
• Offline Messaging: When agents are offline, chat switches to email mode, capturing messages for follow-up.
• Typing Insights: Agents see what visitors are typing before they send, plus location and cart contents for context.

Pricing

• Free: One agent free forever
• Essential: $31/agent/month
• Pro: $41/agent/month

Pros

• Proactive triggers help engage visitors before they leave
• Affordable pricing with a functional free tier
• Real-time typing insights help agents prepare responses

Cons

• Chatbot capabilities are limited and not very intuitive
• Smaller feature set compared to full helpdesk platforms
• Less suited for high-volume support operations

10. Chatty

Chatty is an AI-powered live chat app built specifically for Shopify stores, with a strong focus on WhatsApp and Messenger integration. It's designed to automate customer support and recover abandoned carts through messaging channels customers already use.

Key Features

• WhatsApp & Messenger Integration: Connect WhatsApp Business, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram in one inbox.
• Abandoned Cart Recovery: Automated messages remind customers about abandoned carts with product details and checkout links.
• AI Chatbot for FAQs: Pre-built templates answer common questions about orders, shipping, and returns automatically.

Pricing

• Basic: $19.99/store/month
• Pro: $68.99/store/month
• Plus: $199/store/month

Pros

• Strong WhatsApp and Messenger integration for social commerce
• Abandoned cart recovery drives additional revenue
• Syncs automatically with Shopify product catalog

Cons

• Learning curve for initial setup and configuration
• Limited compared to full-featured helpdesk platforms
• Analytics and reporting could be more robust

11. JivoChat

JivoChat is a multi-channel messaging platform that combines live chat, phone, email, and social messaging into one business inbox. Its built-in CRM helps sales teams manage leads alongside support conversations.

Key Features

• All-in-One Messenger: Combines live chat, phone, email, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger in one workspace.
• Callback & Phone Integration: Visitors can request callbacks from chat, and agents can make calls within the same interface.
• Built-in CRM: Tracks visitor history, conversation notes, and contact details for lead management.

Pricing

• Free: $0
• Basic: $28/agent/month (billed annually)
• Professional: $42/agent/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: $52/agent/month (billed annually)

Add-ons (billed annually):

• WhatsApp: $27/month
• Jivo Marketing: $6/month
• AI Assistant: $13/month
• Telephony Plus: $4/month
• Video Calls: $23/month
• AI Agent: $69/month

Pros

• True multi-channel platform including phone and chat
• Built-in CRM is useful for sales-focused teams
• Affordable base pricing with a functional free tier

Cons

• AI features require paid add-ons
• Live chat responses can feel limited without customization
• Interface can feel cluttered with all channels enabled

Key Features to Look for in a Shopify Live Chat App

When evaluating live chat apps for your Shopify store, prioritize these factors:

• AI Capabilities vs. Human-Only Support. Modern platforms range from basic human-staffed chat to AI systems that handle inquiries 24/7. The best AI-driven solutions qualify leads, answer product questions, and escalate to humans only when needed.
• Shopify Integration Depth. Look for native integration that syncs with your product catalog, inventory, and customer data. The best apps pull real-time product information and trigger targeted messages based on browsing behavior.
• Proactive vs. Reactive Engagement. Most chat apps wait for customers to reach out. Sales-focused platforms proactively engage high-intent visitors at pivotal moments—when they're comparing products, hesitating at checkout, or about to leave.
• Analytics & Performance Tracking. Dashboards tracking conversation volume, response times, conversion rates, and revenue attribution help you measure ROI and optimize your strategy.
• Omnichannel Messaging. Choose a solution that extends beyond website chat to SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, and email, ensuring consistent support across every touchpoint.

How to Choose a Live Chat App for Your Shopify Store

• Step 1: Assess Your Primary Goal: Are you focused on reducing support costs, increasing conversions, or both? Support-first tools excel at ticket deflection; sales-first platforms drive revenue.
• Step 2: Determine Your Budget: Factor in per-agent fees, conversation limits, and AI add-on costs. Some platforms look affordable until you scale.
• Step 3: Evaluate AI Capabilities: Basic chatbots follow scripts. Advanced AI understands context, detects intent, and responds naturally. The difference impacts customer experience significantly.
• Step 4: Test Shopify Integration: Install trial versions and verify product sync, order data access, and cart tracking work as expected.
• Step 5: Consider Your Team Size: Per-agent pricing adds up. If you're lean, look for platforms that charge by conversation volume or website sessions instead.
• Step 6: Review Analytics Depth: Can you track revenue influenced by chat? Identify drop-off reasons? Measure AI resolution rates? Data drives optimization.
• Step 7: Think Long-Term: Choose a platform that scales with your growth without forcing disruptive migrations later.

Which Platform Should You Choose?

Choosing the right live chat app for your Shopify store isn't just about answering customer questions—it's about actively driving sales while delivering support. Traditional live chat tools wait for customers to reach out before responding, but the landscape has evolved toward AI-powered platforms that proactively engage visitors and convert browsers into buyers.

Rep AI stands out as a sales-first solution built specifically for Shopify brands. The platform combines behavioral AI that engages shoppers at the right moment with practical commerce features that eliminate friction and keep shoppers moving toward purchase. What you get is 10–30% conversion lift, 50–70% fewer support tickets, and a guaranteed 5X ROI in 30 days.

Ready to turn conversations into conversions? Start your free trial and see the difference an Agentic Commerce OS makes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is the Difference Between Live Chat and AI Chat?

Live chat connects customers with human agents in real time. AI chat uses artificial intelligence to respond automatically, handling routine questions 24/7 and escalating complex issues to humans when needed.

2. Can Live Chat Increase Shopify Conversion Rates?

Yes. Live chat reduces friction by answering questions in real time. Proactive chat (engaging visitors showing exit intent) can recover abandoned carts and increase average order value.

3. What Is an Agentic Commerce OS?

An Agentic Commerce OS is a unified platform that combines AI-powered sales, support, and shopper intelligence. Unlike traditional chat tools that react to inquiries, agentic systems act autonomously to engage visitors, drive purchases, and surface actionable insights.

4. How Does Rep AI Differ From Traditional Live Chat?

Rep AI is sales-first, not support-first. Its behavioral AI proactively engages shoppers about to leave, offers personalized product recommendations, and enables one-click add to cart—all within the chat interface. Traditional live chat waits for customers to initiate contact.