LiveChat alternatives: 7 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
A proper support inbox with chat, email and a help center; free software, billable server chores.
licenseMIT
runsyour server
installDocker Compose on a Linux VM, followed by environment, database, reverse-proxy and TLS configuration
dataApplication data in PostgreSQL, queues/cache in Redis, and attachments on local disk or S3-compatible/cloud object storage
the catch vs LiveChatYou trade LiveChat's managed uptime, upgrades and deliverability for operating a multi-service server yourself.
setupProvisioning a Linux server and correctly wiring DNS/TLS, SMTP, PostgreSQL/Redis and storage
facts verified 2026-08-11
A serious ticket desk with email, chat, SLAs and a knowledge base; setup is the first ticket.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installDeploy the Docker Compose/Portainer stack or install supported Linux packages
dataTicket and user data in PostgreSQL, search indexes in Elasticsearch, and attachments/backups in Docker volumes or server storage
the catch vs LiveChatZammad is a heavyweight ticket suite, so website chat is less focused and much harder to operate than LiveChat.
setupA comparatively large server and familiarity with Docker/Portainer, PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch
facts verified 2026-08-11
A modern email-and-live-chat desk in one compact stack, because apparently that was allowed.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installRun Docker Compose with an edited config file, or launch the release binary against PostgreSQL
dataRecords in PostgreSQL, queues/cache in Redis, and uploads on the local filesystem or S3-compatible object storage
the catch vs LiveChatLibreDesk is much newer and less battle-tested, with a far smaller integration and support ecosystem than LiveChat.
setupDocker plus a correct config, encryption key, PostgreSQL/Redis and mail/channel credentials
facts verified 2026-08-11
A battle-tested live-chat desk with routing, transcripts and canned replies; the interface has seen some things.
licenseApache-2.0
runsyour server
installUpload the release archive to a PHP web server and run the browser installer, or deploy its Docker image
dataChats and settings in MySQL/MariaDB, with uploads and media in writable server-side storage directories
the catch vs LiveChatIts agent interface, reporting and integration catalog are markedly less polished than LiveChat's.
setupA PHP 8.2+/MySQL web host, a pre-created database and correct filesystem permissions
facts verified 2026-08-11
Live chat, tickets and a knowledge base for zero dollars; the little badge is how the arithmetic survives.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup, then paste the generated JavaScript widget or install a CMS plugin
dataChats, tickets and contacts in tawk.to's cloud account; chat and ticket exports are JSON
the catch vs LiveChatThe free widget keeps tawk.to branding, and its routing and reporting are shallower than LiveChat's.
setupAccess to edit the website or install its CMS plugin
facts verified 2026-08-11
A real hosted ticket desk for unlimited users, as long as Helpdesk is your one free Odoo app.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted Odoo Online signup with Helpdesk selected as the single free app
dataAn Odoo Online PostgreSQL database in Odoo's cloud, with record exports and downloadable ZIP database backups
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs LiveChatThe one-app-free plan is not a clean live-chat replacement, and adding unrelated Odoo apps can end the free arrangement.
facts verified 2026-08-11
A hosted shared inbox, live chat, and ticket queue for two users; the knowledge base lives upstairs.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup, then connect a team inbox/email and add the website tracking or chat-widget code
dataCRM records, tickets and conversation history in HubSpot's cloud; records export to spreadsheet files and conversations are available through its API
the catch vs LiveChatThe free plan is capped at two users and lacks LiveChat's mature routing, staffing and chat-reporting depth.
setupConnecting and verifying the shared email inbox and website domain
facts verified 2026-08-11
latest recorded source check 2026-08-11 · check current terms at the source
PapercupsA once-obvious open-source pick whose main repo stopped in February 2024.
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatwoot | MIT | self-host, real ops | web, ios, android, self-hosted | 35,534 | 2026-08 |
| Zammad | AGPL-3.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 5,800 | 2026-08 |
| LibreDesk | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 2,682 | 2026-08 |
| Live Helper Chat | Apache-2.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 2,236 | 2026-08 |
| tawk.to | proprietary, free | they host it | web, macos, windows, ios, android | — | — |
| Odoo Helpdesk One App Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
| HubSpot Free Help Desk | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
People still pay for LiveChat because support software survives because missing or misrouting one customer message is expensive and every channel behaves differently. The recurring cost buys message delivery, webhooks, threading, identity, permissions, attachments, notifications, spam, search, uptime, and retention, not just the visible interface. The recorded subscription totals $300 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to LiveChat?
Yes: Chatwoot, Zammad, LibreDesk and 4 more. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own LiveChat?
Our verdict is KINDA. The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For LiveChat, provide reliable website chat with routing, transcripts, and canned replies. The hard boundary is global chat delivery, mobile apps, staffing tools, integrations, and support, plus channel integrations and support operations. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the LiveChat build guide.
