Pure Chat has been a go-to solution for many businesses wanting to add live chat to their websites, but it doesn’t always check all the boxes.
Maybe you need more advanced features like multilingual support, better integration options, or a more flexible pricing plan. Whatever the reason, exploring alternative live chat tools can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 7 Pure Chat alternatives that might just be the perfect match for your business needs.
What Is Pure Chat?
Pure Chat is a well-known live chat software designed for ease of use and efficiency. It allows businesses to engage with website visitors in real-time, turning them into customers at critical moments in their journey.
With the Pure Chat iOS and Android apps, you can manage your customer interactions on the go, ensuring you never miss an opportunity.
Here are some of the key features Pure Chat offers:
- Chat widget customization: Customize the appearance and functionality of your website chat widget to match your brand.
- Unlimited chat history (transcripts): Access all past chat conversations without limitations.
- Canned responses: Use predefined responses to answer frequently asked questions quickly.
- Unlimited chats: Engage in as many chat sessions as needed without any restrictions.
- Integrations: Connect Pure Chat with popular applications like Google Analytics, HubSpot, and Infusionsoft. Additional integrations are possible through Zapier.
- File transfer: Share files directly through the chat interface.
- Security roles: Assign different roles (admin, power users, and operators) to manage access and functionality.
- Power operator dashboard: A comprehensive dashboard for managing chat operations and gaining insights.
- Mobile apps: iOS and Android apps to manage chats on the go.
Where Pure Chat Falls Short
While Pure Chat reviews reveal that it offers some great features, it does have its limitations compared to other platforms in the market. Here are some areas where Pure Chat falls short:
- Multilingual Support: Pure Chat doesn’t currently offer a multilingual dashboard. It is available only in English. This means that their live chat platform may not be suited for global businesses that require a multilingual user-friendly interface to accommodate customers from different countries.
- Limited automation and AI: Pure Chat doesn’t include advanced automation features or AI-powered chatbots that some of its competitors offer. These features can help in handling routine customer queries automatically and managing high volumes of customer interactions, which is particularly useful for larger businesses with a large volume of customer interactions.
- Limited omnichannel support: Pure Chat primarily focuses on live chat and does not support a broader range of omnichannel capabilities that include integrating social media, email, and SMS into a unified customer interaction platform.
The 7 Best Pure Chat Alternatives
If Pure Chat isn’t quite hitting the mark for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of other options out there that might just be a better fit for what your business needs:
1. Social Intents
Social Intents is one of the best Pure chat alternatives on the market, designed to integrate with existing popular communication tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Chat, and more.
Its ease of use allows businesses to start engaging with customers right from their preferred communication platforms within minutes.
Key Features of Social Intents
- Integration with communication platforms: Direct integration with tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack facilitates a smooth communication process without needing additional software.
- AI-powered chatbots: You can easily integrate AI chatbots that can be trained to handle routine customer communication in seconds.
- Proactive support tools: Save time with tools like proactive chat invitations, chatbots, email list building, and conversion pop-ups to engage customers and boost conversational sales.
- Scalability: Provides a flexible ”unlimited agents” model in higher-tier plans, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Pricing
Social Intents offers a tiered pricing structure that includes several plans to suit various business needs, starting from a basic plan ideal for smaller teams to more comprehensive plans designed for medium-sized businesses or even larger institutions needing advanced features.
The plans start at $49 per month when billed annually, with options extending up to $256 per month for the most inclusive features.
Best For
Social Intents is best for:
- Businesses or institutions using Microsoft Teams or Slack: Its integration with these platforms makes it ideal for those already using these tools.
- Companies looking for scalable solutions: The ”unlimited agents” option and scalable plan structures are perfect for growing businesses.
- Organizations focused on customer engagement and conversions: It has a strong suite of engagement tools like chatbots and proactive messaging.
Comparison Table: Pure Chat vs. Social Intents
| Feature | Pure Chat | Social Intents |
| Integration | Basic CRM and marketing tools, extended via Zapier | Direct integrations with MS Teams, Slack, plus robust API support for custom needs |
| Pricing Flexibility | More traditional tiered pricing | Flexible and scalable pricing with options for unlimited agents. Free trial available. |
| Automation and AI | Limited | Extensive AI capabilities with customizable chatbots |
| Target Users | Small to mid-sized businesses | Businesses of all sizes, especially those utilizing Microsoft Teams or Slack |
2. Hubspot Live Chat
HubSpot is a great Pure Chat alternative, offering a comprehensive customer engagement platform that includes live chat functionalities as part of its CRM software. This service isn’t limited to live chat alone. It includes a variety of tools designed to improve customer satisfaction and streamline service tasks.
Key Features of HubSpot Live Chat
- Conversational tools: HubSpot’s live chat includes canned responses, a branded chatbox for a consistent brand experience, and a chatbot builder for automated customer interactions.
- Integration capabilities: The platform offers integration with Slack.
- Support tools: HubSpot includes helpdesk automation, a knowledge base for self-service options, and customer feedback surveys to gather valuable insights.
- Centralized communication hub: All communications, including emails, live chats, and calls, are centralized in one inbox, which helps in managing and referencing past interactions effectively.
Pricing
HubSpot’s live chat is part of its free CRM offering, which also includes basic features for email, live chat, and calling. This makes it an accessible option for businesses looking to implement live chat without an initial financial commitment.
Best For
HubSpot Live Chat is ideal for:
- Small to medium-sized businesses: The tool’s integration with a free CRM system makes it suitable for those looking for an affordable all-in-one customer service software.
- Businesses seeking comprehensive service tools: Organizations that will benefit from a range of tools beyond live chat, such as helpdesk automation and knowledge bases.
- Teams requiring integrated customer communication: The centralized communication hub is beneficial for teams that need to manage multiple communication channels.
Comparison Table: Pure Chat vs. HubSpot
| Feature | Pure Chat | HubSpot |
| Integration | Limited native integrations, extended capabilities through Zapier | Extensive integrations including Slack, WhatsApp, and over 1,400 other apps |
| Pricing Flexibility | Free plan available – additional features available in paid plans starting at $39/mo when billed annually | Free plan available – starter plan from $20/mo, with more advanced plans increasing in features and price |
| Automation and AI | Limited | AI-driven chatbots, CRM integration, comprehensive customer service tools including helpdesk and feedback surveys |
| Target Users | Small to mid-sized businesses | Suitable for businesses of all sizes, especially those needing integrated CRM capabilities |
3. Olark
Olark is another good Pure Chat alternative. It has developed from a simple chat widget to a comprehensive live chat solution. It offers a platform with a range of accessibility features, making it an inclusive option for businesses committed to accessibility.
Key Features of Olark
- Chatbox customization: Users can personalize the chat widget to fit their brand and use custom forms to gather information before chats begin. This is also great for lead generation.
- Live chat automation and analytics: Olark provides automation options like triggered messages and comprehensive analytics features to help businesses understand customer interactions.
- Visitor co-browsing and translation: These robust features allow agents to interact more effectively with customers by viewing the same content or communicating in multiple languages.
- Accessibility features: Olark supports various accessibility needs, such as keyboard navigation for users with motor impairments and large text options for those with poor vision.
Pricing
Olark’s pricing starts at $29 per agent per month. Advanced features like visitor co-browsing and live chat translation are available as add-ons, which can increase the cost.
Best For
Olark is ideal for:
- Businesses prioritizing accessibility: With features designed to support users with disabilities, Olark is suitable for organizations that value inclusivity.
- Companies with international customer nases: The live chat translation feature makes Olark a good choice for businesses with a global audience.
- Small to medium-sized businesses: The pricing structure and feature set are especially ideal for the budgets of smaller enterprises.
Comparison Table: Pure Chat vs. Olark
| Feature | Pure Chat | Olark |
| Integration | Limited native integrations, extended capabilities through Zapier | Basic integrations with more flexibility via API and webhooks for custom integration |
| Pricing Flexibility | Starts at $39 per month with additional costs for advanced features | Starts at $29 per agent per month, with additional costs for advanced features like co-browsing and translation |
| Automation and AI | Limited | Advanced customization, accessibility features, live chat automation, analytics, co-browsing, translation |
| Target Users | Small to mid-sized businesses focusing on straightforward live chat needs | Suitable for businesses of all sizes, focusing on inclusivity, and companies serving international markets |
4. Intercom
Intercom is an all-in-one customer communications platform that combines live chat with helpdesk functionalities. It’s designed to foster better customer relationships through personalized and proactive support.
Intercom integrates various customer service channels into one platform, offering features such as follow-ups for dropped messages, fast answers to FAQs, self-serve help articles, and interactive product walkthroughs.
Key Features of Intercom
- Personalized and proactive support: Intercom helps businesses to engage customers more personally and proactively.
- Comprehensive support across devices: Consistent support experiences across all customer devices.
- Interactive product walkthroughs: Guides users through product features directly within the app or website.
- Self-serve help articles: Encourages website visitors to find answers independently, reducing the load on your customer support team.
Pricing
Intercom’s pricing starts at $39 per seat per month for the most basic plan and scales up to $99 and $139 per seat per month for more advanced functionalities.
Best For
Intercom is particularly well-suited for industries such as:
- E-commerce
- Financial services
- Education
- Healthcare
Comparison Table: Pure Chat vs. Intercom
| Feature | Pure Chat | Intercom |
| Integration | Limited native integrations, extended capabilities through Zapier | Extensive integrations with CRM, marketing tools, and customizable via APIs |
| Pricing Flexibility | Starts at $39 per month with additional costs for advanced features | Starts at $39 per seat/month, with plans increasing in features and price |
| Automation and AI | Basic live chat functions, canned responses, chat widget customization | Personalized support, proactive messaging, help articles, interactive walkthroughs |
| Target Users | Small to mid-sized businesses across various industries | E-commerce, financial services, education, healthcare |
5. Tawk.to
Tawk.to is a free-for-life live chat software, making it a cost-effective Pure Chat alternative.
Key Features of Tawk.to
- Real-time visitor monitoring: Lets your live chat operators observe and interact with website visitors as needed.
- Localized messages: Supports over 45 languages, helping you communicate in your customers’ native languages.
- Mobile compatibility: Offers apps for both Android and iOS, allowing you to manage customer inquiries from anywhere.
- Knowledge base integration: Incorporates a built-in knowledge base to make response times faster and enhance customer experience.
Pricing
Tawk.to is completely free, and includes most of its features. For businesses looking to improve the service, paid add-ons are available, such as removing branding for $19/month or hiring chat agents at $1/hour.
Best For
Tawk.to is particularly suitable for:
- Small to medium businesses and start-ups: Given its cost-effectiveness and scalability.
- E-commerce sites and client-facing businesses: Due to its strong live chat capabilities it can boost customer engagement and sales conversions.
- Organizations prioritizing accessibility: With its multilingual support and mobile responsiveness, it’s ideal for businesses looking to reach a diverse customer base.
Comparison Table: Pure Chat vs. Tawk.to
| Feature | Pure Chat | Tawk.to |
| Integration | Limited integrations, primarily extended through Zapier for broader connectivity | Basic integration capabilities, with a focus on ease of use and accessibility for start-ups and small businesses |
| Pricing Flexibility | Free basic plan available; additional features available in paid plans starting from $39 per month | Completely free with optional paid add-ons for extra services such as removing branding or hiring chat agents |
| Automation and AI | Basic live chat functionalities, file transfer, customizable widgets, chat history | Real-time monitoring, multilingual support, mobile apps, knowledge base integration, customizable widgets |
| Target Users | Small to mid-sized businesses across various industries | Small to medium-sized businesses, startups, e-commerce platforms, businesses needing a multilingual setup |
6. ManyChat
ManyChat stands out as a versatile live chat solution that integrates with popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Key Features of ManyChat
- Social media integration: ManyChat is effective for managing communications on Facebook Messenger and Instagram.
- Automation capabilities: The live chat software features a drag-and-drop user-friendly interface that simplifies the creation of chatbots, making it accessible even to users without coding skills.
- SMS and email integration: ManyChat incorporates SMS and email, allowing businesses to send targeted messages like promotions and booking confirmations.
- E-commerce integration: For online retailers, ManyChat can connect with Shopify to send automated updates and promotions.
Pricing
ManyChat comes with a free plan with basic features suitable for up to 1,000 contacts, making it a great starting point for small businesses. The Pro plan starts at $15 per month, which scales with the number of contacts, adding more advanced features and support options. For larger or more demanding implementations, ManyChat offers a Premium plan with custom pricing.
Best For
ManyChat is particularly beneficial for:
- Small to mid-size businesses: The live chat tool’s pricing and features are meant to be accessible to smaller companies.
- Freelancers and agencies: Those who manage social media and customer interactions for clients will find ManyChat’s tools particularly useful.
- Retail and e-commerce businesses: The platform’s strong integration capabilities with e-commerce platforms like Shopify make it ideal for online stores, Facebook Messenger & SMS.
Comparison Table: Pure Chat vs. ManyChat
| Feature | Pure Chat | ManyChat |
| Integration | Limited integrations, primarily extended through Zapier for broader connectivity | Extensive integration with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram), SMS, email, and e-commerce platforms like Shopify |
| Pricing Flexibility | Free basic plan available; additional features available in paid plans starting from $39 per month | Free plan for up to 1,000 contacts and Pro plan starts at $15/month. Custom Premium plans also available |
| Automation and AI | Basic live chat functionalities, file transfer, customizable widgets, chat history | Social media integration (Facebook Messenger, Instagram), automation with drag-and-drop interface, SMS and email integration, Shopify integration for e-commerce |
| Target Users | Small to mid-sized businesses focusing on straightforward live chat needs | Small to mid-sized businesses, freelancers, agencies, retail, and e-commerce businesses |
7. Acquire.io
Acquire.io is a live chat solution designed with a digital-first approach. The platform supports various functionalities, including video calling, co-browsing, and intelligent routing, all aimed at providing great customer service.
Key Features of Acquire
- Chatbot builder: Users can create efficient workflows and chatbots using a visual editor.
- Intelligent chat routing and triggers: Acquire uses intelligent routing to ensure customers are connected with the right agents or bots.
- Video chat: Agents can switch from text to video chat with a single click.
- Co-browsing: Allows agents to collaborate with customers on-screen, guiding them through processes and resolving issues with real-time communication.
- Performance analytics and reporting features: Includes tools to monitor and analyze the performance of both human agents and chatbots.
Pricing
Acquire offers three main plans – Starter, Commercial, and Enterprise – but does not publicly disclose detailed pricing on its website. Third-party sources indicate that pricing starts at $500 per month and can go up to $2,000 per month for more integrated solutions.
Best For
Acquire is best suited for:
- Mid-sized to large companies: Given its extensive feature set and higher pricing, it is ideal for larger organizations that need advanced live chat and customer interaction tools.
- Industries requiring video and co-browsing: Technical support, financial services, and e-commerce that benefit from video interactions and collaborative browsing will find Acquire particularly useful.
Comparison Table: Pure Chat vs. Acquire
| Feature | Pure Chat | Acquire |
| Integration | Limited integrations, primarily extended through Zapier for broader connectivity | Extensive integrations including Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, and more |
| Pricing Flexibility | Free basic plan available; additional features available in paid plans starting from $39 per month | Starts at $500/month plus $25/user/month |
| Automation and AI | Basic live chat functionalities, file transfer, customizable widgets, chat history | Video chat, co-browsing, intelligent routing, visual chatbot builder, comprehensive customer history |
| Target Users | Small to mid-sized businesses focusing on straightforward live chat needs | Mid-sized to large enterprises with a larger budget |
Transitioning to a Better Pure Chat Alternative
Pure Chat is a solid choice if you’re after simplicity. It does a great job at covering basic live chat needs, but if your business requires more, you might find it lacking. Limited integrations, basic automation, and the absence of advanced functionalities can be dealbreakers for many businesses.
We’ve explored several Pure Chat alternatives throughout this article, each offering more robust features, better integrations, and advanced automation capabilities.
Social Intents is the best Pure Chat alternative for businesses using Microsoft Teams and Slack. It seamlessly integrates with these communication platforms, allowing you to manage customer interactions directly from your existing workflows. This means you can avoid the hassle of training your team on new tools.
Get started with Social Intents today with our free 14-day trial.