Olark vs Kayako
Olark is simple live chat software with automation rules, team management, and CRM integrations, while Kayako is help desk platform with journey-based customer support and multichannel inbox. Kayako comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Olark is built for small businesses wanting simple live chat, whereas Kayako targets support teams wanting unified customer journey tracking.
| Feature | Olark | Kayako |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Automation Rules | ✓ | — |
| CRM Integration | ✓ | — |
| Collaborators | — | ✓ |
| Journey Tracking | — | ✓ |
| Live Chat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shared Inbox | — | ✓ |
| Transcripts | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Olark starts at $29/seat/mo. Kayako starts at $15/agent/mo. Kayako is the more affordable option.
Feature gaps: Olark offers Automation Rules, CRM Integration and Transcripts that Kayako lacks. Kayako brings Collaborators, Journey Tracking and Shared Inbox that Olark does not have. Both share Live Chat.
Team fit: Olark is geared toward small teams teams, while Kayako is aimed at mid-size teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Where each tool shines: Olark's biggest strengths are: includes live chat as a core feature, purpose-built for customer support workflows. includes automation rules as a core feature, purpose-built for customer support workflows. Kayako's biggest strengths are: includes journey tracking as a core feature, purpose-built for customer support workflows. includes live chat as a core feature, purpose-built for customer support workflows.
Watch out for: With Olark, users commonly note that starts at $29/seat/mo — on the expensive side, especially for small teams or solo users. With Kayako, the main complaint is that starts at $15/agent/mo — on the expensive side, especially for small teams or solo users.
choose Olark if
- You need a tool built for small businesses wanting simple live chat
- You specifically need Automation Rules and CRM Integration
- You care about includes automation rules as a core feature, purpose-built for customer support workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Olark is designed for
choose Kayako if
- You need a tool built for support teams wanting unified customer journey tracking
- You want to save on per-user costs — Kayako is $14.00/user/mo cheaper
- You specifically need Collaborators and Journey Tracking
- You care about includes live chat as a core feature, purpose-built for customer support workflows
- Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Kayako is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between Olark and Kayako?
Olark is simple live chat software with automation rules, team management, and CRM integrations, while Kayako is help desk platform with journey-based customer support and multichannel inbox. Kayako comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Olark is built for small businesses wanting simple live chat, whereas Kayako targets support teams wanting unified customer journey tracking.
Should I use Olark or Kayako?
Olark is built for small businesses wanting simple live chat. Kayako is built for support teams wanting unified customer journey tracking. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Olark over Kayako?
Choose Olark if You need a tool built for small businesses wanting simple live chat; You specifically need Automation Rules and CRM Integration; You care about includes automation rules as a core feature, purpose-built for customer support workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Olark is designed for.
When should I choose Kayako over Olark?
Choose Kayako if You need a tool built for support teams wanting unified customer journey tracking; You want to save on per-user costs — Kayako is $14.00/user/mo cheaper; You specifically need Collaborators and Journey Tracking; You care about includes live chat as a core feature, purpose-built for customer support workflows; Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Kayako is designed for.
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