Customer support and real-time engagement are crucial for ecommerce success in 2026. Live chat apps on Shopify empower merchants to answer questions instantly, reduce cart abandonment, boost conversions, and build stronger customer relationships. With features like AI chatbots, multi-channel messaging, automated replies, and CRM integration, the right chat app can transform your store’s customer experience.

This guide reviews the 10 best Shopify chat apps, offering detailed overviews, pros & cons, ideal use cases, and direct links to the Shopify App Store. Whether you want AI automation, WhatsApp integration, or multi-platform inbox management, this list has you covered.

1. Tidio: Chat direct & chatbot

Tidio is one of the most popular and versatile chat solutions for Shopify, combining live chat, AI-driven chatbots, email automation, and multichannel messaging in a single platform.

🔹 Key Features

• Live chat widget: customizable and mobile-friendly

• AI chatbots: auto-respond to FAQs and capture leads

• Unified inbox: manage email, chat, Messenger, and Instagram messages

• Automations: trigger messages based on user behavior

• Visitor tracking and analytics

👍 Pros

• Intuitive dashboard and easy setup

• Powerful AI automation even on free plans

• Supports multiple channels in one place

👎 Cons

• Advanced automation features require paid plan

• Can be overwhelming for very small stores initially

💡 Best For

Stores that want an all-in-one live chat + chatbot + multichannel inbox without complicated setup.

2. Gorgias: Helpdesk, Chat & FAQ

Gorgias is a powerful helpdesk and chat platform for Shopify merchants who need deep support automation and omnichannel ticketing. It’s optimized for scaling stores that handle large customer support volumes.

🔹 Key Features

• Live chat with automated responses

• Shared inbox: manage email, chat, social & SMS conversations

• AI reply suggestions and macros

• Customer data in-chat (orders, lifetime value, etc.)

• Advanced automations & SLA workflows

👍 Pros

• Enterprise-grade support tools

• Excellent automation for repetitive queries

• Deep integrations with Shopify orders & CRM

👎 Cons

• Pricing can be high for smaller stores

• Steeper learning curve

💡 Best For

Medium to large Shopify brands that require professional helpdesk + chat with automation and collaboration.

3. Zendesk Chat (formerly Zopim)

Zendesk Chat powers real-time chat backed by the globally trusted Zendesk support platform. It’s ideal for stores that need scalable support and integrated helpdesk features.

🔹 Key Features

• Live chat widget: customizable and proactive triggers

• Chat routing & queues

• Zendesk Suite integration (tickets, email, social)

• Rich visitor profiles

👍 Pros

• Trusted enterprise platform

• Easy escalation from chat to ticket

• Powerful reporting capabilities

👎 Cons

• Full feature set requires Zendesk Suite subscription

• Can be expensive for startups

💡 Best For

Brands that already use or plan to use Zendesk’s support ecosystem.

4. ZB: Facebook & Messenger Chat

This official Shopify chat app enables Facebook Messenger live chat and automated campaigns, turning social traffic into support and sales.

🔹 Key Features

• Messenger live chat widget on store

• Automated replies and bots for FAQs

• Broadcast campaigns via Messenger

• Abandoned cart reminders

👍 Pros

• Free to install

• Direct connection with Facebook & Instagram messaging

• Great for social store owners

👎 Cons

• Limited to Facebook ecosystem

• Not as advanced as dedicated helpdesk tools

💡 Best For

Stores with high social media traffic and audience engagement on Facebook/Instagram.

5. B: WhatsApp Chat, Abandon Cart

WhatsApp Chat + Cart Recovery allows merchants to interact with customers via the world’s most popular messaging app, combined with cart recovery features.

🔹 Key Features

• WhatsApp chat button on product & checkout pages

• Auto messages for abandoned carts

• Pre-filled WhatsApp messages with cart data

• Custom chat widgets and triggers

👍 Pros

• Leverages universal messaging app (especially strong in India)

• Great for conversational sales and support

• Cart recovery improves conversions

👎 Cons

• WhatsApp Business API may require approval and setup

• Basic analytics compared to helpdesk systems

💡 Best For

Shops targeting markets with heavy WhatsApp usage (India, Latin America, Middle East).

6. Re:amaze Live Chat & Helpdesk

Re:amaze blends live chat, helpdesk, chatbot, and customer self-service in one platform. It’s designed for teams and growing support workflows.

🔹 Key Features

• Live chat & shared inbox

• Automations & rules

• AI FAQs and bot responses

• CRM profiles with order history

• Slack & email integrations

👍 Pros

• Feature-rich and flexible

• Easy to scale as support demands grow

• Strong automation templates

👎 Cons

• Paid plans needed for advanced features

• Setup takes time for complex workflows

💡 Best For

Growing Shopify stores that want a full customer support suite beyond basic live chat.

7. LiveChat: AI live chat by Text

LiveChat is a reliable and popular chat solution with a focus on real-time support and sales conversion. Its elegant chat widget and rich feature set make it a strong contender.

🔹 Key Features

• Customizable chat widget

• Chat triggers & proactive invites

• Chat transcripts & reporting

• Integrations with CRM, email, and analytics tools

👍 Pros

• Clean interface and fast performance

• Strong sales and support features

• Great analytics

👎 Cons

• No built-in AI chatbots (requires 3rd-party integrations)

• Pricing can be steep for multi-agent usage

💡 Best For

Merchants focused on live sales support and direct customer interaction.

8. Tawk.to Live Chat

Tawk.to is a popular free live chat solution that provides robust chat features without subscription fees — perfect for small businesses.

🔹 Key Features

• Unlimited agents and chats (free)

• Chat widget customization

• Visitor monitoring and triggers

• Mobile apps for support on-the-go

👍 Pros

• Completely free plan with powerful core features

• Easy installation and use

• No limit on agents

👎 Cons

• Advanced automations & integrations are limited

• Branding removal requires subscription

💡 Best For

Small stores and startups looking for a free but effective chat solution.

9. Smartsupp Live Chat & Chatbots

Smartsupp combines live chat, video recordings, and chatbot workflows to help merchants understand visitor behavior and engage customers effectively.

🔹 Key Features

• Live chat with visitor recordings

• AI chatbots & automated messages

• Mobile & desktop apps

• Detailed visitor analytics

👍 Pros

• Unique session recordings to improve UX

• Good balance of features and value

• Supports multi-language

👎 Cons

• Free plan limited in automation

• Advanced reports require paid plan

💡 Best For

Stores that want live chat + visitor behavior insights to optimize sales funnels.

10. HelpCenter – Helpdesk Support

HelpCenter focuses on ticket support, live chat, and a self-service help center. It’s a combined tool ideal for providing multi-channel support in one place.

🔹 Key Features

• Live chat widget

• Helpdesk ticket management

• Knowledge base & FAQ builder

• Automation & triggers

👍 Pros

• Combines live chat with self-help resources

• Reduces support workload

👎 Cons

• Chat features not as sophisticated as dedicated chat tools

💡 Best For

Stores that want chat + help center + ticketing under one roof.

Comparison Table: Best Shopify Chat Apps