Hiver vs Kayako: Helpdesk Comparison (2026)
Hiver and Kayako are both helpdesk platforms, but they differ significantly in their pricing models, feature sets, and target users. Hiver offers a free tier and a comprehensive suite of customer support tools including shared inbox, multi-channel management, and AI agents, while Kayako focuses on AI-driven issue resolution with a pay-per-resolved-ticket model.
AI Citation Scorecard
How often each is cited by major AI engines when buyers ask helpdesk questions. Last 90 days across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.
Probes run hourly; each (engine × query) combo retests every ~3 days.
Pricing
Key Features
- ✓Shared Inbox and ticketing
- ✓Manage channels: Email, Chat
- ✓24*7 support
- ✓AI Agents
- ✓Voice handling
- ✓Round Robin Assignment
- ✓Customer Portal
- ✓Skill-based routing
- ✓AI resolves issues end-to-end
- ✓No seat or setup fees
- ✓Transparent pricing per resolved ticket
- ✓Integrates with multiple platforms
When to choose Hiver
Choose Hiver if you need a helpdesk solution suitable for teams, with features like shared inbox, multi-channel support (Email, Chat, Voice), AI Agents, and advanced routing options like Round Robin and Skill-based assignment. Hiver also has a free tier, making it suitable for those who want to start without an initial investment.
When to choose Kayako
Choose Kayako if your primary need is AI-driven resolution of customer issues with a transparent, per-resolved-ticket pricing model. Kayako offers no seat or setup fees and boasts a high AI resolution rate, making it appealing for businesses looking for efficiency and cost predictability based on actual issue resolution.