Kayako vs LiveAgent: Helpdesk Comparison (2026)
Kayako is a good choice for businesses that want an AI-powered helpdesk solution with transparent, per-resolved-ticket pricing and no seat or setup fees. LiveAgent is a good choice for businesses seeking a helpdesk solution offering ticketing, live chat, knowledge base, and customer portal functionalities, with a free tier and flexible plans.
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
- ✓AI resolves issues end-to-end
- ✓No seat or setup fees
- ✓Transparent pricing per resolved ticket
- ✓Integrates with multiple platforms
- ✓Ticketing
- ✓Live chat
- ✓Knowledgebase
- ✓Customer Portal
- ✓Contact forms
- ✓Automation rules
- ✓Integrations
- ✓Multiple language support
When to choose Kayako
You prioritize AI-driven end-to-end issue resolution and a pricing model based on resolved tickets rather than agent seats. You also value quick onboarding and a broad range of integrations, including Slack, Stripe, Shopify, Zendesk, Salesforce, Twilio, and HubSpot.
When to choose LiveAgent
You need a comprehensive helpdesk solution encompassing ticketing, live chat, knowledge base, and a customer portal, and you are comfortable with per-agent monthly pricing. You also benefit from a free tier and a 30-day free trial.