kitio.aiFreshchat vs Activechat
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Freshchat starts at See pricing page and Activechat starts at $3995 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- AI-driven bots
- Live chat and messaging
- Unified agent workspace
- Proactive messages
- Mobile app SDK
- Natural language chatbots
- AI hints for live agents
- Visual chatbot builder
- Knowledge extraction from docs
- Smart chat routing
- Customer CRM tools
| Feature | Freshchat | Activechat |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Customer messaging and live chat with AI bots across channels | Self-hosted customer service automation with AI chatbots and live chat |
| Category | Customer support | Customer support |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Paid |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $3995 one-time |
| Free plan | No, trial available | No |
| Made by | Freshworks | Activechat |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Freshchat starts at See pricing page and Activechat starts at $3995 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Company License
$3995 one-time
- One installation
- Unlimited projects
- Chatbots and live chat automation
Developer License
$9995 one-time
- Unlimited installations
- TypeScript source code
- Billing system and dev docs
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Freshchat
- Bots work across many channels
- Agent view shows full customer context
- Upgrade path to Freshdesk Omni
- Advanced ticketing needs Freshdesk Omni
- Per-agent pricing adds up
- Bot setup takes configuration work
Activechat
- One-time payment, no subscription
- Source code on the Developer licence
- Flexible conversation flows
- High upfront cost
- Self-hosting needs technical staff
- No free plan
Which one should you choose?
Choose Freshchat if you want:
- Bots work across many channels
- Agent view shows full customer context
- Upgrade path to Freshdesk Omni
Watch out: advanced ticketing needs freshdesk omni.
Choose Activechat if you want:
- One-time payment, no subscription
- Source code on the Developer licence
- Flexible conversation flows
Watch out: high upfront cost.
Freshchat vs Activechat FAQ
What is the difference between Freshchat and Activechat?
Freshchat: Customer messaging and live chat with AI bots across channels. Activechat: Self-hosted customer service automation with AI chatbots and live chat. Both are customer support tools.
Is Freshchat or Activechat cheaper?
Freshchat starts at See pricing page and Activechat starts at $3995 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Freshchat and Activechat have free plans?
Freshchat: No, trial available. Activechat: No.
Who makes Freshchat?
Freshchat is made by Freshworks, based in United States.
Who makes Activechat?
Activechat is made by Activechat, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Freshchat or Activechat?
Choose Freshchat if you value bots work across many channels and agent view shows full customer context. Choose Activechat if you value one-time payment, no subscription and source code on the developer licence.