In today’s fiercely competitive online world, engaging website visitors in real-time has become more crucial than ever. One of the best ways to achieve this is through live chat plugins, especially for WordPress websites. These plugins not only enhance customer support but also help boost conversions, reduce bounce rates, and build stronger relationships with your audience.

If you’re looking for the Best Live Chat Plugin for WordPress in 2025—especially open-source or free options—this guide is for you. Below, we’ll explore the top 10 live chat plugins that can transform your WordPress site into an interactive, customer-friendly hub.

Why You Need a Live Chat Plugin for WordPress

Before we explore the top tools, it’s important to understand why live chat plugins matter:

• Instant Communication: Address customer queries immediately.
• Increased Conversions: Guide visitors towards making purchases.
• Better User Experience: Visitors appreciate quick support.
• Reduced Workload: Handle multiple chats simultaneously instead of endless emails.
• Data Collection: Understand your customers through chat transcripts and analytics.

Choosing the Best Live Chat Plugin for WordPress is a strategic decision that impacts your customer service and revenue.

1. LiveChat

LiveChat is one of the oldest and most established live chat solutions. It’s famous for its robust feature set and user-friendly interface. While it offers premium plans, it has integrations that make it versatile for WordPress users.

Key Features:

• Customizable chat windows.
• Canned responses for quick replies.
• Chat routing to the right agent.
• Detailed reports and analytics.
• Integration with over 200 tools, including CRM, email marketing, and e-commerce platforms.

Pros:

Professional interface.
Mobile apps for chat on the go.
Supports file sharing.
Powerful ticketing system.

Cons:

Premium pricing may be high for smaller websites.
Limited features in the free trial.

Best For: Businesses looking for a highly professional and feature-rich live chat solution.

2. JivoChat

JivoChat has become popular due to its multi-channel support and sleek design. It lets you handle live chats, emails, calls, and even social media messages in a single dashboard.

Key Features:

• Multi-language support.
• Real-time visitor monitoring.
• Offline messages.
• Integration with CRM tools.
• Mobile and desktop apps.

Pros:

Free version available with essential features.
All-in-one communication hub.
Modern and clean interface.
Team chat features.

Cons:

Advanced features locked in paid plans.
Can be overwhelming for beginners.

Best For: Websites that want an integrated communication solution beyond just live chat.

3. Tidio

Tidio is a fantastic live chat plugin that combines chat, chatbots, and email marketing. It’s well-suited for businesses looking for automation and scalability.

Key Features:

• Easy drag-and-drop chatbot builder.
• Multichannel support: Messenger, Instagram, email.
• Real-time visitor tracking.
• Integration with major platforms like Shopify, Wix, and WordPress.
• Pre-chat surveys.

Pros:

Free plan for smaller sites.
Intuitive chatbot creation.
Visually attractive chat widgets.
Mobile apps available.

Cons:

Chatbot limits on free plan.
Some advanced automations require paid plans.

Best For: Businesses seeking live chat combined with automation and chatbots.

4. HubSpot Live Chat

HubSpot offers a completely free live chat tool as part of its CRM suite. It’s ideal for users who want to tie live chat directly into sales and marketing workflows.

Key Features:

• Seamless CRM integration.
• Automated chatbots for lead capture.
• Unlimited chats and users in free plan.
• Visitor tracking and conversation history.
• Integration with HubSpot’s email and marketing tools.

Pros:

Totally free for basic live chat.
Integrated with powerful HubSpot CRM.
Clean and professional look.
Easy to install via WordPress plugin.

Cons:

✘ Limited customization of chat widget appearance.
Advanced automation requires paid HubSpot tiers.

Best For: Businesses already using or planning to use HubSpot’s CRM ecosystem.

5. Chatway Live Chat

Chatway is a lightweight, open-source live chat plugin designed to be easy to install and use on WordPress. It’s excellent for small websites that want a no-frills chat solution.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and fast loading.
• Open-source codebase.
• Simple chat management dashboard.
• Customizable chat button styles.

Pros:

Free and open-source.
No monthly fees.
Minimalist design fits any website.
Easy installation.

Cons:

Lacks advanced integrations.
Limited reporting features.

Best For: Bloggers, small businesses, and developers looking for a free, open-source option.

6. Live Chat by Formilla

Formilla is known for its simplicity and effectiveness. The free plan is perfect for small businesses while premium plans unlock more powerful tools.

Key Features:

• AI chatbot on premium plans.
• Real-time visitor monitoring.
• Desktop and mobile apps.
• Customizable chat widgets.
• Proactive chat invitations.

Pros:

Free plan available.
Simple and quick to set up.
Proactive chats boost engagement.
Supports multilingual chat.

Cons:

Free plan limited to one agent and 30 chats per month.
Premium plans required for advanced features.

Best For: Small businesses seeking a simple live chat solution.

7. Tawk.To Live Chat

Tawk.To stands out as one of the best free live chat plugins for WordPress. It offers a completely free platform with no hidden fees.

Key Features:

• Unlimited agents and chats for free.
• Real-time monitoring.
• File and media sharing.
• Ticketing system for offline support.
• Mobile apps.

Pros:

Totally free.
Very feature-rich for a free tool.
Supports multiple websites.
Easy installation.

Cons:

Interface feels slightly dated compared to newer tools.
Some premium add-ons available at a cost.

Best For: Businesses looking for an entirely free live chat solution without limitations.

8. 3CX Free Live Chat, Calls & Messaging

3CX offers a unique approach by combining live chat with voice and video calls. It’s perfect for businesses wanting to provide multi-channel support directly from their website.

Key Features:

• Free forever version available.
• Live chat, voice, and video calls.
• Integration with Facebook and SMS.
• Customizable widgets.
• Mobile apps.

Pros:

Free for small businesses.
Combines chat and voice/video.
Advanced routing options.
Detailed reporting.

Cons:

Slightly technical setup.
Best experience requires using 3CX’s broader communication system.

Best For: Businesses that want to integrate voice and video calls alongside live chat.

9. Crisp

Crisp offers a modern live chat solution that’s both visually stunning and powerful under the hood. It’s popular among startups and tech-savvy businesses.

Key Features:

• Real-time notifications.
• Shared team inbox.
• Chatbots and automation.
• Co-browsing to guide users.
• Integration with CRM, Slack, and more.

Pros:

Free plan with core features.
Sleek user interface.
Co-browsing enhances support quality.
Extensive integrations.

Cons:

Chatbot and some features require premium plans.
Pricing rises quickly for advanced features.

Best For: Businesses looking for a visually modern and feature-rich live chat experience.

10. WP Live Chat + Chatbots Plugin for WordPress

WP Live Chat is an open-source live chat plugin specifically built for WordPress. It’s great for users who want total control over their live chat setup.

Key Features:

• Fully open-source and free.
• Chat history stored in WordPress database.
• Unlimited chats and agents.
• Customizable chat windows.
• Supports chatbot integration.

Pros:

Completely free and open-source.
Data stays on your server for privacy.
Flexible design customizations.
Lightweight and fast.

Cons:

Requires technical knowledge for customizations.
Lacks built-in mobile apps.

Best For: Developers and privacy-focused businesses seeking full ownership of their live chat system.

How to Choose the Best Live Chat Plugin for WordPress

When deciding on the Best Live Chat Plugin for WordPress, consider:

• Budget: Free vs. paid solutions.
• Features: Do you need bots, voice, multi-channel support?
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces save time.
• Integration: CRM, email marketing, social channels.
• Customization: Ability to match your website’s design.
• Performance: Lightweight plugins prevent slowing down your site.

Think about your business size, traffic volume, and long-term needs.

Read more – 9 Best Open-Source Live Chat Software for Customer Support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is there a completely free live chat plugin for WordPress?

Yes! Tawk.To offers a 100% free live chat solution with no restrictions on usage or agents.

Q2: Which live chat plugin is best for small businesses?

For small businesses, Tidio, Formilla, and HubSpot Live Chat are excellent free or low-cost options.

Q3: Can I integrate live chat with my CRM?

Absolutely. Plugins like HubSpot, LiveChat, and JivoChat integrate seamlessly with CRM tools for better customer management.

Q4: Does live chat slow down my WordPress website?

Not if you choose lightweight plugins. Always check performance reviews and test plugins to ensure they don’t impact site speed.

Q5: Can I use chatbots with WordPress live chat plugins?

Yes. Plugins like Tidio and Crisp offer chatbot capabilities, even in free plans with limited usage.

Q6: Is it possible to offer live chat support from my mobile phone?

Yes. Many plugins like LiveChat, Tawk.To, and JivoChat provide mobile apps for chatting on the go.

Q7: Which plugin is best for multilingual support?

JivoChat, LiveChat, and Tidio support multiple languages to serve international audiences.

Q8: Are open-source live chat plugins secure?

Generally, yes—especially if actively maintained. However, always keep them updated and secure your WordPress site.

Q9: Can I customize the chat widget appearance?

Most plugins allow full customization to match your site’s branding.

Q10: What’s the best option for combining live chat with voice/video calls?

3CX is the standout choice if you want live chat alongside voice and video functionality.

Conclusion

Choosing the Best Live Chat Plugin for WordPress is a vital step toward providing excellent customer support and boosting your online business in 2025. Whether you’re a small blogger, a growing e-commerce store, or an enterprise-level business, there’s a live chat plugin tailored for your needs.

From robust platforms like LiveChat and JivoChat to free, open-source solutions like WP Live Chat, the options are diverse and powerful. Evaluate your requirements carefully—consider budget, features, and ease of use—and transform your website into an interactive hub that keeps your visitors engaged.