Best Chat Widgets for Websites in 2025 (Compared)
Adding a chat widget to your website is one of the highest-ROI changes you can make. But there are dozens of options, and they're not all the same.
I've tested the most popular chat widgets to help you pick the right one. Here's what actually matters and which tools deliver.
What is a Chat Widget?
A chat widget is that little bubble (usually bottom-right) on websites that lets visitors start a conversation. Click it, and a chat window opens.
Behind that widget might be:
- A live human agent
- An AI chatbot
- A hybrid of both
- Just a contact form
The best widgets in 2025 use AI to handle most conversations automatically, with human handoff when needed.
The Best Chat Widgets in 2025
1. Chatnest
Best for: AI-powered support trained on your own data
Chatnest lets you train an AI chatbot on your website content, documents, and FAQs. The chatbot actually knows your business, not just generic responses.
Standout features:
- Train on your own content (PDFs, URLs, text)
- 13 AI models to choose from (GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3)
- Full widget customization
- Lead capture built-in
- One-line embed code
Pricing: Free tier (150 credits), paid from $19/month
Best for: Businesses that want AI support without building from scratch.
2. Intercom
Best for: Enterprise with budget for full customer platform
Intercom isn't just a chat widget—it's a complete customer communication platform. Chat, email, help center, product tours, all in one.
Standout features:
- AI assistant (Fin) for automated responses
- Seamless human handoff
- Deep integrations
- Advanced reporting
- Product tours and onboarding
Pricing: Starts around $74/month, enterprise pricing higher
Best for: Funded startups and enterprises who need the full suite.
3. Drift
Best for: B2B sales teams focused on conversions
Drift is built for marketing and sales, not support. It's designed to convert website visitors into meetings and pipeline.
Standout features:
- Conversational landing pages
- Meeting booking built-in
- Account-based targeting
- Sales routing
- Revenue attribution
Pricing: Custom pricing, typically $400-2,500/month
Best for: B2B companies with sales teams who want to accelerate pipeline.
4. Tidio
Best for: Small businesses wanting affordable live chat + AI
Tidio combines live chat with AI chatbots at a price small businesses can afford. Good middle ground between basic and enterprise.
Standout features:
- Live chat + AI bot combo
- Visual chatbot builder
- E-commerce integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce)
- Email and Messenger included
- Reasonable pricing
Pricing: Free tier available, paid from $29/month
Best for: Small e-commerce and service businesses.
5. Zendesk Chat
Best for: Companies already using Zendesk for support
If you're on Zendesk, their chat widget integrates perfectly with your existing ticketing system.
Standout features:
- Native Zendesk integration
- Triggers and automations
- Analytics and reporting
- Department routing
- Mobile SDKs
Pricing: Included with Zendesk Suite, or standalone from $19/agent/month
Best for: Existing Zendesk customers.
6. Crisp
Best for: Startups wanting a modern alternative to Intercom
Crisp feels like a more affordable Intercom. Shared inbox, chatbot, knowledge base, and more at a fraction of the price.
Standout features:
- Shared inbox for team
- Chatbot builder
- Knowledge base
- Video calls built-in
- Nice modern interface
Pricing: Free tier, paid from $25/month
Best for: Startups who want Intercom-like features without Intercom pricing.
7. HubSpot Live Chat
Best for: HubSpot CRM users
If you're running on HubSpot, their chat widget connects directly to your CRM. Every conversation becomes a contact record.
Standout features:
- Native HubSpot CRM integration
- Chatbot builder (no code)
- Meeting scheduling
- Contact data enrichment
- Free tier available
Pricing: Free with HubSpot, or included in paid plans
Best for: Teams already invested in HubSpot.
Comparison Table
| Widget | Best For | AI Capability | Starting Price | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatnest | AI support | Custom trained | $19/mo | Yes |
| Intercom | Enterprise | Built-in (Fin) | $74/mo | No |
| Drift | B2B sales | Yes | ~$400/mo | Trial only |
| Tidio | Small business | Basic | $29/mo | Yes |
| Zendesk Chat | Zendesk users | Basic | $19/agent/mo | No |
| Crisp | Startups | Basic | $25/mo | Yes |
| HubSpot | HubSpot users | Basic | Free | Yes |
How to Choose the Right Chat Widget
Question 1: What's your main goal?
Customer support → Chatnest, Zendesk, Tidio Sales and lead gen → Drift, HubSpot, Intercom General communication → Crisp, Intercom
Question 2: Do you want AI or humans handling chat?
Mostly AI → Chatnest (custom trained AI) Mostly humans → Any traditional live chat Hybrid → Intercom, Tidio, Crisp
Question 3: What's your budget?
Free/cheap → Chatnest free tier, HubSpot free, Tidio free $20-100/month → Chatnest, Tidio, Crisp $100-500/month → Intercom, Zendesk Suite $500+/month → Drift, Intercom enterprise
Question 4: What tools do you already use?
HubSpot CRM → HubSpot Live Chat Zendesk → Zendesk Chat Salesforce → Intercom or Drift Nothing yet → Chatnest or Crisp
What to Look for in Any Chat Widget
Must-Have Features
Mobile responsive - Chat should work on phones. More than half your visitors are mobile.
Customization - Match your brand colors and style. Generic widgets look unprofessional.
Easy installation - One line of code, ideally. No developer needed.
Offline handling - What happens when no one's available? Collect info for follow-up.
Basic analytics - Know how many chats you're getting and common questions.
Nice-to-Have Features
AI/automation - Handle common questions automatically.
Integrations - Connect to your CRM, help desk, email tools.
Proactive triggers - Start conversations based on behavior.
Team features - Routing, assignments, internal notes.
Knowledge base connection - Pull answers from your docs.
Implementation Best Practices
Widget Placement
Bottom-right corner is standard. People expect it there. Don't get creative with placement.
Greeting Message
Make it helpful, not annoying.
Good: "Questions? I'm here to help." Bad: "HI!!! 👋 CLICK HERE TO CHAT NOW!!!"
Response Time
Set expectations. If it's AI, say so. If it's human, show wait time.
"I'm an AI assistant trained on [Company] info. For complex issues, I can connect you with our team."
Mobile Experience
Test on actual phones. Many widgets break on mobile or take up too much screen.
Load Time
Chat widgets add JavaScript to your site. Make sure they don't slow down page load. Most modern widgets are fine, but test.
Getting Started
Ready to add a chat widget?
My recommendation for most businesses: start with Chatnest.
- Create a free account
- Upload your website URL or documentation
- Customize colors and greeting
- Copy one line of code to your site
- Done
You'll have an AI chatbot that actually knows your business, live in under an hour.
If you need enterprise features or already use tools like HubSpot or Zendesk, those integrations might make more sense. But for most businesses, Chatnest gives you the best AI capability at a reasonable price.
What chat widget are you using? We'd love to hear about your experience.
