Live Helper Chat replaces 5 paid apps
One open-source tool, 5 subscriptions it can stand in for. Each pairing below is curated and verified by hand, with the honest catch spelled out. No votes, no pay-to-list.
licenseApache-2.0
runsyour server
installUpload the release archive to a PHP web server and run the browser installer, or deploy its Docker image
dataChats and settings in MySQL/MariaDB, with uploads and media in writable server-side storage directories
setupA PHP 8.2+/MySQL web host, a pre-created database and correct filesystem permissions
facts verified 2026-08-11
A battle-tested live-chat desk with routing, transcripts and canned replies; the interface has seen some things.
the catchIt covers chat well but has an older agent experience and a weaker shared-inbox and integration story than Crisp.
the verdict →all Crisp alternatives →
A battle-tested live-chat desk with routing, transcripts and canned replies; the interface has seen some things.
the catchIts interface and automation feel older and less polished than Tidio's small-team chat desk.
the verdict →all Tidio alternatives →
A battle-tested live-chat desk with routing, transcripts and canned replies; the interface has seen some things.
the catchIts agent interface, reporting and integration catalog are markedly less polished than LiveChat's.
the verdict →all LiveChat alternatives →
Website chats can land in Telegram and replies go back; exact trick, decidedly non-trivial setup.
the verdict →
A battle-tested live-chat desk with routing, transcripts and canned replies; the interface has seen some things.
the catchIts interface and administration are older, and it lacks Intercom's mature outbound messaging, AI, segmentation and integration ecosystem.
the verdict →all Intercom alternatives →last updated 2026-08-11 · up to $1,248/yr replaced · no votes, no pay-to-list
