Can I open-source LiveChat?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. Chatwoot (36k stars), Zammad (6k stars), LibreDesk (3k stars) are mature open-source replacements for LiveChat — self-host with real ops work and stop paying $25/mo.
People still pay for LiveChat because support software survives because missing or misrouting one customer message is expensive and every channel behaves differently. The recurring cost buys message delivery, webhooks, threading, identity, permissions, attachments, notifications, spam, search, uptime, and retention, not just the visible interface.
xglobal chat delivery, mobile apps, staffing tools, integrations, and support
xomnichannel integrations
xlarge-scale deliverability
xAI resolution tuning
xenterprise routing and compliance
These projects already replace it, free.
CChatwootA proper support inbox with chat, email and a help center; free software, billable server chores.open source↗ZZammadA serious ticket desk with email, chat, SLAs and a knowledge base; setup is the first ticket.open source↗LLibreDeskA modern email-and-live-chat desk in one compact stack, because apparently that was allowed.open source↗What each one is, in full: Chatwoot · Zammad
all 4 open-source alternatives to LiveChat →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
LiveChat pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| starter | $25/user | $19/user | 1 user; track up to 100 visitors; 1 recurring campaign; 60-day chat history; 3 AI reply-knowledge sources |
| team | $59/user | $49/user | Unlimited users at the per-user rate; track up to 400 visitors; unlimited campaigns and chat history; 10 AI reply-knowledge sources |
| business | $89/user | $79/user | Track up to 1,000 visitors; unlimited campaigns/history; work scheduler, staffing prediction and advanced reporting |
| enterprise | custom | — | Custom visitor-tracking limit; SSO, HIPAA support, white-label widget, SLA and dedicated onboarding |
free tierno free tier (14-day trial; no credit card required)
billingmonthly + annual
hidden costsPrice multiplies by paid users. ChatBot.com is a separate product starting at $52/month billed annually; SMS, WhatsApp and several other channels are marketplace integrations and can carry separate provider/usage charges.
verified 2026-08-12 · source ↗
Can I open-source LiveChat?
Yes. Chatwoot replaces LiveChat today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does LiveChat cost?
LiveChat costs about $25/month (Starter, checked 2026-08-12), which is $300 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing LiveChat?
Honestly: global chat delivery, mobile apps, staffing tools, integrations, and support; omnichannel integrations; large-scale deliverability; AI resolution tuning; enterprise routing and compliance. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to LiveChat?
Yes: Chatwoot (A proper support inbox with chat, email and a help center; free software, billable server chores.) Zammad (A serious ticket desk with email, chat, SLAs and a knowledge base; setup is the first ticket.) LibreDesk (A modern email-and-live-chat desk in one compact stack, because apparently that was allowed.) All 4 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/livechat/alternatives.