Customer Support Software
Olark
Simple, no-frills live chat widget with a genuinely free (if very limited) tier for the lightest use cases.
Solo / FreelancerSmall businessGlobal
Last reviewed Jul 17, 2026 · Pricing verified Jul 17, 2026
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DEV-TOP · horizontalOur take
A straightforward, no-frills live chat widget best suited to solo operators and small teams with light chat volume — the free tier's 20-chat/month cap and Pro tier's hidden pricing limit how far it scales without a sales conversation.
Choose this if...
- Solo operators and small teams wanting a simple, accessible chat widget without a full helpdesk suite
- Teams that can operate within the 20-chat/month free tier or the single published $29/seat Standard plan
Look elsewhere if...
- You need AI chatbot automation without going through a sales conversation for Pro pricing
- You want a modern all-in-one platform combining ticketing, chat, and email in one price
Visit Olark
This is a direct link to Olark— we don't currently earn anything from it.
Pricing
Verified Jul 17, 2026 against Olark's own pricing page.
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Key limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 29 USD/mo | — | Per seat; customizable chatbox, advanced reporting, agent groups, targeted chat, basic integrations, WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility certification |
| Pro | — | — | Pricing not published — requires contacting sales; adds chatbots/AI automation, dedicated account manager, live training, custom chat routing, priority support |
Free tier reality
After the 14-day free trial, accounts can drop to a genuinely free tier limited to 1 agent and a maximum of 20 chats/month — enough only for very light use, not a real support operation. Standard plan pricing ($29/mo/seat) is published; Pro plan pricing is not disclosed on the live page and requires a sales conversation. Optional "PowerUps" (chat automation add-ons) are priced separately from $29-$99/month regardless of plan tier or team size.
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DEV-MID · rectanglePros
- Genuinely free tier exists (not just a trial), even if limited to 20 chats/month
- WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility certification is a differentiator few competitors advertise
- Simple, transparent Standard-tier pricing without a complex feature ladder
Cons
- Pro tier (chatbots/AI) pricing isn't published and requires contacting sales
- Free tier's 20-chat/month cap is quite restrictive for anything beyond the lightest use
- PowerUps (automation add-ons) are billed separately from the base plan
Key features
- Customizable live chat widget
- Targeted/proactive chat triggers
- Advanced reporting and agent groups
- WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility-certified chatbox
- Optional PowerUps for chatbots/AI and automation
Integrations
- VERIFY
Platforms
- web
Regional fit
VERIFY current data residency options.
- Global
Best for
Alternatives
Zendesk
Pick this instead if: Mid-size and enterprise support teams that need omnichannel routing, AI agents, and deep customization
Freshdesk
Pick this instead if: Small-to-mid support teams wanting Zendesk-like ticketing at a lower starting price
Help Scout
Pick this instead if: Small teams and startups that want a shared-inbox feel over formal ticketing
Zoho Desk
Pick this instead if: Existing Zoho One / Zoho CRM customers wanting native helpdesk integration
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Olark FAQ
Questions about this tool
Is Olark free?
Yes, there's a free tier. After the 14-day free trial, accounts can drop to a genuinely free tier limited to 1 agent and a maximum of 20 chats/month — enough only for very light use, not a real support operation. Standard plan pricing ($29/mo/seat) is published; Pro plan pricing is not disclosed on the live page and requires a sales conversation. Optional "PowerUps" (chat automation add-ons) are priced separately from $29-$99/month regardless of plan tier or team size.
How much does Olark cost?
Free. We verify pricing directly against Olark's own pricing page — see the pricing table above for the full breakdown of plans, and check the verified date before making a decision, since software pricing changes often.
Who is Olark best for?
Solo operators and small teams wanting a simple, accessible chat widget without a full helpdesk suite Teams that can operate within the 20-chat/month free tier or the single published $29/seat Standard plan
Who should avoid Olark?
You need AI chatbot automation without going through a sales conversation for Pro pricing You want a modern all-in-one platform combining ticketing, chat, and email in one price
Does Olark work well outside the US?
VERIFY current data residency options.
What are the best alternatives to Olark?
Worth comparing: Zendesk, Freshdesk, Help Scout, Zoho Desk. See the Alternatives section above for why you might pick one of these instead.