Chatref vs LiveChat
Chatref is best for AI support chatbots and agents trained on your docs/URLs. LiveChat is best for human-led live chat with a shared inbox and team workflows. See the details below.
The AI Support + Automation Platform
Chatref is an AI chatbot and agent platform for businesses. It helps teams answer questions using their docs and URLs, reduce support tickets, and automate common workflows. It also supports unlimited chatbots and predictable message-based plans (including a free tier).
The Live Chat + Team Inbox Platform
LiveChat is a customer communication platform centered on live chat and agent workflows. It’s built for handling conversations in a shared inbox, improving response handling, and handing off from automation to human agents.
Trusted by companies around the world
What They Are?
What Is Chatref?
Chatref is a business AI chatbot and agent platform that uses your documents, URLs, and product knowledge to give accurate answers.
It focuses on support automation, multi-model output, and fast deployment for teams that want reliable answers and workflows.
Summary: A business platform for support chatbots, internal knowledge bots, and automation agents.
Visit ChatrefWhat Is LiveChat?
LiveChat is a live chat platform built around a shared team inbox and agent workflows.
It’s designed for handling customer conversations in real time, improving response handling, and supporting clear human ownership.
Summary: A live chat + team inbox tool for human-led support and sales conversations.
Visit LiveChatChatref vs LiveChat: Key Differences
Both can help with support - but they approach it differently. Chatref is an AI-first chatbot + agent platform. LiveChat is a live chat platform built around agent workflows and a shared inbox.
Platform Goal
Built for AI support chatbots, agents, and knowledge automation.
Built for live chat + agent workflows (shared inbox and human handoff).
Knowledge Source
Uses your docs, URLs, and product knowledge to answer accurately.
Typically runs around agent-led conversations; knowledge is handled by your team and workflows.
Where It Runs
Deployed as support bots and internal assistants (web + workflows + multi-bot setup).
Deployed as a website chat widget + shared team inbox for customer conversations.
Control + Safety
Designed for grounded answers and repeatable agent behavior.
Designed for support operations with human ownership and clear handoff.
Integrations
API hooks and workflow logic for business tools and systems.
Inbox and support integrations to route chats and help teams respond faster.
Use Case Direction
Support deflection, internal knowledge, and task automation.
Human-led customer conversations, support handling, and response workflows.
Scalability
Scales with message volume and unlimited chatbots.
Scales with support workload (often seats/agents and inbox operations).
Tip: If you want AI chatbots trained on your docs, Chatref is the direct fit. If you want a human-led live chat inbox, LiveChat is the closer fit.
Chatref vs LiveChat: Key Differences
Both can help you ship better support - but one is AI-first (Chatref), and the other is inbox-first (LiveChat). Use this section to quickly map the tools to your real goal.
Platform Scope
Chatref: AI chatbot + agent platform focused on knowledge automation.
LiveChat: Live chat platform focused on a shared inbox and agent workflows.
Knowledge & Training
Chatref: Uses your docs, URLs, and product knowledge for accurate answers.
LiveChat: Human-led conversations; knowledge is handled through your team and processes.
Deployment Style
Chatref: Multiple bots for different teams/products; internal and external use.
LiveChat: Website chat widget + agent inbox for customer conversations.
Accuracy & Control
Chatref: Designed for grounded answers and controlled behavior.
LiveChat: Designed for support operations with clear human ownership and handoff.
Integrations
Chatref: API hooks and workflows for business tools and systems.
LiveChat: Inbox/workflow integrations to route chats and improve response handling.
Use Case Direction
Chatref: Support deflection, onboarding help, internal knowledge, task automation.
LiveChat: Live sales/support chat, agent productivity, response handling, and team operations.
Scalability
Chatref: Scales with unlimited chatbots + message tiers.
LiveChat: Scales with support workload (often seats/agents and inbox operations).
Structural Comparison
| Factor | Chatref | LiveChat |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | AI chatbot + agents | Live chat + shared inbox |
| Primary Goal | Automate answers + workflows | Run human-led conversations + team workflows |
| Knowledge Input | Your docs + URLs + product knowledge | Agent knowledge + internal processes |
| Deployment | Web bot + multiple bots + internal assistants | Website widget + team inbox |
| Integrations | API + external systems + workflows | Inbox/workflow integrations |
| Best For | Deflection, onboarding, internal knowledge | Live chat ops, response handling, support workflows |
If your main goal is to run a shared inbox and handle conversations, start with a live chat tool like LiveChat. If your main goal is to ship AI bots trained on your docs, start with Chatref.
Use Cases and Best Fit
The simplest way to pick: decide if you want an AI-first support bot platform or a live chat inbox platform.
When Chatref Makes Sense
You want a website or product support chatbot
You want answers grounded in your docs and URLs
You want automation and workflows, not just an inbox
You need multiple bots for different teams or products
You want predictable message limits and budgeting
You care about support accuracy and repeatable behavior
- Product support automation
- Internal knowledge assistant
- Onboarding helper bot
- Multi-bot setup for multiple brands
When LiveChat Makes Sense
You want live chat with a shared inbox
You want clear agent ownership and accountability
You optimize for response time and conversation handling
You need a human-first support tool for website chat
You want a simple, focused live chat operating model
- Live website chat for sales/support
- Shared inbox for support team
- Human-first support workflows
- Chat-based lead qualification
Short Summary:Chatref is for AI-first support automation, while LiveChat is for human-led live chat + inbox workflows.
Pricing and Scale
These two tools often price in different ways. Chatref is message-tiered (designed for bot usage). LiveChat is seat-based(often driven by agents/team usage).
Test the basics
For small teams
Best for growing teams
High-volume support
Comparison Snapshot
| Aspect | Chatref | LiveChat |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI chatbot + agents | Live chat + shared inbox |
| Pricing Style | Subscription by message limits | Seat-based plans (often per agent) |
| Budgeting | Predictable message-based planning | Predictable team/seat budgeting (varies by plan) |
| Scaling | Upgrade tiers as messages grow | Scale support as team size and workload grows |
| Bots/Agents | Unlimited chatbots | Centered on agent workflows (automation depends on setup) |
| Best For | Deflection + automation ROI | Inbox operations + response handling |
Chatref Pricing Favors
- Business ROI: reduce tickets and increase deflection
- Unlimited chatbots across all tiers
- Predictable message-based budgeting
- Clear upgrade path as bot usage grows
LiveChat Pricing Favors
- Teams that need a shared inbox and clear ownership
- Human-led live chat for sales/support
- Support workflows that scale with agents
Note: LiveChat plans and pricing can change over time. This section focuses on pricing style (message tiers vs seats), not exact plan rates.
TipIf you’re buying for a support team, decide first: AI-first bot platform (Chatref) vs live chat inbox (LiveChat).
Pros & Cons
Both can improve support. The key is picking the right operating model: AI-first bots vs human-led inbox workflows.
Chatref
Strengths
Built for AI-first support automation and reliable answers
Unlimited chatbots across all plans
Predictable message-based pricing
Uses your docs and URLs for grounded responses
Fast setup for teams and agencies
Limitations
Message caps require upgrades as usage grows
Workflow depth depends on how far you configure automation
Not a full inbox/helpdesk replacement by default
LiveChat
Strengths
Built for human-led live chat and shared inbox workflows
Clear agent ownership and team response handling
Good fit for teams that run real-time conversations day-to-day
Limitations
Not an AI-first multi-bot platform by default
Scaling can be driven by team size (seats) and workload
Automation/AI depth depends on your setup and supporting tools
Quick Takeaways
Pick the operating model
Which One Should
You Choose?
This is mostly an operating model choice: AI-first support bots vs human-led inbox workflows.
Choose Chatref if...
You want AI answers grounded in your docs and URLs
You want multiple bots for different products or teams
You want support deflection + task automation
You want predictable message-based budgeting
You want faster onboarding and simple deployment
Try Chatref
Start with the free tier
Choose LiveChat if...
You want live chat with a shared inbox
You want clear human ownership and response workflows
You optimize for agent productivity and response handling
You need a human-first support experience on your site
You want a focused live chat operating model
Explore LiveChat
See product + pricing options
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chatref and LiveChat direct competitors?
They overlap in customer support, but they’re built around different models. Chatref is an AI-first chatbot + agent platform trained on your docs and URLs. LiveChat is a live chat platform built around a shared inbox, agent workflows, and human handoff.
Which one should I choose for website support?
Choose Chatref if you want an AI chatbot trained on your docs/URLs to deflect repetitive questions. Choose LiveChat if you want human-led live chat with a shared inbox and team workflows.
Can LiveChat be embedded on a website?
Yes. LiveChat is commonly used as a website live chat widget connected to a shared team inbox.
Does Chatref support training on documents and URLs?
Yes. Chatref is designed to use your documents, URLs, and product knowledge to answer questions and automate support tasks.
Which one is better for reducing support tickets?
Chatref is typically the better fit if your goal is deflection (answering common questions automatically). LiveChat is typically the better fit if your goal is handling live conversations with agents and workflows.
Which one is better for agent workflows?
LiveChat. It’s designed for live chat operations, a shared inbox, and day-to-day support handling by a team.
Is pricing comparable between Chatref and LiveChat?
Not perfectly. Chatref is message-tiered for bot usage. LiveChat is usually seat-based (often per agent), which is common for team inbox tools.
If I’m building an AI support bot, what should I compare Chatref against?
Compare Chatref against AI-first chatbot platforms that train on docs/URLs and support automation workflows, especially if you need multiple bots across products or teams.