Hiver vs Kayako
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Hiver and Kayako are credible helpdesk tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Hiver if you want a lower starting price (free – $19/user/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.6/5). Help desk inside Gmail.
Choose Kayako if you'd rather have a longer free trial (14 days). Unified help desk software.
Hiver vs Kayako: side by side
| Dimension | Hiver | Kayako |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $19/user/moWinner | From $30/agent/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | 7 days | 14 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb, Google Workspace Users | Smb, Mid Market |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Ios, Android, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5Winner | 4.0/5 |
Hiver key facts
- Vendor
- Hiver
- Pricing
- Subscription — Free – $19/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Smb, Google Workspace Users
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- San Jose, CA, USA
Kayako key facts
- Vendor
- Kayako
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $30/agent/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Smb, Mid Market
- Editor rating
- 4.0 / 5
- Founded
- 2001
- Headquarters
- Singapore
Frequently asked questions
Is Hiver better than Kayako?
Neither is universally better — Hiver edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Hiver or Kayako cheaper?
Hiver is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $19/user/mo. Hiver starts at free – $19/user/mo; Kayako starts at from $30/agent/mo.
Can Hiver replace Kayako?
Yes for most teams — both are helpdesk tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.