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Why Explore Drift Alternatives? Understanding User Needs in 2025
The conversational marketing landscape has evolved significantly since Drift’s acquisition by SalesLoft in 2024. Many teams are now actively seeking Drift alternatives due to several key challenges:
- Pricing model concerns: Post-acquisition, Drift’s pricing has become less transparent, with many features now locked behind enterprise tiers or requiring custom quotes. This has pushed businesses to seek platforms with more predictable costs.
- AI capabilities limitations: While Drift offers AI chatbot functionality, many competitors now provide more advanced AI agents with better retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) capabilities, allowing for more natural conversations and higher automation rates.
- Omnichannel communication gaps: Modern businesses need seamless communication across web chat, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other channels. Drift’s focus on website engagement sometimes leaves gaps in the omnichannel experience.
- Integration friction: Many teams report challenges with Drift’s integrations, particularly with CRMs outside of Salesforce. This has created demand for platforms with broader, more flexible integration ecosystems.
- Security considerations: Following reports of a security incident involving OAuth tokens in 2025, some organizations are reassessing their conversational platform choices with a stronger emphasis on security protocols.
Key Features to Look for in a Drift Alternative
When evaluating Drift alternatives, consider these essential capabilities that define modern conversational platforms:
Unified Inbox for Omnichannel Support
Look for platforms that consolidate messages from multiple channels (web chat, email, WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger) into a single interface. This creates a seamless experience for both agents and customers, preserving conversation context across channels.
Native AI + No-Code Bot Building
The best platforms offer both sophisticated AI agents that can handle free-text conversations and visual no-code builders for creating structured flows. This hybrid approach gives you flexibility to automate both simple and complex interactions.
E-commerce Event Tracking
For online retailers, choose platforms that can track customer behavior (cart abandonment, product views) and use these insights to trigger relevant conversations and recover potential lost sales.
CRM and Tech Stack Integrations
Ensure your chosen platform integrates natively with your essential tools—whether that’s Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, or e-commerce platforms like Shopify. Deep, bi-directional integrations reduce manual data entry and keep customer information synchronized.
GDPR and Data Security Compliance
With increasing privacy regulations, prioritize platforms that offer robust security features including SOC 2 certification, GDPR compliance, token rotation, and data residency options.
Transparent, Predictable Pricing
Look for clear pricing structures that align with your usage patterns. Some platforms charge per seat, others per conversation or resolution. Understanding these models is crucial for forecasting costs as your business scales.
How We Evaluated Drift Competitors
To identify the best Drift alternatives, we assessed platforms across several critical dimensions:
- Communication channels supported: We prioritized platforms offering web chat, in-app messaging, WhatsApp, Instagram, email, and other channels modern customers use.
- Automation capabilities: We evaluated both rule-based flows and AI-powered agents, examining how well they handle complex conversations and their ability to learn from human interactions.
- Onboarding experience: We considered setup time, template availability, and the learning curve for both administrators and agents.
- Analytics and reporting: We assessed each platform’s ability to track conversation metrics, agent performance, and business outcomes like conversion rates and resolution times.
- Total cost of ownership: Beyond listed prices, we calculated the real costs of scaling each platform, including potential overage charges and add-on fees.
- Scalability and enterprise features: We examined how each platform performs as your business grows, including features like SSO, role-based access, and compliance certifications.
Drift vs Sales Engagement Stacks: Where They Overlap
Drift’s acquisition by SalesLoft has blurred the lines between conversational marketing platforms and sales engagement tools. Here’s how to think about this evolving landscape:
- Where they overlap: Both Drift and sales engagement platforms like SalesLoft, Outreach, and HubSpot Sales Hub focus on accelerating revenue through better buyer engagement. They share features like lead qualification, meeting scheduling, and CRM integration.
- When to integrate them: For complex B2B sales motions, you might use both—a conversational platform for inbound website engagement and a sales engagement tool for structured outbound cadences. The key is designing clear handoff rules to avoid duplicate actions.
- When to replace one with the other: If your primary use case is inbound lead qualification and meeting booking, a modern conversational platform may be sufficient. Conversely, if you primarily need outbound sequence management, a dedicated sales engagement tool might be the better choice.
Now let’s explore the top 10 Drift alternatives, starting with Talkees.
Talkees — Comprehensive Omnichannel Solution with Unlimited Conversations
Talkees is an AI-powered omnichannel platform that combines live chat, AI chatbots, and a unified inbox for managing customer conversations across multiple channels.
Key Features
- AI Chatbot: 24/7 automated answers trained on your knowledge base, with the ability to provide personalized recommendations
- Omnichannel Inbox: Consolidates messages from web chat, email, SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Signal
- Robust Integration Ecosystem: Direct connections to e-commerce platforms, shipping carriers (Packeta/Zásilkovna, GLS, DPD), marketing feeds (Heureka, Zbozi.cz, Google Shopping), and accounting systems (Pohoda, Money S3, iDoklad)
- Team Collaboration: Internal notes, message tagging, automated assignment, and live preview of in-progress chats
- Analytics & Reporting: Real-time dashboards showing conversation volume, response times, resolution metrics, and agent performance
Pricing
- Free: €0/month for 50 conversations/month, 1 user, web chat + email
- Standard: €29-49/month (regional pricing) for 1,000 conversations/month, 5 users, AI automations, app integrations
- Premium: €79-99/month for unlimited conversations, unlimited users, templates, chat segmentation, and reports
Pros
- Transparent, predictable pricing with unlimited conversations on Premium plan
- Comprehensive shipping and e-commerce integrations
- No AI overage charges on Premium plan
- Simple onboarding process with no card required for free tier
Cons
- Newer to the market than some competitors
- Some advanced enterprise features still in development
- Regional pricing variations require verification
Ideal Use Cases
Talkees is particularly well-suited for:
- E-commerce businesses needing order tracking and shipping integration
- SMBs looking for affordable, predictable pricing without conversation limits
- Teams requiring unified communication across multiple channels
- Companies seeking to automate customer support without complex implementation
Intercom — Enterprise-Grade Conversational Platform
Intercom combines messaging, chatbots, and a help center into a comprehensive customer communication platform popular with SaaS and enterprise companies.
Key Features
- Business Messenger: Live chat for websites and in-app communication
- Fin AI Agent: AI-powered bot for resolving customer queries
- Product Tours: Interactive onboarding guides for product adoption
- Targeted Messaging: Behavioral and lifecycle-based customer engagement
- Advanced Workflows: Sophisticated automation and routing capabilities
- Enterprise Security: SSO, custom roles, and advanced compliance features
Pricing
- Essential: $29 per seat/month (billed annually) – includes shared inbox, basic bots, ticketing
- Advanced: $85 per seat/month – adds multiple team inboxes, advanced workflows
- Expert: $132 per seat/month – adds workload management, SLAs, advanced security
- Fin AI Agent: $0.99 per resolution (usage-based pricing)
- Add-ons: Various features like Product Tours available as add-ons
Pros
- Comprehensive platform with strong in-app messaging capabilities
- Sophisticated AI with Fin Agent for support automation
- Extensive integration ecosystem (250+ apps)
- Strong enterprise security and compliance features
Cons
- High total cost of ownership as you scale (seat + add-ons + usage)
- Complex pricing structure with many add-ons
- API and event tracking limits (e.g., 1,000 calls/minute, 120 active events)
- Not a full replacement for traditional ticketing systems
Ideal Use Cases
Intercom excels for:
- SaaS companies needing in-app engagement and product tours
- Enterprise teams with complex workflow needs
- Companies with sophisticated self-service and support requirements
- Businesses focusing on product-led growth strategies
LiveChat — Focused Chat Solution with Strong Customization
LiveChat offers a straightforward, reliable live chat platform with a focus on customization and e-commerce integration.
Key Features
- Live Chat Widget: Highly customizable chat interface for websites
- Chat Routing and Distribution: Advanced options for directing conversations
- Visitor Tracking: Monitor user behavior and engagement
- Rich Media Support: Share files, screenshots, and engage with video
- Reporting and Analytics: Comprehensive performance metrics
- E-commerce Integrations: Deep connections with major shopping platforms
Pricing
- Starter: $20 per agent/month (billed annually) or $24 monthly
- Team: $41 per agent/month (annual) or $49 monthly
- Business: $59 per agent/month (annual) or $69 monthly
- Enterprise: Custom pricing with dedicated account manager
Pros
- Polished, mature platform with strong reliability
- Excellent widget customization options
- Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities
- Strong marketplace of integrations and extensions
Cons
- Limited AI capabilities compared to newer platforms
- Primarily focused on web chat rather than omnichannel
- Per-agent pricing can become expensive for large teams
- Occasional performance lag reported by some users
Ideal Use Cases
LiveChat works best for:
- E-commerce businesses requiring reliable customer engagement
- Companies prioritizing chat widget customization and branding
- Teams needing detailed analytics on conversation performance
- Businesses with straightforward support requirements
Tidio — AI-Powered Solution with Visual Flow Builder
Tidio combines live chat with AI chatbots and a visual automation builder, making it popular with small to mid-sized businesses.
Key Features
- Live Chat: Real-time messaging with typing preview and canned replies
- Lyro AI Agent: Answers FAQs, recommends products, and qualifies leads
- Visual Flows Builder: Create automated conversation paths without coding
- Visitor Tracking: Monitor user behavior and engagement patterns
- Shopify Integration: View carts, process refunds, and manage orders
- Multichannel Support: Web chat, email, WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger
Pricing
- Free Plan: $0 for up to 10 operator seats, 50 Lyro conversations
- Starter: $24-29/month for 100 billable conversations, social integrations
- Growth: $49-59/month for 250-2,000 billable conversations, advanced analytics
- Plus (Tidio+): $749/month for custom operator seats, 300+ Lyro conversations
- Premium: Enterprise pricing (reported around $2,999/month) with unlimited conversations
Pros
- Fast setup (15-30 minutes for basic implementation)
- Strong Shopify integration for e-commerce
- Visual flow builder makes automation accessible
- Free tier with generous operator allowance (up to 10 seats)
Cons
- Conversation-based billing can become expensive as volume grows
- Inconsistent pricing information across channels
- Basic ticketing capabilities compared to dedicated helpdesks
- AI usage caps with potentially high overage costs
Ideal Use Cases
Tidio is particularly effective for:
- E-commerce stores using Shopify
- Small businesses getting started with chat automation
- Marketing teams focused on lead generation
- Companies with moderate chat volume and straightforward use cases
Zoho SalesIQ — Affordable Analytics-Driven Engagement
Zoho SalesIQ combines visitor intelligence with live chat and AI chatbots, deeply integrated with the Zoho ecosystem.
Key Features
- Visitor Tracking and Live View: Real-time visibility into website visitors
- Lead Scoring: Automated ranking of prospects based on behavior
- Smart Chatbots: Zobot, Answer Bot, and programmable options
- Communication Modes: Text, voice notes, audio calls, screen sharing
- Omnichannel Messaging: WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram integration
- Mobile SDK (Mobilisten): Add in-app chat to mobile applications
Pricing
- Free Plan: 100 chats/month, visitor tracking, mobile apps
- Basic: $7 per agent/month (billed annually)
- Professional: $12.75 per agent/month (annual)
- Enterprise: $20 per agent/month (annual)
Pros
- Extremely affordable per-agent pricing
- Deep integration with Zoho CRM and Desk
- Strong visitor analytics and lead scoring
- Comprehensive mobile SDK for in-app engagement
- No third-party cookie usage (claimed)
Cons
- Best experience requires Zoho ecosystem adoption
- Less robust outside integrations compared to competitors
- UI can feel complex for new users
- Limited advanced AI capabilities on lower tiers
Ideal Use Cases
Zoho SalesIQ excels for:
- Businesses already using Zoho CRM or Desk
- Sales teams focused on website visitor intelligence
- Budget-conscious companies needing basic chat functionality
- Mobile app developers requiring in-app chat capabilities
Tars — Conversational Landing Page Specialist
Tars specializes in conversational landing pages and lead generation chatbots, with a focus on conversion optimization.
Key Features
- Conversational Landing Pages: Interactive forms as conversations
- Conditional Logic Builder: Create sophisticated conversation flows
- A/B Testing: Optimize conversion rates with split testing
- WhatsApp Integration: Connect web conversations to WhatsApp
- Lead Enrichment: Gather and enhance prospect information
- Analytics Dashboard: Track performance and conversion metrics
Pricing
- Basic: $99/month for 1,000 chats, 1 chatbot
- Standard: $399/month for 5,000 chats, 5 chatbots
- Premium: $999/month for 20,000 chats, 20 chatbots
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for higher volumes
Pros
- Specialized focus on conversion optimization
- Strong A/B testing capabilities
- Excellent for lead generation use cases
- Clean, professional conversation design
Cons
- Limited customer support functionality
- Less comprehensive than full-service platforms
- Higher entry-level pricing than some alternatives
- Narrower feature set focused primarily on acquisition
Ideal Use Cases
Tars works best for:
- Marketing teams focused on lead generation
- Companies looking to replace traditional forms
- Businesses with defined conversion funnels
- Organizations requiring detailed conversion analytics
Landbot.io — No-Code Builder with Strong WhatsApp Support
Landbot.io stands out as a no-code chatbot builder with robust WhatsApp integration and a visual flow designer.
Key Features
- Visual Flow Builder: Drag-and-drop, node-based conversation designer
- AI Agents: Train on PDFs/URLs/text with personality and guardrails
- WhatsApp Business API: Official integration with campaign tools
- Human Takeover: Seamless handoff to live agents
- Integrations: HubSpot, Salesforce (limited), Google Sheets, Airtable, Slack
- Multi-Channel Deployment: Web, Messenger, WhatsApp, API channel
Pricing
- Free Sandbox: 100 chats/month, 1 seat
- Starter: €40/month for 500 chats, 100 AI chats, 2 seats
- WhatsApp Starter: €80/month includes 1 WhatsApp number, 500 chats
- Pro: €200/month (or €160 annual) for 2,500 chats, 300-500 AI chats, 3 seats
- WhatsApp Pro: €200/month includes 10,000 WhatsApp messages
- Business: From €400/month with custom quotas, 5+ seats, success manager
Pros
- Excellent visual builder for creating complex flows
- Strong WhatsApp capabilities with campaign management
- AI agents can be trained on custom content
- Test environment for WhatsApp development
Cons
- Inconsistent pricing information across materials
- AI chat overage costs can be unpredictable
- Limited Salesforce integration compared to competitors
- Complex pricing model with multiple variables (chats, AI, WhatsApp)
Ideal Use Cases
Landbot.io excels for:
- WhatsApp-centric marketing and support strategies
- Teams needing visual, no-code bot development
- Agencies building chatbots for multiple clients
- Organizations requiring multi-language support
LivePerson — Enterprise Conversational AI Platform
LivePerson is an enterprise-focused conversational AI platform with sophisticated automation capabilities and omnichannel support.
Key Features
- Conversational Cloud: Unified platform for messaging across channels
- Intent Manager: AI-powered intent detection and routing
- Conversation Builder: Visual bot creation environment
- Conversation Analytics: Advanced insights and performance metrics
- Agent Workspace: Unified console for handling all conversations
- Voice to Messaging: Convert voice calls to digital messaging
Pricing
- Small Business: From $40 per agent/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing based on volume and features
- Add-ons: Various AI capabilities priced separately
Pros
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance
- Sophisticated intent recognition and routing
- Strong voice-to-digital capabilities
- Extensive professional services and support
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant resources
- Higher cost compared to mid-market alternatives
- Steeper learning curve for administrators
- Can be overkill for simpler use cases
Ideal Use Cases
LivePerson works best for:
- Large enterprises with complex customer engagement needs
- Organizations handling high message volumes
- Companies transitioning from call centers to messaging
- Businesses requiring advanced AI and analytics capabilities
Podium — Messaging Platform for Local Businesses
Podium focuses on helping local businesses connect with customers through messaging, reviews, and payments.
Key Features
- Webchat: Convert website visitors into messaging conversations
- Unified Inbox: Manage SMS, Google Business Messages, and other channels
- Review Management: Generate and manage customer reviews
- Payments: Accept payments via text message
- Teamchat: Internal team communication
- Video Chat: Face-to-face customer interactions
Pricing
- Essentials: $289/month for basic messaging and webchat
- Standard: $449/month adding review management and team features
- Professional: $649/month with advanced capabilities
- Ultimate: Custom pricing for enterprise needs
Pros
- Specialized features for local businesses
- Strong review generation and management
- Integrated payment processing
- Focus on SMS and mobile messaging
Cons
- Higher starting price point than many alternatives
- Less emphasis on AI automation
- Limited enterprise integration capabilities
- Narrower feature set than full-service platforms
Ideal Use Cases
Podium excels for:
- Local service businesses (medical, automotive, retail)
- Companies prioritizing Google review management
- Businesses needing text-to-pay functionality
- Organizations focused on local customer engagement
Smartsupp — European-Focused Live Chat with Video Recording
Smartsupp combines live chat with unique visitor recording capabilities and a European focus.
Key Features
- Live Chat: Real-time website communication
- Video Recordings: Visual replay of visitor sessions
- Chatbot Builder: Visual automation creator
- Mobile App: iOS and Android support
- Visitor Information: User details and browsing history
- Multi-language Support: Strong European language coverage
Pricing
- Free: Basic chat for 1 agent
- Standard: €15 per agent/month for core features
- Pro: €29 per agent/month adding chatbots and recordings
- Ultimate: €55 per agent/month for advanced features
Pros
- Unique visitor recording capabilities
- Strong GDPR compliance focus
- Simple, intuitive interface
- Affordable pricing structure
Cons
- Limited AI capabilities compared to competitors
- Fewer integrations than larger platforms
- Basic analytics on lower tiers
- Less name recognition outside Europe
Ideal Use Cases
Smartsupp works best for:
- European businesses with GDPR concerns
- Companies wanting to visualize customer journeys
- Small to mid-sized teams with straightforward needs
- E-commerce businesses seeking conversion insights
Migration from Drift: Step-by-Step Checklist
If you’re planning to switch from Drift to an alternative platform, follow this systematic approach to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Data Export and Preparation
- Export all conversation history from Drift (typically available in CSV format)
- Download your playbooks and bot configurations
- Extract lead and contact data with associated metadata
- Catalog all integrations and webhook connections
- Document your current workflows and routing rules
2. Bot Flows and Knowledge Base Migration
- Map Drift Playbooks to the new platform’s bot structure
- Export and reformat knowledge base articles
- Recreate decision trees and conversation paths
- Test bot logic in a staging environment before going live
- Consider running both platforms in parallel during initial testing
3. Widget Swap and Implementation
- Set up the new chat widget with similar styling to maintain brand consistency
- Update placement and trigger rules to match your current setup
- Implement proper event tracking and analytics connections
- Test across devices and browsers to ensure compatibility
- Create a rollback plan in case of unexpected issues
4. CRM and Integration Reconnection
- Set up and test all CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
- Reconnect e-commerce platforms (Shopify, etc.)
- Rebuild webhook connections and custom API integrations
- Verify data is flowing correctly between systems
- Document new integration authentication and security protocols
5. Quality Assurance and Training
- Create test scenarios covering all common customer journeys
- Verify that routing, escalation, and assignment rules work correctly
- Train team members on the new platform interface and workflows
- Update internal documentation and standard operating procedures
- Establish new performance benchmarks and KPIs
6. Phased Rollout Strategy
- Consider starting with low-traffic pages or segments
- Gradually increase traffic allocation to the new platform
- Monitor key metrics closely during transition (response times, CSAT, conversion rates)
- Collect agent feedback and make necessary adjustments
- Complete full cutover only after validation of all critical functions
Use-Case Decision Guide: Finding Your Ideal Drift Alternative
For E-commerce Teams
Best options: Talkees, Tidio, LiveChat
Key considerations:
- Look for platforms with strong shopping cart integration
- Prioritize order tracking and post-purchase support capabilities
- Consider WhatsApp integration for order updates and re-engagement
- Evaluate chatbots that can handle product recommendations and FAQs
Why we recommend Talkees: Its direct integration with shipping carriers (Packeta, GLS, DPD) and e-commerce platforms makes it ideal for order tracking and post-purchase support, while the unlimited conversations on the Premium plan ensure predictable costs during high-volume periods.
For SMB Support Teams
Best options: Talkees, Zoho SalesIQ, Smartsupp
Key considerations:
- Focus on platforms with affordable, transparent pricing
- Look for AI capabilities that can handle routine inquiries
- Ensure easy setup without requiring technical expertise
- Prioritize team collaboration features for small teams
Why we recommend Zoho SalesIQ: Its extremely affordable per-agent pricing (starting at $7/agent/month) combined with visitor intelligence and basic AI capabilities makes it perfect for budget-conscious SMBs, especially those already using other Zoho products.
For AI-First Projects
Best options: Intercom, Landbot.io, LivePerson
Key considerations:
- Evaluate AI training capabilities and customization options
- Look for platforms supporting retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
- Consider integration with external AI services (OpenAI, etc.)
- Assess AI analytics and continuous improvement capabilities
Why we recommend Intercom: While its per-resolution pricing model requires careful budget planning, Fin AI Agent offers sophisticated capabilities for companies prioritizing AI-driven automation, with strong performance metrics and continuous learning capabilities.
For Sales-Assisted B2B Scenarios
Best options: LivePerson, Intercom, Tars
Key considerations:
- Prioritize lead qualification and routing capabilities
- Look for strong CRM integration (especially Salesforce)
- Evaluate meeting scheduling and calendar integration
- Consider platforms with account-based marketing features
Why we recommend LivePerson: Its enterprise-grade intent recognition, sophisticated routing, and deep analytics make it ideal for complex B2B sales processes requiring advanced qualification and personalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Drift chatbot and Drift AI?
Drift chatbot refers to the platform’s rule-based conversation flows (Playbooks), while Drift AI encompasses their machine learning capabilities for intent recognition and natural language processing. The distinction matters because many alternatives now offer both visual flow builders (similar to Playbooks) and true AI agents with RAG capabilities.
How do Drift alternatives handle Salesforce integration?
Most leading alternatives offer Salesforce integration, but depth varies significantly. Platforms like Intercom and LivePerson offer enterprise-grade Salesforce connections with bi-directional sync and custom object mapping. Others like Talkees and Tidio offer more basic integration focused on lead creation and activity logging.
What should I know about Drift pricing and contract terms?
Since Drift’s acquisition by SalesLoft, many users report less transparent pricing with more features moved to enterprise tiers. When evaluating alternatives, look for clear pricing pages with published rates, and ask about minimum commitments, overage charges, and annual vs. monthly billing options.
What about data residency and security concerns?
Following reports of security incidents related to OAuth tokens, data security has become a priority for many organizations. When selecting a Drift alternative, verify SOC 2 compliance, GDPR capabilities, data residency options, and token management practices. Platforms like Intercom, LivePerson, and Zoho SalesIQ offer strong security credentials and regional data hosting options.
Our Subjective Testing Experience
During our hands-on testing of these platforms, several interesting observations emerged that might not be apparent from feature lists alone:
- Talkees impressed us with its simplicity. While newer to the market, its interface was refreshingly straightforward. Setting up the AI chatbot took under 30 minutes, and the shipping integrations worked seamlessly with our test store. The unlimited conversations on the Premium plan also removed the anxiety of unexpected overage charges that we experienced with some other platforms.
- Intercom felt the most polished but complex. The platform is clearly enterprise-grade, but we found ourselves frequently consulting documentation during setup. Fin AI Agent performed impressively on our test questions, though we were conscious of the per-resolution costs adding up during testing.
- Landbot’s visual builder was a standout feature. For creating complex, branching conversations, nothing matched its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. However, we did notice inconsistencies in the pricing information across different sections of their website, which created some confusion during our evaluation process.
- Zoho SalesIQ offered incredible value. For teams on a tight budget, nothing came close to the feature-to-price ratio. The visitor tracking capabilities were particularly impressive, though the interface occasionally felt cluttered compared to more streamlined alternatives.
In the end, the “best” platform truly depends on your specific needs, but our testing confirmed that several strong Drift alternatives exist in 2025, each with unique strengths and considerations.
