top 5 Support apps for Shopify + A full Comparison
In today’s competitive e-commerce landscape, providing exceptional customer support is crucial for building customer loyalty and driving repeat sales. For Shopify merchants, implementing the right support apps can transform customer interactions and boost satisfaction. Support apps streamline customer communication, provide real-time assistance, and help merchants manage inquiries efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore the top support apps for Shopify and provide a full comparison to help you select the best option for your store.
1. Gorgias – Live Chat & Helpdesk
Gorgias is a comprehensive helpdesk app specifically designed for e-commerce businesses. It centralizes all customer communications from various channels, such as email, chat, social media, and more, into one dashboard. With automation features and deep Shopify integration, it empowers merchants to deliver personalized support at scale.
Key Features:
- Centralized customer communication hub
- Automation tools for repetitive tasks and responses
- Integration with Shopify for order management within the helpdesk
- Live chat functionality for real-time support
- Advanced analytics for monitoring support performance
PROS
- Deep integration with Shopify for seamless order management
- Strong automation and productivity features
- Easy to manage all customer queries from one platform
CONS
- Pricing can be high for smaller stores
- Some features may require a learning curve
Ideal for:
Merchants looking for a powerful, all-in-one support solution with automation and advanced Shopify integration.
2. Zendesk Support
Zendesk is a well-known customer service software that offers a flexible support system tailored to the needs of Shopify merchants. It connects customer conversations across different platforms into a single, easy-to-use interface and offers robust ticketing and automation tools.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel support (email, chat, social media, phone)
- Ticketing system to manage and track inquiries
- Automation and macros for common responses
- Customer insights and reporting tools
- Integration with Shopify for order and customer data
PROS
- Scalable for businesses of all sizes
- Customizable support workflows and automation
- Easy to integrate with Shopify and other apps
CONS
- Can become costly for large teams with advanced needs
- Setup and configuration may take some time
Ideal for:
Businesses seeking a flexible, scalable solution for managing customer support across multiple channels.
3. Tidio – Live Chat & Chatbots
Tidio is a popular support app that combines live chat, chatbots, and email into a single customer communication platform. It’s designed to help merchants provide instant assistance and automate responses using AI-powered chatbots.
Key Features:
- Live chat for real-time customer interaction
- AI-powered chatbots for 24/7 support
- Integration with Shopify for order tracking and data
- Mobile-friendly chat interface
- Customizable chat widgets
PROS
- Easy to set up and use
- Cost-effective plans with chatbot functionality
- Real-time chat and chatbot automation
CONS
- Limited features on the free plan
- Advanced customization may require premium tiers
Ideal for:
Small to medium-sized stores looking to offer real-time support with chatbots for automation.
4. Re– Customer Support & Helpdesk
Re is a multi-channel customer support platform built for e-commerce. It combines live chat, social media support, and helpdesk ticketing into a single solution, offering deep Shopify integration for managing customer interactions seamlessly.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel support (email, chat, social media)
- Integration with Shopify for viewing orders and customer data
- Live chat, FAQ, and automated responses
- Customizable chatbots and workflows
- Advanced analytics and reporting tools
PROS
- Strong multi-channel support with deep Shopify integration
- Robust automation and chatbot capabilities
- Great value for the price
CONS
- Interface may be complex for new users
- Limited customization options for the chat widget
Ideal for:
Merchants seeking a comprehensive support app that unifies multiple communication channels.
5. HelpCenter – Customer Support
HelpCenter is an easy-to-use customer support app that focuses on creating an intuitive and well-organized FAQ page, live chat support, and ticketing. It’s perfect for Shopify merchants who need a cost-effective support solution.
Key Features:
- FAQ builder with templates and customization options
- Live chat for real-time support
- Ticketing system to manage inquiries
- Integration with Shopify
- Multi-language support
PROS
- Affordable plans for small and medium-sized stores
- Easy to set up and customize
- Great for building detailed FAQs and handling tickets
CONS
- Limited advanced features compared to other solutions
- May not be suitable for high-volume stores
Ideal for:
Small to medium-sized stores that want a simple support solution with FAQ capabilities.
Comparison Table
| Feature/Characteristic | Gorgias | Zendesk | Tidio | Re | HelpCenter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Channel Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automation | Yes | Yes | Yes (Chatbots) | Yes | No |
| Shopify Integration | Deep | Good | Good | Deep | Basic |
| Pricing | High | Medium-High | Low-Medium | Medium | Low |
| Ideal For | Advanced needs | Scalable support | Real-time support | Comprehensive support | Small-medium stores |
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right support app for your Shopify store depends on your business size, budget, and the level of support automation you need. Gorgias and Zendesk are powerful solutions for businesses looking to unify and automate support across multiple channels, while Re
offers a balance of multi-channel support and robust automation capabilities. Tidio stands out with its combination of live chat and AI-powered chatbots, making it perfect for smaller stores that want real-time assistance. HelpCenter provides an affordable and straightforward option with FAQ and ticketing features for businesses on a budget.
Ultimately, enhancing your store’s customer support experience is key to building strong customer relationships and boosting your brand reputation. Evaluate your goals and customer interaction needs to choose the app that best aligns with your support strategy.
