5 alternatives to Chatwoot Cloud
Compare free and open-source solutions before building your own. Check each option’s license, setup, and limitations.
A proper support inbox with chat, email and a help center; free software, billable server chores.
LicenseMIT
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationDocker Compose on a Linux VM, followed by environment, database, reverse-proxy and TLS configuration
DataApplication data in PostgreSQL, queues/cache in Redis, and attachments on local disk or S3-compatible/cloud object storage
Limitations compared to Chatwoot CloudThe software is the same core, but you lose Chatwoot Cloud's managed upgrades, backups, monitoring and incident response.
SetupProvisioning a Linux server and correctly wiring DNS/TLS, SMTP, PostgreSQL/Redis and storage
Facts verified 2026-08-11
A two-seat shared inbox and live chat bolted to a CRM; free until the limits become colleagues.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup, then connect a team inbox/email and add the website tracking or chat-widget code
DataCRM contacts and conversation history in HubSpot's cloud; records export to spreadsheet files and conversations are available through its API
Limitations compared to Chatwoot CloudIt is capped at two users and replaces Chatwoot's omnichannel support model with a CRM-centric inbox.
SetupConnecting and verifying the shared email inbox and website domain
Facts verified 2026-08-11
Live chat, tickets and a knowledge base for zero dollars; the little badge is how the arithmetic survives.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup, then paste the generated JavaScript widget or install a CMS plugin
DataChats, tickets and contacts in tawk.to's cloud account; chat and ticket exports are JSON
Limitations compared to Chatwoot CloudYou accept vendor branding and less control over inbox workflows and data than Chatwoot Cloud.
SetupAccess to edit the website or install its CMS plugin
Facts verified 2026-08-11
A hosted shared inbox, live chat, and ticket queue for two users; the knowledge base lives upstairs.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup, then connect a team inbox/email and add the website tracking or chat-widget code
DataCRM records, tickets and conversation history in HubSpot's cloud; records export to spreadsheet files and conversations are available through its API
Limitations compared to Chatwoot CloudThe two-user free ceiling and shallower support automation make it a small-team stopgap rather than an equivalent managed inbox.
SetupConnecting and verifying the shared email inbox and website domain
Facts verified 2026-08-11
A real hosted ticket desk for unlimited users, as long as Helpdesk is your one free Odoo app.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted Odoo Online signup with Helpdesk selected as the single free app
DataAn Odoo Online PostgreSQL database in Odoo's cloud, with record exports and downloadable ZIP database backups
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to Chatwoot CloudThe one-app-free rule and Odoo-wide workflow model are less focused than Chatwoot Cloud's support inbox.
Facts verified 2026-08-11
Updated 2026-08-11 · no paid listings
| Tool | License | Setup | Platforms | Stars | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatwoot | MIT | Self-hosted with ongoing maintenance | web, ios, android, self-hosted | 35,534 | 2026-08 |
| HubSpot Free CRM | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
| tawk.to | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, macos, windows, ios, android | — | — |
| HubSpot Free Help Desk | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Odoo Helpdesk One App Free | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web | — | — |
People still pay for Chatwoot Cloud because support software survives because missing or misrouting one customer message is expensive and every channel behaves differently. The recurring cost buys message delivery, webhooks, threading, identity, permissions, attachments, notifications, spam, search, uptime, and retention, not just the visible interface. If those points do not matter to you, the options above could save $228 per year.
Is there a free alternative to Chatwoot Cloud?
Yes: Chatwoot, HubSpot Free CRM, tawk.to. This page lists 5 free or open-source options. Check the limitations of each.
Should I build my own Chatwoot Cloud?
Our verdict: With trade-offs. The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Chatwoot Cloud, use a managed shared inbox and website widget instead of operating Chatwoot yourself. The hard boundary is managed upgrades, backups, delivery infrastructure, support, and integrations, plus channel integrations and support operations. The complete prompt is on the Chatwoot Cloud page on Vibe Radar.
