Hiver
Gmail-native shared inbox and help desk that lets teams manage customer support, email delegation, and SLA tracking without leaving Google Workspace.
Google Workspace teams wanting shared inbox and help desk capabilities without leaving Gmail
Our Verdict
Gmail-native shared inbox and help desk that lets teams manage customer support, email delegation, and SLA tracking without leaving Google Workspace.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zero learning curve with native Gmail integration that mirrors the familiar interface
- Excellent collision detection and email assignment for transparent team collaboration
- SLA tracking and automation rules streamline customer support workflows
- Free plan available for small teams just getting started
- Multi-channel support extends to live chat, WhatsApp, and voice via Aircall
Cons
- Gmail-only support excludes Outlook and other email client users
- AI features and advanced analytics locked behind expensive higher-tier plans
- Limited integrations compared to standalone platforms like Front or Zendesk
- Two-seat minimum on all paid plans
Full Review
Overview
Hiver is a Gmail-native customer service and shared inbox platform that transforms Google Workspace into a fully-featured help desk. Founded in 2011 (originally as GrexIt) and headquartered in San Jose, California with engineering in Bangalore, India, Hiver has grown to serve thousands of teams globally. The key differentiator is that Hiver lives entirely inside Gmail — your team never needs to learn a new interface, making adoption nearly instant.
Key Strengths
Hiver's greatest strength is its seamless Gmail integration. Email assignment, status tracking, collision detection, internal notes, and SLA monitoring all happen within the familiar Gmail interface. Color-coded status tags and side-panel metrics are embedded directly into message views. Automation rules handle email routing, tagging, and round-robin assignment. Multi-channel support extends beyond email to live chat, WhatsApp, and voice (via Aircall). AI features on higher plans include summarization, auto-tagging, and sentiment detection. The mobile apps mirror Gmail's appearance for a consistent experience.
Pricing Analysis
Hiver offers a free plan with basic shared inbox and ticketing for very small teams. The Growth plan at $25/seat/month adds automations, analytics, and multi-channel support. Pro at $59/seat/month includes custom roles, CSAT surveys, circular routing, and API access. All plans have a 2-seat minimum. AI features and advanced analytics are gated behind higher tiers. Compared to Front, Hiver is generally more affordable while offering similar core functionality for Gmail-based teams.
Who Is It Best For?
Hiver is ideal for teams already invested in Google Workspace who want shared inbox and help desk capabilities without adopting a separate platform. Customer support teams, finance departments handling invoices, and sales teams distributing lead responses all benefit from Hiver's transparent collaboration. It is particularly strong for organizations that value minimal training overhead and quick deployment.
The Bottom Line
Hiver is the best choice for Google Workspace teams that need shared inbox functionality without leaving Gmail. The zero-learning-curve approach means teams can be productive on day one. While it lacks the omnichannel breadth of Front or the AI sophistication of newer tools, Hiver delivers reliable collaboration, automation, and analytics at a competitive price point. The Gmail-only limitation is the main constraint — Outlook users should look elsewhere.
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Written by
Marcus has spent over a decade in SaaS integration and business automation. He specializes in evaluating API architectures, workflow automation tools, and sales funnel platforms. His reviews focus on implementation details, technical depth, and real-world integration scenarios.
Co-written by
Emily brings 7 years of data-driven marketing expertise, specializing in market analysis, email optimization, and AI-powered marketing tools. She combines quantitative research with practical recommendations, focusing on ROI benchmarks and emerging trends across the SaaS landscape.
Final Verdict
Hiver scores 8.3/10
With a score of 8.3 out of 10, Hiver is a strong performer that delivers great value. It's particularly well-suited for those looking for google workspace teams wanting shared inbox and help desk capabilities without leaving gmail.