Help desk · Head to head
Help Scout vs Intercom: which is better?
Short answer
Help Scout costs less in the first year ($1,500 vs $1,740 for 5 users). Pick Help Scout for shared inbox for small support teams; pick Intercom for AI-first support with chat messenger.
| Fact | Help Scout | Intercom | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Shared inbox for small support teams | AI-first support with chat messenger | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 5 users | No, 14-day trial | Help Scout |
| Entry plan | Standard: $25 / seat / mo | Essential: $29 / seat / mo | Help Scout |
| Mid plan | Plus: $45 / seat / mo | Advanced: $85 / seat / mo | Help Scout |
| Top plan | Pro: $75 / seat / mo | Expert: $132 / seat / mo | Help Scout |
| 1st year, 5 users | $1,500 | $1,740 | Help Scout |
| Platforms | Web | Web | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Help Scout or Intercom?
Help Scout costs less in the first year ($1,500 vs $1,740 for 5 users).
| 1st year, 5 users | Help Scout | Intercom |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $1,500 | $1,740 |
| Mid | $2,700 | $5,100 |
| Top | $4,500 | $7,920 |
Which has the better free plan, Help Scout or Intercom?
Help Scout: Yes, 5 users.
Should you pick Help Scout or Intercom?
Pick Help Scout if
- you want shared inbox for small support teams
- the free plan is enough (5 users)
Pick Intercom if
- you want AI-first support with chat messenger
- you can pay $29 / seat / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Help Scout pricing | helpscout.com/pricing/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Intercom pricing | intercom.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare