Help desk · Head to head
HubSpot Service Hub vs Help Scout: which is better?
Short answer
HubSpot Service Hub costs less in the first year ($420 vs $1,500 for 5 users). Pick HubSpot Service Hub for support teams already on HubSpot CRM; pick Help Scout for shared inbox for small support teams.
| Fact | HubSpot Service Hub | Help Scout | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Support teams already on HubSpot CRM | Shared inbox for small support teams | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 2 users | Yes, 5 users | Tie |
| Entry plan | Starter: $7 / seat / mo | Standard: $25 / seat / mo | HubSpot Service Hub |
| Mid plan | Professional: $90 / seat / mo | Plus: $45 / seat / mo | Help Scout |
| Top plan | Enterprise: $150 / seat / mo | Pro: $75 / seat / mo | Help Scout |
| 1st year, 5 users | $420 | $1,500 | HubSpot Service Hub |
| Platforms | Web | Web | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, HubSpot Service Hub or Help Scout?
HubSpot Service Hub costs less in the first year ($420 vs $1,500 for 5 users).
| 1st year, 5 users | HubSpot Service Hub | Help Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $420 | $1,500 |
| Mid | $5,400 | $2,700 |
| Top | $9,000 | $4,500 |
Which has the better free plan, HubSpot Service Hub or Help Scout?
Neither stands out: HubSpot Service Hub: Yes, 2 users; Help Scout: Yes, 5 users.
Should you pick HubSpot Service Hub or Help Scout?
Pick HubSpot Service Hub if
- you want support teams already on HubSpot CRM
- the free plan is enough (2 users)
Pick Help Scout if
- you want shared inbox for small support teams
- the free plan is enough (5 users)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| HubSpot Service Hub pricing | hubspot.com/pricing/service | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Help Scout pricing | helpscout.com/pricing/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare