Help desk · Head to head
Tidio vs Help Scout: which is better?
Short answer
Tidio costs less in the first year ($290.04 vs $1,500 for 5 users). Pick Tidio for live chat plus AI bot for small shops; pick Help Scout for shared inbox for small support teams.
| Fact | Tidio | Help Scout | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Live chat plus AI bot for small shops | Shared inbox for small support teams | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 50 conversations | Yes, 5 users | Tie |
| Entry plan | Starter: $24.17 / mo | Standard: $25 / seat / mo | — |
| Mid plan | Growth: $49.17 / mo | Plus: $45 / seat / mo | — |
| Top plan | Plus: $300 / mo | Pro: $75 / seat / mo | — |
| 1st year, 5 users | $290.04 | $1,500 | Tidio |
| Platforms | Web | Web | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which has the better free plan, Tidio or Help Scout?
Neither stands out: Tidio: Yes, 50 conversations; Help Scout: Yes, 5 users.
Should you pick Tidio or Help Scout?
Pick Tidio if
- you want live chat plus AI bot for small shops
- the free plan is enough (50 conversations)
Pick Help Scout if
- you want shared inbox for small support teams
- the free plan is enough (5 users)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Tidio pricing | tidio.com/pricing/ | 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