Help desk · Head to head
Tidio vs Intercom: which is better?
Short answer
Tidio costs less in the first year ($290.04 vs $1,740 for 5 users). Pick Tidio for live chat plus AI bot for small shops; pick Intercom for AI-first support with chat messenger.
| Fact | Tidio | Intercom | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Live chat plus AI bot for small shops | AI-first support with chat messenger | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 50 conversations | No, 14-day trial | Tidio |
| Entry plan | Starter: $24.17 / mo | Essential: $29 / seat / mo | — |
| Mid plan | Growth: $49.17 / mo | Advanced: $85 / seat / mo | — |
| Top plan | Plus: $300 / mo | Expert: $132 / seat / mo | — |
| 1st year, 5 users | $290.04 | $1,740 | 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 Intercom?
Tidio: Yes, 50 conversations.
Should you pick Tidio or Intercom?
Pick Tidio if
- you want live chat plus AI bot for small shops
- the free plan is enough (50 conversations)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tidio pricing | tidio.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