Help Scout vs Intercom
Updated 2026 — Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and scores.
Help Scout
7.8/10
Great
Ease of Use9
Value for Money8.5
Support9
Features7
Scalability7
Integrations6.5
Intercom
7.9/10
Great
Ease of Use8
Value for Money6
Support8
Features9
Scalability8.5
Integrations8
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Help Scout | Intercom |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Management | ✓ Email-based conversation management | ✓ Conversation-based ticketing system |
| Live Chat | ✓ Beacon live chat widget | ✓ Core feature with Messenger widget |
| Knowledge Base | ✓ Docs knowledge base on all plans | ✓ Articles help center on all plans |
| Automation Rules | ✓ Workflows for auto-assignment and tagging | ✓ Workflows and custom bots |
| Multichannel Support | ~ Email, chat, and Beacon; no native phone or social | ✓ Chat, email, social, SMS, WhatsApp |
| Reporting & Analytics | ✓ Standard and custom reports | ✓ Real-time dashboards and custom reports |
| SLA Management | ~ Basic SLA via workflows, no dedicated SLA module | ✓ Advanced plan and above |
| Customer Portal | ✓ Docs + Beacon self-service | ~ Limited self-service via help center |
| AI Features | ✓ AI drafts and AI answers on Standard+ | ✓ Fin AI Agent resolves 50%+ queries automatically |
| Mobile App | ✓ iOS & Android | ✓ iOS & Android |
| API Access | ✓ REST API | ✓ REST & GraphQL APIs |
| Third-Party Integrations | ✓ 100+ integrations | ✓ 350+ integrations in app store |
| Free Plan Available | ✓ Free plan with 50 contacts/month | ✗ 14-day free trial only |
| CSAT Surveys | ✓ Happiness ratings on all plans | ✓ Built-in surveys and NPS |
| Shared Inbox | ✓ Core feature — collaborative shared mailbox | ✓ Team inbox with assignment and notes |
✓ Full support~ Limited✗ Not available
Pricing Comparison
Help Scout Pricing
FreeFree
FreeFree
StandardPopular$25/mo
$20/mo billed annually
StandardPopular$25/mo
$20/mo billed annually
Plus$50/mo
$40/mo billed annually
Plus$50/mo
$40/mo billed annually
Intercom Pricing
Essential$39/mo
$29/mo billed annually
Essential$39/mo
$29/mo billed annually
AdvancedPopular$99/mo
$79/mo billed annually
AdvancedPopular$99/mo
$79/mo billed annually
Expert$139/mo
$109/mo billed annually
Expert$139/mo
$109/mo billed annually
FAQ
Is Help Scout or Intercom better?
It depends on your needs. Help Scout scores 7.8/10 overall while Intercom scores 7.9/10. Compare the detailed feature matrix above to find the best fit.