Help Scout vs Intercom (2026)
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features and real-world ratings to help you choose between Help Scout and Intercom.
| Feature | Help Scout | Intercom |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Customer Support | Customer Support |
| Starting Price | $22/mo | $39/mo |
| Free Trial | 15-day trial | 14-day trial |
| G2 Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Best For | Small Teams | Startups |
| Reviews | 1,200 | 3,000 |
🏆 Our Verdict
Help Scout is our overall pick, scoring 4.5/5 across 1200 reviews. That said, Intercom remains a great option if you prioritise startups. Read the breakdown below before you decide.
Head to head
Help Scout
Help Scout
Email-first support that feels personal.
Visit Help Scout →Pros
- ✓Simple and human
- ✓Great shared inbox
- ✓Fast setup
Cons
- ✗Fewer enterprise features
- ✗No free plan
Intercom
Intercom
Conversational support with AI agents.
Visit Intercom →Pros
- ✓Excellent chat
- ✓Strong AI
- ✓Modern UX
Cons
- ✗Expensive
- ✗Usage-based pricing
Frequently asked questions
Is Help Scout better than Intercom?
Based on aggregated ratings, Help Scout edges ahead with a 4.5/5 score. The right choice still depends on your budget and use case — Help Scout suits small-teams, while Intercom is strong for startups.
Which is cheaper, Help Scout or Intercom?
Help Scout starts at $22/mo and Intercom starts at $39/mo.
Does Help Scout or Intercom offer a free trial?
Help Scout: 15-day trial. Intercom: 14-day trial.