Intercom alternatives (October 2026)
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4 help desk software to consider instead of Intercom, ranked on the same published prices, free plans and features. Intercom ranks 3rd of 5 in our help desk software ranking with 69/100. 4 of them start cheaper.
Intercom at a glance. From USD 29 per seat per month. Free plan: no. Free plan: no. AI agent or AI answers: yes. Free trial: yes. Full pricing.
The alternatives
- 1
Help Scout
Best free starting pointShared inbox and help centre for small teams, with a free plan and AI answers.
Compared with Intercom
- Cheaper entry price: USD 25 against USD 29 (14% less)
- Has a free plan; Intercom does not
- Has free plan, which Intercom does not
79/100Free plan, then USD 25 per user per month - 2
Zoho Desk
Lowest entry priceHelp desk with a free plan for 3 agents; part of the Zoho suite.
Compared with Intercom
- Cheaper entry price: USD 4.35 against USD 29 (85% less)
- Has a free plan; Intercom does not
- Has free plan, which Intercom does not
77/100Free plan, then INR 420 per agent per month, annual (India price) (≈ USD 4.35) - 3
Zendesk
Good all-round optionTicketing, messaging and AI agents used by large support teams.
Compared with Intercom
- Cheaper entry price: USD 19 against USD 29 (34% less)
61/100From USD 19 per agent per month, annual - 4
Freshdesk
Good all-round optionHelp desk with ticketing, knowledge base and automations from Freshworks.
Compared with Intercom
- Cheaper entry price: USD 19 against USD 29 (34% less)
61/100From USD 19 per agent per month, annual
Side by side
| Product | Score | Entry price | Free plan | Free plan | AI agent or AI answers | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercom | 69 | USD 29 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Help Scout | 79 | USD 25 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Zoho Desk | 77 | USD 4.35 | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Zendesk | 61 | USD 19 | No | No | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Freshdesk | 61 | USD 19 | No | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Yes |
Entry price is the cheapest paid plan in USD. Scores use the formula on the best help desk software page; commissions never change them.
When to stay with Intercom
Intercom confirms ai agent or ai answers, which most of the alternatives do not. If that matters to you, switching may cost more than it saves.