Intercom vs Help Scout (October 2026)
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Help Scout
Shared inbox and help centre for small teams, with a free plan and AI answers.
Visit Help ScoutVerdict. Help Scout has the lower entry price (USD 25.00 against USD 29.00). Help Scout also has a free plan; Intercom does not. Intercom confirms 2 of our 3 key features; Help Scout confirms 3.
Side by side
| Feature | Intercom | Help Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan | Essential: USD 29 per seat per month | Standard: USD 25 per user per month |
| Other plan or fee | Advanced: USD 85 per seat per month | Free |
| Another plan or fee | Expert: USD 132 per seat per month | Plus: USD 45 per user per month |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| AI agent or AI answers | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Number of plans listed | 4 | 3 |
| Our score | 69/100 (#3 of 5) | 79/100 (#1 of 5) |
| Best for | Good all-round option | Best free starting point |
| A year on the cheapest paid plan | USD 348 per user | USD 300 per user |
| Notes | — | AI Answers at USD 0.75 per resolution |
Shaded cells mark the lower price. Sources: Intercom, Help Scout.
Which to choose
Choose Help Scout if you want the lower starting price.
Choose Intercom if its features above matter more to you than price.
See all options: best help desk software.
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