Overview
Finding a great customer support tool these days is not hard, but finding one that doesn’t drain your budget can be tricky. If you’ve been using Intercom, you probably already know that pricing can get steep very quickly. Many businesses, especially startups and small teams, are now exploring alternatives that save money and also add more value to their customer support process.
That’s where this list of Intercom alternatives comes in. These tools aren’t just cheaper. They come packed with modern customer support features, including AI customer support, chat automation, and helpdesk tools that can genuinely help your team shine. In this blog, we’ve listed the top 10 best Intercom alternatives for startups. Explore them and find the right fit for your business.
Top 10 Intercom Alternatives with Pricing Deals
1. Crisp
Straightforward Live Chat That Grows With You
Crisp gives you everything Intercom does: live chat, email integration, a knowledge base, and bots, all at a much friendlier price. Its flat-rate Unlimited plan means no per-agent fees and no sudden pricing jumps. This makes it ideal for growing teams. Its collaborative tools like co-browsing and shared inboxes help support staff work efficiently. Crisp is one of the best Intercom alternatives for customer support with live chat and AI support features that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Pricing:
- Pro at $25 per month
- Unlimited plan at $95 per month for unlimited agents
2. Tidio
Smart, Affordable and AI-Powered for eCommerce
If you're running an online store, Tidio might be your best bet. It's easy to install on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, and its drag-and-drop chatbot builder makes AI customer support accessible for any team. Even on the free plan, you get a solid mix of live chat and automation. The premium bundle, starting at $49 per month, gives you chat and bots combined, making it one of the best Intercom alternatives for eCommerce startups looking for AI-driven customer support.
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Premium starts at $29 per month
3. HelpCrunch
Your All-in-One Customer Support and AI Chat Solution
HelpCrunch is ideal for businesses managing multiple communication channels like email, chat, and popups. Its built-in automation and AI customer support features help nurture leads and build seamless customer support experiences across platforms. Its pricing is transparent, and its sleek interface is much cleaner than Intercom’s cluttered dashboards. Perfect for SaaS businesses that want a streamlined tool for customer support and marketing combined.
Pricing:
- Starts at $15 per month per agent
4. LiveAgent
Built for High-Volume Customer Support
If your team handles a lot of tickets every day, LiveAgent can be a lifesaver. It’s built for teams managing chat, email, and calls at scale. Its robust ticketing system and native call support work seamlessly with over 200 app integrations. It's not as flashy as other tools, but it delivers solid customer support and AI helpdesk capabilities at an affordable price.
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid starts at $15 per month per agent
5. Freshchat
Sleek, Scalable, and AI-Powered
Freshchat is part of the Freshworks suite and shines when it comes to customer support automation and AI chatbots. It allows you to set up routing rules, segment conversations, and even create multilingual customer support experiences. It’s ideal for growing businesses that want a customer support tool that can scale with them.
Pricing:
- Free for basic features
- Growth plan starts at $19 per month per user
6. Olark
Minimalist Chat for No-Fuss Customer Support
Olark doesn’t try to do it all, and that’s why some businesses love it. Its focus is purely on chat, making it ideal for straightforward customer support needs. Features like searchable transcripts and CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot) give you just enough to stay organized and productive, making it a clean and effective option for smaller teams.
Pricing:
- $29 per month per agent
7. Drift
High-Impact Sales Conversations and AI Chat
Drift shines when it comes to converting site visitors into qualified leads. Its AI-driven chatbots and intelligent lead routing can help your sales team move conversations down the funnel quickly. It’s ideal for B2B businesses focusing on high-impact customer support and sales interactions. This advanced tool is best suited for larger teams with higher budgets.
Pricing:
- Premium plans from $250 per month
8. User.com
All-In-One Dashboard for Marketing and Customer Support
User.com gives you access to a comprehensive set of tools: AI customer support, email automation, CRM features, SMS, and push notifications. It allows marketing and support teams to work from a single, seamless platform. It has a bit of a learning curve, but once you’re used to it, it's incredibly powerful for teams who want their customer support and marketing automation under one roof.
Pricing:
- Starting at $49 per month based on usage
9. HubSpot Service Hub
Perfect for CRM-Driven Customer Support
If your business already uses HubSpot CRM, adding Service Hub is a no-brainer. It delivers a robust customer support experience with chat, ticketing, a knowledge base, and seamless integration with your sales tools. It's ideal for teams that want their customer support and CRM working together smoothly.
Pricing:
- Free basic plan available
- Starter plan at $50 per month
10. Zendesk
Still a Titan in AI-Powered Customer Support
Zendesk delivers a premium experience when it comes to customer support. From AI chatbots and live chat to voice support, social integrations, and a highly customizable ticketing system, it's packed with powerful tools. Its advanced reporting and workflow capabilities make it ideal for larger teams with complex needs. While it's not the cheapest option, it's still one of the best AI customer support platforms available for growing businesses.
Pricing:
- Starts at $55 per month per agent (Suite Team)
How to Choose the Right Intercom Alternative for Your Needs
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all customer support tool. It depends on your current setup and priorities. Do you mostly deal with live chat? Do you want AI customer support or chatbot automation? How many agents do you have? Are you focusing on sales or long-term service?
Tools like Crisp and HelpCrunch can scale with your team as you grow. Options like Drift or Zendesk are better suited for larger teams that want advanced AI customer support and multi-channel capabilities. If you're just starting out, platforms like Tidio and Olark can give you the right mix of simplicity, affordability, and solid customer support features.
According to Intercom’s 2025 Customer Service Transformation Report, 93% of fintech support teams are investing heavily in AI customer support technologies to stay competitive and optimize efficiency. You can read the full report on Intercom’s official site.
It’s Time to Take Control of Your Support Stack
Let’s be honest — Intercom is a powerful customer support tool, but it's not cheap. In 2025, you have better choices. Whether you want an affordable, AI-driven customer support tool, an easy-to-use live chat solution, or an advanced platform for a growing team, this list has options for every need and every budget.
Tools like Crisp and Tidio deliver top-notch customer support features and AI automation at a price point ideal for startups. Meanwhile, platforms like Zendesk or Drift give you serious firepower if you're scaling quickly. In the end, it’s not about ditching Intercom — it's about finding the right customer support and AI customer support solution for your team, your budget, and the experience you want to give your customers.