Help Scout vs HubSpot: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Help Scout and HubSpot comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Help Scout
Customer support software that feels like email
Best for you if:
- • You need customer support features specifically
HubSpot
All-in-one marketing, sales, and CRM platform that scales with you
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need sales features specifically
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Customer Support | Sales |
Rating | 84/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Help Scout | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Customer Support | SalesMarketing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Help Scout and HubSpot solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Help Scout positions itself as "customer support software that feels like email" while HubSpotfocuses on "all-in-one marketing, sales, and crm platform that scales with you". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Help Scout
Help Scout makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose HubSpot
HubSpot is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
HubSpot won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: HubSpot
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. HubSpot is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: HubSpot
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Help Scout is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Help Scout
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? HubSpot has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Help Scout higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted HubSpot more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Help Scout Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider HubSpot If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Help Scout (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Help Scout scores higher in our analysis, but HubSpot might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Help Scout or HubSpot better?
Based on our analysis, Help Scout scores higher with 84/100. Help Scout ispaid while HubSpot is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Help Scout to HubSpot easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Help Scout and HubSpot offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Help Scout is paid with potential trial.HubSpot is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.