Intercom vs Help Scout: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Intercom and Help Scout 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:
Intercom
AI-first customer service platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • AI-powered customer service
- • Live chat and help desk
Help Scout
Customer support for growing teams
Best for you if:
- • Help Scout is a customer service platform with shared inboxes and knowledge base
- • It provides email-based support, docs, and live chat with a focus on simplicity
| At a Glance |  Intercom |  Help Scout |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Help Desk | Help Desk |
Rating | 88/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Intercom | Help Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Help DeskLive Chat | Help DeskLive Chat |
Understanding the Differences
Both Intercom and Help Scout solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Intercom positions itself as "ai-first customer service platform" while Help Scoutfocuses on "customer support for growing teams". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Intercom
Intercom makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Help Scout
Help Scout is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Help Scout
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Intercom handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Intercom
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Intercom is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Intercom
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Intercom—it scored higher.
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 Intercom higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Help Scout more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Intercom Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Help Scout If
- 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 Intercom (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Intercom scores higher in our analysis, but Help Scout 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 Intercom or Help Scout better?
Based on our analysis, Intercom scores higher with 88/100. Intercom ispaid while Help Scout is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Intercom to Help Scout 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 Intercom and Help Scout offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Intercom is paid with potential trial.Help Scout is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.