Intercom vs tawk.to: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Intercom and tawk.to 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
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 8.0/10)
- • AI-powered customer service
- • Live chat and help desk
tawk.to
Free live chat app
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Tawk.to is a free live chat and messaging app for websites
- • It provides real-time chat with unlimited agents and customization
| At a Glance |  Intercom |  tawk.to |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Help Desk | Help Desk |
Rating | 88/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Intercom | tawk.to |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Help DeskLive Chat | Help DeskKnowledge Base |
How Intercom and tawk.to Compare
Intercom
AI-first customer service platform
Paid · 88/100 score
tawk.to
Free live chat app
Free · 80/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
tawk.to is free. Intercom is paid.
Go with: tawk.to
Want the highest-rated option?
Intercom: 88/100. tawk.to: 80/100.
Go with: Intercom
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Intercom
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Intercom is paid. tawk.to is free. Go with tawk.to if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are help desk tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Intercom scores higher: 88/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Intercom
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 80
- Our pick for this comparison
tawk.to
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Intercom (88/100) is our pick. That said, tawk.to is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Intercom or tawk.to better?
Intercom scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Intercom is paid and tawk.to is free.
What are Intercom and tawk.to used for?
Intercom: AI-first customer service platform. tawk.to: Free live chat app.
What does Intercom cost vs tawk.to?
Intercom is a paid tool. tawk.to is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.