Intercom vs Chatbase: which one should you use?
Last updated October 19, 2026
Intercom and Chatbase both put AI in front of your customers, but they start from different places. Intercom is a full helpdesk with an AI agent, Fin, built in. Chatbase is an AI agent builder that added a helpdesk inbox later.
The question is whether you’re buying a support system with AI, or AI with some support features.
Pricing
Intercom charges per seat, from $29 to $132 a month, plus $0.99 for each conversation Fin resolves. Chatbase charges by message credits, from $40/mo for 700 to $500/mo for 15,000, with no seat fees. Human handoff in Chatbase starts at $150/mo, and branding removal is $1,188 a year.
Feature comparison
Intercom covers the whole support workflow: inbox, ticketing, help center, and reports. Chatbase goes further on the AI itself, with model choice and more channels like WhatsApp and Slack.
What each one does well
Intercom is the safer choice for a growing support team. Fin resolves a large share of questions, and humans work in the same place when it can’t. Chatbase is faster to set up and cheaper to start if you mainly want an AI agent answering on your site.
Verdict
Pick Intercom for a complete helpdesk with strong AI. Pick Chatbase for a flexible AI agent with lighter human support. If you’re a small team that wants AI and humans in one simple chat, neither is priced for you.
Also see our full breakdowns: Intercom alternative, Chatbase alternative, Intercom pricing, Chatbase pricing.
Pricing at a glance
Feature comparison
| Feature | Intercom | Chatbase |
|---|---|---|
| AI agent trained on your content | ||
| AI actions and API calls | ||
| Shared inbox for human agents | ||
| Human handoff on the cheapest paid plan | ||
| Ticketing system | ||
| Help center builder | ||
| Free plan | ||
| Per-seat pricing | ||
| Choice of AI models |
What users say
Intercom
- Complete helpdesk: inbox, ticketing, help center, reports
- Fin is a mature AI agent that resolves many questions alone
- You only pay for Fin when it resolves a conversation
- Big discount for early-stage startups
- Every teammate is a paid seat
- Fin is billed per resolution on top of seats
- No free plan, only a 14-day trial
- A lot of product for a small team
Chatbase
- Quick to set up an AI agent from your docs and website
- Pick AI models from several providers
- Deploys to WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Slack
- Pricing by credits, not seats
- Human handoff inbox starts at $150/mo
- Removing branding costs $1,188 a year
- No ticketing or help center
- Free plan agents are deleted after 14 days unused
The bottom line
Intercom or Chatbase?
Intercom if you have a support team and want a full helpdesk with a strong AI agent built in. Chatbase if you mainly want an AI agent on your site and other channels, and human support is secondary.
Or consider a third option
Intercom charges per seat and per resolution. Chatbase puts human handoff at $150/mo. If you want AI for common questions and a person for the rest, Bubblegram does both from $9/mo, and you reply from Telegram.
Try Bubblegram free →Common questions
Is Chatbase cheaper than Intercom?
Usually, for a small team. Chatbase Hobby is $40/mo with no seat fees. Intercom Essential is $29 per seat, plus $0.99 for every Fin resolution. But Chatbase only adds human handoff at $150/mo.
Which AI is better, Fin or Chatbase?
Fin is more mature for customer support and works inside a full helpdesk. Chatbase is more flexible: you choose the model and deploy the agent to more channels.
Can a human take over the chat?
In Intercom, yes, on every plan, since it's a helpdesk first. In Chatbase, through the helpdesk inbox on Standard ($150/mo) and above.
Which is better for a startup?
If you qualify for Intercom's early-stage program, it can be very cheap for the first year. Otherwise, Chatbase is easier to start with if AI is your focus.
Human-first, AI-assisted.
Talk to customers from Telegram.
Every customer channel in one place.
Resolve tickets yourself, or let AI handle them.