Intercom vs Crisp: which one should you use?
Last updated October 19, 2026
Intercom and Crisp both sell a full support platform: inbox, help center, AI, and multiple channels. The difference is mostly in price and depth.
Intercom goes deeper, with Fin, workflows, and SLAs, and charges per seat plus per AI resolution. Crisp covers most of the same ground at a flat price per workspace.
Pricing
Intercom costs $29 to $132 per seat a month, plus $0.99 for each Fin resolution. Crisp costs $45 to $295 a month per workspace, with 4 to 20 seats and AI credits included. Extra Crisp seats are $10/mo each.
Feature comparison
Both have a shared inbox, help center, AI, and channels like WhatsApp. Intercom adds stronger AI, advanced routing, and SLAs. Crisp keeps it simpler and adds a built-in CRM.
What each one does well
Intercom is built for support teams that measure response times and route tickets between groups. Crisp is built for small teams that want one tidy inbox without a big bill.
Verdict
Pick Intercom if AI quality and workflows matter more than cost. Pick Crisp if you want a full platform at a predictable price. If you only need chat, email, and AI for common questions, both may be more than you need.
Also see our full breakdowns: Intercom alternative, Crisp alternative, Intercom pricing, Crisp pricing.
Pricing at a glance
Feature comparison
| Feature | Intercom | Crisp |
|---|---|---|
| AI agent for customers | ||
| AI included in the plan price | ||
| Free plan | ||
| Ticketing system | ||
| Help center builder | ||
| WhatsApp, Instagram, and SMS | ||
| Per-seat pricing | ||
| Unlimited conversations | ||
| SLAs and advanced routing |
What users say
Intercom
- Fin is one of the strongest AI support agents
- Deep workflows, routing, and SLAs
- Polished inbox and reporting for larger teams
- Startup discount of up to 93%
- Every teammate is a paid seat
- Fin costs $0.99 per resolution on top
- No free plan
- Costs climb quickly as the team grows
Crisp
- Flat price per workspace, with several seats included
- AI credits included on paid plans
- Usable free plan for 2 people
- Omnichannel inbox from Essentials
- Free plan has no AI
- AI chatbot and omnichannel start at $95/mo
- Lighter routing and reporting than Intercom
- Extra seats cost $10/mo each
The bottom line
Intercom or Crisp?
Intercom for a support team that needs the best AI agent and deep workflows, and can pay per seat. Crisp for a small or mid-size team that wants most of the same features at a flat, predictable price.
Or consider a third option
Intercom bills per seat and per resolution, Crisp by seat blocks. If you mainly need live chat and email with AI for common questions, Bubblegram does it from $9/mo flat, and you reply from Telegram.
Try Bubblegram free →Common questions
Is Crisp cheaper than Intercom?
For most small teams, yes. Crisp Essentials is $95/mo for 10 seats with AI credits included. Intercom Essential is $29 per seat, so 10 seats is $290/mo before Fin resolutions.
Which has better AI?
Intercom. Fin is more mature and handles more complex questions. Crisp's AI is solid for common questions and included in the plan price.
Does Crisp have a free plan?
Yes, for 2 seats, with live chat and a shared inbox but no AI. Intercom has a 14-day trial instead.
Which should a startup pick?
If you qualify for Intercom's early-stage discount, it's worth a look. Otherwise, Crisp gets you most of the way for much less.
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