Chatwoot vs Intercom
Comprehensive comparison for 2026: features, pricing, and expert recommendations
By Shyft Research TeamUpdated Feb 24, 2026
TL;DR
- Both tools is our recommended choice for most users
- Compare ratings, features, and pricing below
- See detailed pricing comparison below
- Choose Chatwoot if you need a budget-friendly, open-source customer support tool with basic features.
Chatwoot Rating
N/A
Intercom Rating
4.5/5
Chatwoot Price
$0/mo
Intercom Price
$39/mo
When comparing customer support tools, businesses often weigh the balance between cost and features. Chatwoot and Intercom are two popular options, each catering to different needs. Chatwoot is an open-source platform that simplifies customer conversations across multiple channels. It is ideal for small teams looking for a cost-effective solution. Intercom, on the other hand, is a global market leader with a comprehensive suite of tools for customer messaging and support. It offers advanced features like AI-driven automation and robust analytics, making it suitable for scaling businesses.
Quick Verdict
Intercom is the better choice for most businesses due to its comprehensive features and higher Shyft score. Chatwoot is ideal for budget-conscious teams needing a simple, open-source solution.
Choose Chatwoot
Chatwoot is a cost-effective, open-source option for small teams. It offers basic live chat, email, and social media integration in a unified inbox.
Choose Chatwoot if you need a budget-friendly, open-source customer support tool with basic features.
OR
Choose Intercom
Intercom provides advanced features like AI-driven automation, robust analytics, and seamless integrations. It is best for scaling businesses needing a comprehensive customer support platform.
Choose Intercom if you want a powerful, AI-first customer support platform with advanced automation and analytics.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Chatwoot
Intercom
Category
Agents
customer-support
Rating
No rating
Starting Price
$0/mo
$39/mo
Free Tier
What it Does
Open-source customer conversations, unified and simplified
AI-first customer service platform with chat and tickets
Frequently Asked Questions
In conclusion, Intercom is the better choice for most businesses due to its advanced features and higher Shyft score. It offers a comprehensive solution for customer support and engagement, making it ideal for scaling businesses. Chatwoot, while more budget-friendly, is best suited for small teams needing a simple, open-source tool. For businesses prioritizing cost over advanced features, Chatwoot is a viable option. However, for those looking to enhance customer support with AI-driven automation and analytics, Intercom is the clear winner.
Our Expert Verdict
“Intercom is the better choice for most businesses due to its comprehensive features and higher Shyft score. Chatwoot is ideal for budget-conscious teams needing a simple, open-source solution.”
Pros
- • Chatwoot: Established solution
- • Intercom: 4.5/5 rating
Recommendation: We recommend intercom for most use cases.
Verdict: Chatwoot vs Intercom
Winner: intercom
Intercom is the better choice for most businesses due to its comprehensive features and higher Shyft score. Chatwoot is ideal for budget-conscious teams needing a simple, open-source solution.
Common Questions: Chatwoot vs Intercom
Both Chatwoot and Intercom are strong Agents tools. Chatwoot and Intercom has a 4.5/5 rating. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific feature requirements. Both offer ways to try before you buy.