If you are looking for an Intercom alternative, start with HubSpot and Brevo. Intercom's Essential plan is $29 per seat/month billed annually plus $0.99 per Fin AI Agent outcome, while Brevo has a free plan and paid email plans from $9/month. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize sales and service context or messaging-led relationships.
The shortlist at a glance
Software shortlist with pricing, free plans, and key differences
A simpler starting point for contacts and messaging
The best alternatives to Intercom
01
HubSpot
Best for sales and service context
$15.00 / mo
Why it’s a Intercom alternative
HubSpot belongs on this shortlist when you need sales and service context. A broader customer record across departments. HubSpot's free tools cover up to 2 users, and Starter is $15 per seat/month billed annually ($20 billed monthly). It is a substitute for that job, not necessarily every feature in Intercom.
Brevo belongs on this shortlist when you need messaging-led relationships. A simpler starting point for contacts and messaging. Brevo's free plan sends up to 300 emails/day and Starter starts at $9/month for 5,000 emails/month. It is a substitute for that job, not necessarily every feature in Intercom.
A simpler starting point for contacts and messaging
Before you switch from Intercom
Start with the workflow that is causing friction. Export a small, representative set of data and recreate it in your strongest candidate. Check whether ownership, permissions, and useful context survive the move.
On pricing, Intercom’s Essential is $29 per seat/month billed annually ($19/seat/month in the current new-customer offer), Advanced is $85, and Expert is $132, with Fin AI Agent billed at $0.99 per outcome on top; there is no free plan and a 14-day free trial. That is a different cost shape from HubSpot’s free tools and $15 per seat/month Starter, or Brevo’s free plan and $9/month Starter. Prices are US list prices; confirm regional pricing and taxes on each vendor’s site.
Keep the old workspace available during the pilot. Agree on who will maintain the new structure and what a successful trial should demonstrate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Intercom?+
For sales and service context, evaluate HubSpot first; its free tools cover up to 2 users and Starter is $15 per seat/month billed annually, compared with Intercom Essential at $29 per seat/month billed annually. The best overall choice depends on your required workflow, migration constraints, and budget.
Should I switch away from Intercom?+
Only if the new tool solves a recurring problem. Pilot one workflow, check exports and permissions, and account for the time needed to retrain your team. Remember that Intercom has no free plan, and Fin AI Agent usage at $0.99 per outcome needs a budget either way.
HubSpot
Brevo
$15.00 / mo
Intercom