Small store: 200 support conversations/mo, 1 agent seatMedium store: 1,000 support conversations/mo, 2 agent seatsLarge store: 4,000 support conversations/mo, 5 agent seatsAI resolves 50% of conversations
| Intercom | Zendesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Helpdesk + AI agent | Helpdesk + AI agent |
| How AI is billed | $0.99 per Fin outcome. An outcome counts when the customer confirms it's resolved, doesn't ask for more help, or Fin completes a workflow, including handoffs. Charged once per conversation. | Per automated resolution. Each plan includes 5 (Team plans) or 10 (Suite Professional) per agent per month. Beyond that, $1.50 each committed or $2.00 pay-as-you-go. |
| Small store (200 conv) | $138 Essential × 1 seat + Fin | $259 Suite Team × 1 + pay-as-you-go resolutions |
| Medium store (1,000 conv) | $573 Essential × 2 seats + Fin | $1,118 Suite Team × 2 + pay-as-you-go resolutions |
| Large store (4,000 conv) | $2,175 Essential × 5 seats + Fin | $4,295 Suite Team × 5 + pay-as-you-go resolutions |
| Free Shopify alternative | — | — |
| Checked | 2026-10-26 | 2026-10-26 |
| Details | Intercom pricing & math | Zendesk pricing & math |
Bottom line on cost
- Small store: Intercom is lower on our assumptions ($138 vs $259, a $121/mo difference).
- Medium store: Intercom is lower on our assumptions ($573 vs $1,118, a $545/mo difference).
- Large store: Intercom is lower on our assumptions ($2,175 vs $4,295, a $2,120/mo difference).
Intercom official pricingZendesk official pricing
Cost is only one factor. Features, channels, integrations and AI quality differ, and your real volume and resolution rate will move these numbers. See the full math on each app's page.