Crisp vs Help Scout.
Different strengths. Different costs. Here’s what to weigh before you choose.
Compare the plans as well as the brands. These prices may have different billing commitments and capacity limits; they are not equivalent quotes.
| What matters | Crisp | Help Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Customer support workspace combining website chat, shared customer email and team conversation handling for small businesses. | Shared customer support inbox and knowledge-base software for teams handling service conversations and customer self-service. |
| Listed plan | Mini | Free |
| Base price | $45 / mo | $0 / mo |
| Pricing conditions | USD 45 per workspace/month includes four seats and 5,000 customer profiles. USD 5 in AI credits is included; additional AI usage can cost more. Knowledge base, omnichannel workflow builder and broader routing require Essentials or above. | Free includes up to five users, one inbox, one Docs site, ten articles and 100 assisted contacts per month. Standard and higher tiers add workflows, more channels and higher allowances. AI Answers is separately metered after its trial. |
| Documented capabilities | support | support |
| Free plan | Yes, with limits | Yes, with limits |
| Trial | 14-day trial | 15-day trial of Standard or Plus |
| Integrations | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Benefits (editorial) | Four support seats are bundled into the workspace price. Customer email and chat can be handled in one inbox. | Small teams can start with an inbox and help site at no subscription cost. One workspace connects customer conversations with support information. |
| Limitations | Mini is capped at four seats and 5,000 profiles. Knowledge base and advanced support workflows need a higher plan. | Free is restricted to 100 assisted contacts monthly and ten help articles. Larger support workloads and automated workflows need a paid tier. |
| Typical fit (editorial) | Professional services, E-commerce, Local business | Professional services, E-commerce, Real estate |
| AI, support & ease of use | Confirm plan-specific AI limits and support. Ease of use has not been independently tested. | Confirm plan-specific AI limits and support. Ease of use has not been independently tested. |
| Evidence | Sources checked 2026-10-10 → | Sources checked 2026-10-10 → |
| Your next step | Visit CrispStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. | Visit Help ScoutStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. |
Use-case recommendations
Consider Crisp when…
Four support seats are bundled into the workspace price.
Check first: Mini is capped at four seats and 5,000 profiles.
Consider Help Scout when…
Small teams can start with an inbox and help site at no subscription cost.
Check first: Free is restricted to 100 assisted contacts monthly and ten help articles.
Make the decision on your terms
Test your real workflow, calculate the full team and usage cost, and confirm export options before migrating. A higher advertised feature count does not necessarily create a better fit.
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