Help Scout vs Tidio.
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 | Help Scout | Tidio |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Shared customer support inbox and knowledge-base software for teams handling service conversations and customer self-service. | Customer support platform combining live chat, ticketing, basic analytics and optional AI conversation handling. |
| Listed plan | Free | Starter |
| Base price | $0 / mo | $24.17 / mo · annual billing |
| Pricing conditions | 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. | Monthly equivalent under annual billing; 100 billable conversations. Includes limited one-off Lyro conversations, not unlimited recurring AI service. |
| Documented capabilities | support | support, analytics |
| Free plan | Yes, with limits | Yes, with limits |
| Trial | 15-day trial of Standard or Plus | 7 days |
| Integrations | Not yet verified | Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp |
| Benefits (editorial) | Small teams can start with an inbox and help site at no subscription cost. One workspace connects customer conversations with support information. | Chat and ticketing are available in a single support workspace. A free tier can suit a small initial conversation volume. |
| Limitations | Free is restricted to 100 assisted contacts monthly and ten help articles. Larger support workloads and automated workflows need a paid tier. | Starter includes only 100 billable conversations. The one-off AI allowance should not be budgeted as ongoing unlimited AI support. |
| Typical fit (editorial) | Professional services, E-commerce, Real estate | E-commerce, Local business, Professional services |
| 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 2026-10-07 → |
| Your next step | Visit Help ScoutStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. | Visit TidioStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. |
Use-case recommendations
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.
Consider Tidio when…
Chat and ticketing are available in a single support workspace.
Check first: Starter includes only 100 billable conversations.
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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