Intercom Fin is one of the best-known AI support agents, especially among software companies. Text (formerly LiveChat) targets ecommerce and sales-led teams. Their pricing models are very different, so the cheaper option depends on your volume.
Last updated: October 17, 2026. Prices and features change often, so always confirm on the official website before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Text: per-user plans with AI resolutions included; strong for ecommerce selling.
- Intercom Fin: from $0.99 per outcome; strong for SaaS help centers and large support teams.
Side-by-side comparison
| Text | Intercom Fin | |
|---|---|---|
| Help desk seats | $19–$79/user/month (yearly) | $29, $85 or $132/seat/month |
| AI pricing | 10 or 200 resolutions included, then $0.99 each in packs of 50 | From $0.99 per Fin outcome |
| Free trial | 14 days, no card | Available |
| Ecommerce selling | Product cards, add to cart, cart recovery (Shopify) | Support-focused |
| Best for | Online stores, sales chat, SMB support | SaaS, large help centers, enterprise support |
Prices as published in October 2026.
AI capabilities
Fin is built around answering from a help center and resolving support issues at scale. Text’s AI Agent also answers support questions, but it adds sales behaviour: buying-intent detection, product recommendations and discount skills.
Cost example
For a two-person team with about 200 AI-resolved chats a month: Text Growth costs about $158/month (2 × $79, 200 resolutions included). With Intercom’s Essential seats (2 × $29) plus 200 Fin outcomes at $0.99, the cost is about $256/month. At very low AI volume, or with no human seats, the comparison changes, so run your own numbers with our ROI method.
Who should choose which?
Best for: Ecommerce and sales-focused teams
Starting price: Essential $19/user/month (billed yearly)
- Text if you sell online, want AI to recommend products and prefer predictable monthly bills.
- Intercom Fin if you run a software product with a large knowledge base and a dedicated support team.
Related guides
- How to Set Up the Text AI Agent (Step-by-Step)
- How to Train an AI Agent on Your Website, Files and FAQs
- How to Write AI Agent Instructions (With Prompt Templates)
- How to Add the Text Chat Widget to Your Website or WordPress
- How to Connect the Text AI Agent to Shopify
- How to Create a Custom Skill for the Text AI Agent
- Best AI Customer Service Agents for Small Businesses (2026)
- Text AI Agent Pricing 2026: Plans, AI Resolutions and Real Costs
- Text vs Tidio (2026): Which AI Chat Platform Is Better?
- Text vs Gorgias for Shopify Stores (2026)
Frequently asked questions
Is Intercom Fin better than Text?
For SaaS support, Fin is a strong specialist. For ecommerce and sales chat, Text offers more built-in selling features.
Can I use Fin without Intercom seats?
Intercom says Fin can be used from $0.99 per outcome with no seats required, for example on top of another help desk.
Final verdict
Choose Text for online stores and sales chat with predictable plans, and Intercom Fin for SaaS help centers at scale. Test Text free for 14 days before committing.
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