Text is a strong AI customer service platform, but its per-user pricing and capped AI resolutions do not suit everyone. These six alternatives cover different budgets and use cases.
Last updated: October 17, 2026. Prices and features change often, so always confirm on the official website before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Cheapest start: Tidio, Crisp or Chatbase (free plans).
- Pay-per-outcome AI: Intercom Fin.
- Shopify help desk: Gorgias.
- AI included per agent: Freshchat.
Why look for a Text alternative?
- You need a free plan rather than a 14-day trial
- Your team is large, so per-user pricing adds up
- You prefer paying per AI outcome instead of plans with included resolutions
Comparison
| Tool | Starting price | AI model | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tidio | Free; Starter $24.17/month | Lyro add-on | Small stores |
| Intercom Fin | $29/seat; Fin from $0.99/outcome | Per outcome | SaaS support |
| Gorgias | About $10/month (reported) | Per resolution | Shopify brands |
| Freshchat | $19/agent/month yearly (reported) | Freddy AI Agent from Growth | Teams on Freshworks |
| Crisp | Free for 2 seats; Mini $45/month (reported) | Flat workspace pricing | Startups and agencies |
| Chatbase | Free; Hobby $32/month (reported) | Message credits | Simple website bots |
Prices as published or reported in October 2026; confirm on each vendor’s website.
1. Tidio
The easiest low-cost start, with live chat, a help desk and Lyro AI. Read Text vs Tidio.
2. Intercom Fin
A powerful AI agent for software companies, charged per outcome. Read Text vs Intercom Fin.
3. Gorgias
A help desk built for ecommerce, priced by ticket volume. Read Text vs Gorgias.
4. Freshchat
Part of Freshworks, with the Freddy AI Agent included from the Growth tier. A good fit if you already use Freshdesk.
5. Crisp
Crisp charges per workspace rather than per seat, which can be cheaper for larger teams with modest AI needs.
6. Chatbase
A flexible chatbot trained on your content, with actions and API on higher tiers. Best when you do not need a full help desk. Also consider CustomGPT.ai and ChatSimple.
When Text is still the best choice
Best for: Stores and teams that want AI to sell and support
Starting price: Essential $19/user/month (billed yearly)
If you sell online and want AI that recommends products, adds them to cart and recovers carts, with live chat and tickets in one inbox, Text remains one of the most complete options. See our Text review.
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 Intercom Fin (2026): AI Customer Service Compared
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest alternative to Text?
Tidio, Crisp and Chatbase all offer free plans for low volume.
Is LiveChat the same as Text?
LiveChat is now part of the Text platform. Read what changed.
Final verdict
Choose Tidio for budget, Intercom Fin for SaaS, Gorgias for Shopify ticket volume, Freshchat for Freshworks users, Crisp for flat pricing and Chatbase for a simple bot. For AI that sells, Text is still our top pick.
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