1 Free & Open-Source Intercom Alternatives
Intercom's pricing model layers per-seat costs with usage-based charges that are hard to predict in advance. Chatwoot covers the same live-chat-plus-shared-inbox workflow, self-hosted for a flat, predictable server cost instead.
The best Intercom alternatives
Chatwoot
Our top pickOpen sourceSelf-hostedAn open-source live-chat and customer-messaging inbox.
Chatwoot combines a website chat widget with a shared team inbox spanning email, WhatsApp, and other channels — the same omnichannel idea Intercom is built around, without the per-resolution pricing.
- Multi-channel shared inbox (chat, email, WhatsApp, and more)
- Canned responses and basic automation
- Contact and conversation history in one view
- Self-hosted or Chatwoot's own cloud plan
Licensing and pricing models change over time — confirm current terms on each project's own site before making a procurement or compliance decision.
Frequently asked questions
Does Chatwoot support Intercom-style product tours and in-app messages?
Chatwoot's focus is chat and shared-inbox messaging rather than Intercom's product-tour and onboarding-flow features — if those are central to your use of Intercom, expect a gap there.
Can I migrate my Intercom conversation history to Chatwoot?
There's no official one-click migration; moving historical conversations typically requires exporting data and importing it manually or via the API.
Is Chatwoot good enough for a support team, not just live chat?
Yes — it's built as a full shared-inbox helpdesk, not just a chat widget, covering the core of what most teams use Intercom for on the support side.
More free alternatives
Not sure which way to go?
A free Growth Audit can help you weigh self-hosting against the tool you already pay for.