Crisp vs MessageBird (Bird)
Converge Team
Side-by-side comparison for 2026
| Feature | Crisp | MessageBird (Bird) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $95/mo | From $30/seat/mo |
| Best For | SMBs wanting comprehensive messaging with chatbot automation | Large enterprises with complex communication needs |
| Standout Feature | Built-in video calls and screen sharing for support | Global SMS delivery network |
| Free Plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| G2 Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2 |
Crisp and MessageBird serve different aspects of customer communication. Crisp focuses on customer support and engagement through chat and messaging, while MessageBird provides communication APIs and infrastructure for developers building custom messaging solutions.
The decision hinges on whether you need a ready-to-use support platform or developer tools for custom communication features.
Feature Comparison
Crisp provides a complete support platform with live chat, shared inbox, knowledge base, chatbots, and team collaboration. It's designed for immediate deployment with minimal technical requirements.
MessageBird offers communication APIs for SMS, voice, email, and chat channels. It includes programmable messaging, conversation API, and developer tools for building custom communication workflows.
Crisp suits teams wanting ready-made support tools, while MessageBird serves developers creating tailored communication experiences.
Pricing Comparison
Crisp starts free for basic features, then $25/month per workspace for Pro capabilities, scaling to $295/month for unlimited access. This predictable pricing works well for support teams.
MessageBird ranges from $25 to $200/month for platform access, plus usage-based charges for messages, calls, and API requests. Costs can vary significantly based on communication volume.
Crisp offers transparent pricing for support teams, while MessageBird's usage-based model suits developers with varying communication needs.
Crisp
Pros
- ✓ Comprehensive omnichannel support
- ✓ Good WhatsApp and Telegram integration
- ✓ Generous free tier for testing
Cons
- ✗ Interface can feel cluttered
- ✗ Plugin system adds costs
- ✗ Limited CRM compared to dedicated tools
MessageBird (Bird)
Pros
- ✓ Strong global SMS delivery
- ✓ Comprehensive API documentation
- ✓ Good WhatsApp Business integration
Cons
- ✗ Complex pricing with hidden costs
- ✗ Limited customization options
- ✗ Steep learning curve
Verdict
Choose Crisp if you want a complete customer support solution with minimal technical setup. Choose MessageBird if you need communication APIs to build custom messaging experiences.
Choose Crisp if: You need a complete customer support platform with chat, knowledge base, and team tools without technical complexity.
Choose MessageBird if: You're building custom communication features and need flexible APIs for SMS, voice, and messaging integration.
For teams seeking customer communication tools without API complexity, Converge at $49/month offers integrated messaging and support features with straightforward implementation.
Looking for more options? Browse all 750+ platform comparisons, or see all Crisp comparisons and all MessageBird (Bird) comparisons.