Helpshift vs Smooch (Sunshine Conversations)
Converge Team
Side-by-side comparison for 2026
| Feature | Helpshift | Smooch (Sunshine Conversations) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $150/mo | From $115/seat/mo |
| Best For | Mobile apps needing in-app customer support | Existing Zendesk customers needing omnichannel messaging |
| Standout Feature | Native in-app messaging SDK for mobile apps | Deep integration with Zendesk ecosystem |
| Free Plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| G2 Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2 |
Helpshift and Smooch serve different segments of the customer support market. Helpshift specializes in mobile-first in-app support with AI automation, while Smooch provides conversational messaging APIs for custom implementations.
Helpshift edges ahead with a 4.3/5 G2 rating versus Smooch's 4.2/5, but their pricing approaches couldn't be more different - custom enterprise pricing versus transparent per-agent rates.
Feature Comparison
Helpshift dominates mobile support with seamless in-app messaging, push notifications, and mobile SDK integrations. Their AI-powered automation handles routine inquiries before escalating to human agents, making it ideal for app-based businesses.
Smooch excels in cross-platform messaging with robust APIs for WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, SMS, and web chat. It's built for developers who want to create custom messaging experiences rather than use pre-built interfaces.
The fundamental difference: Helpshift is a complete mobile support solution, while Smooch is messaging infrastructure you customize.
Pricing Comparison
Helpshift uses custom enterprise pricing, typically starting around $150+ per agent monthly for their full feature set. This reflects their focus on larger companies needing comprehensive mobile support solutions.
Smooch's transparent $19-$99 per agent monthly pricing makes budgeting straightforward. The lower tiers work well for basic messaging needs, while higher tiers add advanced routing and analytics.
For startups and SMBs, Smooch offers predictable costs. For enterprises with complex mobile support needs, Helpshift's custom pricing often provides better value despite higher entry costs.
Helpshift
Pros
- ✓ Mobile-first
- ✓ Strong SDK
- ✓ In-app experience
Cons
- ✗ Issue-based pricing caps
- ✗ Mobile-focused
- ✗ Complex integration
Smooch (Sunshine Conversations)
Pros
- ✓ Strong Zendesk integration
- ✓ Good channel coverage
- ✓ Mature platform
Cons
- ✗ Per-agent pricing gets expensive
- ✗ Complex setup process
- ✗ Limited customization options
Verdict
Choose Helpshift if you need mobile-first support with advanced AI capabilities and can work with custom enterprise pricing. Choose Smooch if you prefer transparent pricing at $19-$99 per agent monthly with extensive API customization.
Choose Helpshift if: You have a mobile app, need advanced AI automation, and can justify enterprise-level pricing.
Choose Smooch if: You want API-first messaging, transparent pricing, and flexibility to build custom workflows.
Alternative: Consider Converge at $49/month flat rate for up to 15 agents - significantly more affordable than both options for most team sizes.
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