Crisp Alternatives for 2026
Converge Team
All-in-one business messaging platform
TL;DR: Top 5 Crisp Alternatives
- 1. Zendesk – From $89/seat/mo, Industry-leading ticketing system with
- 2. Freshdesk – From $79/seat/mo, Freddy AI for automated
- 3. Intercom – From $85/seat/mo, Fin AI Agent that
- 4. Help Scout – From $45/seat/mo, Clean, intuitive interface with
- 5. Converge – $49/mo flat, best for messaging-first SMBs
Crisp and Converge are both customer communication platforms, but they serve different market segments and use cases. Crisp positions itself as an all-in-one customer service solution with chat, video calling, and CRM capabilities, while Converge focuses specifically on multi-channel messaging across popular social platforms.
This comparison examines their pricing models, feature sets, and target audiences to help you determine which platform better fits your business needs.
Why Look for Crisp Alternatives?
Crisp offers a broader feature set including live chat, video calls, CRM functionality, and knowledge base tools. With a 4.5/5 rating on G2 from 183 reviews, it's proven effective for businesses seeking an integrated customer service platform.
Converge specializes in multi-channel messaging, supporting WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Zalo, Instagram, and Discord from a single interface. This focused approach makes it ideal for businesses that primarily communicate through social platforms and messaging apps.
The key difference lies in scope: Crisp provides comprehensive customer service tools, while Converge excels at unified messaging across social channels.
Crisp Pricing
Crisp's Essentials plan at $95/month includes omnichannel inbox and up to 10 seats, making it the comparable tier to Converge. For teams needing more than 4 agents (Mini's limit), Essentials is required. The Plus plan at $295/month adds unlimited AI and additional seats at €10/agent/month.
Converge's flat $49/month includes up to 15 team members with full omnichannel messaging. A 3-agent team saves $46/month vs Crisp Essentials ($95 vs $49), while a 5-agent team saves the same since Crisp's workspace pricing is flat per tier. The savings become more significant if you need Plus features - $246/month difference ($295 vs $49).
Crisp limits AI to 50 uses/month on Essentials. For unlimited AI automations, the Plus plan at $295/month is required. Converge includes unlimited messaging with no per-message or AI usage caps.
Top Crisp Alternatives Compared
1. Zendesk
Customer service software and support ticketing system
Strengths
- ✓ Industry-leading ticketing system with mature workflows
- ✓ Massive integration ecosystem with 1000+ apps
- ✓ Enterprise-grade security and compliance (HIPAA, SOC2)
Limitations
- • Per-agent pricing scales with team size
- • Complex setup and configuration
- • AI features require additional costs
2. Freshdesk
Cloud-based customer support software by Freshworks
Strengths
- ✓ Mature platform with proven reliability
- ✓ Strong automation and workflow capabilities
- ✓ Good integration ecosystem
Limitations
- • Messaging channels require add-ons
- • Interface can feel dated
- • Complex setup for multi-channel
3. Intercom
AI-first customer service platform
Strengths
- ✓ Fin AI Agent resolves queries autonomously
- ✓ Beautiful, modern interface design
- ✓ Strong product tour and onboarding features
Limitations
- • Premium pricing, especially with AI usage
- • Complex pricing structure
- • Per-resolution AI fees add up
4. Help Scout
Customer service platform for growing businesses
Strengths
- ✓ Clean, intuitive interface
- ✓ Excellent for email-based support
- ✓ Strong knowledge base features
Limitations
- • No native WhatsApp or Telegram
- • Live chat (Beacon) is basic
- • Limited automation capabilities
Comparison Table
| Platform | Starting Price | Best For | G2 Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zendesk | From $89/seat/mo | Large enterprises needing comprehensive ticketing... | 4.3/5 |
| Freshdesk | From $79/seat/mo | Mid-sized businesses needing traditional helpdesk... | 4.4/5 |
| Intercom | From $85/seat/mo | Well-funded SaaS companies wanting AI-first... | 4.5/5 |
| Help Scout | From $45/seat/mo | Small-medium businesses wanting simple, email-focused... | 4.4/5 |
| Converge | $49/mo flat | Messaging-first SMBs | 4.8/5 |
Best for Messaging-First SMBs: Converge
If your team primarily uses messaging channels (WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Instagram, Discord, Zalo) and wants predictable pricing, Converge is worth considering.
Why teams choose Converge:
- ✓ $49/month flat rate for up to 15 agents (no per-seat scaling)
- ✓ Native support for messaging channels most platforms treat as add-ons
- ✓ Unified inbox designed for real-time conversations, not tickets
When to choose something else:
- → You need enterprise compliance (HIPAA, SOC2) – Consider Crisp or Zendesk
- → You're email/ticket-heavy – Consider Freshdesk or Help Scout
- → You need advanced automation – Consider Intercom or Crisp
Choose Crisp if: You need video calls and screen sharing for support, you want chatbot automation and CRM features, or you prefer one platform for everything even if some features are basic.
Choose Converge if: Messaging platforms are your primary channels, you want predictable flat-rate pricing, you need unlimited team access, or you prefer a focused tool that does messaging exceptionally well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Crisp alternatives in 2026?
The top Crisp alternatives are Zendesk, Freshdesk, Intercom, and Converge. Each offers different strengths: Zendesk for Large enterprises needing comprehensive ticketing, and Converge for messaging-first teams with flat $49/month pricing.
How much does Crisp cost?
Crisp starts at From $95/mo. Additional costs may include add-ons, annual billing requirements, and implementation fees.
Is Crisp good for small businesses?
Crisp can work for small businesses, though per-seat pricing scales with team size. Alternatives like Converge offer flat-rate pricing ($49/month for up to 15 agents) better suited for SMBs.
What are Crisp's main limitations?
Crisp's main limitations include: Interface can feel cluttered; Plugin system adds costs; Limited CRM compared to dedicated tools. These factors lead many teams to explore alternatives.
How does Crisp pricing compare to alternatives?
Crisp at From $95/mo is on the higher end compared to alternatives. Zendesk starts at From $89/seat/mo. Converge offers flat $49/month for up to 15 agents, eliminating per-seat scaling.