In this guide · 8 sections
- 01Tidio vs Crisp vs Intercom at a glance
- 02How each one charges for AI answers
- 03WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook in one inbox
- 04Page speed: keep the chat widget from slowing your site
- 05PDPA: what to tell people in a chat
- 06Which live chat tool suits which business
- 07Do it yourself or get help?
- 08Frequently asked questions
Short answer
For a small team on a budget, Crisp is the most predictable: flat plans with seats included. Tidio suits small online stores that want simple AI and chat for Shopify or WordPress. Intercom is the most capable, but costs US$29 per seat a month plus US$0.99 per AI resolution, which adds up quickly.
Tidio vs Crisp vs Intercom at a glance
All prices are US dollars from each vendor's pricing page, approximate as of October 2026, before GST.
Tidio
Small online storesFree; Starter US$24.17/mo (annual)
- Billed by number of conversations
- Lyro AI agent sold as an add-on from US$32.50/mo
- Shopify and WordPress plugins
- Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp integrations listed
Best for: Shops wanting simple chat and AI on a small budget.
Crisp
Predictable costFree; Mini US$45/mo; Essentials US$95/mo
- Flat plans with agents included (2, 4, 10, 20+)
- AI credits included from Mini
- WhatsApp, Instagram and more in the omnichannel inbox on higher plans
- Extra agents US$10/mo on Plus
Best for: Small teams wanting a shared inbox without per-seat creep.
Intercom
Most capableUS$29/seat/mo + US$0.99 per Fin outcome
- Fin AI agent priced per resolution
- Ticketing, help centre and reporting
- WhatsApp and SMS pay-as-you-go
- Add-ons: Copilot, Pro, Proactive Support
Best for: Growing support teams with budget and volume.
Sources: Tidio pricing, Crisp pricing, Intercom pricing. Crisp's page does not make clear whether the listed monthly prices assume yearly billing, so confirm at checkout.
How each one charges for AI answers
The biggest cost difference is how AI is billed. Each model rewards a different kind of business.
| Tidio | Crisp | Intercom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing unit | Billable conversations plus Lyro AI conversations | AI credits included in the plan | Per Fin outcome (resolved conversation) |
| AI price (Oct 2026) | Lyro from US$32.50/mo for 50 AI conversations | Mini about 90, Essentials about 450 automated conversations | US$0.99 per outcome |
| Cost grows with | Conversation volume | Plan tier | Number of resolutions, plus seats |
| Predictability | Medium | High | Low to medium |
Intercom says an outcome is counted when a customer confirms the issue is resolved or does not ask for more help. That is fair, but it means a busy month costs more. At US$0.99 each, 300 AI resolutions a month adds about US$300 on top of seats.
WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook in one inbox
In Singapore, many customers would rather message on WhatsApp than use a website chat. All three can pull these channels into one inbox, with different conditions.
- Crisp lists WhatsApp Business, Instagram DMs, SMS, Line and Viber in its omnichannel inbox on the Essentials plan and above.
- Tidio lists Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp integrations; check which plan includes the channel you need.
- Intercom includes live chat and email; WhatsApp and SMS are pay-as-you-go per conversation or message.
WhatsApp connections go through Meta's WhatsApp Business Platform, which has its own verification and message charges on top of the chat tool. If WhatsApp is your main channel, compare a dedicated WhatsApp setup as well.
Page speed: keep the chat widget from slowing your site
Every chat widget loads extra scripts. On a fast site this is barely noticeable; on a slow mobile connection it can delay the page and hurt your Google Core Web Vitals.
Chat widget speed check
PDPA: what to tell people in a chat
Chat transcripts usually contain names, phone numbers, emails, addresses and order details, which is personal data under the PDPA. The vendor is your data intermediary, but you remain responsible.
- Notice: show a one-line message before or at the start of the chat, e.g. that the chat may be answered by AI, what you use the details for, and a link to your privacy policy.
- Retention: set how long transcripts are kept and delete or anonymise older ones.
- Access: give each agent their own login with MFA; remove leavers immediately.
- Sensitive data: tell customers not to send NRIC numbers, card details or medical information in chat, and do not ask for them there.
- Overseas storage: these vendors store data outside Singapore; mention overseas transfer in your privacy policy.
Our guide to website privacy policies and cookie consent covers what the policy itself should say. This is general information, not legal advice.
Which live chat tool suits which business
A rough guide by business type. Your chat volume and channels matter more than the brand.
| Business | Good starting choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small Shopify or WooCommerce store | Tidio or Crisp | E-commerce plugins and low entry price |
| Service business with 2 to 10 people answering | Crisp | Flat price with seats included |
| Software or subscription business with support team | Intercom | Ticketing, help centre and strong AI |
| Mostly WhatsApp enquiries | Crisp Essentials, or a dedicated WhatsApp tool | Omnichannel inbox; compare costs |
| Very low chat volume | Any free plan | Pay only once volume justifies it |
If what you really want is an assistant that answers from your own content, our AI chatbot for websites guide compares that approach with full live chat platforms.
Do it yourself or get help?
Installing any of these widgets is a copy-paste job or a plugin. Start on a free plan, connect your FAQ content, and watch the transcripts for two weeks before paying for more.
Get help when you want the AI to answer accurately from your own policies and products, hand over cleanly to staff, collect leads into your CRM, and stay fast on mobile. Our AI Website Assistant package (S$790) sets up a chat assistant trained on your content, with the PDPA notice and handoff rules in place.
Frequently asked questions
Crisp is usually more predictable: flat monthly plans include several agents and AI credits. Tidio suits small online stores that want simple chat and an AI add-on, but its pricing grows with conversation volume. Both have free plans, so test each with your real traffic before paying.
As of October 2026, Intercom's Essential plan is US$29 per seat a month billed annually, and its Fin AI agent costs US$0.99 per outcome, meaning each resolved conversation. A two-person team with a few hundred AI resolutions a month can easily spend US$250 or more. Add-ons such as Copilot cost extra.
Yes, with conditions. Crisp includes WhatsApp Business in its omnichannel inbox on Essentials and above, Tidio lists a WhatsApp integration, and Intercom charges WhatsApp per conversation. All rely on Meta's WhatsApp Business Platform, which has its own verification and message charges.
It adds scripts, so it can, especially on mobile. Test with PageSpeed Insights before and after installing, delay loading the widget until after the page or until the visitor interacts if the tool allows it, and show it only on pages where people need help.
It is good practice. Chats collect personal data such as names, phone numbers and order details. Show a short notice explaining that the chat may be answered by AI, how you use the details, and link to your privacy policy. Set a retention period for transcripts and restrict agent access.