Help Scout vs respond.io

Help Scout logovsRE
Two Support tools side by side: what each does, what it costs and who it suits.

The verdict

On the data we hold, it's close: neither pulls ahead on features, a free plan or AI access. The choice comes down to how you work.

What the data says
  • Both have a free plan, so you can try each before you pay.
  • Help Scout starts lower, at $25/mo against $79/mo.
  • Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
  • In our Support ranking, Help Scout places 1 and respond.io 8 of 16.

Side by side

Help Scout and respond.io compared
At a glance
Starts at$25/mo$79/mo
Free planYesYes
APIYesYes
MCP serverYesYes
Links

Plans and pricing

Help Scout logo

Help Scout

  • FreeUp to 5 users, 1 inbox and 1 Docs site.Free
  • StandardPer user per month; shown at $25 on the page.$25/mo/seat
  • PlusPer user per month; shown at $45 on the page.$45/mo/seat
  • ProPer user per month; shown at $75 on the page.$75/mo/seat
RE

respond.io

  • StarterSmall teams starting managed conversations$99/mo
  • GrowthScaling sales and marketing automation$199/mo
  • AdvancedMature teams needing deeper integrations$349/mo

Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.

Who each is for

Help Scout logo

Choose Help Scout if…

B2B and SaaS support teams that want a shared inbox with a proper knowledge base attached, without the weight of an enterprise helpdesk, from a small team to a larger group.

RE

Choose respond.io if…

We haven't written up who respond.io suits yet.

Other options worth a look

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  • Document360 logo
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    Powers knowledge bases and help centres with AI search, chatbots and an AI writing agent.

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  • WhatsApp Business logo
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    Meta's messaging app and API that lets businesses chat with customers on WhatsApp, from small shops to enterprises.

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