Drift vs Intercom
Drift and Intercom are both Chatbots, Live Chat & Conversational AI tools. Here is how they compare on pricing, free plans, AI integrations and platforms, and when each is the better fit.
Side by side
| Feature | Drift | Intercom |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Chatbots, Live Chat & Conversational AI | Chatbots, Live Chat & Conversational AI |
| Pricing | Quote-based | $19/seat/mo + $0.99/outcome |
| Free option | Not listed | Not listed |
| AI integrations | — | MCP server |
| Platforms | — | BigCommerce, Shopify, Stripe, WooCommerce |
| Links | Drift listingVisit website (opens in a new tab) | Intercom listingVisit website (opens in a new tab) |
Which to choose
Choose Drift if
- run a B2B revenue team focused on capturing high-intent buyer signals and qualifying leads
- already use the Salesloft revenue orchestration suite for sales cadences and deal management
- want web chat interactions to automatically trigger seller workflows and task lists
- need chat responses tailored using CRM data, account data, and site behaviour
Choose Intercom if
- need a unified customer support workspace with live chat, ticketing, and a shared inbox
- want transparent per-seat pricing rather than a custom quote
- require omnichannel support across web chat, email, phone, SMS, and WhatsApp
- want an AI agent that can also plug into existing helpdesks like Zendesk, Salesforce Service Cloud, or HubSpot
Verdict
Drift (now Salesloft AI Chat Agents in partnership with 1Mind) and Intercom both offer conversational AI, but they serve different departments. Drift is built for B2B marketing and sales teams. It focuses on real-time visitor engagement, automated lead qualification, and routing buyer signals directly into Salesloft seller workflows. However, it uses quote-based pricing and requires adopting the broader Salesloft platform for full value.
Intercom is built for customer support teams, startups, and growing enterprises. It combines an omnichannel helpdesk, ticketing, and proactive messaging with its Fin AI agent and Agent Copilot. Intercom offers clear starting prices, though its pay-per-outcome fee for AI resolutions and usage charges for extra channels can increase costs at high volumes.
FAQ
- How does pricing compare between Drift and Intercom?
Drift uses a custom, quote-based pricing model with no publicly disclosed rates. Intercom charges $19 per seat per month plus $0.99 per outcome for AI resolutions, alongside extra usage charges for additional messaging channels and add-on modules.
- Should we choose Drift or Intercom for our team?
Drift suits B2B revenue, marketing, and sales teams that want to qualify website leads and feed buyer signals into Salesloft workflows. Intercom suits customer support teams looking for an omnichannel helpdesk, ticketing system, and automated inquiry resolution.
- What is the relationship between Drift, Salesloft, and 1Mind?
Drift has transitioned to become Salesloft AI Chat Agents, developed in partnership with 1Mind. The tool connects website chat directly to Salesloft's Predictive Revenue System, though legacy Drift users must adapt to the new setup.
- Can these tools work with our existing software?
Drift relies on CRM data and requires the broader Salesloft platform for full value. Intercom can run as an all-in-one helpdesk or connect its Fin AI agent to third-party platforms like Zendesk, Salesforce Service Cloud, HubSpot, Notion, and Confluence, as well as the Intercom MCP Server.