Chatwoot vs Intercom
Self-host swap-in for Intercom. · Self-host Intercom · Chatwoot on os-alt
Chatwoot is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Intercom — license MIT (Community), 20min docker-compose to stand up, and $10 vps for a small/medium team. Compare against Intercom's $39+/seat/mo with usage-based AI fees below.
| Chatwootopen-source | Intercompaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | In-app messenger + customer support | In-app messenger + customer support |
| License / pricing | MIT (Community) | $39+/seat/mo with usage-based AI fees |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $39/user/mo |
| GitHub | chatwoot/chatwoot | closed source |
| Setup time | 20min docker-compose | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $10 VPS for a small/medium team. | from $39/user/mo ($39+/seat/mo with usage-based AI fees) |
Switching from Intercom to Chatwoot
Intercom → Settings → Data Export. In Chatwoot, use the chatwoot-import-intercom community script that maps Intercom conversations + contacts to Chatwoot's Conversations API. Replace the Intercom widget snippet with Chatwoot's.
- Good fit for
- Teams that want a unified inbox (chat + email + social) with no per-message AI fees.
- Weak at
- Outbound product tours / banners are thinner than Intercom's.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Intercom
Chatwoot also replaces
- Help Scout— Customer support helpdesk / shared inbox
- Zendesk— Customer support / helpdesk
In a terminal? npx os-alt intercom prints Intercom's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Chatwoot a free alternative to Intercom?
Yes — Chatwoot is open source under MIT (Community). Self-host cost: $10 VPS for a small/medium team.. Intercom starts at $39/user/mo ($39+/seat/mo with usage-based AI fees).
How long does Chatwoot take to set up vs Intercom?
Self-hosting Chatwoot: 20min docker-compose. Intercom is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Chatwoot good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Teams that want a unified inbox (chat + email + social) with no per-message AI fees.. Weak at: Outbound product tours / banners are thinner than Intercom's..