Intercom vs Olark
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Intercom and Olark are credible live chat tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Intercom if you want broader platform coverage. AI-first customer service.
Choose Olark if you'd rather have a lower starting price (from $29/seat/mo). Simple live chat that works.
Intercom vs Olark: side by side
| Dimension | Intercom | Olark |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $39/seat/mo | From $29/seat/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Saas, Startups, Support Teams | Smb |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android, ApiWinner | Web |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Intercom key facts
- Vendor
- Intercom, Inc.
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $39/seat/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Saas, Startups, Support Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Olark key facts
- Vendor
- Olark
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $29/seat/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Smb
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2009
- Headquarters
- Palo Alto, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Intercom better than Olark?
Neither is universally better — Intercom edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Intercom or Olark cheaper?
Olark is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $29/seat/mo. Intercom starts at from $39/seat/mo; Olark starts at from $29/seat/mo.
Can Intercom replace Olark?
Yes for most teams — both are live chat tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.