Intercom vs SendBird: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Intercom and SendBird

Intercom and SendBird are two popular chat and messaging platforms that offer different features and functionalities. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Pricing Model: Intercom follows a subscription-based model, where customers pay a fixed monthly fee based on the number of users or conversations. On the other hand, SendBird offers a usage-based pricing model, where customers are charged based on the number of messages and data consumed. This provides flexibility for businesses with varying chat usage.

2. Customization Options: Intercom allows extensive customization options, enabling businesses to design chat interfaces according to their branding and user experience preferences. SendBird, while offering some customization options, has limitations in terms of interface customization and may not provide the same level of flexibility as Intercom.

3. Multi-channel Support: Intercom supports various customer communication channels, including in-app chat, email, and social media messaging. SendBird, on the other hand, primarily focuses on in-app chat and does not provide integrated support for other channels. This makes Intercom more suitable for businesses with omni-channel communication requirements.

4. Developer-Friendly APIs and SDKs: Both Intercom and SendBird offer APIs and SDKs for integration with other systems and platforms. However, SendBird's SDK is considered to be more developer-friendly, providing easier implementation and better documentation. This makes SendBird a preferred choice for businesses that require seamless integration with their existing systems.

5. Scalability and Infrastructure: Intercom is known for its robust infrastructure and high scalability, making it suitable for businesses with large user bases and high chat volumes. SendBird also offers scalable infrastructure but may not provide the same level of scalability as Intercom for extremely high chat volumes.

6. Advanced Features: Intercom offers a wide range of advanced features, including chatbots, automated messaging, and user segmentation. SendBird focuses primarily on core chat functionality and may not have the same level of advanced features as Intercom. This makes Intercom a better choice for businesses that require advanced messaging capabilities.

In Summary, Intercom and SendBird differ in their pricing model, customization options, multi-channel support, developer-friendliness, scalability, and advanced features.