Relay vs Intercom

Compare Relay and Intercom. See features, pricing, and which is best for AI email support.

Feature Comparison

FeatureRelayIntercom
AI Email Drafting
Multi-LLM drafts for email
Fin AI for chat, limited email AI
Email Focus
Purpose-built for email support
Chat-first, email secondary
Knowledge Base
Built-in KB feeds AI drafts
Articles for Fin AI chatbot
Human-in-the-Loop
AI drafts, human reviews
Fin auto-responds in chat
Starting Price
$49/mo
$39/seat/mo + Fin usage fees

Key Differences

Channel Focus

Relay

Email-first AI support

Intercom

Chat-first with email as secondary

Relay for email; Intercom for chat

AI Model

Relay

Choose from multiple LLMs

Intercom

Proprietary Fin AI only

Relay offers more AI flexibility

Automation Style

Relay

Draft & review with human oversight

Intercom

Auto-respond via chatbot

Relay keeps humans in control

Pricing

Relay

Flat pricing with AI included

Intercom

Per-seat + per-resolution Fin fees

Relay is more predictable

Pricing Comparison

Relay

  • Starter$49/mo
  • Professional$99/mo
  • Business$249/mo

Intercom

  • Essential$39/seat/mo
  • Advanced$99/seat/mo
  • Expert$139/seat/mo

Intercom starts lower per seat but charges per Fin AI resolution. Relay includes unlimited AI drafts from $49/mo.

Who Should Choose What?

Choose Relay if you...

  • Email-first support teams
  • Human-reviewed AI drafts
  • Predictable AI pricing

Choose Intercom if you...

  • Chat-first support
  • In-app messaging
  • Product tours and onboarding

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Relay better than Intercom for email?

Yes. Relay is purpose-built for email with multi-LLM drafting, while Intercom is primarily a chat platform with email as a secondary feature.

Does Intercom have AI email features?

Intercom's Fin AI works best in chat. Its email capabilities are more limited and charge per resolution.

Can I use Relay and Intercom together?

Yes. Many teams use Intercom for live chat and Relay for AI-powered email support.

Try Relay Instead of Intercom

Start your free trial and see why teams choose Relay over Intercom for AI email support.