Side by side
Coherence vs Help Scout
Both stand on email collaboration software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIMac+2
Choose Coherence if your team wants shared handling of customer conversations alongside CRM data, workflows, and related operations. Shared Inbox is available on Pro, Team, and Enterprise; teams on Free or Starter would need another plan for that feature, and Team has a 10-seat minimum.
Visit Coherence
Free plan API
Help Scout combines shared customer conversations with knowledge-base and workflow tools. Check the Inbox, user, and contact limits against your team's needs before choosing a plan.
Visit Help ScoutThe facts
| Coherence | Help Scout | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, Mac, Web, Windows | API |
| Lowest paid plan | Starter: $12 per user a month | Standard: $25 per user a month |
| Plans published | 4 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Help Scout |
| Website | getcoherence.io | helpscout.com |
| On email collaboration software | #1 of 35 | #2 of 35 |
Coherence: what it does well
- Combines customer context, replies, and internal discussion in one inbox.
- Supports ownership, teammate assignment, internal notes, and shared drafts.
- Organizes queues with rules, custom fields, targets, snoozes, and reminders.
- Knowledge suggestions include source references and can be edited before sending.
- Lists Gmail, Outlook, calendar, and REST API connections.
What to know first
- Shared Inbox is not included on Free or Starter.
- Team requires a minimum of 10 paid seats.
- Service is unavailable in several regions, including the EEA, UK, and Canada.
Help Scout: what it does well
- Shared Inbox covers email, SMS, social, chat, and voice.
- Docs creates searchable, branded help centers.
- Permissions can be set by company, team, or user.
- Connects to more than 100 tools or apps.
What to know first
- Free plan includes just one Inbox.
- Free plan limits use to 100 contacts per month.
- Pro requires a minimum of 10 users.
- AI Answers costs $0.75 per resolution after its trial.
Alternatives to Coherence Alternatives to Help Scout The whole list