Private Agent vs Intercom
Custom AI agents built for your business vs a generic SaaS chatbot platform. See why Ontario businesses are switching from Intercom to owned AI solutions.
Intercom
SaaS Chatbot Platform
- Generic chatbot templates for everyone
- Static rules - never learns or improves
- Per-seat pricing + expensive add-ons
- Vendor lock-in - you rent, never own
- US-based data servers
- Not designed for PHIPA compliance
- Basic voice (Intercom Phone add-on)
- Same tool as all your competitors
Private Agent
Custom AI Agents
- 100% custom AI built for YOUR business
- Learns and improves from every conversation
- Build once, own forever - no per-seat fees
- Full ownership - no vendor lock-in
- Canadian data residency available
- PHIPA compliant for Ontario healthcare
- Native voice AI - natural conversations
- Competitive advantage - uniquely yours
Detailed Feature Comparison
How custom AI agents compare to Intercom's chatbot platform.
| Feature | Intercom | Private Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | Templates and basic flows | 100% custom-built for your business |
| Learning Capability | Static rule-based responses | AI learns from every interaction |
| Voice AI | Intercom Phone (add-on) | Native voice AI capability |
| Ownership | SaaS subscription - you rent | You own the AI asset |
| Pricing Model | Per-seat + add-ons forever | Build once, own forever |
| PHIPA Compliance | Not designed for healthcare | Built for Ontario healthcare |
| Setup Time | Hours to days | 2-6 weeks |
| Team Inbox | Full featured | Integration with your tools |
| Integration Depth | Standard integrations | Any system, any API |
| Canadian Data | US-based servers | Canadian data residency available |
Private Agent vs Intercom FAQ
Common questions about switching from Intercom to custom AI.
Why choose Private Agent over Intercom?
Intercom is a SaaS platform offering generic chatbot tools. Private Agent builds custom AI agents trained specifically on YOUR business, products, and customer patterns. Our AI learns and improves, while Intercom bots follow static rules. Plus, you own the AI we build - no vendor lock-in.
Is Private Agent cheaper than Intercom?
Intercom charges per-seat monthly fees plus add-ons that escalate quickly. Private Agent builds custom AI you own outright - no per-seat fees, no vendor lock-in. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.
Can Private Agent replace Intercom completely?
For customer service automation, yes. Our custom AI handles chat, voice, and email with deeper understanding than Intercom bots. However, if you use Intercom for team inbox features or help center, you may want to keep those while using our AI for automation.
Does Private Agent offer voice AI like Intercom Phone?
Yes, and our voice AI is more capable. We build custom voice agents that hold natural phone conversations, understand context, and integrate with your systems. Intercom Phone is add-on functionality; voice AI is core to what we do.
Is Private Agent PHIPA compliant unlike Intercom?
Intercom is designed for general use and may not meet PHIPA requirements for Ontario healthcare. Private Agent builds PHIPA-compliant AI from the ground up for healthcare clients, with Canadian data residency and healthcare-specific security.
Ready to Replace Intercom?
Stop renting generic chatbots. Get custom AI that learns your business, costs less long-term, and you actually own.