Shopify Inbox is simple and free, but many Shopify stores quickly hit its limits. As your customer enquiries grow across chat, WhatsApp, Instagram, and email, you need automation, faster replies, and a smarter support system. That’s why brands look for Shopify Inbox alternatives that offer stronger workflows and AI-driven conversations.
Below is an updated list of the best Shopify Inbox alternatives in 2026, starting with AeroChat.ai, a leading choice for Shopify automation and instant customer replies.
If you also want to explore AI-powered apps, check our guide on
Best Tools to Replace Shopify Inbox This Year
1. AeroChat
AeroChat is built for Shopify brands wanting fast, accurate, and automated replies without hiring large support teams. It handles customer questions, order lookups, FAQs, returns, and product guidance, all through an AI engine trained on your store’s content.
Key Features
AI responses trained on product pages, FAQs, policies, and blogs
Automated replies for sizing, delivery, returns, and stock
Live chat + WhatsApp + Messenger in one place
Cart recovery automation
Real-time order tracking assistant
No-code setup for Shopify
Pricing
Plans start from $36/month, with usage-based AI options.
Why AeroChat.ai Is Better Than Shopify Inbox
Shopify Inbox answers only basic questions
AeroChat.ai gives real-time AI replies, handles full conversations, and reduces ticket load
It works across multiple channels, not just one
Stores report higher conversion rates due to instant answers
For busy Shopify brands that want automated support and fewer manual replies, AeroChat.ai is the most complete upgrade.
2. Gorgias — Best All-in-One Support Platform
Gorgias is a powerful helpdesk that merges chat, email, social DMs, and automations into one Shopify-focused dashboard.
Key Features
Multi-channel inbox
Order refunds inside chat
Templates/macros
Automated routing
Strong Shopify integration
Pricing
From £10/month.
Why It Replaces Shopify Inbox
Gorgias is suited for stores receiving high-volume support across email + chat + social. Its workflow automation goes well beyond Inbox.
3. Zendesk — Best for Growing Teams & Higher Enquiry Volume
Zendesk is one of the most robust helpdesks available, ideal for multi-agent teams.
Key Features
Agent routing
In-depth reports
AI suggestions
Multi-channel messaging
Knowledge base tools
Pricing
From £39/user/month.
Why It’s Better Than Shopify Inbox
Zendesk solves structured ticket management — something Inbox doesn’t offer.
4. Tidio — Best Budget Alternative With Automation
Tidio combines live chat with AI-driven bots and pre-built automation flows.
Key Features
AI chatbot (Lyro)
Product recommendation chat
Abandoned cart flows
Chat + Messenger in one place
Easy workflow builder
Pricing
Free plan; paid plans from £19/month.
Why It Beats Shopify Inbox
Tidio handles automated replies and customer journeys — the parts Shopify Inbox cannot manage.
5. Reamaze — Best for Brands Wanting Chat + CRM
Reamaze integrates multi-channel messaging with CRM-style customer insights.
Key Features
Automated workflows
Custom chat widgets
FAQ centres
Shared team inbox
Mobile push notifications
Pricing
From £29/month.
Why It Replaces Shopify Inbox
Reamaze keeps full customer timelines, making communication more personal and structured.
6. LiveChat — Best for Fast, Human-Driven Live Chat
LiveChat is simple, fast, and effective for brands who want clean chat tools without complex ticketing.
Key Features
Fast widget
Saved replies
Agent routing
Chat tags
Shopify order preview
Pricing
From £16/month/agent.
Why It’s Better Than Inbox
It improves response speed and team coordination with a smoother interface.
7. Intercom — Best for Product-Led Shopify Brands
Intercom blends chat, automation, customer onboarding, and behaviour-based messaging.
Key Features
AI bot
Product tours
In-app messages
Customer segments
Team inbox
Pricing
From £59/month.
Why It Beats Shopify Inbox
Intercom works like a “customer engagement platform,” not just a chat tool.
8. Crisp — Best Affordable Multi-Channel Replacement
Crisp is known for offering strong features at a friendly price.
Key Features
Shared team inbox
Chatbot builder
SMS, WhatsApp, Instagram
Knowledge base
Customer profile timeline
Pricing
Free plan; paid plans from €25/month.
Why It Replaces Shopify Inbox
You get more channels, more automation, and deeper profiles without extra cost.
9. Tawk.to — Best Free Shopify Inbox Alternative
Tawk.to is fully free and supports unlimited agents.
Key Features
Unlimited users
Quick widget
Mobile apps
Basic automation
Easy setup
Pricing
100% free, with optional add-ons.
Why It Beats Shopify Inbox
You get more control and more agent capacity at no cost.
Comparison Table: Best Shopify Inbox Alternatives (2026)
Tool | Best For | Pricing | Key Strength |
AeroChat.ai | AI automation | From $36 | Smart AI responses |
Gorgias | High-volume support | From £10 | Full Shopify integration |
Zendesk | Large teams | From £39 | Advanced workflows |
Tidio | Budget + automation | From £19 | AI chatbot tools |
Reamaze | Multi-channel CRM | From £29 | Customer history view |
LiveChat | Fast live chat | From £16 | Clean UI |
Intercom | Product-led brands | From £59 | Behaviour messaging |
Crisp | Affordable multi-channel | From €25 | Combined messaging |
Tawk.to | Free users | Free | Unlimited agents |
Which Shopify Inbox Alternative Should You Choose?
For automation-first brands: AeroChat.ai
For mid-sized Shopify stores: Gorgias or Reamaze
For enterprise teams: Zendesk
For budget solutions: Tidio or Crisp
For free users: Tawk.to
If you want instant replies and AI-led customer conversations, see our full guide on best Shopify chatbot apps.