Protodesk vs Front
Protodesk is an AI-powered support inbox built for small teams — with native WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, and AI triage starting at $14.99/mo. Front is a shared inbox leader at $19/seat. Here's how they compare.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Protodesk | Front |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $14.99/mo | $19/seat/mo |
| Free trial | Yes (7-day full Pro trial) | No |
| Native | Add-on | |
| Slack / Discord | Native | Slack only |
| AI triage | Yes | Limited (AI add-on) |
| AI auto-resolve | Yes (7-layer guardrail) | No |
| AI sidekick | Yes | No |
| Setup time | < 2 minutes | 1–2 hours |
| SLA management | Yes | Enterprise only |
| Seats (Starter) | 5 | 2 ($38) |
| Monthly AI credits | 300–3,000 | Per-user pricing |
Key differences
Protodesk wins on AI value
AI triage, auto-resolve, and sidekick are included in every Protodesk paid plan. Front's AI is a limited add-on with no auto-resolve or sidekick capabilities.
Protodesk wins on multichannel
WhatsApp, Slack, and Discord are native in Protodesk. Front supports email and Slack well but treats WhatsApp as an expensive add-on with no Discord support.
Protodesk wins on simplicity
Set up in under 2 minutes with no admin required. Front typically takes 1–2 hours to configure and needs ongoing admin attention for rules and workflows.
Front wins on integrations
Front has 100+ integrations with CRMs, project management tools, and databases. Protodesk has fewer integrations but covers the essentials (webhooks, REST API).
Frequently asked questions
Is Protodesk cheaper than Front?
Yes. Protodesk Starter is $14.99/month for 5 seats. Front starts at $19/seat/month. For a 3-person team, Protodesk costs $14.99/mo vs Front's $57/mo. Front's AI features require an additional add-on.
Does Front have AI features?
Front offers limited AI features through an add-on, but no auto-resolve or sidekick. Protodesk includes AI triage, auto-resolve with 7-layer guardrail, and sidekick in every paid plan with predictable monthly credits.
Which is better for small teams?
Protodesk is purpose-built for small teams with a 7-day Pro trial and under 2-minute setup. Front is designed for larger teams and requires more configuration. Front's per-seat pricing gets expensive quickly.
Does Protodesk have WhatsApp support?
Yes. WhatsApp is native in Protodesk via Cloud API or Baileys QR scan. Front requires a separate WhatsApp integration and additional fees.
Summary
- •Choose Protodesk if you're a small team (2–50 people) who wants AI, WhatsApp, Discord, and fast setup without per-seat pricing.
- •Choose Front if you're a larger team with 50+ agents who needs extensive third-party integrations and advanced workflow automation.
- •Protodesk is 80%+ cheaper for teams under 15 people and includes AI at no extra cost.
Try Protodesk free for 7 days. No credit card required.
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