Zendesk is one of the most popular customer support platforms, but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Some businesses find it expensive, complex, or lacking key features. If you’re searching for a Zendesk alternatives, this guide will help you choose the right one.
We’ve compared the best Zendesk competitors based on features, pricing, ease of use, and customer support. Let’s explore the top options!
1. Freshdesk – Best for Overall Features & Ease of Use
Why Choose Freshdesk?
Freshdesk offers a user-friendly interface, strong automation features, and affordable pricing. It’s ideal for businesses of all sizes looking for a seamless customer support experience.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel support (email, chat, phone, social media)
- AI-powered chatbot and automation tools
- Ticketing system with workflow automation
- Self-service portal and knowledge base
- Reporting and analytics
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $15/user per month.
2. Help Scout – Best for Simplicity and Email Support
Why Choose Help Scout?
If you want an easy-to-use help desk focused on email-based customer support, Help Scout is a great option. It feels like a shared inbox but includes automation and collaboration tools.
Key Features:
- Shared inbox for team collaboration
- AI-powered suggestions for responses
- Knowledge base for self-service support
- Customer satisfaction surveys
- Live chat and integrations with popular tools
Pricing: Starts at $20/user per month.
3. Zoho Desk – Best for Businesses Using Zoho Products
Why Choose Zoho Desk?
Zoho Desk integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products, making it an excellent choice for businesses already using Zoho CRM or other tools.
Key Features:
- AI-driven customer support with chatbots
- Multi-channel ticketing system
- Customizable workflows and automation
- Self-service knowledge base
- Integrations with Zoho ecosystem and third-party apps
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $14/user per month.
4. Gorgias – Best for E-commerce Businesses
Why Choose Gorgias?
Gorgias is designed specifically for e-commerce businesses. It integrates with Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce to help online stores provide fast, efficient customer support.
Key Features:
- Deep integration with e-commerce platforms
- Automated responses and macros
- Multi-channel support (email, chat, social media)
- Order management and refund processing
- AI-powered chatbots
Pricing: Starts at $10 per month for small businesses.
5. LiveAgent – Best for Live Chat Support
Why Choose LiveAgent?
LiveAgent is an affordable Zendesk alternative with a strong focus on live chat and real-time customer support.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel ticketing system
- Unlimited live chat support
- Call center features
- Customer portal and self-service options
- Integration with over 200 apps
Pricing: Starts at $9/user per month.
6. Kayako – Best for Personalized Customer Support
Why Choose Kayako?
Kayako provides a unified view of customer interactions across multiple channels, making it easy to deliver personalized support.
Key Features:
- Shared inbox for team collaboration
- Customer journey tracking
- Live chat and email support
- Self-service knowledge base
- Mobile app for on-the-go support
Pricing: Starts at $30/user per month.
7. HappyFox – Best for Large Teams & Enterprises
Why Choose HappyFox?
HappyFox is a feature-rich help desk platform designed for large teams handling high ticket volumes.
Key Features:
- AI-powered ticketing system
- Multi-channel support (email, chat, phone, social media)
- Workflow automation
- Knowledge base and FAQ management
- Advanced reporting and analytics
Pricing: Custom pricing; contact sales for details.
8. ProProfs Help Desk – Best for Small Businesses & Startups
Why Choose ProProfs Help Desk?
ProProfs Help Desk is an easy-to-use customer support solution perfect for small businesses looking for affordability and simplicity.
Key Features:
- Shared inbox for email ticketing
- Live chat support
- Knowledge base and self-service portal
- Workflow automation
- Reports and analytics
Pricing: Starts at $10/user per month.
Final Thoughts
Choosing best Zendesk alternatives depends on your business needs. Here’s a quick summary:
- Freshdesk – Best overall alternative with great features.
- Help Scout – Best for email-based customer support.
- Zoho Desk – Best for businesses using Zoho products.
- Gorgias – Best for e-commerce businesses.
- LiveAgent – Best for live chat support.
- Kayako – Best for personalized customer support.
- HappyFox – Best for large teams and enterprises.
- ProProfs Help Desk – Best for small businesses and startups.
Also Read our Guide on Twilio Alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Zendesk similar to Zoho?
Yes, Zendesk and Zoho offer customer support solutions, but Zoho provides a full suite of business applications, including CRM, while Zendesk focuses mainly on customer service and support.
Q: Which is better, Salesforce or Zendesk?
Salesforce is better for businesses needing a powerful CRM with extensive sales, marketing, and automation features. Zendesk is better for customer support teams needing a simple, efficient helpdesk solution.
Q: Is Zendesk a CRM or SaaS?
Zendesk is a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platform that provides customer service and support solutions. It also has CRM capabilities through Zendesk Sell, but it primarily focuses on customer support.
Consider factors like pricing, features, and ease of use before making a decision. Each of these alternatives offers unique strengths that may be a better fit for your business than Zendesk.
Do you use any of these help desk solutions? Share your experiences in the comments!