Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zendesk - Cloud-based customer service platform offering ticketing, live chat, AI automation, and analytics for scalable support.
- 2#2: Freshdesk - User-friendly hosted helpdesk software with omnichannel ticketing, automation, and collaboration tools for efficient customer support.
- 3#3: Zoho Desk - Affordable omnichannel helpdesk solution with AI-powered automation, self-service portals, and seamless CRM integration.
- 4#4: HubSpot Service Hub - CRM-integrated customer service platform providing ticketing, knowledge base, and feedback tools with a generous free tier.
- 5#5: Help Scout - Shared inbox-style helpdesk focused on personalized email support, conversations, and customer happiness metrics.
- 6#6: Intercom - Conversational platform combining helpdesk ticketing, live chat, and proactive messaging for real-time customer engagement.
- 7#7: LiveAgent - All-in-one helpdesk with live chat, ticketing, call center features, and multichannel support in a single interface.
- 8#8: Front - Team email and communication platform acting as a shared helpdesk inbox with rules, integrations, and analytics.
- 9#9: Gorgias - E-commerce-focused helpdesk with automation, Shopify integration, and ticketing to resolve support tickets faster.
- 10#10: Kayako - Modern helpdesk software emphasizing personalized support through ticketing, self-service, and AI-driven insights.
We ranked these tools based on functionality (including AI, integrations, and multi-channel support), ease of use, quality of support, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse demands of businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Hosted helpdesk software streamlines customer support operations, and this comparison table evaluates top tools such as Zendesk, Freshdesk, Zoho Desk, HubSpot Service Hub, Help Scout, and more. It breaks down key features, usability, and functionality to guide readers in selecting the right solution for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zendesk Cloud-based customer service platform offering ticketing, live chat, AI automation, and analytics for scalable support. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Freshdesk User-friendly hosted helpdesk software with omnichannel ticketing, automation, and collaboration tools for efficient customer support. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Desk Affordable omnichannel helpdesk solution with AI-powered automation, self-service portals, and seamless CRM integration. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | HubSpot Service Hub CRM-integrated customer service platform providing ticketing, knowledge base, and feedback tools with a generous free tier. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Help Scout Shared inbox-style helpdesk focused on personalized email support, conversations, and customer happiness metrics. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Intercom Conversational platform combining helpdesk ticketing, live chat, and proactive messaging for real-time customer engagement. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 7 | LiveAgent All-in-one helpdesk with live chat, ticketing, call center features, and multichannel support in a single interface. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | Front Team email and communication platform acting as a shared helpdesk inbox with rules, integrations, and analytics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Gorgias E-commerce-focused helpdesk with automation, Shopify integration, and ticketing to resolve support tickets faster. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Kayako Modern helpdesk software emphasizing personalized support through ticketing, self-service, and AI-driven insights. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
Cloud-based customer service platform offering ticketing, live chat, AI automation, and analytics for scalable support.
User-friendly hosted helpdesk software with omnichannel ticketing, automation, and collaboration tools for efficient customer support.
Affordable omnichannel helpdesk solution with AI-powered automation, self-service portals, and seamless CRM integration.
CRM-integrated customer service platform providing ticketing, knowledge base, and feedback tools with a generous free tier.
Shared inbox-style helpdesk focused on personalized email support, conversations, and customer happiness metrics.
Conversational platform combining helpdesk ticketing, live chat, and proactive messaging for real-time customer engagement.
All-in-one helpdesk with live chat, ticketing, call center features, and multichannel support in a single interface.
Team email and communication platform acting as a shared helpdesk inbox with rules, integrations, and analytics.
E-commerce-focused helpdesk with automation, Shopify integration, and ticketing to resolve support tickets faster.
Modern helpdesk software emphasizing personalized support through ticketing, self-service, and AI-driven insights.
Zendesk
enterpriseCloud-based customer service platform offering ticketing, live chat, AI automation, and analytics for scalable support.
Sunshine platform with AI agents for hyper-personalized, proactive customer engagement across any channel
Zendesk is a premier cloud-hosted helpdesk software platform that centralizes customer support across email, chat, social media, phone, and self-service portals. It provides robust ticketing, AI-driven automation, knowledge base management, and analytics to streamline support operations. Scalable for businesses from startups to enterprises, Zendesk excels in delivering personalized, omnichannel customer experiences with extensive customization options.
Pros
- Comprehensive omnichannel support including email, chat, voice, and messaging apps
- Powerful AI automation, bots, and analytics for efficiency
- Vast app marketplace with 1,000+ integrations for customization
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams or basic needs
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations and reporting
- Some features require higher-tier plans or add-ons
Best For
Growing mid-market and enterprise businesses needing scalable, AI-enhanced customer support across multiple channels.
Pricing
Starts at $55/agent/month (billed annually) for Suite Team; scales to $115+/agent/month for Professional and custom Enterprise plans; 14-day free trial available.
Freshdesk
enterpriseUser-friendly hosted helpdesk software with omnichannel ticketing, automation, and collaboration tools for efficient customer support.
Freddy AI, which provides intelligent ticket routing, auto-responses, and predictive insights
Freshdesk is a cloud-based helpdesk software designed to manage customer support tickets across multiple channels including email, chat, phone, social media, and web portals. It offers automation rules, AI-powered Freddy bot for self-service, collision detection to prevent duplicate tickets, and robust reporting for insights. The platform scales easily for teams of all sizes with customizable workflows and integrations via its marketplace.
Pros
- Omnichannel support unifies communications
- Powerful AI and automation tools like Freddy
- Extensive app marketplace for integrations
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind higher plans
- Reporting depth limited in entry-level tiers
- Customization can require technical setup
Best For
Growing SMBs and enterprises needing scalable omnichannel support with AI enhancements.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 agents; paid plans start at $15/agent/month (Sprout), up to $79/agent/month (Estate), billed annually.
Zoho Desk
enterpriseAffordable omnichannel helpdesk solution with AI-powered automation, self-service portals, and seamless CRM integration.
Zia AI for predictive analytics, automated responses, and intelligent ticket routing
Zoho Desk is a cloud-based helpdesk software designed to streamline customer support operations through a centralized ticketing system that handles inquiries from multiple channels like email, chat, phone, social media, and web portals. It features robust automation tools including Blueprints for workflow customization, AI-powered Zia for insights and predictions, and self-service options to reduce agent workload. With strong analytics, reporting, and seamless integrations, it's built for scalability across small to enterprise teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-channel support
- Powerful automation and AI via Zia and Blueprints
- Extensive integrations and Zoho ecosystem compatibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited reporting depth in entry-level plans
- Interface can feel cluttered for new users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing scalable, affordable helpdesk software with strong automation and integrations.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 agents; Standard at $14/user/mo, Professional $23/user/mo, Enterprise $40/user/mo (billed annually).
HubSpot Service Hub
enterpriseCRM-integrated customer service platform providing ticketing, knowledge base, and feedback tools with a generous free tier.
Deep CRM integration that surfaces complete customer timelines, deals, and interactions directly in tickets for personalized support.
HubSpot Service Hub is a cloud-based customer service platform that provides ticketing, shared inboxes, knowledge bases, and feedback tools integrated with HubSpot's CRM ecosystem. It enables teams to handle support across email, chat, messaging apps, and social channels from a unified interface, automate workflows, and analyze customer interactions for better service. Designed for inbound-focused businesses, it turns support into a revenue driver by aligning service with sales and marketing efforts.
Pros
- Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM for full customer context
- Robust automation, workflows, and omnichannel support
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for service optimization
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply for advanced features and larger teams
- Steep learning curve for non-HubSpot users
- Limited customization and capabilities in the free tier
Best For
Mid-sized businesses already using HubSpot CRM that need integrated sales, marketing, and service tools.
Pricing
Free tools available; Starter at $20/seat/mo, Professional at $90/seat/mo, Enterprise at $150/seat/mo (billed annually).
Help Scout
specializedShared inbox-style helpdesk focused on personalized email support, conversations, and customer happiness metrics.
Conversations: Unifies emails, chats, and other messages into a single, human-readable thread for effortless team collaboration.
Help Scout is a hosted helpdesk software that emphasizes a conversational approach to customer support, transforming emails, chats, and forms into unified conversation threads in a shared inbox. It enables teams to collaborate efficiently with features like saved replies, workflows, reporting, and a self-service knowledge base called Docs. Ideal for businesses seeking a user-friendly alternative to traditional ticketing systems, it supports omnichannel communication while prioritizing simplicity and team productivity.
Pros
- Intuitive, email-like interface that feels natural for support teams
- Strong collaboration tools including shared inboxes and real-time notes
- Robust reporting and a polished knowledge base for self-service
Cons
- Pricing scales per-user and can become expensive for large teams
- Limited advanced automation and AI features compared to enterprise competitors
- Fewer native integrations than top-tier platforms like Zendesk
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and teams that want a simple, conversational helpdesk focused on email and chat support.
Pricing
Starts at $20/user/month (Standard, billed annually) up to $65/user/month (Pro); no free plan, 15-day trial available.
Intercom
enterpriseConversational platform combining helpdesk ticketing, live chat, and proactive messaging for real-time customer engagement.
Fin AI copilot, which autonomously handles customer queries, triages tickets, and learns from interactions to scale support without additional staff
Intercom is a customer messaging platform that functions as a hosted helpdesk software by unifying live chat, email ticketing, chatbots, and proactive messaging across web, mobile, and social channels. It enables teams to manage customer conversations, automate responses with AI, and leverage customer data for personalized support and insights. While versatile for sales and marketing, its helpdesk capabilities excel in high-volume, product-led environments with strong analytics and segmentation.
Pros
- Powerful AI automation with Fin copilot and resolution bots for efficient self-service
- Omnichannel support including chat, email, and in-app messaging with deep customer data integration
- Robust analytics and segmentation for proactive, personalized customer experiences
Cons
- Expensive pricing model that scales rapidly with usage and team size
- Overwhelming interface and steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Helpdesk features feel secondary to sales/marketing focus, lacking depth in pure ticketing workflows
Best For
Growing SaaS and tech companies seeking integrated customer support, sales, and product growth tools.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (billed annually) for Starter plan (1 seat), scales to $99+/month for Pro, with Premium enterprise custom pricing based on active contacts and messages.
LiveAgent
enterpriseAll-in-one helpdesk with live chat, ticketing, call center features, and multichannel support in a single interface.
Universal Mailbox that aggregates emails, chats, calls, social media, and WhatsApp into a single, powerful queue
LiveAgent is a hosted helpdesk software that unifies customer support across multiple channels, including email ticketing, live chat, phone calls, and social media integrations like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It features a universal inbox for managing all interactions in one place, along with automation rules, SLA management, knowledge base tools, and reporting. This all-in-one platform helps businesses streamline support operations without needing separate tools for each channel.
Pros
- Universal inbox consolidates all channels seamlessly
- Strong multichannel support including live chat and calls
- Affordable plans with extensive integrations (over 200 apps)
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered for new users
- Advanced reporting and customizations locked behind higher tiers
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing affordable multichannel support with live chat and ticketing in one platform.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $15/agent/month (Ticket), $29 (Ticket+Chat), $49 (All-inclusive), with annual discounts and enterprise custom pricing.
Front
specializedTeam email and communication platform acting as a shared helpdesk inbox with rules, integrations, and analytics.
True multi-channel shared inbox with real-time collision avoidance for seamless team handoffs
Front is a customer communication platform that unifies emails, live chat, SMS, social media, and voice into a single shared inbox for team collaboration. It offers powerful automation rules, macros, internal notes, and analytics to streamline customer support and sales conversations. Designed for scaling teams, it emphasizes efficiency in handling high-volume, multi-channel interactions while integrating with over 100 tools like Slack and Salesforce.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel unification (email, chat, SMS, social)
- Advanced automation, rules, and collision detection for efficient teamwork
- Comprehensive analytics and extensive integrations
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams or basic needs
- Steeper learning curve for complex rules and setups
- No forever-free plan; relies on 7-day trial
Best For
Mid-sized sales and support teams managing high-volume customer interactions across multiple channels.
Pricing
Starter at $59/user/mo, Scale at $99/user/mo (billed annually); Premier is custom enterprise pricing.
Gorgias
specializedE-commerce-focused helpdesk with automation, Shopify integration, and ticketing to resolve support tickets faster.
AI-powered macros and automation that integrate live e-commerce order data directly into tickets for instant, context-aware responses
Gorgias is a helpdesk platform designed specifically for e-commerce businesses, providing ticketing, live chat, and automation tools that integrate deeply with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and BigCommerce. It unifies customer data from multiple channels into a single view, enabling agents to resolve issues faster with AI-driven macros and response suggestions. The software emphasizes scalability for DTC brands, offering analytics to optimize support performance and reduce resolution times.
Pros
- Exceptional e-commerce integrations with real-time order data access
- Powerful AI automation and macros for efficient ticketing
- Unified inbox and 360-degree customer profiles for faster resolutions
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly and can be expensive for small teams
- Primarily optimized for e-commerce, less ideal for non-retail businesses
- Advanced features have a moderate learning curve
Best For
Growing e-commerce brands on Shopify or similar platforms seeking to automate and scale customer support without proportional headcount growth.
Pricing
Starter plan at $60/month (1 agent), Standard at $360/month (up to 5 agents), Pro at $900/month, with custom Enterprise pricing; billed annually.
Kayako
enterpriseModern helpdesk software emphasizing personalized support through ticketing, self-service, and AI-driven insights.
Unified Agent Workspace that consolidates all channels into one intelligent view for seamless handling.
Kayako is a cloud-based helpdesk software platform that unifies customer support across email, live chat, social media, and self-service portals in a single agent workspace. It offers powerful automation, AI-driven insights, and customizable ticketing to help teams resolve issues faster. With robust reporting and integrations, it's designed for scaling support operations efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive unified agent workspace minimizes context switching
- Strong automation and AI for ticket routing and responses
- Advanced reporting and analytics for performance insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Limited out-of-box customizations compared to top competitors
- Some advanced features require higher plans
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing scalable, omnichannel support with automation to handle growing ticket volumes.
Pricing
Starts at $15/agent/month (Grow plan, billed annually), $30/agent/month (Plus), and custom Enterprise pricing; free trial available.
Conclusion
After reviewing all 10 hosted helpdesk tools, Zendesk tops the list as the leading choice, thanks to its scalable ticketing, AI automation, and robust analytics. Freshdesk and Zoho Desk stand out as strong alternatives: Freshdesk for its user-friendly omnichannel support and efficient collaboration, and Zoho Desk for its affordability and seamless CRM integration. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring the right fit for varied needs.
Don’t wait—start using the top-ranked Zendesk now to transform your customer support into a more effective, streamlined process.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison