Quick Overview
- 1#1: osTicket - Open-source PHP-based ticketing system for managing customer support inquiries and requests efficiently.
- 2#2: FreeScout - Modern open-source PHP help desk and shared mailbox software with email integration and collaboration features.
- 3#3: SupportPal - Feature-rich PHP help desk software supporting multiple channels like email, chat, and phone for customer service.
- 4#4: UVDesk - Open-source PHP community help desk platform optimized for e-commerce with ticket management and automations.
- 5#5: Faveo Helpdesk - Laravel-based PHP help desk solution for startups and enterprises with SLA management and reporting.
- 6#6: HESK - Lightweight free PHP help desk software for simple ticket tracking and customer support.
- 7#7: HelpSpot - On-premise PHP help desk system with advanced search, automation, and multi-department support.
- 8#8: DeskPRO - Self-hosted PHP help desk platform offering omnichannel support, AI features, and detailed analytics.
- 9#9: GLPI - Open-source PHP IT management suite with robust ticketing and help desk functionalities.
- 10#10: iTop - PHP-based IT service management tool with CMDB and help desk ticketing for service operations.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key attributes: functionality, ease of use, technical quality, and value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across diverse operational contexts.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading PHP help desk solutions like osTicket, FreeScout, SupportPal, UVDesk, Faveo Helpdesk, and others, offering a clear overview for selecting the right tool. Readers will learn about core features, ease of use, integration options, and support models to make informed decisions tailored to their team's specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | osTicket Open-source PHP-based ticketing system for managing customer support inquiries and requests efficiently. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | FreeScout Modern open-source PHP help desk and shared mailbox software with email integration and collaboration features. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 3 | SupportPal Feature-rich PHP help desk software supporting multiple channels like email, chat, and phone for customer service. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | UVDesk Open-source PHP community help desk platform optimized for e-commerce with ticket management and automations. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Faveo Helpdesk Laravel-based PHP help desk solution for startups and enterprises with SLA management and reporting. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | HESK Lightweight free PHP help desk software for simple ticket tracking and customer support. | other | 7.3/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 7 | HelpSpot On-premise PHP help desk system with advanced search, automation, and multi-department support. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | DeskPRO Self-hosted PHP help desk platform offering omnichannel support, AI features, and detailed analytics. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | GLPI Open-source PHP IT management suite with robust ticketing and help desk functionalities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | iTop PHP-based IT service management tool with CMDB and help desk ticketing for service operations. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
Open-source PHP-based ticketing system for managing customer support inquiries and requests efficiently.
Modern open-source PHP help desk and shared mailbox software with email integration and collaboration features.
Feature-rich PHP help desk software supporting multiple channels like email, chat, and phone for customer service.
Open-source PHP community help desk platform optimized for e-commerce with ticket management and automations.
Laravel-based PHP help desk solution for startups and enterprises with SLA management and reporting.
Lightweight free PHP help desk software for simple ticket tracking and customer support.
On-premise PHP help desk system with advanced search, automation, and multi-department support.
Self-hosted PHP help desk platform offering omnichannel support, AI features, and detailed analytics.
Open-source PHP IT management suite with robust ticketing and help desk functionalities.
PHP-based IT service management tool with CMDB and help desk ticketing for service operations.
osTicket
enterpriseOpen-source PHP-based ticketing system for managing customer support inquiries and requests efficiently.
Advanced email piping that automatically converts emails into tickets with threading and attachments
osTicket is a free, open-source PHP-based help desk ticketing system that streamlines customer support by managing tickets from multiple channels like email and web forms. It offers features such as ticket queues, auto-responders, custom forms, SLA management, and reporting to help agents efficiently resolve issues. Scalable for teams of any size, it integrates with email systems via piping for seamless ticket creation and supports multilingual setups.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Highly customizable via plugins, topics, and custom fields
- Robust ticket workflow including SLAs, queues, and email piping
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less modern
- Initial setup requires PHP/MySQL server knowledge
- Reporting features are basic without custom development
Best For
Small to medium businesses and IT teams needing a cost-free, highly customizable PHP help desk solution.
Pricing
Free open-source core; optional paid add-ons, hosting, or enterprise support available.
FreeScout
specializedModern open-source PHP help desk and shared mailbox software with email integration and collaboration features.
Modular architecture allowing seamless extensions and customizations without altering the core codebase
FreeScout is a free, open-source PHP-based help desk and shared mailbox software that enables teams to manage customer support tickets through a unified inbox. It supports email piping, live chat integration, knowledge base creation, automation rules, and custom fields for efficient ticket handling. Self-hosted on your own server, it prioritizes data privacy and customization via a modular plugin system, making it a strong alternative to proprietary solutions like Help Scout.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Highly customizable through modules and themes
- Full data control with self-hosting and strong privacy features
Cons
- Requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Limited native integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Relies on community support rather than dedicated enterprise assistance
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams or businesses seeking a cost-free, customizable, self-hosted help desk solution with full control over their data.
Pricing
Free open-source core; self-hosted with optional paid modules starting at $5/month.
SupportPal
enterpriseFeature-rich PHP help desk software supporting multiple channels like email, chat, and phone for customer service.
Advanced multi-brand portals allowing customized support experiences for different departments or clients
SupportPal is a robust, self-hosted PHP-based help desk software designed for efficient customer support management across email, web forms, chat, and phone channels. It provides advanced ticket handling with automation rules, SLAs, knowledge base, asset tracking, and comprehensive reporting tools. The platform emphasizes customization, security, and scalability, making it suitable for growing teams needing full control over their data.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-channel support and automation
- Strong on-premise security and data ownership
- Detailed reporting and SLA management
Cons
- Requires server setup and technical expertise
- Upfront licensing cost can be steep for small teams
- Fewer native integrations than cloud competitors
Best For
Medium-sized businesses and IT teams seeking a customizable, self-hosted help desk with advanced ticketing features.
Pricing
One-time licenses from $299 (1 operator) to $1,499 (unlimited operators), with optional annual support renewals starting at $99.
UVDesk
specializedOpen-source PHP community help desk platform optimized for e-commerce with ticket management and automations.
Extensive PHP-based marketplace for extensions, themes, and modules enabling unlimited customization without vendor lock-in
UVDesk is an open-source PHP-based helpdesk software built on the Symfony framework, designed for managing customer support tickets across multiple channels like email, social media, and web forms. It offers features such as automated workflows, a knowledge base, live chat, and integrations with e-commerce platforms like Magento and WooCommerce. Ideal for self-hosted deployments, it provides scalability for growing businesses while allowing full customization.
Pros
- Free open-source community edition with robust core features
- Highly customizable via PHP/Symfony for developers
- Multi-channel support and e-commerce integrations
Cons
- Requires technical expertise for self-hosting and setup
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Limited official support in the free version
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with in-house developers seeking a cost-effective, customizable self-hosted PHP helpdesk solution.
Pricing
Community Edition: Free (self-hosted); Pro Edition: Starts at $199/year; Cloud plans from $19/month.
Faveo Helpdesk
enterpriseLaravel-based PHP help desk solution for startups and enterprises with SLA management and reporting.
Fully open-source core allowing unlimited customization and extensions through PHP/Laravel codebase
Faveo Helpdesk is an open-source PHP-based helpdesk ticketing system built on Laravel, designed for self-hosted customer support operations. It enables efficient ticket management across multiple channels like email, web forms, social media, and phone, with features including automation rules, SLA compliance, knowledge base, and reporting. Ideal for teams seeking customizable, on-premise solutions without vendor lock-in.
Pros
- Open-source community edition is completely free
- Self-hosted with full data control and customization via PHP/Laravel
- Strong multi-channel ticket intake and automation capabilities
Cons
- Initial setup requires server management and technical expertise
- User interface appears dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Limited official support and documentation in the free version
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses or IT teams needing a cost-effective, self-hosted PHP helpdesk without ongoing subscription fees.
Pricing
Free open-source community edition; self-hosted Pro/Enterprise licenses from $199/year; SaaS plans start at $11/agent/month.
HESK
otherLightweight free PHP help desk software for simple ticket tracking and customer support.
Fully open-source with lifetime free access and no licensing fees
HESK is a free, open-source PHP-based help desk software that enables businesses to manage customer support tickets through a self-hosted web interface. It supports ticket assignment, categories, knowledge base articles, automated replies, and basic reporting with email piping integration. Ideal for small teams, it requires standard PHP and MySQL hosting for quick deployment.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Straightforward installation on any PHP/MySQL server
- Customizable tickets with categories, priorities, and fields
Cons
- Dated user interface lacking modern design
- Limited advanced features like AI or extensive integrations
- Requires self-hosting and maintenance
Best For
Small businesses or IT teams seeking a no-cost, self-hosted ticketing system without needing premium support tools.
Pricing
Free open-source core; optional paid add-ons and professional services available.
HelpSpot
enterpriseOn-premise PHP help desk system with advanced search, automation, and multi-department support.
Advanced automation rules engine for complex ticket workflows
HelpSpot is a mature PHP-based help desk software that provides comprehensive ticket management, customer portals, and knowledge base functionality for support teams. It supports self-hosted deployment on PHP/MySQL servers, with options for hosted SaaS, offering automation rules, custom fields, reporting, and email integration. Ideal for organizations seeking customizable, on-premise support solutions without recurring per-user costs.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and fields without coding
- Strong reporting and search capabilities
- One-time licensing for self-hosted version provides excellent long-term value
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Initial setup and configuration have a learning curve
- Limited native integrations with third-party tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing full control over self-hosted help desk with deep customization.
Pricing
Self-hosted: $995 one-time (Standard) to $1,995 (Enterprise); Hosted: starts at $59/month for 3 staff.
DeskPRO
enterpriseSelf-hosted PHP help desk platform offering omnichannel support, AI features, and detailed analytics.
Deep PHP customization allowing full tailoring of tickets, fields, and workflows without vendor lock-in
DeskPRO is a PHP-based help desk software offering on-premise and cloud deployments for efficient customer support management. It handles ticketing across multiple channels like email, chat, social media, and phone, with features such as automation workflows, reporting, and a self-service portal. The solution emphasizes customization, making it suitable for businesses needing tailored support systems.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and interface via PHP
- Multi-channel support including live chat and social integration
- Robust reporting and automation tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced configuration
- Dated user interface in some areas
- Higher costs for scaling and premium add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized teams needing a self-hosted, highly customizable PHP help desk with strong automation.
Pricing
On-premise starts at $1,095 one-time for 3 agents (up to enterprise); Cloud from $35/agent/month billed annually.
GLPI
enterpriseOpen-source PHP IT management suite with robust ticketing and help desk functionalities.
Seamless integration of help desk ticketing with full IT asset lifecycle management and CMDB
GLPI is a free, open-source IT Service Management (ITSM) platform built in PHP that serves as a comprehensive help desk solution with integrated asset management, ticketing, and inventory tracking. It enables IT teams to handle incidents, requests, changes, and problems while maintaining detailed records of hardware, software, and network assets. The software supports plugins for extensibility and is highly customizable for enterprise environments.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including ticketing, asset management, and CMDB
- Completely free and open-source with a large plugin ecosystem
- Highly customizable and scalable for large organizations
- Multilingual support and strong reporting capabilities
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern SaaS tools
- Steep setup and learning curve requiring PHP/MySQL server knowledge
- Self-hosting demands ongoing maintenance and updates
- Documentation can be inconsistent or outdated
Best For
IT departments in mid-to-large organizations seeking a cost-free, self-hosted ITSM solution with deep asset management integration.
Pricing
Free and open-source under GPLv3 license; self-hosted with no subscription fees.
iTop
enterprisePHP-based IT service management tool with CMDB and help desk ticketing for service operations.
Integrated CMDB that automatically correlates IT assets, services, and tickets for comprehensive configuration impact analysis
iTop is an open-source, PHP-based IT Service Management (ITSM) and help desk software designed for IT teams to manage incidents, requests, changes, and configurations. It features a robust Configuration Management Database (CMDB), ticket lifecycle automation, reporting, and a service catalog. Fully self-hosted and extensible, it aligns with ITIL best practices while allowing deep customization via PHP extensions and data models.
Pros
- Completely free open-source core with no licensing fees
- Powerful CMDB integration for asset-ticket linking
- Highly customizable via extensions, data models, and PHP code
Cons
- Complex setup requiring server configuration and PHP expertise
- Dated, functional UI that feels clunky compared to modern tools
- Steep learning curve for full utilization of advanced ITSM features
Best For
IT teams in small to mid-sized organizations needing a free, highly customizable PHP-based ITSM platform with strong CMDB capabilities.
Pricing
Free community edition; paid professional support, hosting, and premium extensions via Combodo partners starting at around €500/year.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 PHP help desk tools reveals distinct strengths, with osTicket leading as the top choice for efficient ticketing management. FreeScout impresses with modern features like collaboration tools and email integration, making it a strong pick for teams needing connectivity, while SupportPal stands out for its multi-channel support, ideal for businesses handling diverse customer interactions. Each tool offers unique value, but osTicket’s overall performance distinguishes it as the best solution.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your customer support—try osTicket today to experience its seamless ticketing management and position your team for more efficient, effective service.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison