Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zendesk - Comprehensive cloud-based customer service platform for managing multi-channel support tickets, automation, and analytics.
- 2#2: Freshdesk - User-friendly web-based helpdesk software offering ticketing, collaboration, and self-service portals for customer support.
- 3#3: Jira Service Management - Powerful ITSM tool for IT and business service desks with advanced ticketing, asset management, and integrations.
- 4#4: ServiceNow - Enterprise-grade platform for IT service management, incident resolution, and workflow automation across organizations.
- 5#5: Zoho Desk - Affordable omnichannel helpdesk solution with AI-powered automation and seamless CRM integrations.
- 6#6: Help Scout - Conversational email and chat support tool focused on personalized customer interactions and shared inboxes.
- 7#7: Intercom - Customer messaging platform combining live chat, helpdesk ticketing, and targeted messaging for growth.
- 8#8: LiveAgent - All-in-one helpdesk with real-time chat, ticketing, call center, and multichannel support capabilities.
- 9#9: HubSpot Service Hub - CRM-integrated service platform providing free ticketing, knowledge base, and customer feedback tools.
- 10#10: Kayako - Modern helpdesk software unifying email, chat, and self-service into a single customer service workspace.
We prioritized tools based on quality, including robust features like automation and integrations; ease of use for varied team skill levels; and strong value, ensuring alignment with diverse business needs and budgets.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading web-based helpdesk software, including Zendesk, Freshdesk, Jira Service Management, ServiceNow, and Zoho Desk, to guide readers in selecting tools that match their team's workflow, support requirements, and growth needs. It breaks down key features like ticketing capabilities, integrations, and user interface, simplifying the process of finding a solution tailored to efficiency and organizational goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zendesk Comprehensive cloud-based customer service platform for managing multi-channel support tickets, automation, and analytics. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 2 | Freshdesk User-friendly web-based helpdesk software offering ticketing, collaboration, and self-service portals for customer support. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Jira Service Management Powerful ITSM tool for IT and business service desks with advanced ticketing, asset management, and integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | ServiceNow Enterprise-grade platform for IT service management, incident resolution, and workflow automation across organizations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 5 | Zoho Desk Affordable omnichannel helpdesk solution with AI-powered automation and seamless CRM integrations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | Help Scout Conversational email and chat support tool focused on personalized customer interactions and shared inboxes. | other | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | Intercom Customer messaging platform combining live chat, helpdesk ticketing, and targeted messaging for growth. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | LiveAgent All-in-one helpdesk with real-time chat, ticketing, call center, and multichannel support capabilities. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | HubSpot Service Hub CRM-integrated service platform providing free ticketing, knowledge base, and customer feedback tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Kayako Modern helpdesk software unifying email, chat, and self-service into a single customer service workspace. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based customer service platform for managing multi-channel support tickets, automation, and analytics.
User-friendly web-based helpdesk software offering ticketing, collaboration, and self-service portals for customer support.
Powerful ITSM tool for IT and business service desks with advanced ticketing, asset management, and integrations.
Enterprise-grade platform for IT service management, incident resolution, and workflow automation across organizations.
Affordable omnichannel helpdesk solution with AI-powered automation and seamless CRM integrations.
Conversational email and chat support tool focused on personalized customer interactions and shared inboxes.
Customer messaging platform combining live chat, helpdesk ticketing, and targeted messaging for growth.
All-in-one helpdesk with real-time chat, ticketing, call center, and multichannel support capabilities.
CRM-integrated service platform providing free ticketing, knowledge base, and customer feedback tools.
Modern helpdesk software unifying email, chat, and self-service into a single customer service workspace.
Zendesk
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based customer service platform for managing multi-channel support tickets, automation, and analytics.
Sunshine platform enabling extensible, open architecture for custom AI agents and seamless third-party integrations
Zendesk is a leading web-based helpdesk software that provides a comprehensive platform for managing customer support across multiple channels, including email, live chat, social media, phone, and messaging apps. It features powerful ticketing systems, AI-driven automation like Answer Bot for self-service resolutions, and advanced analytics for performance insights. With extensive integrations via its Sunshine marketplace and customizable workflows, Zendesk scales seamlessly from small teams to large enterprises, enabling efficient omnichannel customer service.
Pros
- Robust omnichannel support unifying email, chat, social, and voice
- Advanced AI automation and bots reducing ticket volume by up to 20%
- Extensive integrations (over 1,700 apps) and detailed analytics dashboards
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and higher-tier plans
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations and reporting
- Occasional UI glitches and slower load times under high volume
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses seeking scalable, omnichannel helpdesk solutions with deep AI and integration capabilities.
Pricing
Suite plans start at $55/agent/month (Team), $89 (Growth), $115 (Professional), up to custom Enterprise; billed annually with a free trial.
Freshdesk
enterpriseUser-friendly web-based helpdesk software offering ticketing, collaboration, and self-service portals for customer support.
Freddy AI Copilot for intelligent ticket summarization, auto-responses, and predictive analytics
Freshdesk is a cloud-based helpdesk software designed to manage customer support tickets across multiple channels including email, chat, phone, social media, and web. It provides robust automation, AI-driven insights via Freddy AI, self-service portals, and collaboration tools to help teams resolve issues efficiently. With scalable plans and extensive integrations, it supports businesses from startups to enterprises in delivering exceptional customer service.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Comprehensive omnichannel support and Freddy AI for automation
- Extensive integrations with 1000+ apps including Slack and Salesforce
Cons
- Advanced features like custom objects locked behind higher tiers
- Reporting and analytics can feel basic without add-ons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams with multiple agents
Best For
Growing SMBs and mid-sized businesses seeking scalable, user-friendly helpdesk software with strong automation.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $15/agent/month (Blossom), up to $99/agent/month (Forest), billed annually with add-ons extra.
Jira Service Management
enterprisePowerful ITSM tool for IT and business service desks with advanced ticketing, asset management, and integrations.
Integrated asset and configuration management (Insight) with AI-powered automation for proactive ITSM.
Jira Service Management is a robust, web-based IT service management (ITSM) platform built on Atlassan's Jira, designed for helpdesks to handle ticketing, incident management, service requests, and SLAs. It offers customizable portals for customer self-service, automation rules, and deep integrations with tools like Confluence and Opsgenie. Ideal for scaling service operations, it supports ITIL processes and provides asset management via Atlassian Intelligence-powered insights.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and automation for complex processes
- Seamless integrations within Atlassian ecosystem and third-party apps
- Advanced SLA tracking, reporting, and asset management capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to Jira's complexity
- Higher pricing per agent, less ideal for small teams
- Interface can feel overwhelming for non-technical users
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with IT or technical support teams needing scalable, customizable helpdesk solutions integrated with development workflows.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 agents; Standard at $24/user/month, Premium at $48/user/month (billed annually).
ServiceNow
enterpriseEnterprise-grade platform for IT service management, incident resolution, and workflow automation across organizations.
AI-powered Virtual Agent for intelligent self-service and chatbot-driven resolutions
ServiceNow is a comprehensive cloud-based IT service management (ITSM) platform that excels in web-based helpdesk functionalities, including incident management, service requests, knowledge bases, and self-service portals. It enables organizations to automate workflows, track tickets across channels, and integrate with enterprise tools for seamless IT operations. With AI-driven features like Virtual Agent and predictive intelligence, it scales to handle complex, high-volume service environments.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and automation
- Robust AI and analytics for proactive service
- Enterprise-scale integrations and security
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- Prohibitively expensive for small teams
- Overkill for basic helpdesk needs
Best For
Large enterprises with complex IT service management and high-volume ticketing requirements.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $100+ per user/month for ITSM modules, billed annually with volume discounts.
Zoho Desk
enterpriseAffordable omnichannel helpdesk solution with AI-powered automation and seamless CRM integrations.
Zia AI assistant for predictive ticket routing, sentiment analysis, and automated responses
Zoho Desk is a cloud-based helpdesk software that streamlines customer support by managing tickets across multiple channels like email, chat, phone, social media, and web portals. It features automation workflows, AI-driven insights through Zia, customizable SLAs, and robust reporting for efficient team collaboration. Designed for scalability, it integrates seamlessly with the Zoho ecosystem and third-party apps, making it suitable for growing businesses.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
- Comprehensive omnichannel support and strong automation
- Deep integrations with Zoho suite and 500+ apps
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered for beginners
- Advanced customization requires a learning curve
- Reporting lacks some depth compared to enterprise rivals
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking cost-effective, scalable helpdesk software with excellent Zoho ecosystem integration.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 agents; Standard $14/agent/mo, Professional $23/agent/mo, Enterprise $40/agent/mo (billed annually).
Help Scout
otherConversational email and chat support tool focused on personalized customer interactions and shared inboxes.
Conversational shared inbox that unifies emails, chats, and forms into threaded, human-like conversations
Help Scout is a web-based customer support platform that emphasizes human-centered conversations through a shared inbox for emails, live chat, and self-service tools. It includes features like Help Scout Docs for knowledge bases, Beacon for embeddable contact forms, and automation workflows to streamline ticket management. Designed for teams prioritizing personalized support over complex enterprise ticketing, it integrates with popular tools like Slack and Zapier.
Pros
- Intuitive, email-like shared inbox that maintains conversation context
- Beautiful, easy-to-build knowledge base with Docs
- Strong automation and workflows without a steep learning curve
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in lower tiers
- No native phone or SMS support
- Per-user pricing can become expensive for larger teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized teams focused on email, chat, and self-service support who want a simple, conversational helpdesk experience.
Pricing
Standard ($20/user/mo), Plus ($40/user/mo), Pro ($65/user/mo) billed annually; 15-day free trial, no free plan.
Intercom
enterpriseCustomer messaging platform combining live chat, helpdesk ticketing, and targeted messaging for growth.
Fin AI agent for autonomous query handling and proactive customer outreach
Intercom is a comprehensive customer messaging platform designed for web-based helpdesk and support, enabling live chat, automated bots, ticketing, and customer relationship management. It excels in real-time customer engagement, proactive messaging, and integrating support with sales and marketing workflows. With robust analytics and a unified inbox, it helps teams resolve issues faster while gathering insights to improve products.
Pros
- Advanced AI bots and automation for self-service support
- Deep customer data insights and segmentation
- Seamless integrations with 300+ tools including Slack and Salesforce
Cons
- High pricing that scales quickly with user volume
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Overkill and costly for small teams or basic needs
Best For
Growing SaaS and e-commerce companies seeking integrated customer support, engagement, and growth tools.
Pricing
Starts at $74/month (billed annually) for Essential plan with 1 seat and limited users; scales to $139+/month for Advanced/Expert tiers based on monthly active users, with custom enterprise pricing.
LiveAgent
enterpriseAll-in-one helpdesk with real-time chat, ticketing, call center, and multichannel support capabilities.
Universal Inbox that merges emails, chats, social media, and calls into one unified view for seamless handling
LiveAgent is a comprehensive web-based helpdesk software that unifies customer support across multiple channels including live chat, email, social media, phone calls, and a self-service portal. It offers robust ticketing management, automation rules, canned responses, and detailed reporting to streamline agent workflows and improve response times. Additionally, it includes a built-in knowledge base and CRM features for enhanced customer relationship management.
Pros
- Omnichannel support consolidates all communications into a single universal inbox
- Strong automation and SLA management for efficient ticketing
- Generous free plan and scalable pricing for growing teams
Cons
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced reporting and customization limited to higher tiers
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one multi-channel helpdesk solution without high costs.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $15/agent/month (Ticket), $25 (Ticket+Chat), $49 (All-inclusive), with Enterprise custom pricing; billed annually.
HubSpot Service Hub
enterpriseCRM-integrated service platform providing free ticketing, knowledge base, and customer feedback tools.
360-degree customer view integrating service data with sales and marketing for personalized support
HubSpot Service Hub is a customer service platform within the HubSpot CRM ecosystem, offering tools for ticketing, shared inboxes, live chat, knowledge bases, and customer feedback surveys. It enables teams to manage support requests efficiently while providing a unified 360-degree customer view by integrating with HubSpot's marketing and sales hubs. Ideal for scaling businesses, it emphasizes automation, analytics, and self-service options to enhance service quality and resolution times.
Pros
- Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM for unified customer data
- Robust automation, workflows, and reporting capabilities
- Free starter plan with essential helpdesk features
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced tiers and additional seats
- Overkill and complex for teams not using the full HubSpot ecosystem
- Limited standalone customization compared to dedicated helpdesk tools
Best For
Growing businesses already invested in HubSpot CRM that need integrated customer service and ticketing.
Pricing
Free tools available; Starter from $20/user/month (billed annually); Professional $90/user/month; Enterprise $150/user/month.
Kayako
enterpriseModern helpdesk software unifying email, chat, and self-service into a single customer service workspace.
Unified agent workspace combining tickets, chat, and self-service in one view
Kayako is a web-based helpdesk software that provides a unified platform for managing customer support across email, chat, social media, and self-service portals. It offers robust ticketing, automation, SLA management, and reporting tools to help teams deliver efficient support. Designed for scaling businesses, it emphasizes agent productivity and customer satisfaction through AI-powered features and integrations.
Pros
- Unified workspace for all channels
- Powerful automation and SLA tools
- Strong analytics and reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced features
- Steep learning curve for complex setups
- Limited free plan options
Best For
Mid-sized teams needing an all-in-one platform for multi-channel support with automation.
Pricing
Starts at $15/agent/month (Grow plan, billed annually); Plus at $30/agent/month; custom Enterprise pricing.
Conclusion
This review of top web-based helpdesk software showcases tools that cater to diverse needs, with Zendesk leading as the top choice for its comprehensive, cloud-based support, automation, and analytics. Freshdesk stands out for its user-friendly design and strong ticketing/collaboration features, while Jira Service Management excels with advanced ITSM capabilities and integrations, making it ideal for IT and business service desks. Together, these platforms offer reliable solutions to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.
Explore Zendesk to leverage its robust, all-in-one capabilities—your team and customers will benefit from its flexibility, automation, and insightful tools to deliver exceptional service.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
