45+ Zendesk Alternatives You Can Deploy for Customer Support

The Internet has transformed many things since its inception, most important being communication around the world. The barriers that existed before the Internet have been broken down as people now are more open and connected through the Internet. Another area where the Internet left its impact was businesses around the world.

In a transformation where ways of communication changed, it was not long before that the customers of these companies around the world also evolved. It is during this very transformation journey where businesses understood the power of communication and the importance of keeping customers happy.

With the emergence of more and more open platforms on the Internet, customers were no longer restricted from speaking their minds about the products they used- whether good or bad- it was all out in the open.

Thus, came along customer service- a division that almost every business deemed necessary existence.  Because after all, there would be no business without a client.

Customer satisfaction services quickly gained popularity and went a long way.

According to a study by American Express, on an average, consumers say they’d pay a premium of 14 percent for superior service.

On looking at the efficacy of an excellent customer service which resulted in improved products and a higher number of retained customers, it was time to make-the serving customers much easier than what it was. Managing customers and keeping records of services offered for higher customer Satisfaction meant a lot of data. The data kept piling up as it would be curated from diverse platforms that shall include live chat email, social platforms, calls records, and others.

Hence some customer service management platforms emerged in the market to help businesses and their support teams.

Some of the customer service management tools will be reviewed here which might help you choose better from the lot. So let’s start with one of the most popular of the players:

A relatively popular name amongst the customer service management players, Zendesk probably offers every single feature that you may require for a smooth customer service operations. The tool believes in converting customer queries into conversations thus helping the business build healthy business relationships with their customers

All the features that you see on this platforms Seem to emerge out of the objective that they have boldly displayed on their website. Now, this may sound a bit confusing to some- all of their flagship features have Been segregated as products that you can choose from for your business.

a. Support

Probably one of the most important and fundamental features for any customer service management portal, ‘Support’ itself offers a plethora of features.

To name a few, multichannel communication helps in reaching out to-the client through various platforms such as email live chat, social, talk, text, and message. Multilingual services offer to support in over 40 languages, and the provision to create your workflows or ‘rules’ for effective ticket Management makes things much simpler.

Moreover, there is also a provision to Collaborate on the platform, by just ‘CC-ing’ your colleagues for sharing required information.

b. Explore (Analytics and Reporting)

Zendesk believes that customer service improves if it is driven by accurate data and this where data analytics into customer behavior and problems, comes into the picture.

Again, this feature offers a list of extremely helpful features under it- right from the ability to measure customer experience and product behavior tracking to Salesforce data integration as well as trend spotting for improved operational excellence.

c. Connect (Proactive Campaigns)

A relatively new feature, the idea of introducing Connect is to anticipate customer requirements well in time and reach out to them Proactively- quite a move to strike-a long-lasting relationship with your clients!

Following this practice lets, you add a personal touch to your customer service and helps you build customer loyalty for your business. The feature allows you to reach out to your clients through customized email campaigns to keep them engaged and informed, and also through In- product contextual messages.

Pricing: There is an option to choosing a 30-day free trial, and if you don’t mind paying for the services then the packages begin from $5 to about $200 per user per month.

Disadvantages and Drawbacks of Zendesk:

We conducted a thorough analysis of each alternative to Zendesk, uncovering some impressive built-in features and attractive pricing models. These tools initially appeared to be the solution we needed, so we decided to test several of them. However, the journey turned out to be more complex than expected. Based on our experience with these tools in the context of a small business team, we have rated them on a scale from 1 to 5 stars below:

Let’s begin with our list of Top Zendesk alternatives:

1. FreshDesk

A cloud-based customer service portal comes along with a bundle of transformational features that your business would totally love. Amongst the first of its kind, FreshDesk really is a competing choice when it comes to offering a fantastic customer experience.

a. Customized Branding

While sending Emails from your FreshDesk account, you get the option of completely customizing them with your company logos and colors. By using such an approach, you not only deliver a personalized experience but also get a chance to create a strong recall value for your brand.

b. Agent Collision

Freshdesk notifies you beforehand in case of an agent collision situation. If your colleague accidentally or not, opens up a ticket already assigned to you, a notification is sent to both the parties. The feature reduces the chances of duplicated efforts as well as an additional communication to the client.

c. Gamification

Another cool featured offered by Freshdesk allows you to incentivize your staff for successfully competing for Targets. The points added for each employee lead them to display the quality of their service, in a way recognizing their efforts company-wide.

Pricing: The pricing plans have Been very smartly named as the Sprout, Blossom, Garden, Estate, and Blossom. The Sprout plan gets yous tarted for free, with plans going up to almost $90 for a month.

Update: Freshdesk is GDPR and CCPA ready, and they have added all the mandatory features to their tools to make it GDPR and CCPA compliant.

Some of them are delete ticket API, delete forever and other similar operations.

Comparative Analysis: FeshDesk vs Zendesk

FreshDesk strengths lie in its ability to provide a streamlined, user-friendly service desk solution that balances functionality with ease of use, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize efficient operation without the need for extensive customization.

2. Zoho Desk

Zoho Desk sets itself apart with its focus on context-aware service and AI capabilities, which are not as developed in Zendesk. Standout features include:

• Zia AI: Offers conversational AI for customer support, suggesting solutions based on past tickets.
• Contextual Collaboration: Integrates with Zoho CRM to provide customer context directly within the ticketing system.
• Blueprints: Automates complex workflows and ensures process adherence.

Comparative Analysis: Zoho Desk vs Zendesk

Zoho Desk is particularly strong for businesses that are already using Zoho products or that require sophisticated AI capabilities in their customer support operations, making it a viable alternative for those looking for an integrated and intelligent customer service platform.

3. HubSpot Service Hub

HubSpot Service Hub integrates seamlessly with HubSpot CRM ecosystem, providing a unified platform that combines sales, marketing, and customer service tools. Key unique features include:

• Customer Feedback Tools: Allows collection and analysis of customer feedback directly through surveys and NPS scores.
• Knowledge Base Management: Enables customers to help themselves with an easily manageable knowledge base.
• Automation and Routing: Features advanced automation for ticket routing and task management.
• Reporting and Analytics: Offers detailed reports and dashboards for deep insights into performance and customer satisfaction.

Comparative Table: HubSpot Service Hub vs. Zendesk

4. Hiver

Hiver transforms Gmail into a powerful customer support and collaboration tool, which sets it apart from traditional platforms like Zendesk. Here’s what makes Hiver unique:

• Native Gmail Integration: Operates entirely within Gmail, utilizing familiar interfaces and tools to manage customer interactions without the need for external software.
• Shared Inboxes: Simplifies team collaboration by turning Gmail into a shared inbox that helps in managing and distributing support emails.
• Email Tags for Organization: Uses tags to categorize and prioritize emails directly within Gmail.
• Automation Features: Includes rule-based automation for assigning, tracking, and closing emails, reducing manual workloads.

Comparative Table: Hiver vs. Zendesk

Hiver provides a streamlined, intuitive solution for teams that want to manage customer support directly from Gmail, making it a practical choice for smaller teams or organizations looking for a simple, integrated solution.

5. LiveAgent

LiveAgent distinguishes itself with a robust set of tools designed for real-time customer interaction. Here’s how it stands out:

• Real-Time Chat: LiveAgent includes a built-in live chat support tool that facilitates instant communication with customers.
• Video Calling: Offers video calling capabilities directly from the help desk, enhancing the support experience.
• Universal Inbox: Combines all communications, including emails, chats, and social media messages, into a single, manageable interface.

Comparative Table: LiveAgent vs. Zendesk

LiveAgent is ideal for businesses that prioritize real-time engagement, offering tools that facilitate immediate communication and a high level of customer service interaction.

6. Kayako

Another customer service software that offers unified customer services, Kayako follows a couple of objectives that make them a competitive choice. Although not too great when it comes to an overall view, but the idea here is to bridge the gap between customers and the support agents, which is an excellent way to lead a product towards success.

When compared to its other Zendesk alternatives, Kayako will seem to be a step behind the rest.

Comparative Table: Kayako vs. Zendesk

Kayako excels in environments where personalized customer service is crucial, offering tools that foster meaningful interactions at every touchpoint.

7. Keeping

Keeping transforms Gmail into a powerful customer support tool, allowing teams to manage emails efficiently with features like shared inboxes, status tracking, and collision detection. Its integration with popular platforms such as HubSpot and Shopify streamlines workflow further, ensuring all tools are accessible within Gmail.

Keeping offers a variety of pricing plans to fit different team sizes and needs, starting with a basic plan of $12 per month, that covers essential features. Each subsequent plan builds on this, adding more sophisticated capabilities such as advanced analytics and increased automation options.

For businesses using Gmail and looking for a straightforward, effective tool to manage customer interactions without the overhead of more complex systems, Keeping presents a compelling alternative to Zendesk. Its focus on integration, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness makes it particularly suitable for small to medium enterprises aiming to enhance their customer support efficiently.

Comparative Table: Keeping vs. Zendesk

Keeping is particularly effective for small teams or businesses that rely heavily on Gmail and want a straightforward tool to manage customer support without switching between applications.

8. Groove

Another tool built to manage online customer support teams, Groove stands out for its simple design and ease of use. The objective on Groove is to convert support tickets into amazing customer experiences. The platform is divided basis the services that the complete tool can offer. Each of these products then delivers with the help of certain features built for a particular use:

a. Ticketing

A range of activities can be taken care of with this ticketing system product- right from ticket management regarding assigning owners and private notes meant for behind the scenes collaboration to Custom Profiles for viewing customer data from the CRM as well as using canned responses to frequent questions.

b. Knowledge Base

Features like the Knowledge base are a repository of solutions that are always available online for your customer when your support team is not available.

The answers here are always searchable with the functionality of custom branding for your company.

The repository is available in over 12 different languages.

c. Support Widget

A live chat feature can be installed on your customer’s device in the form of a widget which can be removed once their queries are resolved. They may also choose to keep it even after the problem resolution for quick referencing in the future. It can also be customized with logo and other branding elements.

Pricing: When billed annually, you may start using the product for a fee, with the cost going up to $20 per user per month.

Comparative Table: Groove vs. Zendesk

Groove is especially suited for small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize ease of use and efficient customer interaction management without the need for extensive customization or integration.

9. Apptentive

Apptentive focuses no helping you build a brand that your customers would love. It’s a fact that the overall experience of using the product becomes a part of the entire brand building exercise. Hence, taking care of customer satisfaction here becomes crucial. Again focusing on delivering a great mobile experience, let’s see how Apptentive features mobile engagement has been built to help you keep your customers happy.

Comparative Table: Apptentive vs. Zendesk

Apptentive is ideal for businesses focused on enhancing mobile app user engagement and gathering specific feedback to improve app functionality and user satisfaction.

1. Intercom

Intercom stands out by emphasizing messaging-first customer support and engagement, focusing on conversational experiences. Unique features include:

• Behavior Triggered Messaging: Sends automated messages based on user behavior, enhancing engagement.
• Custom Bots: Uses AI-driven bots to automate conversations and workflows, providing immediate responses to common inquiries.
• In-App Messaging: Allows support and engagement directly within mobile apps or websites, offering a seamless user experience.

Comparative Table: Intercom vs. Zendesk

Intercom is ideal for businesses looking to actively engage users through real-time, conversational interfaces, making it suitable for those prioritizing immediate customer interaction.

2. Front

Front revolutionizes team communication by turning email inboxes into a collaborative platform. Here’s how it differentiates from Zendesk:

• Shared Team Inboxes: Front allows teams to manage a shared email inbox efficiently, ensuring transparency and faster responses.
• Integration with Communication Tools: Integrates seamlessly with other communication tools like Slack, enhancing teamwork.
• Customer Communication History: Provides a timeline view of all communications with a customer, accessible to the whole team.

Comparative Table: Front vs. Zendesk

Front is particularly well-suited for businesses that want to enhance collaboration among team members and streamline communication processes directly through their existing email systems.

3. Tidio

Tidio uniquely blends live chat functionality with artificial intelligence to enhance the speed and quality of customer service interactions. Here’s what makes Tidio stand out:

• AI Chatbots: Provides advanced AI chatbots that can automatically resolve common inquiries and support requests, reducing the need for human intervention.
• Real-Time Visitor Monitoring: Enables real-time tracking of website visitors, offering insights that can be used to initiate proactive conversations.
• Easy Integration: Seamlessly integrates with popular eCommerce platforms, enhancing its utility for online businesses.

Comparative Table: Tidio vs. Zendesk

Tidio is particularly suited for small to medium-sized businesses that require efficient, automated customer support interactions at a competitive price point.

4. HelpCrunch

HelpCrunch sets itself apart by integrating marketing automation with customer support, which enhances both user engagement and service effectiveness. Here’s what makes HelpCrunch unique:

• Marketing Automation: Combines marketing automation tools with live chat and email marketing capabilities.
• Proactive Chat Invitations: Automatically invites visitors to chat based on their behavior on the website, increasing engagement.
• Customizable Pop-ups: Uses customizable pop-ups to capture leads and provide tailored messaging.

Comparative Table: HelpCrunch vs. Zendesk

HelpCrunch is ideal for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that need to integrate their marketing and customer support into one seamless platform.

5. Happyfox

Happyfox stands out with a user-friendly interface and robust automation capabilities. Here’s what makes Happyfox unique:

• Smart Rules for Automation: Automates routine tasks and workflows to streamline operations.
• Multi-Channel Support: Integrates various support channels into one platform, including email, social media, and chat.
• Mobile App: Provides a fully functional mobile app to manage customer interactions on the go.

Another help desk solution that provides multi-channel customer support, Happyfox offers some seamless integration options and a vast knowledge base for customers to make the most of.

Comparative Table: Happyfox vs. Zendesk

Happyfox is particularly well-suited for small to medium enterprises that value simplicity and effectiveness in their customer support software.

6. Crisp

Crisp stands out with its strong focus on real-time engagement and multichannel capabilities. Here are some unique aspects:

• Unified Messaging Platform: Crisp combines all communication channels into one interface, including live chat, email, and social media.
• MagicMap: Offers a real-time visitor map to see where in the world users are engaging from.
• Crisp Bots: Provides chatbot functionality that can be customized without coding knowledge.

Comparative Table: Crisp vs. Zendesk

Crisp is ideal for startups and small businesses that need a straightforward, effective platform for customer engagement across multiple channels.

7. Tawk.to

Tawk.to is known for its simplicity and effectiveness in providing live chat solutions, making it distinct from more comprehensive platforms like Zendesk. Key features include:

• Free Access: Tawk.to is fundamentally free, which is a standout feature compared to most competitors.
• Screen Sharing: Offers screen sharing capabilities within the chat to aid in solving customer issues directly.
• Customizable Widgets: Users can customize chat widgets to match their website aesthetics.

Comparative Table: Tawk.to vs. Zendesk

Tawk.to is particularly well-suited for small businesses or startups looking for a no-cost solution to initiate customer communication through live chat.

8. Helpshift

Helpshift is particularly strong in mobile support, providing in-app customer service solutions that integrate seamlessly with mobile applications, unlike Zendesk which is more web-centric. Notable features include:

• In-App Messaging: Allows users to receive support without leaving the app.
• AI Bots: Employs AI to handle common queries and provide instant responses.
• Proactive Campaigns: Sends targeted messages based on user behavior and app usage.

Since businesses all around the globe are opting for a mobile-first strategy, pretty much everything is now available on our mobile devices. With a plethora of mobile applications coming up for every little service that a customer seeks out, there needs to a ton of backend support ready to take on this growing challenge.

Comparative Table: Helpshift vs. Zendesk

Helpshift is ideal for companies that focus on mobile app interactions, providing tools that enhance user experience directly within the app environment.

9. Dixa

Dixa offers a customer-centric approach termed as a “Customer Friendship Platform,” focusing on creating personal connections with customers. Distinct features include:

• Unified Interface: Combines phone, email, chat, and messaging within a single platform.
• Customer Recognition: Automatically recognizes returning customers and their history to provide a personalized experience.
• Real-Time Performance Metrics: Offers live data and metrics for managing team performance and customer interactions.

Comparative Table: Dixa vs. Zendesk

Dixa is especially suited for businesses that prioritize a holistic and personal approach to customer service, striving to turn simple interactions into lasting customer relationships.

10. HelpScout

HelpScout is known for its focus on simplicity and providing a personalized customer service experience. Distinct features include:

• Beacon: Integrates directly into websites to offer live chat, an in-app messaging system, and help documentation.
• Reports Dashboard: Provides detailed insights into customer satisfaction and team performance with an intuitive interface.
• Docs Knowledge Base: Facilitates self-service by allowing businesses to create a searchable knowledge base easily.

Comparative Table: HelpScout vs. Zendesk

HelpScout is ideal for businesses looking for a simple, effective tool to manage customer interactions without the complexity of larger systems.

11. Kustomer

Kustomer stands out with its emphasis on integrating all customer interactions into a single timeline view, offering a comprehensive understanding of the customer journey. Key features include:

• Unified Customer View: Compiles all data and interactions from different channels into a single customer profile.
• AI and Automation: Utilizes AI to automate responses and workflows, enhancing efficiency.
• Customization and Integration: Highly customizable and integrates easily with various business tools.

Comparative Table: Kustomer vs. Zendesk

Kustomer is particularly well-suited for businesses that require a holistic view of their customers to deliver personalized, efficient support.

12. Gorgias

Gorgias is tailored specifically for e-commerce businesses, offering deep integration with platforms like Shopify and Magento. Key features include:

• E-commerce Integration: Automatically syncs customer data and order history from e-commerce platforms.
• Revenue Impact Reporting: Tracks support interactions’ direct impact on sales.
• Automation Rules: Customizable triggers for automated responses based on customer actions.

Comparative Table: Gorgias vs. Zendesk

Gorgias is particularly suited for e-commerce businesses looking to provide highly personalized customer service directly linked to their online platforms.

This table represent the key features of above platforms with ratings for each product on a scale of 1 to 5:

1. HelpSpot

HelpSpot emphasizes a streamlined and efficient approach to handling customer issues, particularly suited for managing large volumes of support requests. Key features include:

• Customizable Help Desk: Allows full customization of the help desk interface to fit specific business processes.
• Integrated Knowledge Base: Provides an integrated system for building and maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base, aimed at reducing repeat inquiries.
• Reporting Tools: Features robust reporting tools that deliver insights into support team performance and customer satisfaction.

Comparative Table: HelpSpot vs. Zendesk

HelpSpot is particularly suitable for organizations looking for a robust, customizable help desk solution that can effectively manage large volumes of support requests.

2. Gladly

Gladly focuses on a customer-centered approach where all communications are tied to individuals rather than tickets. Key unique features include:

• Customer Lifetime Conversation: Offers a timeline view of every customer’s conversation history across all channels.
• Radial View: Provides a 360-degree view of the customer, integrating past purchases, preferences, and interaction history.
• Voice Integration: Seamlessly integrates with voice calls, enabling service across digital and voice channels.

Comparative Table: Gladly vs. Zendesk

Gladly is ideal for businesses that want to shift from a ticket-based to a relationship-based customer service model, providing a more personalized customer experience.

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 stands out by integrating CRM and ERP capabilities into a comprehensive business management suite. Key features include:

• Seamless Integration with Other Microsoft Products: Enhances productivity with native integration to Office 365, Outlook, and Teams.
• Customizable AI Insights: Provides AI-driven insights and recommendations tailored to business needs.
• Extensive Customization: Offers deep customization and automation across sales, customer service, field service, and operations.

Comparative Table: Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs. Zendesk

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is ideally suited for large organizations looking for an all-encompassing suite that not only manages customer interactions but also connects to other business functions for a unified operation.

4. ServiceNow CSM

ServiceNow Customer Service Management (CSM) is designed to streamline workflows and integrate deeply with IT and operations within large organizations. Its unique features include:

• ITSM and Operations Integration: Seamlessly integrates customer service with IT service management and operational workflows.
• AI and Machine Learning: Utilizes advanced AI to optimize service processes and offer predictive analytics.
• Proactive Service Solutions: Identifies trends and issues to proactively address service needs before they become customer problems.

Comparative Table: ServiceNow CSM vs. Zendesk

ServiceNow CSM is ideal for large corporations that require a robust platform capable of integrating various aspects of business operations into a unified customer service experience.

5. SolarWinds Service Desk

SolarWinds Service Desk specializes in IT service management (ITSM), offering features that focus on internal IT support and asset management. Distinct features include:

• Asset Management: Integrates IT asset tracking and management directly into the service desk.
• ITIL Alignment: Supports ITIL best practices out of the box for structured service delivery.
• Advanced Reporting: Offers extensive reporting capabilities vs tailored for IT services.

Comparative Table: SolarWinds Service Desk vs. Zendesk

SolarWinds Service Desk is particularly effective for organizations seeking a robust ITSM solution with integrated asset management capabilities.

6. User.com

User.com is unique in its comprehensive integration of marketing automation with customer support. Key features include:

• Advanced Marketing Automation: Integrates email marketing, SMS, and more directly with customer service tools.
• Custom User Tracking: Provides detailed tracking of user behavior across the website and apps for personalized interactions.
• Built-in CRM: Offers a full CRM system that manages all customer data alongside support activities.

Comparative Table: User.com vs. Zendesk

User.com is ideal for businesses that want to tightly integrate their marketing efforts with their customer support operations, offering a holistic view of customer interactions.

7. UserVoice

UserVoice stands out by specializing in collecting and managing customer feedback to inform product development. Key features include:

• Feedback Management: Centralizes customer feedback for product teams to prioritize and track.
• SmartVote: Allows users to vote on features, giving insights into customer demand.
• Roadmap Communication: Provides tools to communicate product roadmaps back to customers.

Comparative Table: UserVoice vs. Zendesk

UserVoice is ideal for organizations that prioritize direct customer input in product development, offering tools that facilitate feedback collection and management.

Staying true to its name, Uservoice has been built to gauge and measure the customer feedback, basis which rest of the features can be applied to deliver better customer services. Since there’s no better way to understand a customer than by asking them the questions directly, this particular approach to achieving improved results is not only logical but also practical.

8. Trengo

Trengo offers robust multi-channel messaging capabilities that simplify communication across various platforms. Distinct features include:

• Unified Messaging Inbox: Combines messages from social media, email, chat, and voice into a single inbox.
• Flowbots: Automates conversations across different channels using customizable bots.
• Collaboration Tools: Allows team members to collaborate within the same platform, enhancing internal communication.

Comparative Table: Trengo vs. Zendesk

Trengo is particularly suited for businesses that require an efficient way to manage multiple communication channels through a single platform, offering tools that facilitate seamless customer interactions.

9. ProProfs Help Desk

ProProfs Help Desk is designed to simplify the support process with an emphasis on team collaboration and customer satisfaction. Key features include:

• Integrated Knowledge Base: Seamlessly integrates a knowledge base to facilitate self-service.
• Shared Inboxes: Allows teams to manage emails collaboratively, ensuring no customer queries are overlooked.
• Satisfaction Ratings: Easily gathers customer feedback directly through the support ticket interface.

Comparative Table: ProProfs Help Desk vs. Zendesk

ProProfs Help Desk is particularly effective for small to medium-sized businesses that need an easy-to-use, collaborative support solution.

10. Salesforce Service Cloud

Salesforce Service Cloud excels with its deep integration into the Salesforce ecosystem, providing a seamless connection between customer service, sales, and marketing. Key features include:

• 360 Customer View: Offers a complete view of the customer across all Salesforce applications.
• AI-powered Insights: Leverages Salesforce’s Einstein AI for predictive analytics and automated task handling.
• Extensive Customization: Highly customizable platform with a vast marketplace of apps through AppExchange.

Comparative Table: Salesforce Service Cloud vs. Zendesk

Salesforce Service Cloud is particularly well-suited for large organizations that require a unified platform to manage customer relationships across all business functions.

11. Jira Service Management

Jira Service Management is designed for ITSM and DevOps, with deep integration into software development environments. It excels in:

• ITSM and DevOps Integration: Seamlessly integrates with development tools for better coordination between IT and development teams.
• Incident Management: Advanced incident management capabilities that tie directly into development pipelines.
• Customizable Workflows: Highly customizable workflows that support various IT and DevOps processes.

Comparative Table: Jira Service Management vs. Zendesk

Jira Service Management is ideal for organizations that need to integrate IT support with ongoing software development and operations, offering specialized tools that enhance collaboration across technical teams.

12. Helpjuice

Helpjuice is designed specifically for creating, managing, and optimizing knowledge bases. Unique features include:

• Advanced Customization: Offers extensive options for customizing the look and functionality of the knowledge base to match company branding.
• Powerful Search Engine: Incorporates a powerful search engine that helps users find information quickly and efficiently.
• Analytics and Insights: Provides detailed analytics on how the knowledge base is used, helping to improve content continuously.

Comparative Table: Helpjuice vs. Zendesk

Helpjuice is ideal for organizations that prioritize detailed, efficient knowledge management as a core component of their customer service strategy.

13. AzureDesk

AzureDesk is designed to provide a simple and efficient customer support experience with features tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Notable features include:

• Integrated Knowledge Base: Directly integrates a knowledge base within the support platform.
• JIRA Integration: Offers seamless integration with JIRA, enhancing task and issue tracking.
• Single Interface for Multiple Channels: Manages emails, social media, and other support channels through a single interface.

Comparative Table: AzureDesk vs. Zendesk

AzureDesk is ideal for businesses that require a straightforward, cost-effective solution without the complexity of more extensive platforms like Zendesk.

14. Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk

Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk is specifically designed for IT support, providing features that cater to managing IT tasks and assets. It includes:

• IT Asset Management: Integrates tools for tracking and managing IT hardware and software assets.
• Community Integration: Access to a vibrant community of IT professionals for support and advice.
• Completely Free: The platform is ad-supported, making it free to use without any subscription fees.

Comparative Table: Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk vs. Zendesk

Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk is especially suitable for IT departments and small businesses that need essential help desk functionalities without the overhead of subscription costs.

15. Alchemer

Alchemer focuses on customer feedback through advanced survey tools and integration capabilities, differentiating itself from Zendesk’s broader customer support focus. Key features include:

• Flexible Survey Creation: Allows for highly customizable survey designs that can adapt to various feedback needs.
• Data Integration: Seamlessly integrates survey data with CRM and other business systems.
• Action-Based Feedback System: Automatically triggers actions based on survey responses to improve responsiveness.

Comparative Table: Alchemer vs. Zendesk

Alchemer is ideal for organizations that prioritize in-depth customer feedback and require sophisticated survey tools to gather and act on this data.

1. Chatwoot

Chatwoot offers a fully open-source platform for customer engagement, providing flexibility and control over the software. Key features include:

• Open-Source Flexibility: Allows businesses to customize and extend the platform according to their specific needs.
• Multi-Channel Support: Supports communication across various channels, including email, chat, and social media.
• Real-Time Dashboard: Offers real-time tracking of customer interactions and team performance.

Comparative Table: Chatwoot vs. Zendesk

Chatwoot is ideal for organizations that value customization and open-source software, offering the ability to tailor the platform to their exact needs.

2. Chaskiq

Chaskiq is an open-source alternative that offers a robust set of tools for real-time messaging and automation. Its key features include:

• Open-Source Customizability: Enables deep customization and integration with existing systems.
• Marketing Automation Tools: Incorporates features for drip campaigns and targeted messaging within the chat interface.
• Multilingual Support: Provides native support for multiple languages, enhancing global customer engagement.

Comparative Table: Chaskiq vs. Zendesk

Chaskiq is particularly suitable for businesses that want a hands-on approach to configuring their communication tools, offering significant cost savings and adaptability for tech-savvy teams.

3. Zammad

Unique Features Compared to Zendesk
Zammad offers a robust, open-source helpdesk solution focusing on simplicity and efficiency. Key features include:

• Open-Source Model: Provides complete access to source code for customization.
• Built-in Chat: Integrates a live chat function that allows direct interaction with customers.
• Multi-Channel Support: Manages emails, social media, and telephone communications from a single platform.

Comparative Table: Zammad vs. Zendesk

Zammad is ideal for businesses looking for a flexible, open-source helpdesk solution that they can tailor to their specific needs.

4. UVDesk

UVDesk offers an open-source, fully customizable helpdesk solution that focuses on community-driven enhancements. Key features include:

• Open-Source Community Edition: Provides a community edition that’s fully customizable and extendable.
• Built-in Knowledge Base: Integrates a knowledge base module to help reduce ticket volume.
• Workflow Automation: Allows for the creation of automated workflows to streamline support processes.

Comparative Table: UVDesk vs. Zendesk

UVDesk is ideal for companies that want a flexible, scalable helpdesk solution that they can tailor to meet their specific needs.

5. Redmine

Redmine is primarily a project management tool with issue tracking capabilities that can be adapted to serve as a helpdesk. Unique features include:

• Project Management: Strong project management features, including Gantt charts and calendars.
• Flexibility: Highly flexible with a wide range of plugins and themes.
• Open-Source: Completely open-source, allowing for extensive customization and integration.

Comparative Table: Redmine vs. Zendesk

Redmine is ideal for organizations looking for a dual-purpose tool that combines project management with basic helpdesk functionality, especially those that are comfortable with customization.

6. OSTicket

OSTicket is an open-source ticketing tool that offers basic helpdesk functionality. Its features include:

• Open-Source and Customizable: Allows for extensive modifications to meet specific needs.
• Simple Interface: Focused on simplicity and ease of use.
• Email Integration: Efficiently manages and integrates email correspondence into tickets.

Comparative Table: OSTicket vs. Zendesk

OSTicket is ideal for organizations that need a straightforward, cost-effective ticket management system without the extensive bells and whistles of more complex platforms.

7. Faveo

Faveo is an open-source helpdesk system, designed to provide customer support with built-in tools tailored for startups and SMBs. Notable features include:

• Open-Source Nature: Offers customization flexibility for specific business requirements.
• Built-In Knowledge Base: Helps reduce ticket volume by enabling customers to find answers themselves.
• Priority Support: For enterprises that need dedicated support, Faveo offers paid priority support options.

Comparative Table: Faveo vs. Zendesk

Faveo is especially well-suited for companies that require a flexible, cost-effective solution that they can tailor to their specific needs, whereas Zendesk offers a more robust, ready-to-use platform.

8. FreeScout

FreeScout is an open-source alternative to Zendesk, focusing on providing a free, customizable helpdesk solution. It’s notable for:

• No Licensing Fees: Completely free to use with no per-agent costs.
• Modular Design: Allows for extensions and modules to add specific features.
• Self-Hosting Capability: Offers the flexibility to host on your own servers for full control over data.

Comparative Table: FreeScout vs. Zendesk

FreeScout is ideal for organizations that need a basic, cost-effective helpdesk solution and have the capability to manage self-hosting and customization.

1. ConvergeHub

Convergehub is a CRM tool meant for small to medium-sized businesses that have the ability to manage all your billing needs, customer management, support requirements from one place. This tool is affordable and prevents the hassle that comes with managing multiple software tools for different needs.

ConvergeHub offers multi-channel marketing functionality which allows businesses to capitalize on diverse broadcast mediums and build stringer connections across several touch-points.

The paid plan of this tool starts @ $11 per month.

2. EnagageBay

Engagebay is another CRM that is affordable and offers features of sales, marketing, and services into one dashboard. It helps you automate key business processes that can help you concentrate on your business growth. Its features include email marketing, sales, live chat, CRM, and marketing automation.

Another thing about Engagebay is that it doesn’t have a learning curve as it is very easy to get started. The starting price of this tool is $14.99 per month.

3. JivoChat

JivoChat allows companies to streamline customer communication with its customizable chat wizards. It comes packed with interesting features such as real-time visitor monitoring, hotkeys, chat logs, page view history, and a lot of options to help you engage your customers.

Jivochat is affordable and works well for small to medium-sized businesses which are super easy to use and offer plenty of helpful integrations.

The paid plan starts @ $10/agent/month.

4. Streak Crm for Gmail

Streak CRM is a unique CRM that converts your Gmail to CRM. As emails are the prime source of communication in most cases with Streak the emails are grouped together in various stages across a pipeline instead of just tags. The software is developed to be compatible with the processes that include sales, product development, fundraising, support, real estate, and even hiring.

The pricing plan starts @ $59 /user/month.

5. Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a leader in CRM and is one of the best performing software solutions. This software is capable enough to manage your company’s sales pipeline. The system is intuitive and helps you distinguish hot leads and priority deals and develop an individual approach based on the kind of category your lead is in.

It allows you to quickly customize your sales process, as in when you are negotiating a deal or just want to maintain a lead relationship.

The start price of this tool is $12.50 /user/month.

6. LiveChat

Livechat offers intensive customization in addition to 2 chat window types (pop-up or embedded), six pre-made themes for chat window, a custom chat window logo, and customizable chat buttons. It also offers a custom CSS editor with the help of which you can easily change the chat window design – functionally as well as from a design point of view.

With LiveChat, you also get full-fledged desk service with a ticketing system that helps manage your customers, with ease.

The price starts at $19/mo.

So, these were some of the leading customer service management platforms that you may instantly deploy for a successful business.

As we know that the customer is always the King, it is a wise idea to keep them happy, and good support software helps you do that.

Choosing from the above-listed zendesk alternatives can be a tricky task, however, once you figure out the exact objectives that you aim to achieve through these help desk solutions, your job should get easier.

Happy Customer Servicing!

45+ Zendesk Alternatives You Can Deploy for Customer Support

• 1About Zendesk
• 2Top Alternatives in a Chart
• 39 Top Alternatives
• 412 Top Alternatives for Small Businesses
• 515 Alternatives for Enterprise
• 68 Open Source Alternatives
• 7Overview of all the Zendesk Alternatives
• 8Other Zendesk alternatives
• 9FAQs