Zendesk alternatives (October 2026)
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4 help desk software to consider instead of Zendesk, ranked on the same published prices, free plans and features. Zendesk ranks 4th of 5 in our help desk software ranking with 61/100. 1 of them start cheaper.
Zendesk at a glance. From USD 19 per agent per month, annual. Free plan: no. Free plan: no. AI agent or AI answers: see the vendor site. Free trial: yes. Check on Zendesk's site. Full pricing.
The alternatives
- 1
Help Scout
Best free starting pointShared inbox and help centre for small teams, with a free plan and AI answers.
Compared with Zendesk
- Higher entry price: USD 25 against USD 19
- Has a free plan; Zendesk does not
- Has free plan, which Zendesk does not
- Confirms AI agent or AI answers (check Zendesk's site for these)
79/100Free plan, then USD 25 per user per month - 2
Zoho Desk
Lowest entry priceHelp desk with a free plan for 3 agents; part of the Zoho suite.
Compared with Zendesk
- Cheaper entry price: USD 4.35 against USD 19 (77% less)
- Has a free plan; Zendesk does not
- Has free plan, which Zendesk does not
77/100Free plan, then INR 420 per agent per month, annual (India price) (≈ USD 4.35) - 3
Intercom
Good all-round optionCustomer messaging with the Fin AI agent, priced per outcome.
Compared with Zendesk
- Higher entry price: USD 29 against USD 19
- Confirms AI agent or AI answers (check Zendesk's site for these)
69/100From USD 29 per seat per month - 4
Freshdesk
Good all-round optionHelp desk with ticketing, knowledge base and automations from Freshworks.
Similar price and features to Zendesk.
61/100From USD 19 per agent per month, annual
Side by side
| Product | Score | Entry price | Free plan | Free plan | AI agent or AI answers | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zendesk | 61 | USD 19 | No | No | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Help Scout | 79 | USD 25 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Zoho Desk | 77 | USD 4.35 | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Intercom | 69 | USD 29 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Freshdesk | 61 | USD 19 | No | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Yes |
Entry price is the cheapest paid plan in USD. Scores use the formula on the best help desk software page; commissions never change them.