Zendesk vs Help Scout (October 2026)
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Help Scout
Shared inbox and help centre for small teams, with a free plan and AI answers.
Visit Help ScoutVerdict. Zendesk has the lower entry price (USD 19.00 against USD 25.00). Help Scout also has a free plan; Zendesk does not. Zendesk confirms 1 of our 3 key features; Help Scout confirms 3.
Side by side
| Feature | Zendesk | Help Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan | Support Team: USD 19 per agent per month, annual | Standard: USD 25 per user per month |
| Other plan or fee | Suite Team: USD 55 per agent per month, annual | Free |
| Another plan or fee | Suite Professional: USD 115 per agent per month, annual | Plus: USD 45 per user per month |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| AI agent or AI answers | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Number of plans listed | 3 | 3 |
| Our score | 61/100 (#4 of 5) | 79/100 (#1 of 5) |
| Best for | Good all-round option | Best free starting point |
| A year on the cheapest paid plan | USD 228 (billed yearly) per user | USD 300 per user |
| Notes | 14-day free trial | AI Answers at USD 0.75 per resolution |
Shaded cells mark the lower price. Sources: Zendesk, Help Scout.
Which to choose
Choose Zendesk if you want the lower starting price.
Choose Help Scout if its features above matter more to you than price.
See all options: best help desk software.
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