9 Best Freshdesk Alternatives & Competitors in 2025

Senior Writer: Supriya Bajaj

Published : June 4, 2025

Key Overview:

As your business grows, Freshdesk may no longer meet your evolving needs. Luckily, there are several Freshdesk alternatives—like CallHippo, Zoho Desk, Zendesk, and more—that offer smarter automation, flexible pricing, and better customization to support your team at every stage.

• CallHippo: An AI-powered phone system built for global teams that uses real-time analytics and smart call routing.
• Zoho Desk: Great for teams already in the Zoho ecosystem, with strong automation and multichannel support.
• LiveAgent: Known for its super-fast live chat and budget-friendly plans for growing support teams.
• Zendesk: Enterprise-ready with deep automation, advanced reporting, and robust integration options.
• Intercom: Focuses on personalized support via live chat, bots, and in-app messaging for SaaS businesses.
• HubSpot Service Hub: Unifies CRM, support, and marketing with an intuitive interface and built-in automation.
• Hiver: A Gmail-based shared inbox tool that’s perfect for teams relying heavily on email.
• Desk365: Ideal for Microsoft 365 users, offering native integration with Teams and Outlook.
• HelpSpot: Self-hosted and email-first, great for IT teams wanting full control and privacy.

Why CallHippo? Among all alternatives, CallHippo strikes the right balance between AI-powered features, global scalability, and ease of use. It’s designed for modern support teams that want to do more with less hassle.

Freshdesk is a popular customer support platform. However, it may not always be the perfect fit for every team. As your business grows, its pricing, customization options, or features are limiting. But, the good news? There are smarter, more flexible alternatives out there.

Whether you’re seeking better automation, simpler workflows, or improved customer support operations, this list has options tailored to various team sizes and budgets. Let’s explore the top alternatives to Freshdesk that can help you deliver faster, more personalized service.

Why Consider Freshdesk Alternatives?

Let’s first address what Freshdesk is. Freshdesk is customer support software that is used by businesses to manage and respond to customer queries. It brings all customer messages, whether via email, chat, phone, or social media, into one place.

A persistent issue with Freshdesk is that when your business grows, this tool doesn’t meet the growing needs. That’s why, as you grow, Freshdesk might not be suitable for you. Many companies find their pricing costly, especially when they look to upgrade. Some don’t see the added features that are more customized to their specific workflows.

Some common reasons as to why businesses look for Freshdesk alternatives are:

• High pricing plans that may not suit small businesses or growing support teams.
• Limited customization options are available for specific business needs.
• Lack of advanced automation and flexibility in workflows.
• Integration challenges with existing tools and platforms.
• Demand for better omnichannel support, which consists of chat, email, phone, and social media.

To avoid these issues, there are other and better options available. They align well with the customers’ needs, budget, team size, and customer experience goals.

9 Best FreshDesk Alternatives

In order to deliver great service, you need to go for the right customer service solution. Freshdesk is famous and widely used tool, but as mentioned above, there are many alternatives to it that have unique features, better pricing, and most importantly better flexibility for various needs of a business.

We have provided 9 best contenders for you to choose from as per your business type and needs:

1. CallHippo

A freshdesk alternative that stands out from the list is CallHippo. It is an AI-powered VoIP phone system that is designed mainly to simplify the process of customer interactions. CallHippo easily integrates with popular CRM platforms like Salesforce and Google Workspace. Companies can track interactions they have with customers on multiple communication channels. 

It’s feature of real-time analytics and intelligent call routing automate repetitive  tasks. This helps the company in freeing up agents so that they have more bandwidth to focus on customer problems. Plus, the setup process is easy and it has a user-friendly interface, so here you don’t need to involve a big IT team.

Key Features

• AI-driven call routing
• CRM integrations
• Real-time call analytics
• Call conferencing and recording
• Global number support
• Customizable IVR

Pros

• Its AI features automate and simplify the process of call handling.
• The platform is easy to integrate with common customer relationship management tools.
• CallHippo provides unlimited international calling on paid plans. 
• The setup process is quick, which is great for startups and remote teams.

Cons

• The advanced AI features are available only on premium plans.
• New users might need initial help to unlock the full potential.

Best for

• Growing sales and support teams that want to have smart call management. 
• Companies in need of AI-driven customer support operations.
• Remote or distributed teams that aim for the global phone system.

Pricing

• Free plan available for small teams.
• Paid plans start at $12 per user per month

*Pricing as of 04-06-2025.

Why Choose CallHippo Over Freshdesk?

CallHippo stands out because of its AI-powered call routing and robust CRM integrations. These features are not found in Freshdesk. Moreover, it is designed in a way that supports scalable customer communication across the globe. This means that it is ideal for businesses that focus more on customer engagement and better support.

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2. Zoho Desk

Zoho Desk is a comprehensive customer service platform that works best in managing customer support processes. It brings together customer conversations from email, live chat, phone, and social media into one unified inbox. This platform makes it very easy for the support teams to work on resolving customer queries without changing to a different platform. 

Zoho Desk’s ability to automate repetitive tasks and provide detailed analytics makes it perfect for those businesses in need for flexibility in their support processes. Using advanced feedback tools and CRM connections, it aids businesses in boosting customer service and satisfaction.

Key Features

• Multi-channel customer support
• AI-powered automation
• Customizable support processes
• Integration capabilities
• Customer feedback tools

Pros

• It is highly customizable to fit different support operations.
• Smoothly integrates with third-party systems.
• Its robust integrations reduce manual work.

Cons

• It can take time for teams to fully learn the platform.
• Some advanced features require premium plans.

Best for

• Those businesses that use the Zoho ecosystem need integrated support.
• Teams that want multi-channel customer service with automation. 
• Companies that require detailed reporting and workflow customization.

Pricing

• Free plan available with limited features.
• Paid plans start at $14 per user per month.

*Pricing as of 04-06-2025.

Why Choose Zoho Desk Over Freshdesk?

Zoho Desk has a better and richer ticketing system in comparison to Freshdesk. Plus, the automation features too are more advanced. It’s designed to support tough and complex customer support operations through different communication channels. Now this helps various teams to deliver personalized and efficient service.

3. LiveAgent

LiveAgent is a powerful customer support platform where all customer conversations are brought into one place. Its live chat support feature is excellent as it is across channels such as email, phone, and social media. The eases the entire process of query resolution. 

What sets LiveAgent apart is its focus on immediate communication and speed. It has arguably one of the fastest live chat widgets in the market. And the automation tools are also powerful, which helps to streamline repetitive tasks. It is especially useful for businesses that value quick responses and are in need of a reliable and multi-channel solution. 

Key Features

• Unified ticketing system
• Built-in live chat and social media support
• Automation
• Knowledge base
• CRM integration

Pros

• It has a lightning-fast live chat widget that improves customer experience. 
• Pricing is affordable for smaller teams. 
• An all-in-one platform for email, chat, call, and social support.

Cons

• Its UI design feels a bit dated when compared to newer platforms.
• The mobile app could be more feature-rich.

Best for

• Small to medium-sized teams that focus more on live chat and real-time support.
• Businesses that are in search of an all-in-one customer service software.
• Support teams that manage high volumes of incoming customer inquiries.

Pricing

• Free plan available with limited features.
• Paid plans start at $9 per agent per month.

*Pricing as of 04-06-2025.

Why Choose LiveAgent Over Freshdesk?

It’s evident that LiveAgent’s live chat experience is far better and more affordable than Freshdesk’s. It is a go-to option for businesses that want to reduce wait times to resolve customer inquiries directly in the chat without jumping between tools or tabs. 

4. Zendesk

Zendesk is one of the most recognizable names in the field of customer service software. Under a single dashboard, it combines the features of ticketing, self-service options, live chat, and advanced analytics. 

Due to its workflow engine and powerful automation, it’s a trusted software among many. It’s designed for teams needing structure and flexibility. It helps manage complex requests and personalize customer interactions. Plus, the system supports integration with hundreds of third-party systems. This helps the customer support agents to streamline their customer support process.

Key Features

• Robust ticketing system
• Integration capabilities
• AI-powered automation
• Omnichannel support across multiple channels
• Knowledge-base

Pros

• This software scales well with growing or enterprise support teams.
• It has a strong community and documentation for onboarding.
• The powerful automation tools reduce manual workloads.

Cons

• The pricing is higher, which may not be ideal for startups.
• Initial setup can be complex for small teams

Best for

• Medium to large businesses that need structured, scalable support.
• Teams that focus on customer satisfaction through detailed workflows.
• Organizations that have complex service management needs.

Pricing

• Free trial available
• Paid plans start at $ 19 per agent per month

*Pricing as of 04-06-2025.

Why Choose Zendesk Over Freshdesk?

When it comes to automating support processes and managing customer inquiries, Zendesk has an advantage over Freshdesk. It has deep customization capabilities, a better integration library, and advanced reporting tools. In short, Zendesk is better suited for businesses that want control, flexibility, and data-backed decision-making in their customer support operations. 

5. Intercom

Intercom redefines customer support by combining messaging-first experiences with automation, live chat, and AI-powered bots. It is more than just a help desk. This tool is a complete customer communication platform that is designed to engage user participation and resolve customer issues immediately. 

This platform stands apart due to its focus on personalization. From onboarding processes to in-app alerts and tailored support based on user actions, it aids businesses in enhancing customer connections. Moreover, these strategies foster stronger relationships with their clients.

Key Features

• AI-powered chatbots
• Customizable live chat widget
• Unified inbox
• CRM integrations
• In-app communication

Pros

• It offers personalized customer experiences based on user behavior.
• This platform is great for onboarding, engagement, and support in one tool.
• It is sleek, has a modern interface with strong mobile capabilities.

Cons

• Pricing can increase quickly as you grow.
• It requires a learning curve for advanced configuration.

Best for

• SaaS companies and digital platforms are focusing on user engagement.
• Support agents who want to combine automation with human conversations.
• Businesses that are looking to manage support and marketing in one place. 

Why Choose Intercom Over Freshdesk?

Freshdesk is a platform that is built for traditional support ticketing. But, on the other hand, Intercom takes a conversation-first approach. In this, it feels more natural for the customer to interact. Plus, it combines live chat, automation, and customer engagement tools in one platform. Intercom is a great tool for teams that want to move fast, talk smart, and support users where they already are.

6. HubSpot Service Hub

HubSpot Service Hub is a powerful extension of HubSpot’s CRM platform, which is built focusing on delivering smooth and high-quality support. It helps your team to manage support tickets, reply to chats, automate follow-ups and share helpful content. And in this you don’t switch between tools. 

What makes HubSpot Service Hub unique is how tightly it connects support with sales and marketing. This unified experience helps teams collect customer feedback, manage customer interactions efficiently. Moreover, it enables to creation of a personalized support experience that actually improves with growth. 

Key Features

• Shared inbox
• Customizable ticketing system
• Knowledge base
• In-depth reporting tools
• CRM integration

Pros

• This software combines CRM, support, and marketing data in one platform. 
• It is easy to set up and manage with a user-friendly interface. 
• It is great for managing customer relationships holistically. 

Cons

• It can get expensive with add-ons or premium CRM tools
• Advanced support features are limited on lower plans.

Best for

• Teams that are already using HubSpot for CRM or marketing.
• Companies that look to unify support, sales, and service operations.
• Businesses that value clean UX and data-driven support.

Pricing

• Free plan available with basic tools
• Paid plans start at $45/month with additional features

*Pricing as of 04-06-2025.

Why Choose HubSpot Service Hub Over Freshdesk

Freshdesk focuses mainly on support workflows. But HubSpot has a unified customer service platform that is built to connect support with marketing and sales. This makes it a great fit for businesses that want to manage the full customer journey while still delivering efficient support through a centralized system.

7. Hiver

Hiver is a Gmail-based customer support tool that turns your inbox into a powerful help desk. So, rather than switching platforms, your support agents can manage customer problems directly from Gmail. This way, the customers feel more familiar and it is incredibly easy to use. 

What unique Hiver has to offer is its simplicity and laser focus on email support. It is designed for teams that don’t need a bulky help desk solution but still want those important tools. Tools like shared inbox, ticket assignment, automation, and analytics. This all you get right into their existing email workflow. 

Key Features

• Shared Gmail inboxes
• Email-based automation
• Internet notes and collision detection
• SLA monitoring
• Integration capabilities

Pros

• The biggest advantage is that it has no learning curve. It works within Gmail.
• It is great for teams that focus primarily on email support.
• Pricing is transparent, and there are no unnecessary add-ons. 

Cons

• Limited multi-channel support, which is mostly email-based.
• Not ideal for teams that need advanced chatbot or voice support. 

Best for

• Small to mid-sized businesses that rely heavily on email.
• Teams that are looking for a lightweight, no-fuss support solution.
• Companies that want to avoid shifting to a complex help desk system.

Pricing

• No free plan
• Paid plans start at $15 per user per month

*Pricing as of 04-06-2025.

Why Choose Hiver Over Freshdesk?

Hiver offers a minimalistic approach for businesses that primarily handle support via email. Unlike Freshdesk, which requires teams to learn a new system, Hiver does not require teams to do so. The best thing is that Hiver keeps everything inside Gmail, making it easier to manage customer interactions without changing daily workflows. 

8. Desk365

Desk365 is a robust customer support software built specifically for Microsoft 365 users. It brings all client conversations, such as through email, web forms, and  Microsoft Teams messages, into a single place. This helps support teams to handle queries without leaving the Microsoft ecosystem. 

Desk365 has deep integration capabilities with Microsoft tools, which makes it stand out from the rest. If your team works on Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft apps, Desk365 feels like a natural extension and not a different platform. It is lightweight, clean, and focused on making support processes easier without overwhelming your agents.

Key Features

• Integration capabilities
• Ticket management
• Smart automation
• Internal notes and collision detection
• Customizable support portal

Pros

• It is ideal for teams that are already using Microsoft 365.
• It is simple to use, with no big learning curve.
• Pricing is affordable for small and mid-sized businesses.

Cons

• Desk365 has limited channel support outside the Microsoft ecosystem.
• It lacks advanced analytics that are found in more enterprise tools.

Best for

• Microsoft-centric teams that are looking for native integration.
• Small businesses or internal IT desks need fast deployment.
• Teams that value simplicity and speed over heavy features.

Pricing

• Free trial available
• Paid plans start at $10 per agent per month

*Pricing as of 04-06-2025.

Why Choose Desk365 Over Freshdesk?

Desk365 provides a lightweight experience for teams using Microsoft 365. In contrast, Freshdesk can feel bloated for smaller teams. Therefore, Desk365 emphasizes ticketing, automation, and collaboration, making it an ideal choice for those seeking simple support workflows with their existing tools.

9. HelpSpot

HelpSpot is a self-hosted customer support platform that prioritizes simplicity, privacy, and control. This system is designed for teams that seek full control over their support. Additionally, it offers both on-premise and cloud deployment, which is uncommon in today’s SaaS-dominated market.

HelpSpot stands out with its straightforward interface and focus on email ticketing. Although it might lack a flashy UI or all the latest integrations, it offers great customization and strong stability. Therefore, it’s a reliable option for internal IT teams or businesses that need strict data control. 

Key Features

• Email-based ticketing management
• Built-in reporting and automation
• SLA reporting
• Custom integrations

Pros

• On-premise deployment provides full control over your customer data. 
• The interface is simple and clean, and does not have unnecessary features.
• Ideal option for internal teams or legacy systems.

Cons

• Its UI is outdated compared to modern tools
• Limited multi-channel support beyond email.

Best for

• IT teams that need a stable, internal help desk.
• Companies with strict data privacy or hosting requirements.
• Businesses that prefer a traditional support model over cloud-based tools.

Pricing

• Cloud pricing starts at $11/user/month
• Self-hosted license: one-time fee starting at $699

*Pricing as of 04-06-2025.

Why Choose HelpSpot Over Freshdesk?

HelpSpot gives teams full control over their support infrastructure. This is something that Freshdesk doesn’t offer. If you are looking for a customer service solution that can run securely on your own servers and has minimal distractions, HelpSpot should be chosen. It is a dependable and easy-to-use Freshdesk alternative that focuses on what really matters.

7 Factors To Consider When Choosing a Freshdesk Alternative

It’s true that not every customer service platform is built the same. Before you switch from Freshdesk to its alternative, it’s important to know what really matters for your business. Below are listed some key factors to help you choose a support tool that actually fits your team’s needs.

1. Business Requirements

First, start by understanding what your customer support team really needs. Are you handling a high volume of customer queries? Do you need multichannel support, or is email enough? The right solution should match your day-to-day operations, and not just look good on paper.

2. Feature Set

Check if the platform has the features you rely on (and the ones you’ve been missing). From ticket management and automation tools to self-service options and CRM integrations, prioritize what your team uses most to resolve customer inquiries efficiently.

3. User Experience

A tool that is hard to navigate will slow down your team. So, for that, you need to look for a platform with a clean, user-friendly interface that helps your agents work faster and gives managers better visibility into support processes.

4. Cost

Don’t just look at the base price. Also, consider what is included in each plan, and watch out for limitations like capped users or restricted features. Make sure the pricing aligns with your budget as your team grows.

5. Support and Training

Good support matters especially when you are switching tools. Make sure that the Freshdesk alternative has strong onboarding, documentation, and responsive customer service operations to help your team get up to speed quickly.

6. Setup Process

Some platforms are ready to go in minutes. But some need technical help. If your team doesn’t have dedicated IT resources, go for a solution with a fast and easy setup process.

7. Scalability

Think long-term. Choose a tool that can grow with your business. This could mean adding more agents, handling more channels, or upgrading to advanced features when you are ready.

What You Should Know About Freshdesk?

All said and done, let’s take a moment to explore Freshdesk a little more to see what it offers, where it shines, and where it might fall short. Understanding this can help you make a more informed decision when comparing alternatives.

Freshdesk Pricing

Freshdesk offers a mix of free and paid plans, depending on your needs:

• Free Plan – For up to 10 agents with basic ticketing and email support.
• Growth Plan – Starts at $15/agent/month, includes automation and SLA management.
• Pro Plan – Starts at $49/agent/month, adds round-robin routing, custom roles, and reporting.
• Enterprise Plan – Starts at $79/agent/month, includes bots, skill-based routing, and advanced analytics.

*Pricing as of 04-06-2025.

Conclusion

Freshdesk may work well for many businesses, but due to its limitations, it may not be an ideal software solution anymore. When your business grows, your needs become more complex, the customer service platform designed for you should scale with you; even more, it should be ahead of your position. Switch to a platform that better aligns with your workflows, channels, and goals. 

Whether you want smarter automation, tighter integrations, or simply just a tool that is easier to scale, the best alternative is right out there. 

Explore the options, weigh your priorities, and make the shift that empowers your support team to deliver faster, more personalized service, without compromise. 

FAQs

1. Why is Freshdesk so expensive?

This is because its pricing increases when you add more agents or unlock advanced features like automation, AI, or detailed reporting. It has great range of plans, but business often find the higher-tiers necessary to meet growing customer support needs, and this makes it costlier over time. 

2. Is Freshdesk a CRM tool?

No, you won’t call Freshdesk a full-fledged CRM tool. It is primarily a customer service platform that is focused on managing support tickets, customer conversation, and service operations. However, it can integrate with CRM systems like Salesforce or Freshsales.

3. What company owns Freshdesk?

Freshdesk is owned by Freshworks Inc. It is a global SaaS company based in California. Freshdesk also owns other products like Freshsales (CRM) and Freshmarketer (marketing automation).

4. Does Freshdesk have deep reporting capabilities?

Freshdesk offers basic reporting in lower-tier plans and more advanced analytics in higher-tier plans like Pro and Enterprise. While the reports cover ticket trends, SLAs, and agent performance, some users find its reporting capabilities to be limited compared to platforms like Zendesk or HubSpot Service Hub.

5. How do I determine which Freshdesk alternative is right for my business?

Start by first listing the features that are must for your business. Like automation, channel support, or CRM integrations. Then consider the size of your team, and scalability needs. Use our evaluation checklist above to compare top Freshdesk alternatives and choose one that aligns with your support goals. 

6. Are there any free Freshdesk alternatives available?

Yes, there are several alternatives that offer free plans with basic features. Tools like CallHippo, Zoho Desk, LiveAgent, and HubSpot Service Hub have a free tier suited for small teams. For growing businesses, CallHippo is a standout platform that provides affordable and scalable options beyond free trials.

Updated : June 5, 2025

Supriya Bajaj

Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.

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