Freshdesk
Classic
Helpdesk ticketing for support teams
Cheaper, easier-to-set-up helpdesk with AI, a common downgrade path from Zendesk for SMBs.
Ticketing
Automations
Knowledge base
Freemium · from $15/agent/mo
Zendesk
Classic
Customer support helpdesk
4.2
Paid · from $19/agent/mo
Best for Support teamsOverview
Zendesk centralises tickets, chat and help centres for customer service teams.
Key features
- Ticketing
- Help centre
- Live chat
Zendesk screenshot
Captured from the official website
Zendesk replaces
AI alternatives to Zendesk
Intercom Fin
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AI support agent
AI agent-first support platform, for teams wanting automated resolution over traditional ticketing.
Autonomous resolutions
Answers from help centre
Human handoff
Paid · from $0.99/resolution
Help Scout
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Customer support that feels personal
Simple shared inbox alternative with AI drafts, for teams finding Zendesk overly complex.
Shared inbox
AI reply drafting
Knowledge base
Freemium · from $22/user/mo
Ada
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Enterprise AI customer service agent
Dedicated AI customer service agent platform, replacing much of Zendesk's ticket volume with automation.
AI resolution
Voice and chat
Systems integration
Paid · from Custom
Gorgias
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Helpdesk built for e-commerce brands
E-commerce-specialized helpdesk with AI automation, popular alternative for online retail brands.
Shopify/e-commerce integrations
AI automation macros
Live chat
Freemium · from $10/mo
HubSpot Service Hub
AI
Customer service connected to your CRM
CRM-connected support suite with AI, for teams wanting unified sales and service data instead of standalone Zendesk.
Ticketing with CRM context
AI chatbots/summaries
Knowledge base
Freemium · from $15/seat/mo
Tidio Lyro
AI
AI chatbot for small business support
Affordable AI chat agent for SMBs wanting lighter-weight automation than Zendesk's full suite.
AI chat replies
Knowledge ingestion
Human handoff
Freemium · from $29/mo