Are you looking for an alternative to Zendesk to provide excellent customer service? With so many options, it can be hard to choose the right one. From Intercom to HubSpot Service Hub, there are several high-quality options that can make a huge difference in your customer service experience. In this article, we will explore the best-rated alternatives to Zendesk and discuss what makes each of them unique.
The Best Zendesk Alternatives & Competitors
If you’re in the market for Zendesk alternatives, you’re in luck! There are several great options available that provide excellent customer service.
In this article, we will list several of the top free and paid Zendesk alternatives, which might be the perfect fit for your use case. No matter which Zendesk alternative you choose, make sure to compare their features and pricing so that you get the best value for your money. With the right platform, you’ll be able to deliver exceptional customer service faster and more efficiently than ever before!
Jetdocs
Jetdocs is an internal collaboration platform specializing in internal ticketing for organizations with built-in Teams & Slack integrations. And no, not just for notifications, anything you can do in the Jetdocs web app, you can do in the same interface within your Teams account. Zendesk does an okay job at ticketing but comes nowhere close to Jetdocs’s experience when it comes to internal ticketing and external portals. Jetdocs helps you streamline your internal teams so you can make efficient decisions quicker.
With advanced features such as SLAs, approval workflows, auto ticket assignment, advanced analytics, an external ticketing portal for nonusers to submit tickets and so much more, Jetdocs beats Zendesk on the overall ticketing aspect.
Oh, and did we mention Jetdocs is 1/5th the cost of Zendesk? Yes, you heard it right, Jetdocs does not feature block users or place limitations, or make you buy extra add-ons to access core features. All the features Jetdocs has is accessible to all the premium members without any segregation. Jetdocs is already used by Fortune 500 companies like Ingram Micro, reputed educational institutions such as UArizona, and thousands of businesses looking to make their internal ticketing experience efficient and frictionless.
However, if you are looking for Zendesk features such as live chat, chatbots, etc then Jetdocs is not the platform for you. Jetdocs excels at B2B ticketing experience with features tailored for the such environment but lacks some aspects the B2C & D2C companies require.
Best for: B2B focused teams in search of efficient client ticketing experience.
Intercom
Intercom is an all-in-one messaging platform designed to help you communicate with customers quickly and efficiently across multiple channels. Whether you’re using web chat, email, SMS messages, or mobile push notifications, Intercom makes it easy to engage with your customers on their terms – and at the right time. Do note: if your reason to switch away from Zendesk is their high cost then Intercom might be something you hate even more.
However, if you are looking for an overall customer experience platform then Intercom is a very nice alternative to Zendesk for customer support requirements. Intercom’s helpful bot automation feature, you can get automated responses without having to do any manual work. Plus, the platform includes analytics insights from live conversations, built-in collaboration tools for teams, surveys & forms for gathering customer feedback, and more. All in all, Intercom is a great tool for taking your customer engagement to the next level!
Intercom has one of the most complicated billing structures, although they have a lot of features built into them by default, they usually make companies pay individually for each feature which sometimes can bring a hefty bill at the end of the month. If cost is not an issue and you are looking for an overall tool to solve all your needs, Intercom is a good Zendesk alternative.
Best for: Teams looking for an overall customer experience platform
Zoho Desk
Zoho Desk is an intuitive customer service platform designed to help streamline the way you interact with your customers. With Zoho Desk, you can reduce response times and provide better customer support with features like automated ticketing, knowledge base management, self-service portals, and more.
Whether you’re dealing with one customer or hundreds of them, Zoho Desk helps you keep track of every conversation in one place. It also offers powerful insights into how customers are interacting with your business so that you can make informed decisions on how to improve the customer experience. All in all, Zoho Desk is a great solution for providing top-notch customer service!
Zoho Desk seamlessly integrates well with the Zoho ecosystem, making it a very good platform for users already using Zoho. Do note, that if your primary requirement is live chat then it’s only available in their highest tier which is around $50/mo/user. At that price point, it’s not too far away from where Intercom stands. Unlike platforms like Jetdocs, which gives you unlimited departments in their pro plan, Zoho limits you to 15 departments even on their highest tier.
Best for: Teams already in the Zoho ecosystem.
HubSpot Service Hub
HubSpot Service Hub is a comprehensive customer service platform designed to help you provide exceptional customer experiences. It offers features such as automated ticketing, knowledge base management, and self-service portals which make it easy to respond quickly to customer inquiries. With HubSpot Service Hub, you can also customize the look and feel of your customer support page to match your brand for a professional touch.
In addition, it provides powerful analytics so that you can measure the effectiveness of your customer service efforts and identify areas for improvement. All in all, HubSpot Service Hub is an ideal alternative for businesses looking for a reliable and efficient way to manage their customer service needs.
Hubspot, of course, has quality in its products, the Service Hub is focused on the entire customer experience similar to how Intercom is but with slightly fewer feature sets. The price, similar to everything Hubspot is pretty high starting at $50/mo for 2 agents. However, Hubspot does not provide a proper ticketing interface, instead, it is a very good live chat provider. Ss if you are looking for a proper ticketing experience in your platform you should go with other alternatives here.
Best for: Teams looking for quick live chat solutions.
Front
Front is an all-in-one customer service platform that helps teams provide personalized and efficient customer service. With Front, you can manage different channels from one central hub, allowing teams to quickly respond to inquiries and collaborate with each other for a streamlined workflow. Additionally, Front allows customers to self-serve with its self-service portal feature which can be customized to match your brand’s look and feel.
It also offers advanced analytics so that you can measure the effectiveness of your customer service strategy and identify areas of improvement. If you’re looking for an alternative to Zendesk that provides a comprehensive set of features, Front might be the perfect solution for you.
A front combines all of your channels into one “front” so you can access them all at once. They integrate well with various channels such as email, phone, Facebook, slack, etc making it an efficient platform. The pricing for Front however is not too far from Zendesk itself, starting at $50/mo/user. If your team is looking for a centralized customer support solution then Front is a great alternative to Zendesk.
Best for: Teams with a presence on various platforms.
Groove
Groove is an all-in-one customer service platform that helps teams provide personalized and efficient customer service. It’s the perfect solution for small businesses, as it offers an affordable pricing plan and doesn’t require any technical setup or coding. With Groove, you can easily manage multiple channels such as email, live chat, and social media in one central hub.
Additionally, it allows customers to self-serve with its knowledge base feature where customers can find answers to their questions quickly without needing to contact your team. Groove also provides helpful analytics so you can track customer inquiries, measure your team’s performance, and identify areas of improvement. If you’re looking for a Zendesk alternative that’s easy to use and cost-effective, Groove might be a great fit for your business.
Groove carries all the major features a B2C or D2C brand would need to serve its customers and they are very good at it. However, if you are looking for a proper B2B platform with features like SLAs, priority levels, auto-assignment, approval workflows, etc then Groove might not be the best choice. The pricing starts at $20/mo/user and has basic features like Live Chat, knowledgebase, email ticketing, etc.
Best for teams looking for quick solutions who don’t want to pay for add-ons such as KnowledgeBase, Live Chats, etc.
HappyFox
HappyFox is a customer service platform that offers an easy-to-use interface and powerful features. With HappyFox, you can manage customers across multiple channels such as email, phone, chat, and social media. It also allows you to create custom fields to capture additional data about your customers. Plus, its ticket management system makes it simple to assign tickets to agents or departments and track the progress of each ticket in real-time.
Additionally, its reporting tools make it easy to measure key performance metrics like response time and customer satisfaction ratings. If you’re looking for a Zendesk alternative with robust features that’s easy to use, then HappyFox might be the perfect choice for your business.
Happyfox does have features in their ticketing system well-built with things such as SLAs being considered unlike other alternatives to Zendesk we’ve seen so far. However, if you wish to get all professional B2B essentials then it will wound up costing around $64/agent/mo which is quite a sum.
Best for: Teams looking for an all-in-one HelpDesk platform
LiveAgent
LiveAgent is an all-in-one customer service platform that makes it easy to manage customer interactions. With LiveAgent, you can create tickets, send messages to customers, and track progress in real-time. Additionally, its AI-powered chatbot allows you to automate conversations with customers and answer their questions instantly. Plus, it integrates with popular tools like Facebook Messenger and Twitter so you can provide support on those channels as well. If you’re looking for a reliable Zendesk alternative with powerful features and an intuitive interface, then LiveAgent is worth checking out.
Live agent is an omnichannel platform, meaning support queries from multiple channels such as phone, email, and social media are easily supported. It offers analytics and reporting tools to help you measure performance and gain insights into your customer service operations. Plus, it provides automation capabilities so you can set up automated workflows and quickly respond to customers’ inquiries. So if you’re looking for an all-in-one customer
Pricing starts at $9/mo/user and the basic plan is pretty limited. The usable plan for most businesses starts at the price point of $29/month/agent and includes advanced features such as SLAs, event rules, etc. Unlike the competitor, Jetdocs, they place limits on approval workflows and departments which make Jetdocs better if you are looking for a ticketing platform, if not then Live Agent is a solid platform.
Best for: Teams looking for a customer service platform with omnichannel capabilities, automation features, and reporting tools.
AzureDesk
AzureDesk is an excellent Zendesk alternative for businesses looking for an easy-to-use and comprehensive customer service platform. It provides a full suite of tools to help you manage customer interactions, including ticketing, messaging, and automated workflows. Plus, the intuitive interface makes it easy to set up and use right away.
On top of that, AzureDesk integrates with popular third-party applications like Slack and Salesforce so you can provide even better service to your customers. If you’re looking for a powerful but affordable customer support solution, AzureDesk is worth considering.
Pricing stands at $35/mo/user and they only have one pro plan which includes all of their features. No add-ons, nothing extra. Everything there is, you get.
Best for: Teams looking for a comprehensive customer service platform that is easy to use and provides powerful features.
Jitbit
If you’re looking for an automated help desk solution that’s easy to use and affordable, look no further than Jitbit. This powerful tool allows you to set up automated workflows, manage tickets, and provide better customer service all in one place. Plus, its intuitive design makes it easy to set up and use right away.
Jitbit integrates with popular third-party applications like Slack and Salesforce so you can easily sync information between the two platforms. And their customer support is top-notch—you can always rely on their team of knowledgeable professionals to answer any questions or concerns.
Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Jitbit is a great alternative to Zendesk. With its comprehensive suite of features and intuitive design, it’s no wonder why so many companies are choosing Jitbit over other help desk solutions.
It’s a pretty okay ticketing system starting at the price point of $29/mo for one agent with no collaboration features. The only advantage it has over other Zendesk alternatives in this article is that it can be self-hosted. They have advanced compliance levels like HIPAA for serious B2C clients like doctors but no SLAs and priority levels for B2B clients.
Best for: Teams looking for an automated help desk solution that is easy to use and integrates with popular third-party applications.
Help Scout
Help Scout is the customer service solution that does it all. With its intuitive design and comprehensive set of features, Help Scout makes it easy for your team to manage tickets, automate workflows, and provide better customer service in one place. Plus, its pricing plans are flexible and affordable so you can scale up or down as your needs change.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one platform that provides everything you need for effective customer service operations, look no further than Help Scout. Try it out today – you won’t regret it!
Best for: Teams looking for an all-in-one customer service platform that offers powerful features and a straightforward design.
Crisp
Crisp is the next-level customer engagement platform that takes customer service to a whole new level. It’s designed for modern businesses and offers powerful features such as automated conversations, real-time analytics, and multi-channel messaging. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to set up and use – so you can get started quickly and start delighting customers right away.
With Crisp, you’ll be able to engage with customers in meaningful ways – from automated conversations to one-on-one interactions. You can also analyze customer feedback in real-time, allowing your team to proactively address any issues or concerns before they become major problems. And finally, Crisp provides support for multiple channels including email, live chat, SMS messaging, and more – so you can reach out to customers wherever they are.
We use Gist at Jetdocs, it is a very solid live chat platform. Pricing starts at $25/mo and has a pretty good free plan as well. Price goes up as you add more agents and seek more integrations with the platform. The primary platform comes with live chat and is a great external support system.
Best for Teams looking for an advanced platform to engage with customers in meaningful ways and analyze customer feedback in real-time.
Gist
Gist is a powerful customer engagement platform that helps you engage with customers in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through automated conversations, one-on-one interactions, or multi-channel messaging, Gist has you covered. Plus, its intuitive user interface and comprehensive analytics help you track customer interactions and gain valuable insights into their behavior. With Gist, you can provide the kind of exceptional customer service that will keep them coming back for more.
Whether you’re an e-commerce business or a startup looking to improve your customer experience, Gist has the features and tools to help get the job done. From personalized surveys to auto-replies and real-time notifications, Gist has something for everyone. Plus, its AI-driven engine helps make it easier than ever to stay on top of your customer relationships. Try it out today and see how much potential Gist can unlock in your business!
Gist not only has a support system but also a marketing automation platform (sold separately), they are very close to Intercom in what they do and have similar features. One thing unique about Gist is while their base plan starts at $29/mo with 5 users included, their $99/mo plan includes unlimited users making it a perfect and affordable suite for large teams. They have been around for years, are reliable and many large enterprises use them. Not a great internal ticketing suite but amazing for external customer experience.
Best for: Teams looking for unlimited support agents for an affordable price
Zendesk Overview
The customer service industry is constantly evolving, and businesses need to stay on top of the latest trends and tools in order to provide exceptional service. Zendesk Overview is one such tool that can help take your customer support to the next level. With Overview, you can gain a comprehensive view of all your customer interactions across multiple channels.
This insight helps you understand what customers need, how they interact with your team, and where improvements can be made. Thanks to its intuitive user interface and detailed analytics, you’ll have no trouble tracking customer interactions and gaining valuable insights into their behavior. So if you’re looking for a tool that will help optimize your customer experience, Zendesk Overview should be at the top of your list!
Zendesk Pricing
At Zendesk, we understand that every company is unique and so are their customer service needs. That’s why we offer a variety of pricing plans to fit any budget. Our plans range from Suite Team ($49/month per user when billed annually) all the way up to Suite Enterprise ($150/month per user when billed annually). And don’t forget – all our plans come with a 30-day free trial, so you can test them out before making your final decision.
We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of Zendesk Overview, so contact us today to find out which plan would work best for you. With our prices and features, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to find the perfect plan for your business. So don’t wait – take advantage of our pricing plans now and start optimizing your customer experience!
Why look for alternatives to Zendesk?
Although Zendesk is a great customer service solution, with a lot of features built into it there are some limitations and reasons why one might want to switch away from Zendesk. For one, there are some features that may require add-ons in order to fully take advantage of the platform. These add-ons can be quite expensive and may not always be necessary, so it’s important to consider this when deciding which plan is right for you. Looking for alternatives to Zendesk is important if addon costs are piling up for you in Zendesk.
Add-on features include customizable chatbots, extensive customer satisfaction surveys, and product tours for the chat software. Although these features can be very helpful in providing an enhanced customer experience, they come at a cost. Whereas, most alternatives such as Gist have these features included at no extra cost to their users.
Furthermore, for some addons such as Chatbots, you don’t even know what the costs would look like because you would need to go through the third-party service provider to build it as per your requirements.
Customer support is an important part of any business, and Zendesk’s customer support agents are no exception. Unfortunately, their customer service has been known to be less than stellar at times. Many customers find that the customer service representatives are slow to respond and don’t take the time to fully address their concerns. In addition, many customers have reported being directed towards a never-ending search through help articles rather than receiving direct assistance from a human representative.
What is the right Zendesk alternative for you?
Choosing the right customer service platform for your business is crucial to ensure efficient communication and support for your clients. The decision should be based on your specific use case, team size, budget, and desired features. This analysis aims to provide guidance in selecting the best alternative to Zendesk, based on various use cases.
So, depending on your use cases we will have different “best” Zendesk alternatives for you. We have tried to mention a few general use cases, please let us know if you would like us to add more alternatives for your industry-specific use case.
Best Zendesk Alternative for Ticketing
If your team primarily focuses on ticketing solutions to manage both internal and external issues, Jetdocs is an excellent choice. It offers a comprehensive set of B2B features, such as SLAs, priority levels, and approval workflows, which can streamline your support process and improve response times. Additionally, Jetdocs’ competitive pricing at 1/5th the cost of Zendesk makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes looking to optimize their customer support without breaking the bank.
Book a quick 15 minute Jetdocs Demo
Best Zendesk Alternative Feature Match
On the other hand, if your business requires a more holistic approach to customer experience, Intercom is the top choice. It excels in providing a seamless customer journey through live chat, email marketing, surveys, and bots. By integrating multiple touchpoints and communication channels, Intercom ensures that your customers receive personalized and timely support throughout their entire experience with your brand. While its pricing may be on the higher side, the value it brings in terms of customer satisfaction and loyalty is well worth the investment.
Best all-in-one Zendesk Alternative
For businesses looking for an affordable yet feature-rich customer service platform, Gist is a solid choice. Its unlimited seats on the $99/month plan make it an attractive option for growing teams that need a scalable solution without incurring additional costs per agent. Gist offers a range of features, such as live chat, email marketing, and a knowledge base, allowing your team to effectively support and engage with your customers.
Best Open Source Zendesk Alternative
If your organization prioritizes data privacy and security or has specific compliance requirements, JitBit’s self-hosting option is worth considering. With a one-time fee starting at $2200, JitBit allows you to host the customer service platform on your own servers, giving you full control over your data. This can be particularly advantageous for businesses operating in highly regulated industries or those with strict IT policies.
Best Zendesk Alternative for Startups
Finally, for startups or small businesses looking for a cost-effective live chat solution, Crisp.Chat is the best option. Offering a free plan with essential features, such as unlimited chats, mobile apps, and basic customization, Crisp.Chat enables you to provide real-time support to your customers without incurring high costs. As your business grows, you can upgrade to their paid plans to unlock advanced features like chatbots and integrations.
Conclusion
In summary, the best alternative to Zendesk depends on your unique business requirements and use case. Jetdocs is the top choice for teams focusing on ticketing solutions, while Intercom excels in offering a comprehensive customer experience platform. Gist presents an affordable option with unlimited seats, JitBit caters to businesses seeking a self-hosted solution, and Crisp.Chat provides an amazing free live chat service.
By carefully evaluating the features, pricing, and overall fit of these alternatives, you can make an informed decision that will empower your team to deliver exceptional customer service. Ultimately, the right platform should enhance your support processes, improve customer satisfaction, and contribute to your business’s long-term success.
