Fe/male Switch: Your Startup Facilitator & Incubator for Women

Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Zendesk in 2025

Zendesk remains a staple in the customer support software industry, but in 2025, several open-source alternatives offer powerful, customizable, and affordable solutions. Whether you prioritize full control over your data, scalability, or specific features, this article explores the top 10 open-source alternatives to Zendesk, comparing key data points like features, scalability, customization, and hosting.

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1. osTicket

Features: Email-to-ticket conversion, customizable fields, basic workflow management, multi-user web interface, and knowledge base capabilities.
Hosting: Self-hosted, giving users control over their data.
Cost: Free and open source.
Scalability: Good for small to medium teams, might require customization for larger setups.
Customization: Offers customization options to suit various business needs. Learn more about osTicket

2. Zammad

Features: Ticket management, reporting, multi-channel support (email, chat, social media), user rights management, automation, and self-service options.
Interface: Modern and user-friendly, resembling popular cloud-based solutions.
Hosting: Self-hosted, ensuring data control.
Community: Has an active community developing new features.
Scalability: Suitable for small and large teams due to its scalability features. Learn more about Zammad

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3. UVdesk

Features: Ticketing system, customer feedback tools, multi-channel support, task management, integrations with other platforms, and progressive web app.
Customization: Allows for branding, app modifications, and mailbox configuration.
Hosting: Self-hosted, providing full control.
Scalability: Flexible solution suitable for organizations with changing needs.
Modules: Offers module-based extensibility for added functionality. Discover UVdesk

4. Request Tracker (RT)

Features: Extensive workflow capabilities, ticket tracking, and high scalability for complex support scenarios.
Reliability: Known for its reliability and battle-tested features.
Complexity: Can be as simple or as complex based on user needs.
Interface: May lack a modern interface, but focuses on function.
Scalability: Highly scalable, suitable for large setups. Learn about Request Tracker

5. Hesk

Features: Shared inbox, ticket prioritization, categorization, and is open for community development.
Hosting: Self-hosted on the user's device, offering greater security.
Cost: Free and open source.
Evolution: Continuously evolving with community contributions.
Limitations: May require switching platforms for advanced features. Explore Hesk

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6. Helpy

Features: Focuses on knowledge base creation, FAQs, and self-service portals for customer support.
Content Management: Facilitates easy content creation and organization for customer resources.
Customization: Customizable platform for specific workflows.
User Experience: Empowers customers to independently find answers.
Integration: Seamlessly integrates the knowledge base with the support system. Learn more about Helpy

7. SuiteCRM

Features: Manages customer interactions, support tickets, case escalations, and offers a unified platform.
CRM Integration: Combines customer data and support activities.
Customization: Highly adaptable with extensive customization options.
Scalability: Good for organizations needing CRM-integrated support.
Unified Platform: Streamlines customer communication with consolidated data. Discover SuiteCRM

8. Chatwoot

Features: Omnichannel support (website chat, email, WhatsApp, social media), team collaboration tools, customization, and detailed reporting.
Hosting: Self-hosted option to maintain full control over data.
AI Capabilities: Leverages AI for automation and enhanced efficiency.
Customization: Offers customization for brand and various integrations.
Open Source: Community-driven for continuous improvements. Explore Chatwoot

9. FreeScout

Features: Provides essential ticketing functions with an emphasis on simplicity.
Cost: Free and open source.
Integration: Designed for seamless integration with different services.
Ease of Use: Known for user-friendly operation.
Customization: Allows for basic customization. Discover FreeScout on GitHub

10. Peppermint

Features: IMAP mailbox listening, SMTP outbound emails, SSO via GitHub, custom email templates, client portal, and more.
Development: Under active development with frequent updates and improvements.
Hosting: Self-hosted, providing full control over data.
Community: Has an active discord community.
Future Features: Includes cron job support, time-based reporting, internal/live chat, 2FA support, status monitoring, knowledge base. Explore Peppermint on GitHub

Note: The information provided is based on the search results as of January 20, 2025. Some open-source projects might not have a traditional website but are hosted on platforms like GitHub.

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FAQ

1. What is osTicket and its primary use?

osTicket is a widely used open-source help desk system known for its simplicity and ease of use, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. Learn more about osTicket

2. How does Zammad support multiple channels?

Zammad supports ticket management, reporting, and multi-channel support including email, chat, and social media, ensuring comprehensive customer engagement. Explore Zammad's features

3. What makes UVdesk highly customizable?

UVdesk offers flexibility and a range of features, including branding, app modifications, mailbox configuration, and module-based extensibility. Discover UVdesk

4. How is Request Tracker (RT) suitable for technical teams?

Request Tracker (RT) is favored for its stability, scalability, and advanced workflow capabilities, making it ideal for complex support scenarios. Learn more about Request Tracker

5. What does Hesk offer to users prioritizing security?

Hesk is a free help desk software that users host on their own devices, providing security and control over their data. Find out more about Hesk

6. What is Helpy's emphasis in customer support?

Helpy focuses on knowledge base creation, FAQs, and self-service portals, empowering customers to independently find answers. Explore Helpy

7. How does SuiteCRM integrate with help desk functionalities?

SuiteCRM combines customer interactions, support tickets, and case escalations within a unified CRM platform, streamlining customer communication. Learn about SuiteCRM

8. What channels does Chatwoot unify for support?

Chatwoot provides omnichannel support, including website chat, email, WhatsApp, and social media, along with AI capabilities for automation. Discover Chatwoot

9. What are the core functionalities of FreeScout?

FreeScout offers essential ticketing functions, emphasizing simplicity and user-friendly operation. Explore FreeScout

10. Does Peppermint offer future feature expansions?

Peppermint is under active development, with planned features including cron jobs, time-based reporting, internal/live chat, and a knowledge base.

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.

Violetta Bonenkamp

2025-08-20 08:59 Top Alternatives