Top 10 Alternatives to Help Scout in 2025

In the evolving landscape of customer support software, 2025 has introduced several robust alternatives to Help Scout. Whether you're seeking better integration, cost-effectiveness, or enhanced features, this guide explores the top 10 Help Scout alternatives, detailing their key attributes and ideal use cases.

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1. Front

Description: Front is a customer communication platform that consolidates various channels such as email, social media, and SMS into one cohesive hub, designed to facilitate team collaboration on shared inboxes.
Key Features:
Shared inboxes with advanced collaboration tools.
Efficient workflow automation.
Integrated knowledge base software.
Live chat functionality.
Seamless omnichannel communication.
Pricing: Starts at $19/user/month (Starter), $59/user/month (Growth), $99/user/month (Scale), and $229/user/month (Premier).
Best for: Teams that need to smoothly collaborate on customer communications across multiple channels using shared inboxes.
Learn more about Front

2. Freshdesk

Description: Freshdesk is a comprehensive cloud-based customer support software that provides features such as ticket management, team collaboration, and self-service options.
Key Features:
Ticketing system with automation capabilities.
Creation and management of a knowledge base.
Multi-channel support including email, phone, chat, and more.
Detailed reporting and analytics tools.
User-friendly self-service portal.
Pricing: Starts at $15/agent/month. Offers a free plan and paid plans ranging from $19 to $119 per agent per month.
Best for: Businesses needing an affordable, user-friendly help desk solution with strong third-party integration.
Learn more about Freshdesk

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3. Zendesk

Description: Zendesk is a renowned customer service platform offering a wide spectrum of tools such as ticketing, live chat, and a knowledge base, ideal for businesses of all sizes, particularly large enterprises.
Key Features:
AI-powered automation for efficient operations.
Support for multiple channels.
Comprehensive reporting and analytics.
Customizable interface to suit business needs.
Scalable solutions for enterprise levels.
Pricing: Starts at $55/agent/month, with plans up to $115/agent/month.
Best for: Enterprise-sized teams requiring AI-driven automation with multi-channel support and robust reporting tools.
Explore Zendesk

4. HubSpot Service Hub

Description: HubSpot Service Hub is a component of the larger HubSpot CRM suite, integrating customer service with sales and marketing efforts for seamless operations.
Key Features:
Deep CRM integration.
Comprehensive ticketing system.
Detailed knowledge base.
Live chat and chatbot functionalities.
Customer feedback surveys to gauge satisfaction.
Pricing: Starts at $15/seat/month, also offering a free plan.
Best for: Businesses already utilizing HubSpot CRM or those seeking a unified CRM and customer service platform.
Learn more about HubSpot Service Hub

5. Intercom

Description: Intercom is a customer communication platform that emphasizes live chat, targeted messaging, and overall customer engagement.
Key Features:
Real-time chat capabilities.
Targeted email and push notifications.
Customizable bots for various scenarios.
Extensive SMS marketing functionalities.
Tools for enhancing customer engagement.
Pricing: Starts at $39/agent/month.
Best for: Businesses aiming to engage with customers in real-time via live chat and targeted messaging.
Explore Intercom

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6. Zoho Desk

Description: Zoho Desk is a versatile help desk software known for its powerful ticket management, automation, and reporting features, as part of the Zoho suite of business tools.
Key Features:
Effective ticket management with automation.
Comprehensive self-service portal.
Detailed reporting and analytics.
Integration with other Zoho applications.
Budget-friendly pricing structures.
Pricing: Starts at $14/agent/month.
Best for: Businesses looking for a cost-effective solution with robust features and integration with other Zoho products.
Discover Zoho Desk

7. Hiver

Description: Hiver transforms Gmail into a collaborative help desk, enabling customer support management directly within Gmail.
Key Features:
Shared inboxes within Gmail for streamlined communications.
Email assignment and tracking functionalities.
Collaboration tools for efficient teamwork.
Analytics and reporting capabilities.
SLA management for timely responses.
Pricing: Starts at $22/agent/month.
Best for: Teams primarily using Gmail for customer support who want to manage support from within their inbox.
Learn more about Hiver

8. Gorgias

Description: Gorgias is a customer service platform designed specifically for e-commerce businesses, with deep integration into major e-commerce platforms.
Key Features:
Integration with platforms like Shopify and Magento.
Automation and templated responses.
Live chat functionalities for real-time support.
Customer data tracking to personalize service.
Integration with order and shipping information.
Pricing: Offers a free trial, with varied paid plans.
Best for: E-commerce businesses that require a support tool integrated with their online stores.
Explore Gorgias

9. BoldDesk

Description: BoldDesk is a customer service solution featuring ticketing, live chat, knowledge base, AI assistance, and task management.
Key Features:
Automated ticketing system.
Live chat tool for immediate support.
Integrated knowledge base software.
AI assistance for enhanced efficiency.
Comprehensive task management capabilities.
Pricing: Offers a free plan and various affordable paid plans.
Best for: Businesses seeking an all-encompassing customer service solution with a range of features at an affordable price.
Learn more about BoldDesk

10. LiveAgent

Description: LiveAgent is a customer support platform offering numerous features including live chat, ticketing, and extensive social media integration.
Key Features:
Multi-channel support integrating social media.
Robust ticketing system for efficient issue management.
Live chat with proactive chat invitations.
Creation and management of a comprehensive knowledge base.
Detailed reporting and analytics tools.
Pricing: Details available on the website, with a 14-day free trial.
Best for: Companies needing a comprehensive customer support solution with robust chat support capabilities.
Discover LiveAgent

These alternatives provide diverse features and pricing to accommodate various business needs. Evaluate each option carefully based on your specific requirements before making a decision.

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FAQ

1. What is the best alternative to Help Scout for team collaboration?

Front is an excellent option for teams that need to collaborate on customer communications across multiple channels using shared inboxes. Learn more about Front

2. Which alternative offers strong third-party integrations at an affordable price?

Freshdesk provides a user-friendly, affordable, and comprehensive help desk solution with strong third-party integrations. Explore Freshdesk

3. What is the best alternative for large enterprises requiring AI-powered automation?

Zendesk is ideal for enterprise-sized teams needing AI-powered automation with multi-channel support and robust reporting features. Discover Zendesk

4. Which alternative is best for businesses already using HubSpot CRM?

HubSpot Service Hub works well for businesses looking for a unified CRM and customer service platform. Learn more about HubSpot Service Hub

5. What is the best option for real-time customer engagement?

Intercom is perfect for businesses looking to engage with customers in real time through live chat and targeted messaging. Explore Intercom

6. Which cost-effective alternative integrates well with other Zoho products?

Zoho Desk offers a budget-friendly solution with robust features and integration with other Zoho applications. Discover Zoho Desk

7. Which alternative is designed specifically for teams using Gmail?

Hiver turns Gmail into a collaborative help desk, allowing teams to manage support directly from their inbox. Learn more about Hiver

8. What is the best alternative for e-commerce businesses?

Gorgias integrates deeply with major e-commerce platforms, making it ideal for online stores. Explore Gorgias

9. Which alternative offers comprehensive customer service features at an affordable price?

BoldDesk provides a wide range of customer service features including ticketing, live chat, knowledge base, AI assistance, and task management at an affordable price. Learn more about BoldDesk

10. What is the best alternative for a comprehensive solution with excellent chat support?

LiveAgent is suitable for companies that need a comprehensive customer support platform with strong live chat features. Discover LiveAgent

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.