Crisp vs Zendesk.
Different strengths. Different costs. Here’s what to weigh before you choose.
Compare the plans as well as the brands. These prices may have different billing commitments and capacity limits; they are not equivalent quotes.
| What matters | Crisp | Zendesk |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Customer support workspace combining website chat, shared customer email and team conversation handling for small businesses. | Customer service software for businesses replacing a shared inbox with structured tickets, routing and contextual agent responses. |
| Listed plan | Mini | Support Team |
| Base price | $45 / mo | $25 / seat / mo |
| Pricing conditions | USD 45 per workspace/month includes four seats and 5,000 customer profiles. USD 5 in AI credits is included; additional AI usage can cost more. Knowledge base, omnichannel workflow builder and broader routing require Essentials or above. | USD 25 per agent/month monthly, or USD 19 with annual payment. Selected plan covers core email ticketing; Suite Team adds knowledge base, messaging/live chat and telephony. Additional AI resolutions and other add-ons can increase costs. |
| Documented capabilities | support | support, automation |
| Free plan | Yes, with limits | Not verified |
| Trial | 14-day trial | 14-day trial |
| Integrations | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Benefits (editorial) | Four support seats are bundled into the workspace price. Customer email and chat can be handled in one inbox. | A focused entry plan supports core email ticketing. Rules and reusable replies support consistent handling of common requests. |
| Limitations | Mini is capped at four seats and 5,000 profiles. Knowledge base and advanced support workflows need a higher plan. | Live chat and knowledge-base capabilities require the Suite tier. Per-agent charges and add-ons can grow with support operations. |
| Typical fit (editorial) | Professional services, E-commerce, Local business | Professional services, E-commerce, Local business |
| AI, support & ease of use | Confirm plan-specific AI limits and support. Ease of use has not been independently tested. | Confirm plan-specific AI limits and support. Ease of use has not been independently tested. |
| Evidence | Sources checked 2026-10-10 → | Sources checked 2026-10-10 → |
| Your next step | Visit CrispStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. | Visit ZendeskStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. |
Use-case recommendations
Consider Crisp when…
Four support seats are bundled into the workspace price.
Check first: Mini is capped at four seats and 5,000 profiles.
Consider Zendesk when…
A focused entry plan supports core email ticketing.
Check first: Live chat and knowledge-base capabilities require the Suite tier.
Make the decision on your terms
Test your real workflow, calculate the full team and usage cost, and confirm export options before migrating. A higher advertised feature count does not necessarily create a better fit.
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