Freshdesk vs Help Scout.
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 | Freshdesk | Help Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Email help desk for businesses moving customer support into a shared ticketing workspace, with a customer portal and knowledge base. | Shared customer support inbox and knowledge-base software for teams handling service conversations and customer self-service. |
| Listed plan | Growth | Free |
| Base price | $19 / seat / mo · annual billing | $0 / mo |
| Pricing conditions | USD 19 per agent/month with annual billing. AI Agent includes 500 trial sessions once per account, then USD 49 per 100 sessions. AI Copilot and connector tasks are separately priced; multilingual support and multiple SLA policies require Pro or above. | Free includes up to five users, one inbox, one Docs site, ten articles and 100 assisted contacts per month. Standard and higher tiers add workflows, more channels and higher allowances. AI Answers is separately metered after its trial. |
| Documented capabilities | support, automation | support |
| Free plan | Not verified | Yes, with limits |
| Trial | 14-day Enterprise trial | 15-day trial of Standard or Plus |
| Integrations | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Benefits (editorial) | Combines customer self-service with agent ticket handling. Defined agent pricing supports a base support-seat budget. | Small teams can start with an inbox and help site at no subscription cost. One workspace connects customer conversations with support information. |
| Limitations | AI usage charges extend beyond the one-time trial allowance. Advanced routing and multilingual help desk require a higher tier. | Free is restricted to 100 assisted contacts monthly and ten help articles. Larger support workloads and automated workflows need a paid tier. |
| Typical fit (editorial) | Professional services, E-commerce, Local business | Professional services, E-commerce, Real estate |
| 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 FreshdeskStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. | Visit Help ScoutStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. |
Use-case recommendations
Consider Freshdesk when…
Combines customer self-service with agent ticket handling.
Check first: AI usage charges extend beyond the one-time trial allowance.
Consider Help Scout when…
Small teams can start with an inbox and help site at no subscription cost.
Check first: Free is restricted to 100 assisted contacts monthly and ten help articles.
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.
LESS RESEARCH. BETTER DECISIONS.Your business is unique.
Build my software stack Your business is unique.
Your software stack should be too.
Get a practical shortlist based on what you actually need.