Help Scout 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 | Help Scout | Zendesk |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Shared customer support inbox and knowledge-base software for teams handling service conversations and customer self-service. | Customer service software for businesses replacing a shared inbox with structured tickets, routing and contextual agent responses. |
| Listed plan | Free | Support Team |
| Base price | $0 / mo | $25 / seat / mo |
| Pricing conditions | 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. | 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 | 15-day trial of Standard or Plus | 14-day trial |
| Integrations | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Benefits (editorial) | Small teams can start with an inbox and help site at no subscription cost. One workspace connects customer conversations with support information. | A focused entry plan supports core email ticketing. Rules and reusable replies support consistent handling of common requests. |
| Limitations | Free is restricted to 100 assisted contacts monthly and ten help articles. Larger support workloads and automated workflows need a paid tier. | 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, Real estate | 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 Help ScoutStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. | Visit ZendeskStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. |
Use-case recommendations
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.
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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