Freshdesk vs Help Scout
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Customer support that feels personal.
The verdict
Both Freshdesk and Help Scout are credible helpdesk tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Freshdesk if you want a lower starting price (free – $15/agent/mo) and a free plan to start on. Customer support software for every team.
Choose Help Scout if you'd rather have a longer free trial (15 days). Customer support that feels personal.
Freshdesk vs Help Scout: side by side
| Dimension | Freshdesk | Help Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $15/agent/moWinner | From $50/user/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 15 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb | Smb, Saas |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android, Api | Web, Ios, Android, Api |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
Freshdesk key facts
- Vendor
- Freshworks
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $15/agent/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Smb
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2010
- Headquarters
- San Mateo, CA, USA
Help Scout key facts
- Vendor
- Help Scout
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $50/user/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (15 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Smb, Saas
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Boston, MA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Freshdesk better than Help Scout?
Neither is universally better — Freshdesk edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Freshdesk or Help Scout cheaper?
Freshdesk is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $15/agent/mo. Freshdesk starts at free – $15/agent/mo; Help Scout starts at from $50/user/mo.
Can Freshdesk replace Help Scout?
Yes for most teams — both are helpdesk tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.