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HelpCrunch vs HESK

Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.

Customer communication platform.

Free PHP help desk software.

The verdict

Both HelpCrunch and HESK are credible live chat tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.

Choose HelpCrunch if you want a longer free trial (14 days), broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Customer communication platform.

Choose HESK if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $29.99/mo) and a free plan to start on. Free PHP help desk software.

HelpCrunch vs HESK: side by side

DimensionHelpCrunchHESK
Starting priceFrom $12/moFree – $29.99/moWinner
Free planNoYesWinner
Free trial14 daysWinner
Pricing modelSubscriptionFreemium
Best forSmb, SaasSmb, It Teams
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWinnerWeb
Rating4.7/5Winner4.4/5

HelpCrunch key facts

Vendor
HelpCrunch
Pricing
Subscription — From $12/mo
Free tier
Free trial (14 days)
Platforms
Web, Ios, Android
Best for
Smb, Saas
Editor rating
4.7 / 5
Founded
2016
Headquarters
Palo Alto, CA, USA

HESK key facts

Vendor
HESK
Pricing
Freemium — Free – $29.99/mo
Free tier
Yes
Platforms
Web
Best for
Smb, It Teams
Editor rating
4.4 / 5
Founded
2005
Headquarters
Klaipeda, Lithuania

Frequently asked questions

Is HelpCrunch better than HESK?

Neither is universally better — HelpCrunch 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 HelpCrunch or HESK cheaper?

HESK is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $29.99/mo. HelpCrunch starts at from $12/mo; HESK starts at free – $29.99/mo.

Can HelpCrunch replace HESK?

Yes for most teams — both are live chat tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.