HESK vs Plain
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both HESK and Plain are credible helpdesk tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
HESK — Free PHP help desk software.
Choose Plain if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Customer support for modern teams.
HESK vs Plain: side by side
| Dimension | HESK | Plain |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $29.99/mo | Free – $39/agent/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Smb, It Teams | Saas, Startups |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.7/5Winner |
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
Plain key facts
- Vendor
- Plain
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $39/agent/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Saas, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- London, UK
Frequently asked questions
Is HESK better than Plain?
Neither is universally better — Plain 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 HESK or Plain cheaper?
HESK is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $29.99/mo. HESK starts at free – $29.99/mo; Plain starts at free – $39/agent/mo.
Can HESK replace Plain?
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.