New AI Help Desks Awards guide
Best Freshdesk alternatives in 2026
Freshdesk starts at $19 per agent a month billed annually, with AI at $49 per 100 sessions after your first 500. These five are worth comparing if you want AI included, a free plan, or a broader suite.
Updated November 5, 2026
HelpRabbit
Business Messenger of the Year
A flat price with any number of agents, and AI answers included each month.
Rankings reflect the editorial judgment of New AI Help Desks Awards; product details come from the linked sources.
From $29 a month, any number of agents
Included: 3,000 AI answers a month on Starter
HelpRabbit pricing page
Free for 3 users, paid plans priced by region
AI agents included from Express, token based
Zoho Desk pricing page
Free for 5 users, paid from $25 per user a month
Envoy add-on $0.75 per resolution
Help Scout pricing page
Side by side
| Product | Starts at | Free plan | Trial | AI pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelpRabbit | From $29 a month, any number of agents | No free plan | 14 days, no card | Included: 3,000 AI answers a month on Starter | Teams that want one thread and a flat price |
| Zoho Desk | Free for 3 users, paid plans priced by region | Yes, 3 users | 15 days | AI agents included from Express, token based | Small teams starting on a free plan |
| Zendesk | From $19 per agent a month, billed yearly | No free plan | 14 days | AI resolutions $2.00 pay as you go | Larger teams running many channels |
| Help Scout | Free for 5 users, paid from $25 per user a month | Yes, 5 users | 15 days | Envoy add-on $0.75 per resolution | Small teams that live in a shared inbox |
| Crisp | Free for 2 seats, then $45 a month for 4 | Yes, 2 seats | 14 days | AI credits included on paid plans | Small teams that prefer one price per workspace |
Prices are list prices in US dollars as shown on November 5, 2026, unless a page says otherwise. They change often, so check the company's page before you decide.
How to choose
- Compare your AI session count against each product's unit: a session, a resolution and an answer are not the same thing.
- Check how your automations and canned replies will move over.
- Price the plan you would really need, not the lowest one on the page.
Common questions
What is the best alternative to Freshdesk?
Our pick is HelpRabbit for its flat price and included AI answers. Zoho Desk is the closest in shape and has a free plan.