Help Scout vs Zendesk
Full side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and use cases to help you pick the right tool.
Bottom line: Zendesk is both cheaper and competitive - a strong pick for most teams.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Help Scout | Zendesk |
|---|---|---|
| Free | No | No |
| Starter | $20/mo | $19/mo |
| Pro | $40/mo | $55/mo |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
Zendesk is cheaper at the Starter tier ($19/mo vs $20/mo).
Feature Matrix
| Feature | Help Scout | Zendesk |
|---|---|---|
| Shared inbox | Yes | - |
| Docs knowledge base | Yes | - |
| Live chat Beacon | Yes | - |
| Customer data sidebar | Yes | - |
| Workflows automation | Yes | - |
| Ticket management | - | Yes |
| AI-powered auto-reply | - | Yes |
| Help center knowledge base | - | Yes |
| Omnichannel support | - | Yes |
| Advanced analytics | - | Yes |
When to Choose Each
Choose Help Scout if you need...
- +Feels like email familiar UX
- +Good per-seat value
- +Strong customer focus
Choose Zendesk if you need...
- +Industry standard for enterprise
- +Powerful ticket routing
- +Large app marketplace
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Help Scout or Zendesk?
Help Scout scores higher in our review (4.4/5 vs 4.3/5). However, Zendesk may be a better fit depending on your specific needs and budget.
Is Help Scout cheaper than Zendesk?
Yes, Zendesk is cheaper at the Starter tier ($19/mo).
What is the difference between Help Scout and Zendesk?
Help Scout focuses on shared inbox and docs knowledge base, while Zendesk emphasizes ticket management and ai-powered auto-reply. Help Scout is best for Startupss, Solopreneurss, Agenciess, while Zendesk suits Enterprises, Agenciess, Startupss.
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