Running a business is hard. Helping your customers shouldn’t be. If you’ve looked at Help Scout and found the price a bit steep, you’re not alone. Don’t worry! There are some free alternatives that can still get the job done. Let’s explore some top picks that can keep your support game strong—without breaking the bank!
Why Look for an Alternative?
Help Scout is great. It’s clean, easy to use, and packed with features. But the truth is, not everyone needs all those bells and whistles.
You might be a startup, a one-person show, or just need something simple. That’s why free tools can be excellent. They cover your basic needs and grow with you, too.
Top Free Alternatives
Here are some awesome (and did we mention free?) tools to check out:
1. Freshdesk (Free Plan)
Good for: Small teams
Freshdesk’s free plan gives you email and social ticketing, a knowledge base, and even automation rules.
- Works out of the box
- User-friendly interface
- Upgrades available when you grow
2. Zoho Desk (Free Plan)
Good for: Existing Zoho users
If you’re already using Zoho apps like CRM or email, Zoho Desk fits in perfectly.
- Three agents free
- Email ticketing system
- Simple but effective interface
3. Tawk.to
Good for: Real-time chat support
Tawk.to is a 100% free live chat tool. Yes, really.
- Unlimited agents
- Customizable chat widgets
- Tag and assign chats to team members
4. HubSpot Service Hub (Free Tier)
Good for: Businesses already using HubSpot
This one’s part of HubSpot’s big ecosystem. If you already use their marketing tools, this is for you!
- Ticketing system
- Live chat and chatbot
- Great CRM integration
5. Hiver (Free Trial, but affordable)
Good for: Gmail users
Okay, it’s not totally free forever. But it has a solid trial and low-cost plans.
- Turns Gmail into a help desk
- Easy for beginners
- Minimal learning curve
How to Pick the Right One?
We get it. So many choices, it can be dizzying! Here are a few things to think about:
- Team size: Some tools are free only for small teams.
- Type of support: Do you want chat, email, or both?
- Future needs: Will it scale as you grow?
- Integrations: Does it play well with your current apps?
Final Thoughts
Help Scout is awesome, but it’s not the only show in town. These free tools cover most of what small teams or startups need. Plus, they let you dip your toes into customer service without emptying your wallet.
Try a couple of them out. See what feels right. And remember, happy customers love quick, friendly support—no matter which tool you use!
So go on, give one of these free options a spin. You’ve got nothing to lose, and maybe a lot of happy customers to gain!
