Freshdesk vs Help Scout

FRvsHelp Scout logo
Two Support tools side by side: what each does, what it costs and who it suits.

The verdict

On the data we hold, Help Scout comes out ahead. Here is why, point by point.

What the data says
  • Only Help Scout has a free plan to start on.
  • Freshdesk starts lower, at $1.25/mo against $25/mo.
  • Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
  • In our Support ranking, Help Scout places 1 and Freshdesk 12 of 16.

Side by side

Freshdesk and Help Scout compared
At a glance
Starts at$1.25/mo$25/mo
Free planNoYes
APIYesYes
MCP serverYesYes
Links

Plans and pricing

FR

Freshdesk

  • GrowthSmall teams with email-focused support$18/mo
  • ProExpanding teams needing custom routing$59/mo
  • EnterpriseLarge orgs requiring audit logs$95/mo
Help Scout logo

Help Scout

  • FreeUp to 5 users, 1 inbox and 1 Docs site.Free
  • StandardPer user per month; shown at $25 on the page.$25/mo/seat
  • PlusPer user per month; shown at $45 on the page.$45/mo/seat
  • ProPer user per month; shown at $75 on the page.$75/mo/seat

Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.

Who each is for

FR

Choose Freshdesk if…

We haven't written up who Freshdesk suits yet.
Help Scout logo

Choose Help Scout if…

B2B and SaaS support teams that want a shared inbox with a proper knowledge base attached, without the weight of an enterprise helpdesk, from a small team to a larger group.

Other options worth a look

  • Freshdesk by Freshworks logo
    ToolValue delivery
    Manage customer support tickets across email, chat and social channels with knowledge base tools.

    Support

    From $19/mo yearlyAffiliate link
  • Zendesk logo
    ToolValue delivery
    Customer service platform that combines helpdesk ticketing, omnichannel support and AI-powered knowledge base capabilities.

    Support

    From €19/mo yearly
  • Gorgias logo
    ToolValue delivery
    Centralises customer support across email, chat, social and SMS for ecommerce stores with order-data integration.

    Support

    From $10/moAffiliate link
  • Intercom logo
    ToolValue delivery
    Supports customers across email, chat and phone with a unified inbox and an AI resolution agent.

    Support

    From $29/mo
  • Document360 logo
    ToolValue delivery
    Powers knowledge bases and help centres with AI search, chatbots and an AI writing agent.

    Support

  • WhatsApp Business logo
    ToolValue delivery
    Meta's messaging app and API that lets businesses chat with customers on WhatsApp, from small shops to enterprises.

    Support