Freshdesk vs Kayako: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Freshdesk
Kayako
Starting Price
$15/agent/mo
$30/agent/mo
Free Plan
Yes
No
Users
60K+ orgs
35K+ orgs
Founded
2010
2001
Rating
4.4/5
4.1/5
Best For
SMBs wanting feature-rich help desk with a solid f...
SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified c...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
FreshdeskKayako
90Ease of Use81
92Features86
92Value for Money80
83Customer Support77
85Integrations79
86Mobile App80
AI Verdict
Freshdesk leads with a ToolScout Score of 88 vs 82 for Kayako. Freshdesk is best suited for SMBs wanting feature-rich help desk with a solid free tier, while Kayako excels for SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view. Both are strong options in the Customer Support space.
CHOOSE FRESHDESK IF:
SMBs wanting feature-rich help desk with a solid free tier.
CHOOSE KAYAKO IF:
SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freshdesk better than Kayako?
Freshdesk scores 88/100 on ToolScout compared to Kayako's 82/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Freshdesk is best for SMBs wanting feature-rich help desk with a solid free tier. Kayako is best for SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view.
Does Freshdesk have a free plan?
Yes, Freshdesk offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $15/agent/mo.
Does Kayako have a free plan?
No, Kayako does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $30/agent/mo.
Can I migrate from Freshdesk to Kayako?
Migration between Freshdesk and Kayako depends on the specific features you use. Both tools are in the Customer Support category. Check each tool's import/export options for data portability before switching.