Kayako vs Zoho Desk: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
🛶
Kayako
Customer Support
82
ToolScout Score
VS
🟢
Zoho Desk
Customer Support
88
ToolScout Score
RECOMMENDED

Quick Comparison

Kayako
Zoho Desk
Starting Price
$30/agent/mo
$14/agent/mo
Free Plan
No
Yes
Users
35K+ orgs
100K+ orgs
Founded
2001
2016
Rating
4.1/5
4.4/5
Best For
SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified c...
Zoho ecosystem users wanting affordable, feature-r...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

KayakoZoho Desk
81Ease of Use90
86Features92
80Value for Money92
77Customer Support83
79Integrations85
80Mobile App86
AI Verdict

Zoho Desk leads with a ToolScout Score of 88 vs 82 for Kayako. Zoho Desk is best suited for Zoho ecosystem users wanting affordable, feature-rich help desk software, 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 KAYAKO IF:

SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view.

CHOOSE ZOHO DESK IF:

Zoho ecosystem users wanting affordable, feature-rich help desk software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kayako better than Zoho Desk?
Zoho Desk scores 88/100 on ToolScout compared to Kayako's 82/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Kayako is best for SMBs wanting affordable help desk with a unified customer interaction view. Zoho Desk is best for Zoho ecosystem users wanting affordable, feature-rich help desk software.
Does Kayako have a free plan?
No, Kayako does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $30/agent/mo.
Does Zoho Desk have a free plan?
Yes, Zoho Desk offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $14/agent/mo.
Can I migrate from Kayako to Zoho Desk?
Migration between Kayako and Zoho Desk 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.