Freshdesk vs Help Scout: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Freshdesk
Help Scout
Starting Price
$15/agent/mo
$22/user/mo
Free Plan
Yes
No
Users
60K+ orgs
12K+ orgs
Founded
2010
2011
Rating
4.4/5
4.6/5
Best For
SMBs wanting feature-rich help desk with a solid f...
Customer-centric teams wanting support that feels ...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
FreshdeskHelp Scout
90Ease of Use91
92Features96
92Value for Money90
83Customer Support87
85Integrations89
86Mobile App90
AI Verdict
Help Scout leads with a ToolScout Score of 92 vs 88 for Freshdesk. Help Scout is best suited for Customer-centric teams wanting support that feels personal, not robotic, while Freshdesk excels for SMBs wanting feature-rich help desk with a solid free tier. Both are strong options in the Customer Support space.
CHOOSE FRESHDESK IF:
SMBs wanting feature-rich help desk with a solid free tier.
CHOOSE HELP SCOUT IF:
Customer-centric teams wanting support that feels personal, not robotic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freshdesk better than Help Scout?
Help Scout scores 92/100 on ToolScout compared to Freshdesk's 88/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Freshdesk is best for SMBs wanting feature-rich help desk with a solid free tier. Help Scout is best for Customer-centric teams wanting support that feels personal, not robotic.
Does Freshdesk have a free plan?
Yes, Freshdesk offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $15/agent/mo.
Does Help Scout have a free plan?
No, Help Scout does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $22/user/mo.
Can I migrate from Freshdesk to Help Scout?
Migration between Freshdesk and Help Scout 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.