5 Open Source Alternatives to HelpScout

A list of 5 carefully selected open-source alternatives to HelpScout.

Created by

Adrian

Mar 9, 2025Updated•6 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of HelpScout open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

Tiledesk

257

101

Tiledesk is an open source AI agent builder built with Node.js and Angular. It features a no-code WebApp dashboard that lets you easily create advanced LLM-powered agents to automate customer support and business workflows, while seamlessly integrating human-in-the-loop for complex issues.

Key Features

No-code visual AI builder for rapid development
Advanced AI workflows with human-in-the-loop escalation
Customizable and scalable to suit diverse industries
On-premise deployment option to ensure data privacy
Seamless integration with live agent consoles and communication channels

Tiledesk streamlines the creation and management of intelligent AI agents that enhance operational efficiency and boost engagement. Its intuitive visual AI builder enables quick assembly of customized workflows without coding, offering deep integration with live support systems, on-premise deployment, and robust security standards. This platform is trusted across industries for reducing ticket volumes, speeding up response times, and optimizing team productivity.

Learn more about Tiledesk

Typebot

8,290

2,346

Typebot is a powerful, self-hosted chatbot builder that enables you to create advanced conversational experiences without coding. It allows businesses and developers to integrate engaging chatbots across websites and popular messaging platforms, ensuring dynamic and personalized interactions.

Key Features

No-code drag-and-drop chatbot builder with 45+ customizable blocks
Seamless integrations with tools like OpenAI, Google Sheets, Zapier, and WhatsApp
Advanced theming and reusable templates for a personalized chat experience
Multiple deployment options including custom domains and embedded containers
Comprehensive analytics to track drop-off and completion rates
100% open source with a vibrant developer community

Typebot offers a no-code, drag-and-drop interface with over 45 building blocks, allowing you to design chatbots that handle text, images, videos, and more. Its rich integration options—including OpenAI, Google Sheets, Zapier, and WhatsApp—combined with customizable theming and reusable templates, empower you to deploy chatbots via custom domains, embedded containers, popups, or HTTP requests. The platform also provides real-time analytics for monitoring performance across various departments.

Learn more about Typebot

Zammad

4,683

791

Zammad is a web-based open source helpdesk and customer support system designed to streamline customer service operations. It provides a robust ticketing system that connects multiple communication channels, ensuring efficient support and enhanced customer experience.

Key Features

Web-based open source helpdesk platform
Unified multi-channel communication management
Customizable ticketing system with automated workflows
Extensive integrations (LDAP, SSO, REST API)
Real-time reporting and analytics
Responsive design with mobile support

Zammad helps organizations manage customer queries by unifying emails, chat, and social media into a single interface. The platform features customizable ticket handling, smart chat, automated escalations, and real-time reporting. With extensive integrations including LDAP, SSO, and REST API, Zammad supports diverse workflows and industries. Its responsive design and mobile view ensure support teams remain productive wherever they are, turning customer interactions into efficient, structured processes.

Learn more about Zammad

Freescout

3,342

519

FreeScout is a powerful, free, open source help desk and shared inbox solution designed for businesses seeking full data ownership and control. It provides a self-hosted alternative to popular SaaS tools like Zendesk and Help Scout.

Key Features

Self-hosted and open source for complete data control
Intuitive, lightweight interface designed for efficiency
Customizable workflows and ticket management
Community-supported with continuous improvements

Developed in PHP using the Laravel framework, FreeScout offers an intuitive ticketing system that centralizes customer inquiries in a shared mailbox. Its lightweight structure supports customizable workflows, enabling support agents to manage conversations efficiently while preserving privacy. With continuous community-driven enhancements, it adapts to growing support needs without locking you into a proprietary system.

Learn more about Freescout

Frappe Helpdesk

2,029

368

Frappe Helpdesk is a modern ticketing tool that streamlines support workflows and enhances agent productivity. It consolidates queries from multiple channels into a unified interface, enabling efficient issue management and a personalized customer experience.

Key Features

Unified ticket management across email, web forms, and chats
Configurable SLAs for transparent response and resolution times
Automated ticket routing with round-robin and load balancing
Built-in knowledge base for customer self-service
Canned responses to save time on repetitive queries
High customizability to adapt to unique support workflows

Frappe Helpdesk delivers a robust open source solution designed to manage customer service interactions effectively. It consolidates emails, website forms, and chat inquiries into a single queue per agent, offers SLA configuration to set clear response times, and automates ticket assignments for balanced workloads. Built-in canned responses and a self-service knowledge base further enhance support efficiency.

Learn more about Frappe Helpdesk

Price comparison of HelpScout open-source alternatives

Tool	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3	Details
Tiledesk	$49 Starter	$149 Pro	$499 Business	Learn more
Typebot	- Free	$39 Starter	$89 Pro	Learn more

* Pricing shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Visit each tool's website for detailed pricing information and additional tiers.

About HelpScout

Help Scout is a customer service brand that aims to help you build a company that people love. They provide a range of products and services to deliver an even better customer experience. With Help Scout, you can support your customers across various channels like email and live chat. Their shared inbox feature allows you to manage and respond to emails as a team, promoting collaboration and efficiency. Additionally, Help Scout offers a Help Center solution where you can create websites with answers to frequently asked questions, providing self-service options for your customers. Their platform makes it easy to talk with your customers, offering features like mailbox workflows, knowledge base, reporting, live chat, customer management, and integrations. As a brand, Help Scout is committed to helping businesses empower their customers with tools that serve them in the most human and helpful way. They have a diverse team and believe in doing less but doing it better. Help Scout is a remote-first company that values inclusivity and sustainability.