12 Open Source Alternatives to Zendesk

A list of 12 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Zendesk.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated13 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 Zendesk open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
Chatwoot logo

Chatwoot

22,654
3,963

Chatwoot is an open-source customer engagement platform that unifies live chat, email, and social media support on a single dashboard. It provides robust tools for real-time communication, team collaboration, and automation to efficiently manage customer relationships.

Chatwoot screenshot

Key Features

  • Omnichannel support across live chat, email, and social platforms
  • Self-hosting option ensuring data privacy and compliance
  • Automation rules and canned responses to speed up support
  • Integrated team collaboration tools with private notes
  • Custom API integrations and mobile apps for on-the-go access

Chatwoot centralizes all customer communications, allowing teams to interact seamlessly over live chat, email, social platforms, and more. With features like canned responses, keyboard shortcuts, team collaboration notes, automation rules, and custom API integrations, the platform streamlines support functions while offering self-hosting for complete data ownership. Additionally, white-label customization and mobile applications ensure that customer interactions remain consistent and accessible anywhere.

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.

Tiledesk screenshot

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.

#3
Typebot logo

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.

Typebot screenshot

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.

#4
Erxes logo

Erxes

3,606
1,134

Erxes is an open-source Experience Operating System (XOS) that streamlines customer experience management across support, marketing, sales, and operations. It provides a flexible, plugin-based infrastructure that empowers businesses to create tailored digital interactions, serving as a strong alternative to platforms like Hubspot and Qualtrics.

Erxes screenshot

Key Features

  • Open-source Experience Operating System with full data control
  • Modular plugin architecture for customer support, sales, marketing, and operations
  • Highly customizable and scalable to meet specific business needs
  • Integrated communication channels and unified workflows
  • Sustainable business model with community-driven support

Erxes enables organizations to integrate diverse workflows through a modular plugin system that covers customer support, sales, marketing automation, and operational communications. The platform ensures full data ownership and privacy while offering extensive customization options. Its architecture supports seamless integration and scalability, allowing businesses to evolve their digital experiences as they grow.

#5
Zammad logo

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.

Zammad screenshot

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.

#6
Freescout logo

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.

Freescout screenshot

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.

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.

Frappe Helpdesk screenshot

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.

#8
Chaskiq logo

Chaskiq

3,272
477

Chaskiq is an open source messaging platform designed to elevate your customer communication by integrating live chat, support, and marketing functionalities. It serves as a robust alternative to Intercom, Drift, and Crisp, enabling businesses to craft tailored engagement strategies with ease.

Chaskiq screenshot

Key Features

  • Open source and highly extensible architecture
  • Over 30 plugins for enhanced conversational experiences
  • Unified webchat for support, marketing, and sales
  • Multiple campaign modes including banners, popups, and guided tours
  • Robust automation flows and dynamic conversation routing
  • Integration with popular apps like Calendly, Zoom, Zapier, and more

Chaskiq offers a versatile webchat system powered by over 30 plugins, allowing seamless integrations for scheduling meetings, processing payments, initiating video calls, and more. Its flexible conversation routing and automation flows ensure timely support and efficient sales interactions. The platform supports diverse campaign modes such as banners, guided tours, and newsletters while consolidating conversations from multiple channels. Designed as open source from the start, it empowers teams to deliver a complete, customizable customer experience.

#9
Peppermint logo

Peppermint

2,310
250

Peppermint is an open source issue management and help desk solution that provides a robust alternative to Jira and Zendesk. It streamlines customer support workflows while empowering teams with efficient project and ticket management.

Peppermint screenshot

Key Features

  • Easy and fast deployment using Docker or one-command VPS setup
  • Email integration to convert received messages into tickets
  • Notification system with webhooks and third-party service integration
  • OIDC authentication for connecting with existing identity providers
  • Lightweight design suitable for low-end hardware
  • Local data storage ensuring data privacy and ownership

Peppermint delivers an innovative platform designed to manage support tickets and project issues with ease. It offers simple installation via Docker or a single command, enabling quick deployment on various environments including low-end hardware and VPS. The tool integrates seamlessly with email via SMTP/IMAP for automatic ticket conversion, supports notifications with webhooks, and features OIDC authentication for secure access. Data remains private as it is stored locally, ensuring complete ownership and control.

#10
Helpy logo

Helpy

2,383
497

Helpy is a modern open source helpdesk customer support application designed for organizations that prioritize data control. It streamlines support ticket management, live chat interactions, and a comprehensive self-service helpcenter, ensuring a secure and flexible customer support experience.

Helpy screenshot

Key Features

  • Integrated ticketing with email and live chat support
  • Self-service helpcenter and knowledgebase
  • Flexible deployment options – Self-hosted and Cloud
  • Advanced security features like SSO and data masking
  • Customizable interface with robust API integrations
  • Automation and AI-driven response capabilities

Helpy centralizes customer support by integrating multi-channel ticketing, live chat, and an extensive helpcenter into a single platform. The tool enables agents to manage tickets efficiently with automation, pre-built replies, and rapid response features. It supports both self-hosted and cloud-hosted deployments and is built with robust security measures, including SSO and data masking, to safeguard sensitive information.

Papercups is an open-source live customer chat platform that enables real-time communication between businesses and their customers. Its flexible, customizable chat solution is designed to boost customer engagement and streamline support.

Key Features

  • Open-source with customizable chat experiences
  • Real-time messaging for immediate customer support
  • Easy integration with websites and apps
  • Scalable and lightweight design

Papercups allows companies to embed a live chat widget directly into their websites and applications, offering real-time messaging and efficient conversation management. Its open-source foundation means it can be customized to meet specific business needs while remaining easy to deploy and maintain. The platform focuses on simplicity and reliability, making customer support more interactive and accessible.

#12
UVDesk logo

UVDesk

10,630
491

UVdesk is an open source community helpdesk solution designed to streamline customer support for ecommerce, marketplace, and multichannel environments. It provides a full ticketing system and a suite of features to enhance the support process and improve customer service.

UVDesk screenshot

Key Features

  • Open source and SaaS-based helpdesk system
  • Seamless integration with ecommerce and marketplace platforms
  • Multi-channel support including email, web forms, and CMS extensions
  • Automated workflows and smart ticket management
  • Expandable functionality via a dedicated app center

UVdesk delivers both SaaS-based and open source helpdesk solutions built on a PHP framework, allowing businesses to manage customer queries efficiently. The platform integrates seamlessly with a variety of ecommerce and CMS platforms including Magento, Shopify, Prestashop, and more. It supports multi-channel communication with email and form integrations, automated workflows, and customizable ticket management. Additionally, its modular design lets organizations extend functionality through a dedicated app center.

Price comparison of Zendesk open-source alternatives

ToolTier 1Tier 2Tier 3Details
Tiledesk logo
Tiledesk
$49
Starter
$149
Pro
$499
Business
Learn more
Typebot logo
Typebot
-
Free
$39
Starter
$89
Pro
Learn more
Erxes logo
Erxes
$0
Frontline - Free Plan
$11
Messenger
$49
Frontline
Learn more
Chaskiq logo
Chaskiq
$599
Self Hosted Premium Support
$150
Standard Self-Hosted Support
$199
One time Installation
Learn more
Helpy logo
Helpy
$40
Self Hosted
-
Enterprise
-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 Zendesk

Zendesk® is a customer service and engagement platform headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States. Founded in 2007 by Mikkel Svane, Morten Primdahl, and Alexander Aghassipour, the company initially aimed to revolutionize customer support by making it more efficient and personalized. Zendesk® offers a range of products and services designed to enhance customer experience and improve businesses' ability to engage with their customers. Their main product is the Zendesk Support suite, which provides a unified platform for customer service and support teams to manage customer inquiries across multiple channels such as phone, email, chat, and social media. The company has expanded its product lineup to include additional tools like Zendesk Chat for real-time messaging, Zendesk Guide for knowledge base and self-service support, and Zendesk Talk for call center functionality. These offerings are complemented by Zendesk Explore, a data analytics and reporting tool, and Zendesk Sell, a sales force automation platform. With operations worldwide, Zendesk® has established a strong global presence. The company has regional headquarters in London, Berlin, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, Copenhagen, Dublin, Paris, and Sao Paulo, enabling them to provide localized support and services to customers around the globe. Zendesk® has also entered into several strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand their market reach and improve their offerings. Notable partnerships include integrations with popular software platforms such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and Shopify. In terms of market position, Zendesk® is considered a leader in the customer service and engagement industry. The company has garnered a substantial customer base, including well-known brands like Airbnb, Uber, and Slack. As of its latest financial report, Zendesk® reported revenues of $816.3 million for the fiscal year 2020, a 29% increase compared to the previous year. Throughout its history, Zendesk® has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and growth. In 2018, the company launched Zendesk Sunshine, an open and flexible CRM platform, to expand their product offerings and target larger enterprises. Zendesk® has also acquired several companies to strengthen its capabilities, including BIME Analytics, Base, and Smooch. As of the latest available data, the company continues to thrive and innovate, further solidifying its position as a leading provider of customer service and engagement solutions. Zendesk® remains focused on empowering businesses to build better customer relationships through their comprehensive suite of products and services.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
Zendesk logo

Zendesk

Zendesk is a service-first CRM company that builds software designed to improve customer relationships.

Founded

2007

Employees

5,001

Location

San Francisco, United States

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