10 Best Zoho Desk Alternatives and Competitors

As someone who often explores tools to enhance customer support processes, I looked for Zoho Desk alternatives to ensure my team has the best options available. This search was about understanding different features and pricing models to find the right fit for our needs.

Here, I present the 10 best alternatives and competitors to Zoho Desk, each offering unique capabilities that might suit different business requirements. 

Which Is the Best Zoho Desk Alternative?

If you don’t have much time to check out the complete list, there is nothing to worry about.

Honestly speaking, there is no such thing as the “best” alternative because it all depends on what suits your business needs. Based on my experience, here are three tools that really stood out to me:

Option A: ProProfs Chat 

ProProfs Chat has transformed how we handle customer support. Setting up their AI chatbot was a breeze, thanks to a user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface. Their vast library of customizable templates allowed us to deploy 24/7 support effortlessly, significantly reducing the load on our team by automating responses to common queries and capturing leads. The integration with our existing knowledge base means the chatbot can guide users to articles that answer their questions, enhancing their experience while making our operations more efficient.

Option B: Respond.io 

Respond.io offers an advanced platform for managing customer conversations across multiple channels using AI. This tool not only improves response times by 40% but also ensures 95% accuracy in replies. It automates greetings, FAQ responses, lead qualifications, and personalized experiences. Available on both desktop and mobile, Respond.io enables us to handle customer interactions seamlessly from anywhere, providing flexibility and improving our service delivery.

Option C: Intercom

Intercom is an exceptional omnichannel platform that aligns with our brand through a customizable messenger and comprehensive app integration. It revitalizes our customer interactions and ensures a consistent experience across all touchpoints. With its AI-driven support system, including a help desk and proactive outreach, Intercom not only enhances customer engagement but also simplifies our workflows with over 450 integrations, making it a powerful tool for personalizing user interactions and automating daily tasks.

If you want a more detailed comparison, please feel free to explore the full list. 

Read Now: 7 Best Cliengo Alternatives for Enhanced Customer Support in 2024

List of Zoho Desk Alternatives 

Here’s the full list of Zoho Desk alternatives. Compare each tool and review its features and drawbacks for a fair analysis. This will help you make the right choice for your business.  

1. ProProfs Chat

Best for 24/7 Delightful Customer Support with AI Chatbots

ProProfs Chat has been a real game-changer for our customer support! Setting up a chatbot is surprisingly easy, even without any coding knowledge. Their drag-and-drop interface made building conversation flows a breeze.  

Plus, they have a library of chatbot templates that I could easily customize to fit our specific needs.  We went from offering live chat support during business hours to providing 24/7 assistance with the help of our new AI bot. It’s already taken a load off our team by answering common questions and capturing leads around the clock.  

I’m particularly impressed with how we can personalize interactions to collect visitor information without those clunky pre-chat forms. It’s a win-win for both us and our customers – faster responses and a smoother experience.  ProProfs Chat even integrates with our existing knowledge base, allowing the chatbot to direct users to helpful articles.  

What you will like 

• Tracks your customer interactions, giving you real-time data and reports to see what’s working and what’s not. 
• Grab the attention of prospects and customers with proactive chat invitations. 
• Respond to customer questions instantly, even when your team is offline. 
• Helps you anticipate common inquiries and deliver pre-written answers.
• Post-chat surveys can be used to measure customer satisfaction and track how your support team is performing. 

What you may not like 

• There’s currently no built-in spell checker, so double-check your responses before sending them out.

• Additional customization options for reporting templates would be beneficial. 

Pricing 

A Forever-free plan is available. Team plan starts at $19.99/operator/month.

2. Respond.io

AI-Powered Customer Conversation Management

Respond.io is a customer conversation management software that uses AI to automate tasks and improve efficiency. This is one of the best Zoho Desk alternatives that can handle multiple chats simultaneously, freeing up human agents for more complex issues.  

The AI feature boasts a 40% faster response time and 95% accuracy rate, ensuring customers get quick and reliable answers 24/7. It can greet customers, answer FAQs, qualify leads, personalize experiences, and collect customer information. AI Prompts help you send perfect messages every time, while AI Assist provides relevant answers instantly. 

Respond.io is available on desktop and mobile, making it easy to manage conversations from anywhere. It offers a 7-day free trial and boasts a successful track record, with over 10,000 companies using its platform.

What you will like

• Manage all your communication channels (email, SMS, WhatsApp, etc.) in one place.
• Build visual workflows to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
• Gain valuable insights into customer interactions to improve your support.

What you may not like

• The abundance of features might overwhelm new users initially.
• You might find limited options for customizing the platform to your specific needs.
• Support for some regional languages might be restricted.

Pricing 

Starts at $79/ month

Also Read: Top 10 Respond.io Alternatives & Competitors in 2024

3. Intercom

Best for Omnichannel Platform with Messenger & App 

Intercom stands as a top-tier omnichannel platform that matches your brand’s vibe with a customizable messenger and a suite of apps. It brings your customer interactions to life, ensuring a consistent brand feel wherever your customers reach out. Setting it up is a breeze—no coding needed! 

This tool is perfect for keeping up with today’s customer engagement needs. What’s more, Intercom comes with a smart, AI-powered support system complete with a help desk, chatbot, proactive outreach, and over 450 integrations to streamline your workflow. Its powerful automation not only personalizes user experiences but also simplifies daily tasks. 

Plus, their easy-to-navigate help center supports customers who prefer to help themselves. Ultimately, Intercom harnesses the power of omnichannel support to boost customer satisfaction and keep people coming back.

What you will like 

• Intercom’s platform facilitates direct communication with customers, which enhances the support and user experience.
• Offers powerful automation features that can help scale customer support without increasing staff.
• The ability to integrate with a variety of tools enhances its functionality and user-centric design.

What you may not like 

• Can be expensive, particularly for solo entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• The cost per user is considered high, which may not be feasible for businesses with a large number of customer service representatives.
• The platform may have a steep learning curve due to its comprehensive features.

Pricing 

Starts at $39/seat/month

Must Read: 11 Best Intercom Alternatives & Competitors [REVIEWED]

4. Freshdesk

Best for Multichannel Communications

Another alternative to Zoho Desk I have tried out is the Freshworks Customer Service Suite. This AI-powered platform aims to improve customer service operations by combining chatbots, conversations, and ticketing in one effective workspace. Over 67,000 businesses worldwide trust it for its comprehensive features that boost customer service team capabilities.

The omnichannel approach lets agents interact with customers via email, text, and social media from a single view. This integration saves time and streamlines the support process by removing the need to juggle multiple tools. Its advanced ticketing system uses AI and automation to resolve customer issues more quickly. Intelligent chatbots offer round-the-clock self-service options.

In this unified workspace, agents can access data, tools, and processes all in one place, enhancing efficiency and simplifying personalization. Freddy AI, the suite’s AI component, supports customers, agents, and administrators, cutting down on the time and effort needed for many tasks. A shared view across channels makes collaboration smooth, while easy customization and workflow automation are possible through streamlined administration features.

Workflow Automation: Freshdesk enables users to automate and track essential IT workflows, greatly enhancing efficiency.

What you will like 

• The software includes Google Apps plugins that add more services without needing clients to modify any touchpoints.
• Customers have access to their ticket status and history and can rate services, which boosts transparency and trust.
• Offers important metrics that provide insights into your help desk’s effectiveness.

What you may not like 

• Wide price variations between plans can be challenging for smaller businesses.
• The UI may feel clunky and cumbersome on smaller devices like laptops.
• Advanced analytic capabilities are only available in the beta version

Pricing 

Starts at $27.60/agent/month 

Read Now: 11 Best Freshchat Alternatives & Competitors Worth Considering in 2024

5. Zendesk Chat

Converting sales and engaging customers with free live chat

Though I haven’t tried this alternative, it has a good reputation in the market and is also quite popular. Zendesk Chat is notably the best choice for existing Zendesk users. Designed to integrate with the Zendesk suite of customer service tools, it enhances real-time communication capabilities. 

This platform allows customer service agents to engage directly with customers via live chat, which can be crucial for immediate problem-solving and boosting customer satisfaction. Its strength lies in its integration, where it pulls together data from other Zendesk products to provide a unified customer view. This feature enables agents to offer personalized and informed support, improving the overall customer experience. 

Additionally, Zendesk Chat includes automation features that can help streamline conversations and reduce the workload on human agents, making it a powerful tool for enhancing customer service efficiency.

What you will like 

• The Zendesk Suite provides a unified workspace featuring a contextual interface.
• It supports multiple communication channels, enabling support and service teams to engage with customers.
• Boasts strong ticketing and routing features that streamline the management of customer inquiries.

What you may not like 

• The Answer Bot function needs improvement.
• Zendesk is considered costly by some users, especially when compared to more recent CRM platforms.
• Some users have reported sporadic issues with the call feature.

Pricing 

Starts at US$115/agent/month

Read Also: Zendesk Alternatives: 10 Best Customer Support Software in 2024

6. HubSpot

Converting sales and engaging customers with free live chat

HubSpot excels at converting sales and engaging customers, particularly through its free live chat feature. This is one of the best Zoho Desk alternatives, allowing businesses to connect instantly with site visitors, address inquiries, and boost customer satisfaction. 

By providing real-time support, HubSpot’s live chat helps nurture leads and close sales more effectively. The platform integrates with your sales and marketing data, enabling personalized interactions based on user behavior and history. This tailored approach not only enhances user experience but also increases the likelihood of conversion. 

Moreover, HubSpot offers a suite of tools that work together to ensure a comprehensive understanding of customer interactions. This integration across marketing, sales, and service hubs creates a unified strategy that drives customer engagement and business growth. 

What you will like 

• Provides an all-in-one platform for marketing, sales, and customer support.
• The platform offers powerful automation tools for marketing and sales that are easy to use.
• HubSpot features an integrated CMS, simplifying content management.

What you may not like 

• The per-user pricing model can be costly, particularly for smaller companies.
• Some users may find the platform complicated and difficult to use.
• HubSpot limits contacts to one email each, which could be restrictive.

Pricing

Starts at $800/month 

Also Read: 10 Best HubSpot Chat Alternatives to Boost Your Engagement in 2024

7. Help Scout

Shared Inbox & Customer Support

Help Scout is celebrated for its Customer Conversations Platform, which combines simplicity, efficiency, and a personal touch. It functions like a supercharged inbox, tailored to manage all your customer interactions smoothly. 

What I like about this Zoho Desk alternative is that you can quickly become proficient with Help Scout; it’s straightforward enough for beginners to start supporting customers within minutes and for users to master within a day. The platform includes a variety of tools, such as a dedicated inbox for conversation management, a help center for self-service, live chat for instant support, and AI to improve response quality. 

Help Scout also offers automated workflows, collaborative features, and insights into customer data to keep your team organized and provide tailored support. With its reporting capabilities and over 50 integrations, Help Scout is a holistic solution for teams aiming to enhance productivity and foster stronger customer relationships.

What you will like

• Offers strong customization options in its workflows and integrations.
• Known for excellent customer support with fast and helpful responses.
• Provides a clean and intuitive user interface that enhances usability.

What you may not like 

• The lack of a spam filter can be problematic for managing communications.
• Users have reported losing data due to the interface’s popup system.
• Advanced features like ticket management and knowledge base could use more depth and flexibility.

Pricing 

Starts at $20/user/month 

Also Read: 13 Best Customer Service Automation Software for 2024

8. DelightChat

Best for Omnichannel Inbox 

My experience with DelightChat has been great for managing our customer interactions. This tool integrates smoothly with platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and email, making it easy to manage all conversations from a single omnichannel inbox. 

Its capability to assign conversations to different team members and manage them through a shared inbox ensures that we reply to all customer queries promptly and maintain a high level of service.

The integration with Shopify simplifies handling customer and order details for personalized and informed responses to customer inquiries. Features like automated responses and ticket management streamline operations and reduce the workload on our support team, which is crucial for handling high volumes of interactions. Moreover, the analytics provided help us understand our performance and improve our response strategies.

What you will like

• The platform supports multiple languages, which can be beneficial for businesses operating in diverse markets.
• Features such as reporting, contact management, and automated replies streamline customer interactions and management.
• Available in both cloud-based and customizable formats, with API accessibility for integration.

What you may not like

• The wide array of features might be overwhelming for small businesses or startups.
• The cost is higher for very small enterprises.
• As of now, it integrates only with Shopify. 

Pricing 

Starts at $49/month 

Explore: Top 8 Delight Chat Alternatives & Competitors in 2024

9. LiveChat

Best for live chat with ticketing functionality

LiveChat businesses aim to enhance sales and customer engagement through real-time communication. I recently explored their platform, and I must say, it impressively simplifies interaction with website visitors. The software integrates with websites and allows customer service agents to provide immediate assistance. This feature alone can significantly improve the customer’s experience and satisfaction.

What sets LiveChat apart is its user-friendly interface, which benefits both customers and service agents. Agents can manage multiple conversations efficiently, reducing wait times and boosting productivity. The platform also includes customizable chat widgets, which you can adapt to match your company’s branding, making the entire customer service experience feel more integrated and professional.

Another aspect I appreciate is the analytics. It allows you to track chat metrics, which helps you better understand customer needs and refine interaction strategies. These insights are crucial for making informed business decisions that can lead to increased sales and better customer retention.

What you will like 

• Users can tailor chat widgets to align with their website’s theme.
• Chatbots can automate ticket creation and lead collection.
• The system supports over 200 integrations, enhancing its functionality.

What you may not like

• Some users have encountered occasional system glitches that may interrupt the service.
• The service is on the expensive side, though many users feel the benefits justify the cost.
• The ticket management system is somewhat confusing, leading to tickets remaining unresolved due to inadequate notifications.

Pricing 

Starts at $20/month/person 

Read: Top 13 LiveChat Alternatives in 2024

10. LiveAgent

Best for Simple and Feature-Rich Live Chat with Gamification for Agent Motivation

LiveAgent excels as a feature-packed alternative to Zoho Desk, perfect for businesses looking to enhance customer interaction. Its standout feature is its gamification for agent motivation. This element rewards agents with points and badges for completing specific tasks, thus boosting productivity and morale.

The software integrates with multiple platforms and supports real-time chat, which means businesses can handle customer queries instantly. It offers ticketing, video chat, and even social media integration, making it a comprehensive tool for all customer support needs.

Moreover, the setup process is straightforward, and it gets your system up and running quickly without needing extensive technical knowledge. With robust reporting features, managers can track key performance indicators and improve service strategies over time.

What you will like

• Brings together multiple communication channels into one universal inbox, enhancing efficiency.
• Supports automation and customer segmentation to streamline support operations.
• Includes a built-in CRM to improve customer relationship management.

What you may not like

• The mobile app might not offer as robust an experience as the desktop version.
• The reporting and analytics could be more sophisticated.
• Extensive customization options might complicate setup and maintenance.

Pricing 

Starts at $49/month 

Read Now: 10 Best LiveAgent Alternatives to Enhance Customer Support 2024

Evaluation Criteria 

The evaluation of products or tools chosen for this article follows an unbiased, systematic approach that ensures a fair, insightful, and well-rounded review. This method employs six key factors:

1. User Reviews / Ratings: Direct experiences from users, including ratings and feedback from reputable sites, provide a ground-level perspective. This feedback is critical in understanding overall satisfaction and potential problems.
2. Essential Features & Functionality: The value of a product is ascertained by its core features and overall functionality. Through an in-depth exploration of these aspects, the practical usefulness and effectiveness of the tools are carefully evaluated.
3. Ease of Use: The user-friendliness of a product or service is assessed, focusing on the design, interface, and navigation. This ensures a positive experience for users of all levels of expertise.
4. Customer Support: The quality of customer support is examined, taking into account its efficiency and how well it supports users in different phases – setting up, addressing concerns, and resolving operational issues.
5. Value for Money: Value for money is evaluated by comparing the quality, performance, and features. The goal is to help the reader understand whether they would be getting their money’s worth. 
6. Personal Experience / Experts’ Opinions: This part of the evaluation criteria draws insightful observations from the personal experience of the writer and the opinions of industry experts. 

What is Zoho Desk?

Zoho Desk is a cloud-based customer support platform that helps businesses manage customer interactions. It offers features like ticketing, self-service portals, and reporting.

Which alternative is best as compared to Zoho Desk pricing for small businesses?

For small businesses seeking budget-friendly alternatives to Zoho Desk pricing, ProProfs Chat emerges as a strong contender. Other options to consider include Help Scout and Freshdesk. Remember to evaluate each tool based on your specific needs and budget. Don't forget to factor in ease of use, customer support quality, and the ability to integrate with your existing software.

What features should you look for in Zoho Desk alternatives?

When choosing a Zoho Desk alternative, prioritize features that streamline your workflow. Look for omnichannel communication to handle inquiries across various channels, automation tools to boost efficiency, and insightful reporting to track your support team's performance.  Easy-to-use interfaces, reliable customer support, and a balance between features and cost are also crucial factors to consider.