Zendesk vs Freshdesk for small business
Both start at US$19 per agent a month billed annually, so the choice comes down to what you need. Freshdesk is the better pick for small teams that mostly support customers by email: even its starting plan includes an AI agent with 500 free sessions. Zendesk suits teams that want email, live chat, and phone in one place, which starts on its US$55 Suite Team plan.
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Side by side
| Zendesk | Freshdesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | US$19/agent/mo, yearly | US$19/agent/mo, yearly |
| Monthly billing | US$25/agent/mo | Not shown |
| AI agents | Every plan; pay per resolution | Every plan; 500 sessions free |
| Live chat and phone | Suite Team, US$55 | Not on the plans page |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Checked on | Oct 20, 2026 | Oct 20, 2026 |
Prices are each maker’s regular list price in US dollars, read on the date shown. We never convert currencies.
Where Zendesk wins
- All channels in one plan. Suite Team (US$55 per agent a month billed yearly, or US$69 monthly) adds messaging and live chat, telephony, a knowledge base, and AI agents.
- A posted monthly price. Support Team is US$25 per agent a month if you pay monthly.
- AI included. Zendesk says AI agents come with every Suite and Support plan, priced by automated resolution. Each plan includes 5 or more resolutions per agent a month, and extras cost US$1.50 to US$2.00 each.
- Startup program. Qualifying early-stage startups can get a 6-month trial of Zendesk Suite for up to 50 agents.
Where Freshdesk wins
- More AI on the starting plan. Growth (US$19 per agent a month billed annually) includes Freddy AI Agent with your first 500 sessions free, plus ticketing, a shared inbox, and a customer portal with a knowledge base.
- Cheaper mid-tier. Pro is US$55 per agent a month billed annually and adds multilingual support, custom dashboards, and intelligent routing.
- AI help for your team. The Freddy AI Copilot add-on (US$29 per agent a month billed annually, from Pro) drafts replies, summarizes conversations, and translates live in 60+ languages.
- Day passes. Occasional agents can use a day pass from US$2 instead of a full seat.
The verdict
Pick Freshdesk if you mainly answer customers by email and want an AI agent on the cheapest plan.
Pick Zendesk if you want email, live chat, and phone support in one place, or you want to pay monthly.
Questions people ask
Is Zendesk or Freshdesk cheaper?
Both start at US$19 per agent a month billed annually. Zendesk also posts a monthly price of US$25 per agent (checked October 2026).
Do Zendesk and Freshdesk have AI agents?
Yes. Zendesk includes AI agents on every plan and charges per automated resolution beyond your allowance. Freshdesk includes Freddy AI Agent with 500 free sessions, then US$49 per 100 sessions.
Does Freshdesk have a free plan?
Freshdesk’s pricing page lists Growth, Pro, and Enterprise, with a 14-day free trial. It doesn’t list a free plan.
Which has live chat?
Zendesk includes messaging and live chat from Suite Team (US$55 per agent a month billed yearly). Freshdesk’s plans page focuses on email ticketing.
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- Visit Zendesk → · Visit Freshdesk →
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