Help Scout vs Zendesk
Help Desk pricing comparison · 2026
Help Scout pricing ranges from $0–$75/user/month, while Zendesk ranges from $19–$169/agent/month. Help Scout is typically 47% more affordable, though your actual cost depends on tier and team size.
Help Scout and Zendesk are both leading help desk platforms, but they target different user needs and price points. Help Scout starts at $20/user/month, while Zendesk begins at $19/agent/month.
Help Scout is best for teams seeking comprehensive features, while Zendesk excels for businesses prioritizing ease of use. Both platforms offer robust features, but their pricing structures and target markets differ significantly.
Plan-by-Plan Pricing
| Plan | Help Scout | Zendesk |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free /month | $19 /agent/month |
| Standard | $25 /user/month | $55 /agent/month |
| Plus | $45 /user/month | $115 /agent/month |
| Pro | $75 /user/month | $169 /agent/month |
| AI Answers | Custom | — |
Cost at Scale
Total cost of ownership — licenses, implementation, and hidden costs included.
Help Scout
3 scenariosZendesk
4 scenariosMarket Intelligence
Help Scout
- Median annual cost
- $588
- Based on
- 137 deals
Zendesk
- Median annual cost
- $47,772
- Average negotiated discount
- 15%
- Based on
- 1035 deals
Our Verdict
Choose Help Scout if you need comprehensive features and customization.
Choose Zendesk if ease of use and quick setup are priorities. Its starting price of $19/agent/month is more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Which is cheaper, Help Scout or Zendesk?
Help Scout starts at $20/user/month, while Zendesk is cheaper at $19/agent/month. For mid-tier plans, Help Scout costs around $40/user/month compared to Zendesk's $55/agent/month.
02 Does Help Scout or Zendesk have a free tier?
Neither Help Scout nor Zendesk offers a free tier. Help Scout starts at $20/user/month and Zendesk at $19/agent/month. For free help desk options, consider alternatives like HubSpot's free tier.
03 How much do Help Scout and Zendesk cost for enterprise?
Help Scout's top tier (Pro) costs $65/user/month, while Zendesk's highest plan (Suite Enterprise) is Custom pricing. Enterprise pricing typically includes dedicated support, advanced security, and unlimited users or custom features. Contact sales for exact enterprise quotes.