Who are Kayako's main competitors?
Kayako's main competitors include several customer service and support platforms that offer similar features and functionalities. Some of the prominent ones are:
Examples:
- HelpDesk
- Zendesk
- Freshdesk
- Help Scout
- HappyFox
Top Kayako Alternatives for 2025
Looking for alternatives to Kayako for your customer service needs? Here are some top free and paid options to consider:
HelpDesk
HelpDesk is a customer service software that enables businesses to provide personalized customer support. It offers features such as ticket management, automation, reporting, and integrations with other tools like LiveChat or ChatBot. HelpDesk aims to streamline customer communications and improve satisfaction through its user-friendly interface and customizable workflows. The platform is designed to help companies promptly manage and resolve customer inquiries and issues.
Key Features
Key HelpDesk features are ticket management, AI-powered tools, intuitive workflows, end-to-end system personalization, and customizable reporting features.
Pros of HelpDesk
The most important advantages of this tool are a user-friendly interface, seamless integration with other systems, and exceptional customer support.
Pricing
HelpDesk offers a 14-day free trial. After that, you can choose one of its plans.
Try HelpDesk!Zendesk
Zendesk is a customer service software company that provides a cloud-based customer service platform designed to help businesses build better customer relationships. Their platform includes tools for customer support like help desk ticketing or live chat. Zendesk aims to make it easy for companies to support their customers across multiple channels, including email, phone, chat, and social media. Their software is scalable and customizable to fit the needs of businesses of all sizes. Additionally, Zendesk offers analytics and reporting tools to help companies track and improve their customer service performance.
Key Features
Zendesk's key functionalities include multichannel support, AI-powered automation, workforce management, and customizable reporting and analytics tools.
Pros of Zendesk
The most important advantages of this tool are its ease of use, customizable options, and ability to centralize customer interactions for seamless customer service management.
Pricing
Zendesk offers a free trial of their customer service software for startups. Pricing information can be found at https://www.zendesk.com/pricing/.
Freshdesk
Freshworks is a cloud-based customer support software that assists businesses in managing customer interactions across various channels such as email, phone, chat, and social media. The Freshdesk platform equips businesses with tools to streamline and automate customer support procedures, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Freshworks provides a wide range of features, including ticketing, self-service portals, knowledge base management, and analytics, all designed to help businesses deliver personalized and effective customer support on a large scale.
Key Features
Key Freshworks features are ticketing system, automation, collaboration, reporting, and self-service options to streamline customer support operations.
Pros of Freshdesk
The most important advantages of this tool include its easy-to-use interface, powerful features, and seamless integrations with various platforms.
Pricing
Freshworks offers a free trial for their tools. For pricing information, visit: https://www.freshworks.com/pricing/
Help Scout
HelpScout is a customer service software that offers businesses tools to provide personalized and efficient customer support. The platform allows teams to collaborate on customer inquiries, streamline customer communication, and gain valuable insights through reporting and analytics. HelpScout focuses on a customer-centric approach, aiming to help companies build stronger relationships with their customers and enhance overall satisfaction. With features like live chat, email integration, and self-service options, HelpScout aims to simplify and improve the customer support experience.
Key Features
Key HelpScout features are its shared inbox, help center, and reporting tools designed to improve customer communication and support.
Pros of Help Scout
This tool stands out thanks to its user-friendly interface, customizable features, and exceptional customer support.
Pricing
HelpScout offers a free trial. For pricing information, please visit: https://www.helpscout.com/pricing/
HappyFox
HappyFox is a customer support software company offering a help desk platform to streamline and automate customer service processes. It allows businesses to manage customer inquiries, tickets, and feedback from multiple channels in one centralized platform. Features include ticket management, automation, knowledge base management, reporting and analytics, and integration with other business tools. HappyFox aims to improve efficiency, reduce response times, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Key Features
Key HappyFox features are ticket management, live chat support, and knowledge base creation for seamless customer support.
Pros of HappyFox
The most important advantages of this tool include streamlining customer support workflows, providing a centralized platform for managing tickets, and offering robust reporting and analytics features to improve customer service efficiency.
Pricing
HappyFox offers a demo and free trial. For pricing information, visit their website at: https://www.happyfox.com/pricing/
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Why are businesses looking for alternatives to Kayako?
Businesses are looking for Kayako alternatives for several reasons, including more customizable features, better integration options, and more affordable pricing plans.
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What are the weaknesses of Kayako?
Here are the primary disadvantages of Kayako, as reported by users:
- Limited customization options: Although Kayako supports multiple departments, the changes that can be made are only global. For independent department-specific queues, the process can be confusing and labor-intensive
- Buggy performance: Users have reported that Kayako can be buggy, with issues such as response errors not being recorded properly and missed SLA due to these errors. Additionally, performance problems like slow loading times and occasional inability to log in have been highlighted as significant drawbacks.
- High cost: Many users consider the support and upgrade charges for existing customers overpriced. These high costs can deter businesses from maintaining or upgrading their systems regularly.
- Limited reporting capabilities: Users have found the reporting functionality difficult and need to be more user-friendly. There is a need for more straightforward, more intuitive reporting tools that do not require special language skills to generate reports
- Limited automation features: Kayako may need more advanced automation features to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
The 10+ Best Customer Service Software and Apps in 2025
You don’t need to spend hours researching to choose the best tool for your team. We did it for you! In this knowledge-packed handbook, you'll find the best customer service software for 2025.
Read the handbookHow to transition smoothly to a HelpDesk tool
Transitioning to a new helpdesk tool can be challenging, but with careful planning and execution, you can ensure a smooth migration of your tickets and data.
Migrate for free from Kayako ticketing system
We're here to support you during the entire migration process, offering information about any related costs and, if possible, covering them for you.