Buying guide · 2 tools researched · prices checked 26 Sep 2026
Best Help Desk software, by situation
We researched 2 Help Desk tools, including Crisp and HelpDesk. There is no single best option: find the situation closest to yours, see what it costs, and check the trade-off against the runner-up.
Our picks
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01 Flat-priced multichannel support inbox
Crisp
Crisp is unusually economical for teams that can fit inside its bundled seat allowances because pricing is per workspace rather than per agent. The catch is that serious omnichannel, knowledge-base and routing capabilities begin at Essentials, while AI use is controlled through included credits.
- What it costs
- A 10-agent team on Essentials pays US$95 per month, or US$1,140 over 12 months, before tax and external messaging charges.
- Skip it if
- Teams needing advanced ticketing on a low tier or unlimited AI usage without credit controls
- Runner-up
- Intercom
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02 Simple ticketing with basic AI
HelpDesk
HelpDesk offers a credible entry package at US$19 per agent yearly with unlimited tickets and a small AI allowance. The jump to Growth is steep, however, so teams needing supervision, advanced reporting or meaningful AI resolution volume should model the US$79 per-agent tier before committing.
- What it costs
- Five Essential agents billed yearly cost US$95 per month equivalent, or US$1,140 per year, before tax and AI top-ups.
- Skip it if
- Teams needing advanced collaboration or high AI volumes at a modest per-agent price
- Runner-up
- Freshdesk
How the options compare
| Compare |  Crisp |
HelpDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Customer-support teams wanting predictable workspace pricing for chat, email and multiple messaging channels | Support teams needing straightforward ticketing, automated assignment and basic AI assistance |
| Starting price | US$0 Free; Mini US$45/workspace/month | US$19/user/month billed yearly |
| Free plan / trial | Free forever plan for two seats | 14-day trial without a credit card |
| Pricing model | Flat per-workspace subscription with bundled seats and AI credits | Per-user subscription with annual or monthly billing and usage-based AI allowances |
| Biggest limitation | Key omnichannel and knowledge-base features start at US$95/month, and AI capacity is credit-based | Growth costs more than four times Essential, creating a large step-up for advanced reporting and supervision |
| Price checked |
Prices are taken from each vendor's own pricing page on the dates shown. Taxes and add-ons may apply; confirm before you buy.
