Freshchat vs Zoho Desk
Compare Freshchat and Zoho Desk on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
Freshchat
Freshworks live chat — free up to 10 agents; Growth $19, Pro $49, Enterprise $79 agent/mo annual.
Best for
- • Freshworks customers wanting live chat as the primary purchase
- • Teams needing free up-to-10-agents entry with clear upgrade path
- • Website and in-app messaging with bot deflection
Starting from $0.00/user/mo
Free plan available
VS
Our verdict
No universal winner. Choose based on which criteria matter most for your team.
Zoho Desk is better for
- ✓ Ticketing depth
- ✓ Knowledge base
- ✓ SLA & routing
- ✓ Ecommerce helpdesk
Tie
- • Free plan
- • Live chat
- • Omnichannel inbox
Choose Freshchat if: Freshworks customers wanting live chat as the primary purchase
Choose Zoho Desk if: Budget-conscious teams wanting helpdesk with $7 Express floor
Zoho Desk
Budget helpdesk in the Zoho suite — free 3 agents; Express $7, Standard $14, Professional $23, Enterprise $40 agent/mo annual.
Best for
- • Budget-conscious teams wanting helpdesk with $7 Express floor
- • Existing Zoho CRM/One customers
- • SMB teams needing free 3-agent entry
Starting from $0.00/user/mo
Free plan available
Feature comparison
Grouped feature support from verified product research for Freshchat and Zoho Desk.
Capabilities
| Feature | Freshchat | Zoho Desk | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticketing | Moderate | Strong | Zoho Desk |
| Shared inbox | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Live chat | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Knowledge base | Moderate | Strong | Zoho Desk |
| Omnichannel inbox | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| SLA & routing | Limited | Strong | Zoho Desk |
| Macros & automation | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Self-service portal | Moderate | Strong | Zoho Desk |
| CSAT / satisfaction surveys | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Helpdesk reporting | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Ecommerce helpdesk | Limited | Limited | Tie |
| ITSM / service desk | Limited | Limited | Tie |
| Chatbot / AI agent | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Agent copilot | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Phone support | Limited | Strong | Zoho Desk |
| Helpdesk integrations | Strong | Strong | Tie |
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