Best customer service software

3 products compared on who they suit and what to pick instead. Facts checked November 4, 2026.

Pick Zendesk if you answer customers by email, chat, messaging and phone and expect the team to grow, and Intercom if you want an AI agent to answer most chats before a person sees them. Small teams that mostly answer email should start with Help Scout, which has a free plan for five users. Online stores get more from Gorgias, which shows the shopper's orders beside every message and charges by ticket instead of by agent.

Our top picks

Zendesk Best for growing teams that support customers on every channel Intercom Best for chat-first support where an AI agent answers first Help Scout Best for small teams that mostly answer email Gorgias Best for Shopify and other online stores

All customer service software

Freshdesk A ticketing help desk with a customer portal, knowledge base and optional AI, for small and midsize teams. Best for small and midsize support teams that want full email ticketing at a low per-agent price Free trial
Freshsales A sales CRM with built-in calling, email and website chat for small and midsize sales teams. Best for small and midsize sales teams that want calling, email and chat inside the CRM at a low per-user price Free trial
Help Scout A shared inbox, help center and chat widget for small and midsize teams that support customers by email. Best for small support teams that mostly answer email and want to start free Free plan