Top Zendesk Alternatives & Competitors based on 1277 Reviews
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| Brand | Pricing |
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Zendesk Sales pricing offers multiple tiers: Starting with the ‘Team’ plan for $19/user/month, which includes basic features like email integration and reporting; the ‘Professional’ plan at $49/user/month adds more advanced features; and ‘Enterprise’ plan at $99/user/month includes even more customization and advanced reporting tools. |
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ActiveCampaign’s pricing consists of several tiers based on the number of contacts. Plans start at $15/month for the ‘Lite’ version, offering basic email marketing functionalities; moving to ‘Plus’ at $70/month, ‘Professional’ at $159/month, and ‘Enterprise’ starting at $279/month, offering advanced automation, CRM functionalities, and personalized support. |
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Close.com offers pricing starting at $29/user/month for the ‘Starter’ plan, which provides basic CRM functionalities; the ‘Professional’ plan is priced at $69/user/month, adding more features; and the ‘Business’ plan at $109/user/month provides advanced reporting and integrations. |
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HubSpot pricing includes a free tier with basic CRM features, while paid tiers for Sales Hub start at $50/month for the ‘Starter’ plan, going up to $180/month for the ‘Professional’ plan, and $500/month for the ‘Enterprise’ plan, adding more sophisticated sales tools and reporting capabilities. |
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Keap offers three pricing tiers starting with ‘Lite’ at $79/month for basic CRM features, ‘Pro’ at $169/month adding advanced marketing automation, and ‘Max’ at $199/month that provides comprehensive CRM and automation capabilities, with additional customization options. |
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Marketo does not openly display pricing on their site, as costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the organization and specific needs. They typically provide solutions tailored for larger enterprises, thus potential customers are encouraged to contact Marketo directly for customized quotes. |
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Pipedrive’s pricing starts with the ‘Essential’ plan for $14.90/user/month, offering basic CRM features; the ‘Advanced’ plan is priced at $29.90/user/month with additional features; ‘Professional’ is $59.90/user/month offering more automation options, and ‘Enterprise’ at $119.90/user/month for teams requiring extensive reporting and customization. |
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Salesforce Essentials pricing starts at $25/user/month for small businesses, which includes basic CRM functionalities; pricing increases with more advanced features in higher-tier plans, but specific details are provided upon request as customization may lead to varied pricing based on requirements. |
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Zoho offers various CRM pricing options, starting from a free tier for basic features, with paid plans starting at $12/user/month for the ‘Standard’ plan, $20/user/month for ‘Professional’, and up to $35/user/month for the ‘Enterprise’ plan, adding many advanced functionalities and customization options. |
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Why should you be looking for a Zendesk alternative?
Users often seek alternatives to Zendesk due to specific feature requirements, ease of use, budget constraints, and customer support options. For businesses looking for tailored solutions, alternatives like ActiveCampaign, Close.io, HubSpot, Keap, Marketo, Pipedrive, Salesforce, and Zoho offer diverse capabilities. Each platform addresses different needs: ActiveCampaign excels in email automation, Close.io focuses on sales productivity, while HubSpot provides robust CRM features. This exploration delves into unique functionalities, pricing structures, and target audiences to aid in informed decision-making.
Quick Overview of Top Zendesk Competitors
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ActiveCampaign – Best Zendesk Alternative for Marketing Automation
Focuses on email marketing and automation with advanced segmentation and personalization. Its CRM features are integrated with marketing tools, helping businesses streamline customer engagement and lead nurturing. -
Close.io – Top Zendesk Competitor for Sales Teams
A CRM built specifically for sales teams that emphasizes communication with built-in calling and SMS features. It automates activities and provides powerful reporting, making it easier to manage leads effectively. -
HubSpot – Leading Zendesk Alternative for All-in-One CRM
Offers a full suite of marketing, sales, and customer service tools without the need for separate integrations. Its CRM is free, and it provides user-friendly dashboards, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. -
Keap – Best Zendesk Alternative for Small Businesses
Combines CRM, marketing automation, and e-commerce features in one platform. Known for its ease of use and customization, Keap helps small businesses manage customer relationships and automate repetitive tasks efficiently. -
Marketo – Premium Zendesk Competitor for Enterprise Marketing
Advanced marketing automation tool that excels in lead management, email marketing, and analytics. It integrates well with other systems and is designed for large enterprises looking to enhance their marketing strategies. -
Pipedrive – Top Zendesk Competitor for Visual Sales Pipelines
Known for its intuitive visual sales pipelines and emphasis on sales process optimization. It provides extensive reporting tools and integrates seamlessly with various applications, making it easier to track sales performance. -
Salesforce – Most Comprehensive Zendesk Alternative
A powerhouse in the CRM space with a wide range of features that cater to sales, customer service, and marketing needs. It offers extensive customization and integration options, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. -
Zoho – Affordable Zendesk Alternative for Diverse Business Needs
Provides a suite of applications, including CRM, project management, and finance tools. Known for affordability and flexibility, Zoho allows businesses to choose modules that cater to their specific requirements, making it a versatile choice.
Zendesk Alternatives: Feature by Feature Comparison
| Feature | ActiveCampaign | Close.io | HubSpot | Keap | Marketo | Pipedrive | Salesforce | Zoho |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Email Marketing | Advanced automation and segmentation features; user-friendly interface for creating campaigns. | No dedicated email marketing; relies on integrated tools for communication. | Robust email campaigns with performance analytics; automation workflows. | Strong email marketing capabilities tailored for small businesses. | Comprehensive email marketing tied into larger marketing automation strategies. | Basic email marketing capabilities integrated with CRM. | Extensive email campaign tools; integrated reporting features. | Integrated email with CRM; automation for follow-ups. |
| CRM Integration | Seamless integration; dedicated CRM capabilities; built-in segmentation tools. | Purpose-built for sales with CRM tools that enhance outreach and tracking. | Combined CRM and marketing functions; syncs contact interactions easily. | Integrated CRM features tailored to small and micro businesses. | Integrates CRM with marketing automation for lead nurturing. | Strong CRM capabilities optimized for sales and deal tracking. | Powerful CRM and sales automation with extensive third-party integrations. | CRM features embedded in all products; easy user interface. |
| Analytics & Reporting | In-depth reporting for campaign performance with customizable dashboards. | Basic sales analytics; focuses more on communication tracking. | Comprehensive reporting features across marketing and sales channels; customizable reports. | Simple reporting focused on small business performance; automation impact tracking. | Advanced analytics with predictive metrics for marketing ROI. | Sales pipeline reporting; visually appealing dashboards. | Robust analytics across every touchpoint and customizable reports. | User-friendly analytics; sales funnel tracking across multiple products. |
| Automation | Advanced automation workflows for email and CRM, supporting a wide variety of triggers. | Limited automation, mostly focused on sales outreach efficiency. | Highly customizable automation features for marketing and sales activities. | Automated workflows, templates for customer follow-up, user reminders. | Extensive automation capabilities ranging from email to lead scoring. | Basic automation focused on sales tasks and reminders. | Advanced automation and AI integration for workflow efficiency. | Automation of regular tasks and lead nurturing personalized by user behavior. |
| Lead Management | Comprehensive lead scoring and nurturing features; focused on personalization. | Strong lead management tailored to sales teams with effective follow-up reminders. | Excellent lead nurturing and management features, integrating with sales tools. | Simple but effective lead management systems tailored to small businesses. | Powerful lead scoring and nurturing with AI’s assistance. | Sales-focused lead management with visual sales pipelines. | Industry-leading lead management tools integrated with CRM; powerful AI insights. | Intuitive lead management interface, designed for visibility and ease of use. |
| User Interface | Modern, intuitive design catering to marketing needs with a focus on automation. | Minimalist interface focusing on sales interactions, easy navigation. | User-friendly, clear interface with excellent onboarding features. | Simple interface made for ease of use; tailored for small businesses. | Complex interface with a wealth of features but may have a learning curve. | Clean, modern design with a focus on visual sales tracking. | Advanced UI with extensive customization options; can be complex for new users. | Simple, straightforward UI making user setup fast and easy. |
| Support & Training | Extensive training materials; readily accessible customer support. | Direct support with a focus on sales processes and CRM training. | Comprehensive training and support resources available for all users. | Strong support focusing on small business needs; plenty of tutorials. | Good training resources but may require more specialized knowledge. | Excellent support, including dedicated customer success managers. | Excellent support resources; training programs for complex workflows. | Good support for onboarding; resources available for self-study. |
| Collaboration | Integrated tools for cross-departmental collaboration on campaigns. | Focus on collaboration within sales team; limited cross-department support. | Comprehensive collaborative tools linking marketing, sales, and customer service. | Basic collaboration features emphasizing small team interactions. | Collaboration tools included but focus is primarily on marketing. | Features for collaboration among sales team members, including task assignment. | Excellent collaborative platform with cross-department capabilities. | Good collaboration features with clear communication paths between teams. |
| Unique Benefits | Superior automation combined with CRM capabilities for targeted marketing strategies. | Focus on real-time communication and sales effectiveness through its CRM. | Integrates marketing, sales, and customer service into one seamless workflow. | Strong small business focus with affordable pricing and simplified features. | Advanced AI-driven insights providing a competitive edge in marketing. | Focused sales pipeline management that visually represents sales processes. | Enterprise-level adaptability with extensive customization options for any business size. | Cost-effective solution with a comprehensive suite for small and mid-sized businesses. |
This detailed comparison highlights how each platform stands out relative to Zendesk, emphasizing unique functionalities and benefits tailored for various user needs.
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Integration Capabilities for each Zendesk competitor
| Alternative | Supported Integrations | Compatibility Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ActiveCampaign | – Salesforce – Shopify – WordPress – WooCommerce – Magento – Facebook Ads |
Works well with email marketing and CRM tools. |
| Close.io | – Zapier – Mailchimp – QuickBooks – Slack |
Focuses on sales and CRM integrations; primary integrations with communication tools. |
| HubSpot | – Salesforce – Slack – Shopify – Mailchimp – Zoom – WordPress |
Offers extensive integrations in both marketing and CRM. |
| Keap | – Zapier – WordPress – QuickBooks – Shopify – Google Calendar |
Primarily focused on automating marketing and sales processes. |
| Marketo | – Salesforce – Microsoft Dynamics – WordPress – Vidyard |
Strong in marketing automation, integrates well with CRM systems. |
| Pipedrive | – Zapier – Mailchimp – Trello – Slack – Google Drive |
Primarily integrates with sales tools; good for CRM focus. |
| Salesforce | – Marketo – HubSpot – Mailchimp – Zendesk – Google Apps |
Comprehensive integration capabilities across CRM and marketing. |
| Zoho | – Mailchimp – QuickBooks – Slack – Google Workspace – Shopify |
Wide range of CRM-specific integrations; good compatibility with various tools. |
| Zendesk | – Shopify – Salesforce – Mailchimp – Slack – WordPress |
Designed for customer support; integrates well with sales and CRM tools. |
Pros and Cons of each Zendesk Alternative
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the primary pros and cons of various alternatives to Zendesk. Each alternative is evaluated in terms of its strengths and weaknesses relevant to typical use cases.
| Alternative | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ActiveCampaign | – Strong email marketing automation features | – Steeper learning curve for new users compared to Zendesk |
| – Integrated CRM capabilities | – Limited inline customer support options | |
| – Comprehensive customer segmentation and targeted campaigns | – May be overkill for small businesses needing simple support solutions | |
| Close.io | – Built for sales teams with integrated calling and email features | – Primarily focused on sales rather than customer support |
| – Easy to use interface, geared toward conversions | – Lacks extensive marketing automation features | |
| – Good reporting and analytics for sales performance | – May not be suitable for larger and more complex CRM needs | |
| HubSpot | – All-in-one platform for marketing, sales, and customer service | – Can become costly as you scale and add advanced features |
| – User-friendly interface with extensive resources and learning tools | – Some functions may require multiple subscriptions | |
| – Strong inbound marketing capabilities | – Limited customizability in certain features and workflows | |
| Keap | – Great for small businesses with CRM and marketing automation capabilities | – Limited integrations compared to other platforms |
| – Easy to set up and manage | – Basic support features may not meet complex needs | |
| – Automation features that streamline customer outreach | – Pricing can be a barrier for growing businesses | |
| Marketo | – Advanced marketing automation with robust analytics | – High cost, making it less accessible for smaller businesses |
| – Extensive integration options with other marketing tools | – Steeper learning curve, requiring more time for onboarding | |
| – Powerful segmentation for targeted campaigns | – May require commitment to a long-term strategy with substantial investments | |
| Pipedrive | – Intuitive sales-focused platform with pipeline management | – Lacks built-in customer support features |
| – Easy to customize sales processes | – Not designed for larger teams requiring extensive support operations | |
| – Affordable pricing structure | – Limited reporting capabilities compared to Zendesk | |
| Salesforce | – Highly customizable CRM platform with extensive integrations | – Complex setup and steeper learning curve compared to Zendesk |
| – Comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities | – Can be expensive due to add-ons and licensing fees | |
| – Scalable for businesses of all sizes | – May be overwhelming for smaller teams due to feature richness | |
| Zoho | – Cost-effective solution with a range of integrated applications | – User interface may not be as intuitive as Zendesk’s |
| – Extensive customization options | – Customer support can be inconsistent across different Zoho products | |
| – Versatile platform suited for a variety of business needs | – May lack some advanced features found in dedicated customer support platforms |
This table outlines the primary strengths and weaknesses of each alternative compared to Zendesk, focusing on core functionalities relevant to their typical uses.
Zendesk vs Competitors: Traffic & Marketing Comparison
Traffic Comparison:
Zendesk leads the pack with substantial organic traffic, peaking at over 38 million visits in late 2024, reflecting its strong market presence. HubSpot follows closely, demonstrating consistent engagement with upward trends, peaking at nearly 124 million visits in December 2024. Salesforce remains competitive, occasionally surpassing HubSpot’s monthly numbers, but notably dips in traffic later. Meanwhile, Close.io and Marketo lag considerably, fetching under 1 million visits monthly at their peak, which indicates limited brand visibility and engagement.
Top Performing Keywords:
Zendesk’s keyword strategy excels with multiple top rankings in critical categories like "customer support" and "help desk software," indicating robust content relevancy. HubSpot capitalizes on its CRM offerings, dominating terms like "hubspot software" with high rankings. ActiveCampaign focuses on email automation, ranking well for "email marketing," reflecting its targeted approach. Close.io’s performance is niche, excelling in specific CRM-related searches but lacks broader keyword diversity compared to competitors.
Conclusions on Visibility and Reach:
In terms of online visibility, Zendesk and HubSpot emerge as clear leaders, boasting significant organic traffic and comprehensive keyword dominance. Both brands show exceptional strength in their respective segments, enhancing their reach considerably. Salesforce demonstrates solid visibility but fluctuates in traffic. ActiveCampaign has a focused strategy with keywords boosting email marketing reach, while Close.io’s visibility remains muted, highlighting a need for broader engagement. Overall, dominant keywords significantly elevate Zendesk’s and HubSpot’s online profiles.
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Other “Zendesk” Alternatives & Competitors that you can find for free
Here are five alternatives and competitors to Zendesk, along with their key features, strengths, and value propositions:
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Freshdesk
- Key Features: Multi-channel support (email, phone, social media), automation tools, ticketing system, knowledge base, and reporting analytics.
- Strengths: User-friendly interface, customer support capabilities, and cost-effective pricing plans.
- Value Proposition: Freshdesk offers a scalable solution for businesses of all sizes to manage customer interactions seamlessly across different channels.
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Intercom
- Key Features: Live chat, chatbots, customer messaging, product tours, and targeted messaging.
- Strengths: Strong emphasis on conversational support, real-time engagement, and integration with various tools.
- Value Proposition: Intercom focuses on delivering personalized support experiences and proactive communication, enhancing customer relationships.
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Help Scout
- Key Features: Shared inbox, collision detection, knowledge base, customer profiles, and reporting.
- Strengths: Simple and clean interface, collaborative features, and strong email support capabilities.
- Value Proposition: Help Scout provides a customer-centric approach to support, allowing teams to create meaningful interactions without overwhelming customers.
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Customerly
- Key Features: Live chat, push notifications, email marketing, customer feedback surveys, and user segmentation.
- Strengths: Integrated marketing functionality, user-friendly tools for customer interaction and feedback collection.
- Value Proposition: Customerly focuses on enabling companies to engage users and drive conversions through personalized communication and feedback-driven improvements.
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Kayako
- Key Features: Multi-channel support, social media integration, automation and workflows, knowledge base, and live chat.
- Strengths: Integrated customer support and business management tools, real-time chat capabilities, and strong self-service options.
- Value Proposition: Kayako aims to unify customer conversations from various platforms, providing a comprehensive view of customer issues and interactions to improve service quality.
These platforms offer diverse features and capabilities, catering to various customer support needs while providing strong alternatives to Zendesk.
