Link copied to clipboard # Freshdesk vs Kayako Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/freshdesk/kayako/export.csv) FreshdeskKayako[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Freshdesk** Free Trial **$19.00** per\_user Per Month · Freshdesk Growth **$55.00** per\_user Per Month · Freshdesk Pro **$89.00** per\_user Per Month · Freshdesk Enterprise **Kayako** Free Trial **$15** /agent/month · Inbox **$30** /agent/month · Growth **$60** /agent/month · Scale **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Freshdesk** $$$$$ **Kayako** $$$$$ Average Discount **Freshdesk** 10% **Kayako** 15%5% more Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Freshdesk** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Kayako** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Freshdesk** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Kayako** 6 months Based on 100 responses ![Freshdesk](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/700ca107b848b083e9b0659a98efb160/freshdesk.svg "Freshdesk") ![Kayako](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565618/kayako. "Kayako") G2 offers free advice on this comparison. Chat with an expert How would you like to receive Software Advice? ![](/assets/advisor_router/laptop_form-f1a7012279826105416befde8d882ffc7589b1f9db09c93a1379d601cafe8e0d.svg) FormAnswer questions at your own pace, no call required. ![](/assets/advisor_router/ai_agent-4d78629a3ba354fed449a65c60df3a6f2eda90fb98411b711df4b25d7be52a38.svg) AI AgentChat live and get a recommendation in minutes. ![](/assets/advisor_router/phone_call_picker-c48821ec36f4182d8ee3e54cfbd3937500eec54d7b7e0cfb80dc80a8a733842f.svg) Phone CallTalk it through live with a software advisor. **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Freshdesk** [ Intuitive to Navigate (327) ](https://www.g2.com/products/freshdesk/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2521430&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Organized Ticket Management (139) ](https://www.g2.com/products/freshdesk/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2522664&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Reports Lack Detail (68) ](https://www.g2.com/products/freshdesk/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2521888&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Slow Under Heavy Workloads (53) ](https://www.g2.com/products/freshdesk/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2523028&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Kayako** [ AI Assistance (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/kayako/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2254705&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ AI Efficiency (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/kayako/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2254805&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Not Intuitive (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/kayako/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2254790&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Quality Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/kayako/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2254873&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Freshdesk** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_d8d487b67574b56a5ad57a2f0f159a30/airtable.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Airtable ](https://www.g2.com/products/airtable/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_6e5d03d6d496e56167059c135b22fa34/allegra.png "Product Avatar Image") Allegra ](https://www.g2.com/products/allegra/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_2a3c6c39bf8b8eb277cfcd42d9bbca1e/asana.png "Product Avatar Image") Asana ](https://www.g2.com/products/asana/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-active-directory-domain-services.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Azure Active Directory... ](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-active-directory-domain-services/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/freshdesk/integrations) **Kayako** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_c234b0ee74b541afa9ab8821ce182db8/facebook-for-business.png "Product Avatar Image") Facebook ](https://www.g2.com/products/facebook-for-business/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_4a91439aa6f7e57f756acaa150ec767f/hubspot-service-hub.png "Product Avatar Image") Service Hub ](https://www.g2.com/products/hubspot-service-hub/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_793034d14bb0f3fa12d97cf3cc0032c4/jira.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Jira ](https://www.g2.com/products/jira/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_9e189c9a0582c6b3467658109ad95bd9/oracle-netsuite.png "Product Avatar Image") NetSuite ](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/kayako/integrations) Screenshots **Freshdesk** ![Freshdesk screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1876243/Automate_service_operations__1_.png) **Kayako** ![Kayako screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/67781/expirable-direct-uploads_2Fabfedb51-2b19-43d3-a00b-74df299a6cd4_2FScreen_Shot_2017-08-31_at_10.21.23.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Freshdesk** **8.6** /10 Based on 3,453 responses **Kayako** **8.1** /10 Based on 204 responses Ease of Use **Freshdesk** **8.9** /10 Based on 3,477 responses **Kayako** **8.4** /10 Based on 203 responses Ease of Setup **Freshdesk** **8.6** /10 Based on 2,530 responses **Kayako** **8.0** /10 Based on 136 responses Ease of Admin **Freshdesk** **8.7** /10 Based on 2,316 responses **Kayako** **8.0** /10 Based on 131 responses Quality of Support **Freshdesk** **8.7** /10 Based on 3,347 responses **Kayako** **8.1** /10 Based on 190 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Freshdesk** **8.7** /10 Based on 2,237 responses **Kayako** **8.3** /10 Based on 130 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Freshdesk** **8.7** /10 Based on 3,396 responses **Kayako** **7.1** /10 Based on 201 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Help Desk **8.6** /10 Based on 2,770 responses **8.2** /10 Based on 172 responses Shared Inbox **8.4** /10 Based on 273 responses **8.2** /10 Based on 14 responses Live Chat **8.4** /10 Based on 1,897 responses **8.5** /10 Based on 139 responses Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Customer Self-Service **8.2** /10 Based on 1,128 responses **7.8** /10 Based on 58 responses AI Customer Support Agents **8.8** /10 Based on 45 responses Not enough data Customer Communications Management **8.0** /10 Based on 412 responses Not enough data Complaint Management **8.4** /10 Based on 295 responses Not enough data Conversational Support **8.1** /10 Based on 502 responses Not enough data Social Customer Service **8.7** /10 Based on 533 responses Not enough data Digital Customer Service Platforms **7.7** /10 Based on 92 responses Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 48.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 40.1% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 11.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 48.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 40.1% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 11.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 54.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 35.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 9.7% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 54.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 35.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 9.7% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Freshdesk](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/700ca107b848b083e9b0659a98efb160/freshdesk.svg "Freshdesk")](https://www.g2.com/products/freshdesk/reviews) Freshdesk Information Technology and Services 16.8% Computer Software 12.6% Financial Services 4.3% Internet 3.9% Education Management 3.6% Other 58.7% [![Kayako](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565618/kayako. "Kayako")](https://www.g2.com/products/kayako/reviews) Kayako Information Technology and Services 26.2% Computer Software 15.4% Telecommunications 5.9% Internet 4.5% Computer Networking 3.6% Other 44.3% Alternatives **Freshdesk Alternatives** ![Fin](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5d5fd30de40ef30f077664aa44f9775a/fin.svg "Fin") [ Fin ](/products/fin/reviews) ![Front](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1fe01c88159eb52ed7e93d98cdce08a5/front.svg "Front") [ Front ](/products/front/reviews) ![Hiver in Gmail](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8c69adc63f75a8bf2fccd3ff0884f94f/hiver-in-gmail.svg "Hiver in Gmail") [ Hiver in Gmail ](/products/hiver-in-gmail/reviews) ![Zendesk for Customer Service](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7b95b13ec74f28d1bdceba616c8f8e97/zendesk-for-customer-service.svg "Zendesk for Customer Service") [ Zendesk for Customer Service ](/products/zendesk-for-customer-service/reviews) **Kayako Alternatives** ![Zendesk for Customer Service](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7b95b13ec74f28d1bdceba616c8f8e97/zendesk-for-customer-service.svg "Zendesk for Customer Service") [ Zendesk for Customer Service ](/products/zendesk-for-customer-service/reviews) ![Help Scout](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/0c1172f9215269c879ddfb93247db6eb/help-scout.svg "Help Scout") [ Help Scout ](/products/help-scout/reviews) ![TeamSupport](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/bff62c7356b8e1087645653c3217f24a/teamsupport.svg "TeamSupport") [ TeamSupport ](/products/teamsupport/reviews) ![Zoho Desk](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a802fffb70d9aa2eac634f166fa8b824/zoho-desk.svg "Zoho Desk") [ Zoho Desk ](/products/zoho-desk/reviews) ## Freshdesk vs Kayako FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Freshdesk vs Kayako? Freshdesk stands out for its higher reviewer satisfaction, easier setup, and broader feature set, while Kayako is distinguished by its AI-powered ticket automation and personalized onboarding. | [Freshdesk](https://www.g2.com/products/freshdesk/reviews) | [Kayako](https://www.g2.com/products/kayako/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (3762 reviews) | 4.1/5 (227 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.6 | 8.0 | | 8.7 | 8.0 | | Ease of Use (352 all-time mentions) | AI Assistance (recent reviews) | ### How do the pricing models of Freshdesk and Kayako compare? Freshdesk is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Kayako. - **Freshdesk:** Reviewers highlight affordable pricing and good value, especially for small companies, but note that advanced features can increase costs as teams scale. - **Kayako:** Reviewers report confusion over pricing transparency and mention significant price increases, with some citing costs rising to over $100 per agent per month after policy changes. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention switching away from Kayako due to steep price hikes and lack of pricing clarity. ### What are the best alternatives to Freshdesk and Kayako? The top 3 alternatives to Freshdesk and Kayako are Zendesk for Customer Service, Fin, and Front. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Freshdesk](https://www.g2.com/products/freshdesk/reviews) | 4.4/5 (3762 reviews) | Small-Business | Affordable for small companies; advanced features can increase costs | Ease of Use (352 all-time mentions) | | [Kayako](https://www.g2.com/products/kayako/reviews) | 4.1/5 (227 reviews) | Small-Business | Significant price increases and lack of transparency | AI Assistance (recent reviews) | | [Zendesk for Customer Service](https://www.g2.com/products/zendesk-for-customer-service/reviews) | 4.3/5 (7032 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive feature set | | [Fin](https://www.g2.com/products/fin/reviews) | 4.5/5 (3901 reviews) | Small-Business | — | AI-powered automation | | [Front](https://www.g2.com/products/front/reviews) | 4.7/5 (2507 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Collaboration and shared inbox | ### Which Help Desk features should I prioritize when comparing Freshdesk and Kayako? Buyers comparing Freshdesk and Kayako should prioritize ticket management, automation, ease of use, AI capabilities, and integration support. - **Ticket Management:** Freshdesk (170 all-time mentions), Kayako (recent reviews highlight strong ticketing and prioritization features). - **Automation:** Freshdesk (179 all-time mentions), Kayako (AI-powered ticket automation cited in recent reviews). - **Ease of Use:** Freshdesk (8.9), Kayako (8.4). - **AI Capabilities:** Kayako is frequently cited for its AI agent and self-learning mode; Freshdesk does not have comparable AI mentions. - **Integrations:** Freshdesk is cited for integrations with Jira (65 all-time mentions) and Slack (39 all-time mentions); Kayako has fewer recent integration mentions. ### What are the pros and cons of Freshdesk vs Kayako? Freshdesk's headline strength is ease of use and automation, while Kayako's is AI-powered ticket handling and onboarding support. - **Freshdesk strengths:** Ease of use (352 all-time mentions), automation (179), ticket management (170), user interface (125), easy setup (120), and customization (80). - **Freshdesk trade-offs:** Ticketing issues (93), limited features (89), limited customization (80), learning curve (65), and higher costs for advanced features (60). - **Kayako strengths:** AI assistance and efficiency (recent reviews), automated responses, and strong ticket prioritization. - **Kayako trade-offs:** Not intuitive (recent reviews), quality issues, UX design concerns, performance slowdowns, steep learning curve, and significant price increases. ### Is Freshdesk or Kayako better for small businesses? Freshdesk is the better fit for small businesses, with higher satisfaction among small-business reviewers and a stronger value perception. - **Freshdesk:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently highlight ease of use, affordability, and quick setup for small teams. - **Kayako:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers note AI-driven ticket handling but express concerns about pricing and learning curve for small teams. ### Which Help Desk platform has better integrations? Freshdesk is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited third-party connections and higher mention counts. - **Freshdesk:** Jira (65 all-time mentions), Slack (39 all-time mentions); reviewers highlight integration with Microsoft Teams and other services. - **Kayako:** Reviewers mention integrations with external services, but no specific tools reach the publishable mention threshold. ### How do Freshdesk and Kayako compare on customer support? Freshdesk leads on Quality of Support, with a 0.7-point advantage over Kayako (8.7 vs 8.0). - **Freshdesk:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive support, onboarding assistance, and helpful resources, though some note slower support for small clients. - **Kayako:** Reviewers highlight personalized onboarding and AI agent support, but also report declining support quality and slower response times after company changes. ### Which is easier to implement, Freshdesk or Kayako? Freshdesk is easier to implement, with a 0.6-point higher Ease of Setup score (8.6 vs 8.0). - **Freshdesk:** Reviewers describe quick setup, intuitive onboarding, and minimal training required for teams to get started. - **Kayako:** Reviewers note personalized onboarding support but mention a steeper learning curve and more complex initial configuration. ### Which product has better Tickets? Freshdesk is the stronger performer for Tickets, with higher reviewer satisfaction and more frequent positive mentions. - **Freshdesk:** Ticket Management (170 all-time mentions), Ease of Use (8.9), and automation features are frequently cited as strengths. - **Kayako:** Reviewers highlight AI-powered ticket handling and prioritization, but mention fewer recent positive mentions and a lower Ease of Use score (8.4).