Head-to-head · Digital Customer Service Platforms
Freshdesk vs Crisp
Freshdesk leads on 1 check, Crisp on 1, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFreshdesk · 9.3/10
- Lowest starting priceFreshdesk · $19/user/mo
- Free planonly Crisp
- Free trialboth
Freshdesk scores higher on our rubric for digital customer service platforms: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
Crisp offers free plan; Freshdesk doesn't. Freshdesk is cheaper to start at $19/user/mo against $45/user/mo.
Freshdesk is the better fit for teams wanting a mature, full-service help desk. Crisp is the better fit for teams needing chat, visitor insights, and integrations.
- Freshdesk fits best
Teams wanting a mature, full-service help desk
- Crisp fits best
Teams needing chat, visitor insights, and integrations
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Side by side
| Feature | Freshdesk 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Crisp 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in Digital Customer Service Platforms | #6 in Digital Customer Service Platforms |
| Best for | Teams wanting a mature, full-service help desk | Teams needing chat, visitor insights, and integrations |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $19/user/mo (best) | $45/mo |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Free trial length | 14 days · no card needed | 14 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs | Email, Live chat, Docs |
| Compliance | SOC 2, ISO 27001 | GDPR, 2FA |
| Integrations | 1,000+ integrations | 2,000+ integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Freshdesk 0/2 · Crisp 0/2 | ||
| Self-service portal | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Knowledge base | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported channels | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Workflow automation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| AI capabilities | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Included agent seats | Not checked yet | 2 agents |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Freshdesk is a customer support help desk from Freshworks for teams handling inquiries through ticketing and shared inboxes. Its feature set covers customer portals, knowledge-base articles, SLA policies, reminders and escalations, ticket… Read the review → |
Crisp brings customer conversations and support tools into a cloud-based workspace for support, sales, and marketing teams. Its website chat widget connects with a shared inbox for email, WhatsApp, Messenger, and other messaging channels.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Freshdesk — where it wins
- Ticketing, shared inboxes, SLAs, automation, and reporting in one system
- Customer portals and knowledge bases support branded self-service
- Web, mobile, API access, and 1,000 business-application integrations
Where it doesn't
- Growth starts at $19 per agent monthly with annual billing
- The time-limited Free program is restricted to 1–2 agents
- Custom objects, advanced routing, audit logs, and approvals require higher tiers
Crisp — where it wins
- Combines live chat, an omnichannel inbox, profiles, and help-center tools
- Visitor analytics and website-visit monitoring add customer context
- Connects with platforms including Shopify, Slack, Salesforce, and Zapier
Where it doesn't
- Free includes 2 agents per workspace
- Monthly plan prices rise from $45 to $295 per workspace
- Additional agent pricing and VAT may vary by plan or location
- Freshdesk9.3/10 · 14-day trial
A mature help desk combining ticketing, self-service, automation, AI, and integrations.
Visit FreshdeskFull verdict → - Crisp8.8/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A broad customer-support workspace with live chat, visitor insights, and integrations.
Visit CrispFull verdict →
More comparisons
All digital customer service platforms comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update