Best Startly Alternatives in 2026
The top Startly alternatives are OpenText Service Manager, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus and Freshservice: 15 IT change management software our editors would look at instead of Startly, in our ranking order.
Startly: Focused change control with CMDB, ticketing, and project tools for small teams. Where it falls short: only one paid plan is available.
Switching from Startly? For most it change management software buyers the best Startly alternative is OpenText Service Manager, built for enterprises focused on controlled change processes. On a budget, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus starts at $13/user/mo. ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus has a free plan, which Startly does not.
Why People Look for a Startly Alternative
- Only one paid plan is available
- The platform is web-based only
- Integrations listed are limited to Microsoft, Okta, Google, and Active Directory
- No free plan — 3 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallOpenText Service Manager9.1
Enterprises focused on controlled change processes
Visit OpenText Service Manager - Lowest priceManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus8.7
Paid plans from $13/user/mo
Visit ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus - Best free optionManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus8.7
Has a free plan (Startly has none)
Visit ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
All 15 Startly Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forEnterprises focused on controlled change processes
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 6.1
A change-focused ITSM tool for enterprises that need approval paths, risk checks, and scheduling visibility.
- Emergency changes
- Change calendar
- CMDB linking
9.1/10★★★★★Visit OpenText -
Best forIT teams wanting free entry and broad ITSM coverage
- Better than Startly:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.7 vs 6.1
A broad ITSM suite with free entry, strong asset coverage, and change management in Enterprise.
- Approval workflows
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit ManageEngine -
Best forGrowing IT teams needing broad service management value
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 6.1
Broad IT service management with change workflows, automation, assets, and self-service.
- Approval workflows
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Freshservice -
Best forBudget-conscious teams needing dedicated change workflows
- Better than Startly:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.4 vs 6.1
A focused change-management option with a generous free on-premise plan.
- Emergency changes
- CMDB linking
- Risk assessment
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Pandora ITSM -
Best forDedicated ITIL change teams with CAB processes
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 6.1
A focused change-control system for RFCs, CAB approvals, calendars, and audit trails.
- Emergency changes
- Change calendar
- CMDB linking
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Giva -
Best forEstablished teams needing broad service desk coverage
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 6.1
Broad service management coverage for established teams with change control needs.
- Approval workflows
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit TOPdesk -
Best forMid-sized teams wanting feature-rich paid ITSM
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 6.1
A broad ITSM suite for teams that need governed change management and service operations.
- Approval workflows
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit SolarWinds -
Best forLarge IT organizations needing ITIL breadth
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 6.1
A broad ITIL-aligned platform for large organizations managing complex change.
- Emergency changes
- Change calendar
- CMDB linking
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit OpenText -
Best forMulti-department teams needing configurable ITSM
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 6.1
Configurable ITSM for multi-department teams, with broad service management coverage.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit HaloITSM -
Best forTeams wanting AI-enhanced ITSM with self-hosting
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 6.1
A broad ITSM suite with change controls, AI tools, and self-hosting.
- Approval workflows
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit SysAid -
Best forCloud teams wanting cross-department service management
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.1
A broad cloud service management platform with clear annual pricing and ITIL change workflows.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Vivantio -
Best forMature enterprises managing change, risk, and CMDB data
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 7.7 vs 6.1
A mature enterprise ITSM platform with strong change, risk, CMDB, and integration coverage.
- Risk assessment
- Change audit trail
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Marval -
Best forTeams needing broad ITSM with self-hosted option
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 7.6 vs 6.1
Broad ITSM coverage with CAB workflows, automation, and a self-hosted option.
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit ZentraITSM -
Best forOpen-source teams needing full ITSM foundations
- Better than Startly:
- Free plan
- Editor score 7.5 vs 6.1
A broad open-source ITSM foundation with ticket approvals and asset control.
- Approval workflows
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit GLPI -
Best forEnterprises extending service workflows beyond IT
- Better than Startly:
- Editor score 7.5 vs 6.1
A broader service suite for enterprises extending change workflows beyond IT.
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit IFS
Startly Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Startly?
OpenText Service Manager: #1 in our IT Change Management Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.1 out of 10. A change-focused ITSM tool for enterprises that need approval paths, risk checks, and scheduling visibility.
Is there a free alternative to Startly?
Yes. ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, Pandora ITSM and GLPI have a free plan or a free tier.
What is the cheapest paid alternative to Startly?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus starts lowest, at $13/user/mo.
Why do people look for Startly alternatives?
Only one paid plan is available; The platform is web-based only; Integrations listed are limited to Microsoft, Okta, Google, and Active Directory.
How do I switch from Startly?
Export your data from Startly (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Startly.
How to Switch from Startly
- Export your data from Startly (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Startly.
Startly vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Approval workflows | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Startly | No | Yes | 6.1 | |
| 1 | OpenText Service Manager | No | Yes | 9.1 | |
| 2 | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | Yes | $13/user/mo | Yes | 8.7 |
| 3 | Freshservice | No | $19/user/mo | Yes | 8.6 |
| 4 | Pandora ITSM | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | |
| 5 | Giva ChangeManager | No | $76/user/mo | Yes | 8.3 |
| 6 | TOPdesk | No | £51/user/mo | Yes | 8.2 |
| 7 | SolarWinds Service Desk | No | $39/seat/mo | Yes | 8.1 |
| 8 | OpenText SMAX | No | Yes | 8.0 | |
| 9 | HaloITSM | No | £66/user/mo | 8.0 | |
| 10 | SysAid | No | $89/user/mo | Yes | 7.9 |
| 11 | Vivantio | No | $49/user/mo | 7.8 | |
| 12 | Marval MSM | 7.7 | |||
| 13 | ZentraITSM | No | $19/user/mo | 7.6 | |
| 14 | GLPI | Yes | €19/user/mo | Yes | 7.5 |
| 15 | IFS Enterprise Service Management | 7.5 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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