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Why Teams Look Beyond Helpshift in 2025
Are you considering alternatives to Helpshift for your customer support needs? You’re not alone. In 2025, many businesses are exploring new options due to several key challenges with Helpshift:
- Unpredictable pricing: Helpshift’s issue-based pricing model can lead to unexpected costs as support volume grows
- Limited AI automation capabilities: Some teams find Helpshift’s AI features less robust than newer alternatives
- Omnichannel gaps: While strong for in-app support, Helpshift may lack depth in other communication channels
When evaluating Helpshift alternatives, it’s essential to find a platform that offers reliable AI chatbot quality, comparable in-app mobile SDK functionality, strong ecommerce/CRM integrations, flexible data residency options, and transparent pricing.
What Makes a Strong Helpshift Alternative?
Before diving into specific alternatives, let’s establish what you should look for in a replacement platform:
- AI quality that delivers results: Look for platforms with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to reduce hallucinations and provide accurate responses
- In-app SDK parity: If you rely on Helpshift’s mobile SDK, ensure any alternative offers comparable functionality for iOS and Android
- Omnichannel capabilities: The best alternatives support web chat, email, social media, messaging apps, and voice
- Predictable pricing model: Consider whether per-agent pricing might be more predictable than Helpshift’s issue-based model
- Integration ecosystem: Verify compatibility with your essential tools (Shopify, Salesforce, etc.)
- Data residency options: Ensure compliance with regional regulations through flexible hosting options
Helpshift Migration Essentials
If you’re planning to migrate from Helpshift, prepare for these key steps:
- Export your data: Back up all FAQs, tickets, user data, and conversation history
- Replace SDKs: Plan for SDK integration testing and QA cycles in your mobile apps
- Map integrations: Document all critical Helpshift integrations and find equivalents
- Create a timeline: Allow sufficient time for testing, training, and a phased rollout
- Maintain dual systems: Consider running both platforms in parallel during transition
Talkees — The Modern, Flexible, AI-First Helpshift Alternative
Talkees stands out as one of the most compelling Helpshift alternatives, offering a modern approach to customer support with AI at its core.
Strengths & Features
- Advanced AI capabilities: Talkees uses RAG-enhanced AI to provide accurate, context-aware responses that significantly reduce hallucinations
- Flexible SDK integration: Robust iOS and Android SDKs that are lightweight and easy to implement
- Omnichannel support: Seamlessly handle conversations across web chat, email, WhatsApp, SMS, and social media
- Transparent pricing: Per-agent pricing model provides predictability regardless of ticket volume
- Extensive integrations: Native connections to popular ecommerce platforms, CRMs, and business tools
Pricing
- Free plan: Limited features for small teams just getting started
- Starter: $29/agent/month – includes basic AI features and integrations
- Professional: $79/agent/month – adds advanced AI capabilities and priority support
- Enterprise: Custom pricing – includes dedicated account management and custom AI training
Ideal Use Cases
Talkees is particularly well-suited for:
- Mobile-first businesses that need reliable in-app support
- Ecommerce companies requiring omnichannel customer engagement
- Teams looking for predictable pricing as they scale
- Organizations seeking advanced AI capabilities without extensive configuration
Our Assessment
After testing Talkees extensively, we found its AI capabilities particularly impressive. The platform maintained high accuracy in responses while significantly reducing the need for human intervention. The SDK implementation was straightforward, and the omnichannel experience felt cohesive rather than cobbled together. While newer to the market than some competitors, Talkees offers a compelling alternative to Helpshift, especially for teams frustrated by unpredictable pricing or limited AI capabilities.
Zendesk — Enterprise-Grade Omnichannel Suite
Zendesk is a well-established player in the customer support space, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that can replace and expand upon Helpshift’s capabilities.
Strengths & Features
- Comprehensive platform: Unified ticketing, chat, voice, and self-service options
- Messaging SDK: Mobile SDK for in-app messaging comparable to Helpshift
- Robust marketplace: Thousands of pre-built integrations and apps
- Advanced workflows: Deep customization and automation capabilities
- Enterprise-grade analytics: Detailed reporting via Zendesk Explore
Pricing
- Suite Team: $55/agent/month
- Suite Growth: $89/agent/month
- Suite Professional: $115/agent/month
- AI Copilot add-on: Approximately $50/agent/month
Ideal Use Cases
Zendesk works best for:
- Large teams with complex workflow requirements
- Organizations needing extensive integration capabilities
- Companies wanting a proven, mature platform with established support
- Enterprises requiring advanced reporting and analytics
Our Assessment
Zendesk offers exceptional depth and breadth but comes at a premium price point. During our testing, we found its workflows highly customizable but sometimes complex to configure. The Messaging SDK provides good parity with Helpshift’s in-app capabilities, though implementation requires more technical resources. For large teams transitioning from Helpshift, Zendesk offers the most comprehensive feature set, albeit with a steeper learning curve and higher cost structure.
Freshdesk + Freshchat — Ticketing Meets Conversational Support
The combination of Freshdesk (ticketing) and Freshchat (messaging) provides a modular approach to customer support that can effectively replace Helpshift.
Strengths & Features
- Modular approach: Choose and pay for only the components you need
- Freddy AI: AI-powered automation for ticket classification and routing
- Flexible deployment: Cloud, on-premise, or hybrid options
- Gamification: Built-in agent productivity tools and game mechanics
- Competitive pricing: Lower entry point than many enterprise alternatives
Pricing
- Freshdesk Free: Basic ticketing for unlimited agents
- Freshdesk Growth: $15/agent/month
- Freshdesk Pro: $49/agent/month
- Freshdesk Enterprise: $79/agent/month
- Freshchat: Starts at $15/agent/month
- AI + Copilot tier: $78/agent/month
Ideal Use Cases
Freshdesk + Freshchat works best for:
- SMBs looking for cost-effective Helpshift alternatives
- Teams that want to start small and add capabilities as they grow
- Organizations that need separate ticketing and chat solutions
- Companies with straightforward support workflows
Our Assessment
The Freshdesk + Freshchat combination offers excellent value, particularly for smaller teams. In our testing, we found the platforms easy to set up and use, with a gentle learning curve. The modular approach allows for more tailored pricing, though managing two systems can occasionally create friction. Freddy AI performs well for basic automation but doesn’t quite match the sophistication of more AI-focused alternatives. Overall, this combination provides a solid, affordable alternative to Helpshift for SMBs.
Intercom — Proactive Messaging and AI Bot at a Premium
Intercom has evolved from a simple chat widget to a comprehensive customer communications platform with strong AI capabilities.
Strengths & Features
- Proactive engagement: Outbound messaging and product tours
- Fin AI Agent: Autonomous AI bot that can resolve common queries
- Extensive integrations: Strong ecosystem of pre-built connections
- In-app SDK support: Mobile SDK for iOS and Android
- Targeted messaging: Segment and target users based on behavior
Pricing
- Essential: $29/seat/month
- Advanced: $85/seat/month
- Expert: From $132/seat/month
- Fin AI: $0.99 per resolution (minimum 50 resolutions/month)
Ideal Use Cases
Intercom works best for:
- SaaS companies needing in-product and website support
- Ecommerce businesses wanting proactive engagement
- Teams focused on customer conversion and activation
- Organizations willing to invest in AI-driven automation
Our Assessment
Intercom provides an impressive combination of proactive messaging and reactive support. During our evaluation, we found its Fin AI Agent particularly effective at resolving common queries without human intervention. The platform excels at bridging marketing and support functions, though this comes at a premium price. The per-resolution AI pricing can be either an advantage or disadvantage depending on volume. For businesses looking to replace Helpshift with something more marketing-oriented and conversion-focused, Intercom is a strong contender despite its higher cost.
Zoho Desk — Value-Centric Helpdesk in the Zoho Ecosystem
Zoho Desk offers a cost-effective alternative to Helpshift, especially for organizations already using other Zoho products.
Strengths & Features
- SalesIQ/Mobilisten SDK: Mobile in-app support comparable to Helpshift
- Zia AI assistant: Automation and agent assistance capabilities
- Deep Zoho integration: Seamless connection with Zoho CRM, Projects, etc.
- Context-aware help: Customer context from CRM and other systems
- Multichannel support: Email, chat, phone, and social media
Pricing
- Free: Up to 3 agents
- Express: $7/agent/month
- Standard: $14/agent/month
- Professional: $23/agent/month
- Enterprise: $40/agent/month
Ideal Use Cases
Zoho Desk works best for:
- Cost-conscious SMBs looking for value
- Organizations already using Zoho ecosystem products
- Teams needing basic to moderate in-app support capabilities
- Companies with straightforward multichannel requirements
Our Assessment
Zoho Desk offers remarkable value, particularly for teams already invested in the Zoho ecosystem. During our testing, we found the Mobilisten SDK provided good parity with Helpshift’s in-app capabilities, though with less specialized focus. The Zia AI assistant handles basic automation well but lacks some of the advanced capabilities found in more expensive alternatives. For budget-conscious teams looking to replace Helpshift without breaking the bank, Zoho Desk represents one of the best value propositions available.
Help Scout — Email-First Simplicity with Live Chat
Help Scout takes a different approach, focusing on email-first support with an emphasis on simplicity and ease of use.
Strengths & Features
- Shared inbox: Collaborative email management
- Beacon chat widget: Live chat and self-service capabilities
- Docs knowledge base: Easy-to-maintain self-service content
- Agent experience: Clean, intuitive interface for support teams
- Customer profiles: Unified view of customer information
Pricing
- Standard: $50/user/month
- Plus: $75/user/month
- Pro: Custom pricing
Ideal Use Cases
Help Scout works best for:
- Email-centric support teams
- Startups and small businesses
- Organizations that value simplicity over complexity
- Teams that prioritize agent experience and efficiency
Our Assessment
Help Scout stands out for its clean, straightforward approach to customer support. In our evaluation, we found its shared inbox particularly effective for email-heavy support teams, with the Beacon widget providing good (though not comprehensive) chat capabilities. While it lacks the specialized in-app SDK features of Helpshift, its focus on agent experience and efficiency can lead to faster resolution times and higher team satisfaction. For teams looking to move away from Helpshift toward something simpler and more email-focused, Help Scout offers an attractive alternative.
Kustomer — CRM-Style Timeline for High-Volume Support
Kustomer takes a CRM-first approach to customer support, organizing information around customer timelines rather than traditional tickets.
Strengths & Features
- Customer timeline: Unified view of all customer interactions
- Omnichannel support: Email, chat, SMS, social, and voice
- AI routing and classification: Smart assignment and prioritization
- Automation engine: Sophisticated business process automation
- Enterprise integrations: Connect with major business systems
Pricing
- Enterprise: $89/seat/month
- Ultimate: $139/seat/month
- AI agents for customers: $0.60 per engaged conversation
- AI for reps: $40/user/month
Ideal Use Cases
Kustomer works best for:
- High-volume support operations
- Ecommerce and retail businesses
- Organizations needing deep customer context
- Teams handling complex, multi-touch customer journeys
Our Assessment
Kustomer’s CRM-style approach offers a refreshing alternative to traditional ticketing. During our testing, we found its customer timeline view particularly valuable for resolving complex issues that span multiple interactions. The AI capabilities for routing and classification performed well, though the pricing model (with separate charges for AI features) requires careful consideration. While it lacks the specialized in-app focus of Helpshift, Kustomer excels at providing comprehensive customer context across channels. For high-volume support teams looking for a more relationship-centric approach, Kustomer offers a compelling alternative.
HappyFox — Clean Ticketing with Modular Add-Ons
HappyFox provides a clean, straightforward ticketing system with modular add-ons for chat, knowledge base, and business intelligence.
Strengths & Features
- Intuitive ticketing: Clean, easy-to-use ticket management
- Modular approach: Add capabilities as needed
- Automation workflows: Sophisticated rule-based automation
- Knowledge base: Integrated self-service capabilities
- Custom fields and forms: Highly adaptable to specific needs
Pricing
- Mighty: $29/agent/month
- Fantastic: $49/agent/month
- Enterprise: $69/agent/month
- Enterprise Plus: Custom pricing
- Chat add-on: Additional cost
Ideal Use Cases
HappyFox works best for:
- Teams focused on ticketing efficiency
- Organizations with specialized workflow requirements
- Companies that want to start simple and add capabilities
- Businesses needing custom fields and forms
Our Assessment
HappyFox offers a clean, efficient approach to customer support with particular strength in ticket management. In our evaluation, we found its automation capabilities particularly impressive, allowing complex workflows without requiring technical expertise. The modular approach means you only pay for what you need, though this can increase costs as you add components. While it doesn’t offer the specialized in-app SDK capabilities of Helpshift, its ease of use and flexibility make it an attractive alternative for teams focused primarily on ticket management rather than in-app support.
Genesys Cloud CX — Contact Center Powerhouse
Genesys Cloud CX is an enterprise-grade contact center solution that can handle the most demanding support requirements.
Strengths & Features
- Omnichannel routing: Sophisticated routing across all channels
- Voice/IVR capabilities: Advanced telephony features
- Workforce management: Scheduling and forecasting tools
- AI-powered interaction: Natural language processing and bots
- Enterprise security: Robust compliance and security features
Pricing
- Genesys Cloud CX 1: $75/user/month
- Genesys Cloud CX 2: $110/user/month
- Genesys Cloud CX 3: $150/user/month
- Add-ons: Various additional costs for specialized features
Ideal Use Cases
Genesys Cloud CX works best for:
- Large enterprise contact centers
- Organizations with complex voice/IVR requirements
- Businesses with strict compliance and security needs
- Teams managing large agent workforces
Our Assessment
Genesys Cloud CX represents the enterprise end of the spectrum, offering capabilities far beyond Helpshift’s core focus. In our testing, we found its omnichannel routing and voice capabilities particularly impressive, though the platform’s complexity requires significant implementation resources. While it lacks the specialized in-app focus of Helpshift, it excels at providing a comprehensive contact center solution that can handle virtually any customer interaction scenario. For large enterprises looking to consolidate multiple support channels including voice, Genesys Cloud CX offers unmatched capabilities, albeit at a premium price point.
LiveAgent — Budget-Friendly Omnichannel with Call Center
LiveAgent offers a comprehensive support solution with strong call center capabilities at a competitive price point.
Strengths & Features
- Universal inbox: Unified view of all customer communications
- Built-in call center: Native voice capabilities
- Video chat: Face-to-face customer support
- Time tracking: Monitor and optimize agent productivity
- Gamification: Motivate agents through game mechanics
Pricing
- Small: $15/agent/month
- Medium: $29/agent/month
- Large: $49/agent/month
- Enterprise: $69/agent/month
Ideal Use Cases
LiveAgent works best for:
- SMBs needing omnichannel capabilities on a budget
- Teams requiring integrated call center functionality
- Organizations wanting to motivate agents through gamification
- Businesses needing video chat capabilities
Our Assessment
LiveAgent offers an impressive range of features at a competitive price point. During our evaluation, we found its universal inbox particularly effective at managing conversations across channels, and the built-in call center functionality eliminated the need for separate telephony solutions. While it doesn’t offer the specialized in-app SDK capabilities of Helpshift, its breadth of channels and affordability make it an attractive alternative for budget-conscious teams needing omnichannel support with voice capabilities.
Choosing the Right Helpshift Alternative
After reviewing these top Helpshift alternatives, your decision should be based on your specific needs:
- For mobile-first businesses: Talkees or Helpshift provide the strongest in-app support capabilities
- For enterprise omnichannel: Zendesk or Genesys Cloud CX offer the most comprehensive solutions
- For budget-conscious teams: Zoho Desk or LiveAgent deliver excellent value
- For ecommerce businesses: Intercom or Kustomer provide strong customer context and engagement tools
- For email-centric support: Help Scout offers the most streamlined experience
Before making your final decision, we recommend:
- Define your must-have features: Identify the capabilities you can’t live without
- Run a pilot: Test your top 2-3 choices with a small team
- Calculate total cost of ownership: Consider all costs, including implementation and training
- Check integration compatibility: Verify connections with your essential tools
- Read recent reviews: Look for feedback from businesses similar to yours
By thoroughly evaluating these Helpshift alternatives against your specific requirements, you’ll be well-positioned to choose a platform that not only replaces Helpshift but potentially offers significant improvements in customer support capabilities, pricing predictability, and overall ROI.
