In 2025, customer service should be seamless and responsive. This blog dives into the 10 best free help desk software and customer support apps, comparing essential features like ticket management, automation, and integrations. Whether you're looking for IT support tools or software for extreme chats, this list offers the tools you need to elevate your customer service game.
Struggling to Keep Up with Customer Support? You’re Not Alone.
Ever felt like your inbox is a black hole where support requests go to die?
Or maybe your team’s "system" is just sticky notes, spreadsheets, and a prayer?
Yeah, been there too.
Today, customers expect instant replies, real help, and zero hassle.
That’s why picking the right IT support tools — without blowing your budget — matters more than ever.
Good news: in 2025, there are some insanely good free help desk and customer support apps that can actually keep up.
And I’m going to show you the 10 best, for real teams, not just "on paper."
(Heads up: If you're building a smart workspace, tools like a white board touch screen or webcam whiteboard pair beautifully with these apps. Think smooth workflows and even smoother brainstorms.)
Let’s dive in.
Quick Table: 10 Best Free Help Desk Software in 2025
| Software | Best For | Top Features |
|---|---|---|
| Freshdesk | Small Teams | Ticketing, Automation, Collaboration |
| Zoho Desk | Growing Businesses | Omnichannel Support, AI Assistance |
| HelpScout | Personalized Support | Shared Inboxes, Live Chat |
| HubSpot Service Hub | Marketing-Driven Teams | CRM Integration, Automation |
| Tawk.to | Startups | Live Chat, Ticketing, Mobile Apps |
| Spiceworks | IT Support | Network Management, Community |
| LiveAgent | Multichannel Support | Email, Live Chat, Social, Calls |
| FreeScout | Open Source Fans | Self-hosted, Highly Customizable |
| Hiver | Gmail-Based Support | Shared Inboxes, Analytics |
| Jira Service Management | DevOps Teams | ITSM, Workflow Automation |
Freshdesk: Best Free Help Desk for Small Teams
IT Support Tools That Make Life Easier
If you need a simple but powerful help desk, Freshdesk should be your first stop.
It’s got everything a small team needs — ticketing, automation, and even some light CRM features.
Why Freshdesk Rocks:
- Easy setup
- Mobile apps for support on the go
- Integrates with collaboration tools (perfect if you use a whiteboard canvas for team planning)
Limitations:
The free plan caps the number of agents, but it’s still generous compared to most.
Zoho Desk: Best for Growing Businesses
Chat Software Examples That Scale With You
Already using Zoho CRM? Then Zoho Desk will feel like home.
It’s designed to grow with your team, so you won’t "outgrow" it in six months.
Zoho Desk Highlights:
- Omnichannel support (email, chat, social media)
- Workflow automation
- AI-powered suggestions to speed up responses
Perfect when combined with smart workspace setups like a 75 smart board — get tickets and brainstorm in real time!
HelpScout: Best for Personalized Customer Support
Extreme Chats? Handle Them Like a Pro
HelpScout isn’t about cranking through tickets — it’s about building relationships.
If you value human-centered support, this is a dream come true.
Why HelpScout Stands Out:
- Shared inboxes made simple
- Knowledge base builder
- In-app messaging (live chat without feeling spammy)
Plus, their "extreme chats" feature (basically, super fast, high-pressure chat scenarios) works beautifully if your customers expect instant help.
HubSpot Service Hub: Best for Marketing-Driven Teams
IT Support Tools with a Sales Twist
Already using HubSpot for marketing or sales? Then Service Hub is a no-brainer.
It hooks directly into your CRM so you get one customer view — from first touch to support ticket.
HubSpot Goodies:
- Ticket pipelines
- Canned snippets for common replies
- Customer feedback surveys
Imagine hosting customer support meetings via webcam whiteboard sessions + Service Hub insights. Chef’s kiss.
Tawk.to: Best Free Live Chat Support
Chat Software Examples You Can Set Up in 10 Minutes
Tawk.to is ridiculously good — and 100% free forever.
Live chat, support ticketing, mobile apps — all with zero monthly cost.
Top Features:
- Unlimited agents
- Automated triggers
- Chat-to-ticket conversion
If you want extreme chats without spending a dime, you’ll love Tawk.to.
Spiceworks: Best for IT Teams
IT Support Tools for Hardcore Techies
Spiceworks isn’t your average help desk — it’s built by IT people, for IT people.
Perfect if you manage internal support or network troubleshooting.
Why IT Pros Trust Spiceworks:
- Ticketing system
- Network inventory tools
- Huge IT community for help and advice
(Imagine diagnosing problems while brainstorming fixes live on a white board touch screen. Game changer.)
LiveAgent: Best for Multichannel Support
Extreme Chats Across All Channels
LiveAgent is built for teams that handle everything — email, chat, call centers, social media DMs.
Best Features:
- Over 130+ ticketing features
- Facebook and Twitter integration
- Call center support (even in free plan!)
This is one of the few chat software examples that covers literally every corner of your communication.
FreeScout: Best Open Source Help Desk
Build Your Own Extreme Chats
Want total control? FreeScout is a self-hosted, open-source alternative to big names.
Great if you have technical skills (or a hosting provider).
Features You’ll Love:
- Full ticketing system
- Push notifications
- Tons of integrations and modules
Especially useful if you’re setting up custom workflows with smart screens like the 75 smart board.
Hiver: Best for Gmail-Based Teams
Chat Software Examples That Live Inside Gmail
Hiver turns Gmail into a full-on help desk.
No switching tabs, no learning new software — just pure support simplicity.
Best For:
- Shared team inboxes
- Email-based task management
- Performance analytics
If your team already runs on G Suite, this is the easiest win ever.
Jira Service Management: Best for DevOps and Engineering Teams
IT Support Tools Built for Technical Users
Jira isn’t just for software developers anymore.
With Jira Service Management, you get serious ITSM (IT Service Management) workflows — with the power of Jira’s customization.
Top Features:
- Request management
- Incident management
- Change tracking
Ideal if you're managing both development tasks and customer support tickets.
How to Choose the Right Help Desk Software (Without Regretting It)
Ask yourself:
- How many users do I need now (and 12 months from now)?
- What channels matter most? (Email? Live chat? Social?)
- Am I OK with open-source or do I need plug-and-play?
- Can I integrate it with smart collaboration tools like a whiteboard canvas?
Picking the wrong one can cost you way more time than it saves.
FAQs About Free Help Desk Software
What's the best truly free help desk software?
Freshdesk, Tawk.to, and Spiceworks offer generous free plans with no hidden fees.
Can free help desk apps handle large teams?
Some can — LiveAgent and Tawk.to, for example, allow unlimited agents even on free tiers.
Is open-source help desk software better?
If you have technical skills, yes. FreeScout gives you 100% control without monthly costs.
How do I integrate help desk software with smart boards?
Many apps (like Freshdesk or Zoho Desk) can connect with tools like whiteboard canvas or white board touch screens for real-time ticket brainstorming and collaboration.
What are "extreme chats" in help desk software?
"Extreme chats" refer to fast-paced, high-volume live chat support environments — handled best by apps like LiveAgent and Tawk.to.
Final Thoughts: Support Is the New Marketing
If you can support your customers better than your competitors,
you win — not just their money, but their loyalty too.
The right help desk app + smart workspace setup = unstoppable service.
(And if you want next-level collaboration? Pair your software with a webcam whiteboard or whiteboard canvas. Trust me, your team will thank you.)
Let’s crush 2025 with smarter, faster customer support!
sales@nearhub.us
