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Chatwoot vs Zendesk

Self-host swap-in for Zendesk. · Self-host Zendesk · Chatwoot on os-alt

Chatwoot is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Zendesk — license MIT (Community Edition) / Enterprise license for some features, 20min docker-compose to stand up, and $10 vps — postgres + redis + rails app. Compare against Zendesk's $55/agent/mo on Suite Team tier below.

Chatwootopen-sourceZendeskpaid SaaS
CategoryCustomer support / helpdeskCustomer support / helpdesk
License / pricingMIT (Community Edition) / Enterprise license for some features$55/agent/mo on Suite Team tier
Starting price$0 self-host$55/user/mo
GitHubchatwoot/chatwoot ★ 29.2k · last commit todayaliveclosed source
Setup time20min docker-composeSaaS — sign up + bill
Monthly cost$10 VPS — Postgres + Redis + Rails app.from $55/user/mo ($55/agent/mo on Suite Team tier)

Switching from Zendesk to Chatwoot

No first-class Zendesk importer. Use the Zendesk Tickets API to dump tickets to JSON, then call Chatwoot's Conversations API to recreate them. Email channel is easy to flip — repoint your support@ inbox to Chatwoot.

Good fit for
Teams that want chat + email + social inbox in one tool.
Weak at
Some advanced reporting + audit features are Enterprise-only.

Other open-source self-host alternatives to Zendesk

  • FreeScout
    AGPL-3.010min (PHP + MySQL on a single VPS)$5 VPS easily.
  • Zammad
    AGPL-3.030min docker-compose$10 VPS — Elasticsearch + Postgres + Rails.

Chatwoot also replaces

  • Help Scout— Customer support helpdesk / shared inbox
  • Intercom— In-app messenger + customer support

In a terminal? npx os-alt zendesk prints Zendesk's self-host options — how the CLI works →

FAQ

Is Chatwoot a free alternative to Zendesk?

Yes — Chatwoot is open source under MIT (Community Edition) / Enterprise license for some features. Self-host cost: $10 VPS — Postgres + Redis + Rails app.. Zendesk starts at $55/user/mo ($55/agent/mo on Suite Team tier).

How long does Chatwoot take to set up vs Zendesk?

Self-hosting Chatwoot: 20min docker-compose. Zendesk is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.

What is Chatwoot good at, and what is it weak at?

Good fit for: Teams that want chat + email + social inbox in one tool.. Weak at: Some advanced reporting + audit features are Enterprise-only..