FreeScout vs Help Scout
Self-host swap-in for Help Scout. · Self-host Help Scout · FreeScout on os-alt
FreeScout is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Help Scout — license AGPL-3.0, 20min docker-compose (PHP + MariaDB) to stand up, and $5/mo vps for a small support team. Compare against Help Scout's Standard $20/user/mo; Plus $40/user/mo; Pro $65/user/mo (annual) below.
| FreeScoutopen-source | Help Scoutpaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Customer support helpdesk / shared inbox | Customer support helpdesk / shared inbox |
| License / pricing | AGPL-3.0 | Standard $20/user/mo; Plus $40/user/mo; Pro $65/user/mo (annual) |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $20/user/mo |
| GitHub | freescout-help-desk/freescout | closed source |
| Setup time | 20min docker-compose (PHP + MariaDB) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5/mo VPS for a small support team. | from $20/user/mo (Standard $20/user/mo; Plus $40/user/mo; Pro $65/user/mo (annual)) |
Switching from Help Scout to FreeScout
Pull `tiredofit/freescout` (community-maintained image) or use the official install script. FreeScout has a Help Scout Migrate module — point at your Help Scout API token and it pulls mailboxes, conversations, customers, and saved replies. Configure your IMAP/SMTP per-mailbox in Settings → Mailboxes; FreeScout speaks the same shared-inbox model.
- Good fit for
- Teams who want the closest one-for-one Help Scout clone — same UI vocabulary (Mailbox, Conversation, Customer), same workflows.
- Weak at
- PHP plugin ecosystem is the integration story — extending FreeScout with a non-PHP tool is awkward.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Help Scout
FreeScout also replaces
- Zendesk— Customer support / helpdesk
In a terminal? npx os-alt helpscout prints Help Scout's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is FreeScout a free alternative to Help Scout?
Yes — FreeScout is open source under AGPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $5/mo VPS for a small support team.. Help Scout starts at $20/user/mo (Standard $20/user/mo; Plus $40/user/mo; Pro $65/user/mo (annual)).
How long does FreeScout take to set up vs Help Scout?
Self-hosting FreeScout: 20min docker-compose (PHP + MariaDB). Help Scout is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is FreeScout good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Teams who want the closest one-for-one Help Scout clone — same UI vocabulary (Mailbox, Conversation, Customer), same workflows.. Weak at: PHP plugin ecosystem is the integration story — extending FreeScout with a non-PHP tool is awkward..