The Definitive Guide To The 27 Best Service Desk Software Of 2024
10 Best Service Desk Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 27 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Service desk software is an innovative solution that serves as the linchpin between support agents and the customers they serve. These powerful tools, like Freshdesk or Help Scout, facilitate a seamless flow of communication, ensure faster response times, and help manage and streamline customer issues, making them the best help desk software solutions available.
And if you're a small team or just starting out, you can benefit from their free plans. Using a reliable service desk tool is a game-changer, optimizing workflows, enhancing the capabilities of support agents, and ultimately leading to satisfied customers.
What Is Service Desk Software?
Service desk software is a tool that enables organizations to manage their customer service and support operations efficiently. Typically used by IT teams, customer support representatives, and help desk agents, its primary function is to streamline the process of receiving, prioritizing, tracking, and resolving customer inquiries and issues.
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What these tools effectively address are the main pain points in customer experience: delayed responses, missed tickets, and disjointed communication. By leveraging features such as SLA management and help desk ticketing, they ensure that your service teams are adhering to set response and resolution times. Escalation rules and queues also help in prioritizing tickets and assigning them to the right team members. Plus, they come packed with templates for common responses, reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.
These platforms, whether on-premise or SaaS, often integrate with APIs, providing a holistic view of customer data, and helping improve customer relationships. Many also offer mobile applications for Android and iOS, a must in our increasingly mobile world.
Best Service Desk Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Guru | From $10/user/month | Website |
| Mojo Helpdesk | No details | Website |
| InvGate Service Desk | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 4me | Pricing upon request | Website |
| LiveAgent | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Hesk | From $39.95 | Website |
| Rescue | Plans start at $108.25/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk | Forever free plan available | Website |
| Freshservice | From $19/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Zendesk | From $49/user/month. | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Service Desk Software Reviews
Guru is an AI-powered enterprise search, intranet, and wiki platform designed to enhance knowledge sharing and operational efficiency within organizations.
Why I Picked Guru: While Guru isn’t your typical service desk software, it plays a key role in supporting service desk operations. It gives your team quick access to your internal knowledge base, providing them with contextual answers and suggestions using AI for the issues that come up in tickets.
For instance, when a customer submits a problem through a help desk platform, Guru can automatically search your knowledge base and pull up relevant documents or past cases of similar issues, helping your team resolve each case quicker.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include the ability to verify knowledge to ensure Guru provides the most accurate information to help desk agents. It also offers a writing assistant called AI Assist to help you draft responses to customer tickets.
Integrations include Slack, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, GitHub, Jira, HubSpot, Dropbox, Asana, Trello, BambooHR, Freshdesk, Notion, ServiceNow, Airtable, and Adobe Workfront.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Analytics to track knowledge usage and identify gaps
- AI suggestions improve information relevancy and retrieval
- Provides a system for verifying information
Cons:
- Can't handle tickets and customer interactions without a help desk integration
- Can become overwhelming if not properly organized
Best for ease of use with a clean, user-friendly interface
Mojo Helpdesk is a feature-packed service desk software with a focus on usability. Its intuitive design and clean, user-friendly interface set it apart in terms of accessibility and ease of use.
Why I Picked Mojo Helpdesk: I chose Mojo Helpdesk for its unique blend of robust features and a clean, user-friendly interface. It's evident that the developers put careful thought into the user experience, making the software easily navigable even for non-tech folks.
In my judgment, Mojo Helpdesk stands out as the best for businesses seeking a hassle-free and intuitive service desk solution.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Mojo Helpdesk comes with a multitude of useful features including ticket tracking, knowledge base, and customer satisfaction rating. It also offers some innovative capabilities like time tracking and custom forms.
Regarding integrations, Mojo Helpdesk works well with Google Workspace, making it a seamless fit for organizations already leveraging Google's suite of productivity tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace
- Robust set of features including time tracking and custom forms
- User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation
Cons:
- Reporting features could be more robust
- Lack of a free tier for small businesses
- Limited options for customization compared to some competitors
Best for gamified service desk experience boosting productivity
InvGate Service Desk is an ITSM tool that stands out for its gamified approach to service management. By incorporating elements of gamification, it motivates staff to resolve issues faster and enhances productivity.
Why I Picked InvGate Service Desk: I chose InvGate Service Desk because it introduces a unique concept to the service desk space: gamification. This aspect makes it different from many other offerings on the market.
By gamifying the service desk experience, it adds an extra level of engagement that can boost productivity and morale among support staff. It is because of this innovative approach that I selected it as the best for those looking to combine productivity with an engaging user experience.
Standout Features & Integrations:
InvGate Service Desk comes with a host of features like problem management, knowledge management, and a self-service portal. The standout feature, of course, is its gamified experience, which is designed to improve productivity and job satisfaction.
For integrations, InvGate offers compatibility with a wide range of systems, including LDAP, SSO, email servers, and various other IT management tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration capabilities
- A broad array of features for comprehensive service management
- Gamified service desk experience enhances user engagement and productivity
Cons:
- Advanced features may come with a steep learning curve
- The user interface could be more intuitive
- Higher starting price point compared to some other options
4me is a comprehensive service management tool designed to unify ITSM and SIAM in one cohesive package. Its capabilities stretch beyond traditional IT service management to include service integration and management, making it an all-in-one solution for businesses.
Why I Picked 4me: I chose 4me because its seamless integration of ITSM and SIAM makes it a standout in the crowded service desk market. This unique combination streamlines the management of services, allowing businesses to manage and deliver services more effectively.
Given this, I believe 4me is the best for businesses looking for a comprehensive package that handles both ITSM and SIAM.
Standout Features & Integrations:
4me's defining features include integrated service management, KPI tracking, and self-service portals, making it easier for businesses to deliver, manage, and measure their services.
In terms of integrations, 4me connects with an array of software, including but not limited to Jira, Salesforce, and Slack, thereby allowing users to streamline their service management process.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of software integrations
- Detailed performance tracking with KPIs
- Comprehensive ITSM and SIAM capabilities in one package
Cons:
- More suitable for larger organizations, smaller businesses may find it overwhelming
- Some users may find the interface less intuitive than other tools
- Absence of transparent pricing may deter some potential users
LiveAgent is a full-service helpdesk tool that provides omnichannel support across various mediums like email, phone, social media, and live chat.
It further excels due to its extensive customization options, which allow teams to tailor the service to their unique needs.
Why I Picked LiveAgent: In comparing various tools, LiveAgent caught my attention for its comprehensive omnichannel support capabilities and a high degree of customization. It stands out for providing a unified inbox for different support channels, making it easier for teams to manage customer interactions.
Considering its features, I determined it as the best choice for businesses seeking an omnichannel support solution with broad customization possibilities.
Standout Features & Integrations:
LiveAgent provides a feature-rich solution, including a unified inbox, real-time live chat, call center functionality, and a customer portal. It integrates well with many popular tools such as WordPress, Shopify, Slack, and Zoom, providing a well-rounded solution for various business needs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integrations with a variety of business tools
- Extensive customization options allow teams to adjust the tool to their specific needs
- Omnichannel support enhances the customer service experience
Cons:
- Learning curve due to customization options
- Could be overwhelming for smaller teams due to the extensive features
- High starting price compared to some other help desk solutions
Hesk is an efficient customer support tool that provides a comprehensive set of features while maintaining an affordable price point. It's an ideal choice for businesses that want to stay within a budget but do not want to sacrifice the richness of features in their support desk tool.
Why I Picked Hesk: I selected Hesk because of its unique ability to combine affordability with a rich feature set. During my comparisons, it emerged as a distinctive option that provides a balance of cost and functionality.
I consider it best for businesses seeking affordability without compromising on features, as it offers a range of functionalities that surpass many of its similarly priced competitors.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Hesk comes with a range of useful features, including ticket management, a knowledge base, and self-service portals. It also supports custom fields and provides performance metrics. Importantly, Hesk can integrate with a variety of popular tools such as Outlook, Gmail, and Mailchimp, which can greatly improve workflow efficiency.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Useful integrations with popular tools like Outlook and Mailchimp
- The presence of a knowledge base and self-service portals
- Affordable pricing with comprehensive features
Cons:
- Advanced features require higher-priced plans
- Lack of native mobile app support
- The user interface could be more modern
Why I Picked Rescue: Rescue by LogMeIn is a remote support platform that equips IT and customer support teams to offer quick, effective solutions to clients, wherever they are. I selected Rescue because of its superior remote support capabilities, including in-depth diagnostics that go beyond the standard functionality of many comparable service desk tools.
I found that its focus on remote support with powerful diagnostic capabilities truly sets it apart, making it the ideal choice for businesses that heavily rely on remote support interactions.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Rescue's defining features include multi-platform support, advanced file transfer, and detailed system diagnostics that let you delve deep into device issues.
Integrations are largely centered around collaboration and CRM platforms, with connections available for Salesforce, Jira, and Slack, among others, to ensure a well-rounded support experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile integration options
- Comprehensive multi-platform support
- Robust diagnostic and troubleshooting tools
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to other service desk software
- Might have a steeper learning curve for new users
- Pricing is on the higher side compared to some alternatives
Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk software is a user-friendly tool that offers comprehensive service desk functionality at no cost. It brings together ticket management, self-service portals, and reporting in a simple, easy-to-use interface.
Why I Picked Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk: I picked Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk because it manages to offer a comprehensive, feature-rich service desk solution completely free of charge. Its user-friendly interface and simplicity make it accessible to all users, regardless of their technical prowess.
For companies starting out or operating on a tight budget, this tool is the best for its cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Spiceworks' notable features include a built-in ticketing system, knowledge base, and IT asset management, all designed to simplify your service desk operations. In terms of integrations, it pairs well with a variety of systems such as Active Directory, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office 365, extending its functionality and enhancing user convenience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of software integrations
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive service desk features at no cost
Cons:
- May not scale well for larger organizations
- Absence of built-in chat functionality
- Limited advanced features compared to paid alternatives
Freshservice is a robust cloud-based IT Service Management (ITSM) solution. It is particularly noted for its advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which include a conversational bot that enhances customer interactions.
Why I Picked Freshservice: I picked Freshservice for this list because of its superior AI-powered assistance. The tool's conversational bot sets it apart from many of its competitors. This feature is precisely why I believe Freshservice is best for businesses looking to leverage AI technology for better customer engagement and more efficient issue resolution.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Freshservice provides a range of essential features such as incident, problem, change, and release management. Its ITSM functionalities are comprehensive and user-friendly. On the integration front, Freshservice pairs well with popular tools like Slack, Jira, Google Workspace, and more, promoting better team collaboration and project management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good integration with popular tools like Slack and Jira
- Comprehensive ITSM functionalities
- Strong AI capabilities with a conversational bot
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors
- The conversational bot may require a learning curve
- Pricing could be more competitive
Zendesk
Best for a holistic approach to customer service across multiple channels
Zendesk is a customer service platform that allows businesses to manage customer interactions across various channels in a unified way. By providing a single, integrated solution, Zendesk enables businesses to deliver consistent customer service across email, chat, phone, and social media.
Why I Picked Zendesk: I selected Zendesk for this list because it offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to manage customer service across multiple channels. Its unified approach allows businesses to provide a consistent experience regardless of how their customers choose to interact with them, which sets it apart from other platforms.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Zendesk's key features include multi-channel support, AI-powered automated responses, and an integrated customer database. In terms of integrations, Zendesk works seamlessly with a wide variety of apps and platforms such as Slack, Salesforce, and Jira, which can enhance and streamline your customer service processes.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-powered automation features
- Wide array of integrations with other platforms
- Multi-channel customer service support
Cons:
- Customization options may require technical skills
- Initial setup can be complex
- Can be expensive for small businesses
Other Service Desk Software
Below is a list of additional service desk software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
Best for robust ITIL-ready capabilities with asset management
- Jira Service Management
Best for Agile teams and software development workflows
- Front
Best for email-centric customer support with seamless integrations
- Splashtop
Good for remote access and control in IT helpdesk scenarios
- Kayako
Good for businesses seeking a unified customer service platform
- HaloITSM
Good for a comprehensive approach to IT service management
- SysAid
Good for IT helpdesk support with integrated tools for asset and project management
- Cayzu
Good for simple and intuitive multi-channel customer support
- Rezolve.ai
Good for AI-powered automated IT helpdesk services
- Vivantio
Good for customizable IT service management with a focus on flexibility and efficiency
- incidentIQ
Good for IT support in education institutions
- RenewityRMA
Good for return merchandise authorization and service management
- C2-ITSM
Good for IT service management with a focus on compliance
- SolarWinds IT Service Desk Software
Good for IT operations management and cost tracking
- ServiceNow ITSM
Good for IT service management with strong scalability
- HubSpot Service Hub
Good for businesses using HubSpot's marketing and sales solutions
- Autotask Professional Services Automation (PSA)
Good for IT business management with a range of automation tools
Other Help Desk Software Reviews
Selection Criteria For Service Desk Software
Choosing the right IT helpdesk software can make a significant difference in your organization's efficiency and customer satisfaction. I've evaluated dozens of IT helpdesk tools, focusing on key aspects like core functionality, key features, and usability. I've personally tried and researched these tools to bring you an informed perspective.
Core Functionality
When looking at the core functionality of IT helpdesk software, these were the factors that mattered the most:
- Incident and Problem Management: The tool should allow for tracking and managing IT incidents and problem-resolution processes.
- Change and Release Management: It should facilitate the management of IT changes and new software releases.
- Asset Management: It's critical for the tool to maintain a record of IT assets, tracking their usage and lifecycle.
Key Features
The key features of IT helpdesk software that makes a difference include:
- Automation: The capability to automate routine tasks, from incident ticket routing to resolution processes.
- Reporting and Analytics: Detailed reporting options and analytics to gain insights into the IT helpdesk's performance and to support decision-making.
- Integration: The ability to integrate with other systems like CRM or IT Operations Management tools to offer a connected IT service experience.
Usability
In terms of usability, these are some specifics that I found vital:
- Intuitive Interface: An interface that is easy to navigate, allowing agents to find the information they need quickly. Tabs and filters should be well-labeled, providing a clear view of tickets and their statuses.
- Onboarding and Training: The software should have detailed guides, walkthroughs, or training programs to help users get acclimated quickly.
- Customer Support: Robust customer support options, including 24/7 support, extensive knowledge bases, and community channels, are important for solving any potential issues or queries.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using service desk software?
Using service desk software can greatly enhance your organization’s productivity and efficiency. Here are five key benefits:
- Improved Ticket Management: These tools help organize and track all incoming tickets, ensuring that no request or issue falls through the cracks.
- Automation: They automate routine tasks like ticket routing, freeing up your IT staff to focus on more complex issues.
- Enhanced Communication: The software facilitates communication between your IT team and the rest of the organization, ensuring everyone is updated on issues and resolutions.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: With detailed analytics and reporting, you can make data-driven decisions to improve your IT service processes.
- Asset Management: Several of these tools also offer IT asset management capabilities, helping you keep track of your IT assets and their lifecycle.
How much do service desk software tools typically cost?
The pricing for service desk software tools varies widely, depending on the features offered, the number of users, and the vendor’s pricing model. The typical range is anywhere from $10/user/month to over $100/user/month.
What are the different pricing models for service desk software?
There are several common pricing models for service desk software:
- Per User: You pay a monthly fee for each user or agent that uses the software.
- Tiered: The software is offered at different feature levels, each with its own price. As you move up tiers, you get access to more features.
- Flat Rate: You pay a set monthly or annual fee for access to the software, regardless of the number of users.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive service desk software?
On the cheaper end of the scale, you can find tools like Jira Service Management, starting from $10/user/month. More premium options, like ServiceNow ITSM, can go over $100/user/month.
Are there any free service desk software options?
Yes, there are some free help desk software options that are available in the market. For instance, Freshservice and Zoho Desk offer a free tier, although these come with limited features compared to their paid versions.
Summary
In conclusion, selecting the best service help desk system hinges on your business needs, budget, and specific operational requirements. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, as the effectiveness of a service desk tool is dependent on its alignment with your organization's workflow and IT infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways from this guide:
- Understand Your Needs: The best service desk software is one that addresses your organization's unique challenges and requirements. Take stock of your current IT processes, identify areas of improvement, and choose a tool that provides solutions to those specific needs.
- Evaluate Core Features: Service desk software offer a range of features from support ticket management to asset tracking. However, not all these features might be essential for your organization. Evaluate and prioritize the features based on your use case to make a cost-effective choice.
- Consider Usability and Support: A tool's usability has a direct impact on the user experience and productivity. Opt for a solution with an intuitive interface that requires minimal training. Also, the vendor's customer support capabilities can make a significant difference, especially during the setup phase and whenever you encounter issues.
By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the myriad of service desk software options and select the one that aligns best with your organization's IT service management objectives.
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Selecting the right service desk software is crucial for optimizing support operations and enhancing customer satisfaction. By carefully evaluating features, scalability, and integration capabilities, you can find a solution that aligns with your organization's unique needs.
A robust service desk empowers your team to deliver exceptional support, improve efficiency, and foster stronger customer relationships.
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