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Best Free Alternatives to ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
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Category: Help Desk & ITSMVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Zammad
FREEBest Modern Open Source Help Desk
Why we like it
Clean, modern web interface; multi-channel support (Email, Phone, Chat, Social); built-in knowledge base and sophisticated search functionality.
Keep in mind
Self-hosting requires technical expertise in Ruby/Elasticsearch; cloud-hosted version is paid.
GLPI
FREEBest for Asset & Inventory Management
Why we like it
The most powerful open-source tool for managing hardware/software alongside tickets; ITIL-aligned; massive plugin ecosystem.
Keep in mind
The user interface feels a bit dated and 'utilitarian'; configuration can be complex for beginners.
FreeScout
FREEBest Lightweight Shared Inbox
Why we like it
A self-hosted, open-source clone of Help Scout; super lightweight; works on shared hosting; mobile-friendly.
Keep in mind
Many advanced features (like WooCommerce integration or WhatsApp) are paid 'modules'; strictly for email-based ticketing.
Spiceworks Cloud Help Desk
FREEBest Forever-Free Tool (Ad-Supported)
Why we like it
Completely free with no agent limits; includes asset management and network inventory; very active IT community for support.
Keep in mind
Ad-supported interface; cloud version lacks the deep customization of their older on-premise 'Desktop' version.
Hesk
FREEBest for Simple PHP Deployments
Why we like it
Extremely fast and easy to install on any PHP/MySQL server; lightweight and focused purely on core ticketing; built-in knowledge base.
Keep in mind
Lacks complex ITSM features like Change Management or Asset Tracking; the UI is very basic.
osTicket
FREEThe Most Trusted Open Source Classic
Why we like it
Highly stable and battle-tested; flexible custom forms and fields; powerful ticket filtering and SLA rules.
Keep in mind
Development of the UI has been slow, feeling somewhat stuck in the 2010s; no native asset management.
Zoho Desk (Free Tier)
FREEBest Freemium for Small Teams
Why we like it
Professional, polished UI; multi-channel support; integrates seamlessly with other Zoho apps; great mobile app.
Keep in mind
Free tier is limited to 3 agents and lacks advanced automation; strictly cloud-hosted.
Freshdesk (Free Tier)
FREEBest Scalable Freemium Cloud
Why we like it
Generous free tier (up to 10 agents); includes basic social media ticketing and knowledge base; very easy to set up.
Keep in mind
Advanced features (SLA, automation, reporting) are locked behind high-priced tiers; data is stored on their servers.
Jira Service Management (Free Tier)
FREEBest for Developer-Heavy Teams
Why we like it
Unbeatable integration with Jira Software (DevOps/Agile); strong ITIL practices built-in; powerful automation engine.
Keep in mind
High learning curve; interface can be 'clunky' for non-technical staff; free tier limited to 3 agents.
ProProfs Help Desk (Free Plan)
FREEBest for Customer-Facing Support
Why we like it
Includes live chat and surveys in the free plan; focuses on 'delighting' users with a simple, human interface.
Keep in mind
Lacks the technical 'IT Asset' focus of ManageEngine; primarily geared toward customer service rather than IT departments.
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