What is the most popular open-source alternative to Zendesk?

Zammad has the most GitHub stars in this list, with 6.0k (AGPL-3.0). Other reviewed options include FreeScout, osTicket, and Frappe Helpdesk.

Is there a self-hosted alternative to Zendesk?

Yes. Zammad, FreeScout, osTicket, and Frappe Helpdesk can run on your own server. Check each license before commercial use.

Which Zendesk alternatives have a hosted version?

Zammad lists a hosted or cloud option.

What should you check before switching from Zendesk?

Compare channels, ticket routing and SLAs, knowledge base. Confirm the license, who will operate the install, and how you will export your data from Zendesk.

Open-source Zendesk alternatives

A hosted help desk for support tickets, channels, and a knowledge base. Use the approved catalog below to weigh license, hosting, and repository activity for handling support tickets across channels.

Compare the set

In short

The catalog lists 4 reviewed open-source alternatives to Zendesk for handling support tickets across channels: Zammad (AGPL-3.0, hosted or self-hosted), FreeScout (AGPL-3.0, self-hosted), osTicket (GPL-2.0, self-hosted), and Frappe Helpdesk (AGPL-3.0, self-hosted). GitHub metadata last checked October 4, 2026.

About Zendesk

A hosted help desk for support tickets, channels, and a knowledge base.

Channels
Ticket routing and SLAs
Knowledge base

Why choose each alternative

Zammad
A help desk with chat, email, and phone channels.
AGPL-3.0 · Both · Customer Support
FreeScout
A shared mailbox that works as a help desk.
AGPL-3.0 · Self-hosted · Customer Support
osTicket
Email and web tickets with routing and customer replies.
GPL-2.0 · Self-hosted · Customer Support
Frappe Helpdesk
Tickets, customer portals, SLAs, and a knowledge base.
AGPL-3.0 · Self-hosted · Customer Support

Zammad

A help desk with chat, email, and phone channels.

Stars: 5,977
Updated: 2d ago
License: AGPL-3.0
Hosting: Both
Category: Customer Support

Often instead of Intercom

Website

FreeScout

A shared mailbox that feels like a help desk.

Stars: 4,583
Updated: 2d ago
License: AGPL-3.0
Hosting: Self-hosted
Category: Customer Support

Often instead of Intercom

Website

osTicket

A help desk system for email and web tickets, routing, and customer replies.

Stars: 3,956
Updated: 1d ago
License: GPL-2.0
Hosting: Self-hosted
Category: Customer Support

Often instead of Zendesk

Website

Frappe Helpdesk

Frappe Helpdesk manages support tickets, customer portals, SLAs, and a knowledge base.

Stars: 3,415
Updated: 1d ago
License: AGPL-3.0
Hosting: Self-hosted
Category: Customer Support

Often instead of Zendesk

Website

Related categories

Customer support

Compare alternatives

Zendesk alternatives: questions

What is the most popular open-source alternative to Zendesk?: Zammad has the most GitHub stars in this list, with 6.0k (AGPL-3.0). Other reviewed options include FreeScout, osTicket, and Frappe Helpdesk.
Is there a self-hosted alternative to Zendesk?: Yes. Zammad, FreeScout, osTicket, and Frappe Helpdesk can run on your own server. Check each license before commercial use.
Which Zendesk alternatives have a hosted version?: Zammad lists a hosted or cloud option.
What should you check before switching from Zendesk?: Compare channels, ticket routing and SLAs, knowledge base. Confirm the license, who will operate the install, and how you will export your data from Zendesk.

Repository activity is a signal, not a security or quality guarantee.