FreeScout

What is FreeScout?

FreeScout is an open-source help desk and shared inbox built with PHP on the Laravel framework, positioned as an alternative to Zendesk and Help Scout. You install it on shared hosting or a VPS, or use one-click installs through Softaculous, Docker, Cloudron, PikaPods and Hostinger, and cloud-hosted versions exist. It allows unlimited agents, tickets and mailboxes, has Android and iOS apps and a progressive web app, and supports 33 languages. Over 50 modules add channels and features.

Who is it for?

FreeScout fits small and mid-size support teams that can host and maintain a server, or buy managed hosting, and want to avoid per-agent fees. It lists email, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Slack and live chat among its channels. Teams without technical staff, or that need vendor-run support and an SLA, should choose a hosted help desk.

Pricing

The core is free and open source under AGPL-3.0, with no per-agent fees. Paid modules are sold as lifetime licenses for one FreeScout instance; the module page shows the license period but the price appears at checkout. We did not find a price list on freescout.net. Prices checked on 6 October 2026.

Strengths

• No per-agent fees: agents, tickets and mailboxes are unlimited.
• You own the data: it runs on your server.
• 50+ modules include CRM, knowledge base, Kanban boards, SAML SSO, SMS, time tracking, custom fields, WooCommerce and Jira.
• Zapier and Make modules connect it to other apps.
• Mobile apps for Android and iOS, plus a progressive web app.

What to consider

• You install, update and secure it, or you pay a host to do it.
• Many features are paid modules, so the real cost depends on the modules you add.
• There is no central price list on the main site.
• The site names no vendor-run support plan or SLA.

Bottom line

Shortlist FreeScout if you have someone who can run a Laravel app and want a help desk with no per-agent fees. Before buying, list the modules you need and add up their license costs.